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list price: $7.95
edition:Paperback
also available: eBook
category: Children's Fiction
published: Apr 2020
ISBN:9781459825291
publisher: Orca Book Publishers

Genius Jolene

by Sara Cassidy, illustrated by Charlene Chua

tagged: alternative family, marriage & divorce, prejudice & racism
Description

On her annual trip in her father’s 18-wheeler, Jolene is ready for some new adventures.

Eight-year-old Jolene is headed to Los Angeles on a six-day road trip to deliver some newsprint with her dad. Just like last year, they tell each other stories and listen to music. They also keep up their favorite tradition: critiquing one type of food at every stop. This time it’s onion rings. But this year is also different. Unlike last year, Jolene’s parents are no longer together. They split up when her father came out as gay. These are big changes for Jolene, but she is spunky and smart and has a good heart. She’s ready to stand up for what’s right—both on and off the road.

The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

About the Authors

Sara Cassidy is a writer and editor. She is the author of 17 children’s books including Genius Jolene, winner of the Sheila A. Egoff Children's Literature Prize, and Nevers, which was shortlisted for the Governor General’s Literary Award. Her books have been nominated for numerous awards, including the Silver Birch Express Award, the Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children’s Book Award, the Rocky Mountain Book Award and the Chocolate Lily Award. Sara also writes nonfiction and poetry for adults and works in communications for the BC Ministry of Health. She lives in Victoria, British Columbia.


Charlene Chua (she/they) is the illustrator of multiple picture books, including Colorado Blue Spruce Award nominee Going Up!, the Amy Wu picture book series, and Stonewall Award winner Love, Violet. She is also the author-illustrator of Hug?. When they are not making art, they enjoy cooking, reading, and playing with their cats. Charlene lives with her husband (and cats!) in Hamilton, Ontario.
Contributor Notes

Sara Cassidy has worked as a newspaper reporter and a tree planter in five Canadian provinces. Her books for young readers have received many honors, including being short-listed for the Chocolate Lily Book Award, the Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children’s Book Award and the Bolen Books Children’s Book Prize. Three are Junior Library Guild selections. She also writes poetry and short fiction, and works as an editor.

Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
Age:
6 to 8
Grade:
1 to 3
Reading age:
6 to 8
Awards
  • Short-listed, Chocolate Lily Awards
  • Commended, American Library Association (ALA) Rainbow Book List
  • Winner, BC and Yukon Book Prizes - Sheila A. Egoff Children's Literature Prize
  • Short-listed, Forest of Reading Silver Birch Express Awards
  • Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens, starred selection
Editorial Reviews

“Father-daughter bonding story in a remarkable setting.”

— Kirkus Reviews

“[An] approachable, representative, middle grade chapter book focusing on father-daughter relationships.”

— School Library Journal (SLJ)

“Jolene’s enjoyable and insightful journey makes the complex themes of family, acceptance, and forgiveness accessible to young readers through easy-to-read text and spirited illustrations.”

— CM: Canadian Review of Materials

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