About BC Books Online
BC Books Online was created for anyone interested in BC-published books, and with librarians especially in mind. We'd like to make it easy for library staff to learn about books from BC publishers - both new releases and backlist titles - so you can inform your patrons and keep your collections up to date.
Our site features print books and ebooks - both new releases and backlist titles - all of which are available to order through regular trade channels. Browse our subject categories to find books of interest or create and export lists by category to cross-reference with your library's current collection.
A quick tip: When reviewing the "Browse by Category" listings, please note that these are based on standardized BISAC Subject Codes supplied by the books' publishers. You will find additional selections, grouped by theme or region, in our "BC Reading Lists."
Description
Telly Mercer is shy and quiet, used to living in the shadow of her older sister, Bess. Then she finds herself on the set of a puppet show, staying out of the way of her overstressed aunt Kathleen. One evening she makes a surprising discovery that launches her on an adventure with an unpredictable and angry puppet.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 9 to 12
- Grade:
- 4 to 7
- Reading age:
- 9 to 12
Awards
- Short-listed, Hackmatack Children's Choice Award nominee
- Winner, CBC Young Canada Reads
- Short-listed, CLA Book of the Year for Children nominee
- Short-listed, Silver Birch nominee
- Commended, VOYA Top Shelf Fiction for Middle School Readers List
- Commended, Resource Links "The Year's Best"
Editorial Reviews
"A zany coming of age story."
— St. Catherine's Standard
"Kids who sometimes feel like adults are pulling their strings will relish the idea of a puppet pal with a mind of his own."
— Center for Children's Books
"A fresh and unpredictable modern fantasy."
"A quirky and engaging adventure story."
— School Library Journal
"An entertaining work of light, humourous fantasy."
— CM Magazine
"Grant's debut novel sparkles with humor; Telly's first-person narrative is deliciously low key and understated to the point of being laugh-out-loud funny."
"Any reader who has ever felt as if s/he lives in a sibling's shadow will identify with Telly immediately and cheer her on with great enthusiasm."
— KLIATT
"A very funny and gripping novel filled with bizarre characters that [Grant] manages to make credible."
— The Bookmark (BCTLA)
"A cleverly crafted, believable peek into the fears of an over-looked child."
— Resource Links
