Most Popular Books by Maxine Trottier

In early 18th-century Quebec, a headstrong young girl must make difficult decisions after she defies convention and buys a slave his freedom.

"Those are markers to lead you home," the captain told his son. "People here call them Inukshuks. They say some are as old as time." David wondered at the lichen-covered stones stacked in human shapes, but there were so many wonders in this strange land that he gave them little thought. Then one night, when winter had gone on forever and no one had seen the sun for so very long, a sharp, quick barking woke David. He turned in his bed and looked out of the port. There, at the edge of the shore, two foxes stood in the moonlight. David climbed down the gangplank and ran across the frozen bay. The animals turned and scampered away. David followed, the foxes dancing just out of reach. At last he stopped. Behind him, the ship was gone. Ahead, the foxes melted into the night. David was alone.

A young sailor is caught up in the naval siege of Quebec leading up to the battle on the Plains of Abraham. Fourteen-year-old William Jenkins is working at a printing house when he comes to the attention of navigator and naval officer James Cook. William signs up to serve with Cook on the warship HMS Pembroke, part of Britain''s fleet setting out to take the French stronghold of Quebec. William soon learns that the world of a British sailor is a harsh one, especially when the ship lays siege to the fortress and is attacked by French fire ships -- burning wrecks sent downstream to set the British warships on fire. On one raid, William is captured by the French allies, the Abenaki, and taken into Quebec itself, which is under constant bombardment from British cannons. With the siege strangling Quebec''s lifelines, William finds a way outside the fortress walls just in time to join the British soldiers landing their boats and preparing to face the French on the Plains of Abraham. A dramatic story of the Seven Years'' War, culminating in the siege and battle that claimed Canada for Britain.

I will take care of your garden, Mr. hiroshi," I offered. He smiled. "That would give me great comfort, Mary," he said. "The koi are greedy, you know. Do not let them get fat." We watched the bus drive away. For Mary, too young to fully understand about war and far-off places, the promise was meant to last only until Mr. Hiroshi came back. But after a while it was clear the her friend wouldn''t be coming home. Still, Mary faithfully kept her word all through that long summer. And when the new people came to live in Mr. Hiroshi''s house, she knew exactly what to do. Once more, Maxine Trottier takes a small piece of a larger story, nurtures it with care, and grows a tale as elegant as a Japanese Garden. Flags is a simple story of innocence and friendship set against a backdrop of fear and suspicion. A story that must be told and told again--but never allowed to recur.

Shortlisted for the 2006 Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Award Long before she becomes Queen of England, Princess Victoria rides out in an open coach with her mother. Around her neck the child proudly wears her new silk scarf -- long, white, and embroidered with her initial. But the scarf will not belong to the young princess for long. A mischievous breeze will tug at the scarf, uncoil it from the little girl''s neck, and lift it into the air. The young princess will grow up, become queen, and rule her people for many years before she will see her scarf again. And what of the scarf? How long will it float on the breeze and find a succession of owners before time -- and chance -- bring it back to its rightful owner at last?

Marietta''s father, Jacopo Tintoretto, is a renowned and famous artist living in Venice during the Renaissance era. More than anything, Merietta wants to paint like her father. But Marietta is a girl--to work and study with her father she must disguise herself in boy''s clothing. Her hose and doublet allow her to accompany her father to the studios and galleries of Venice with the paint box her father has given her. "A gift from one painter to another, my dear. The work of an artist can fill the heart with light. Use it well, Marietta, and your heart will know happiness." When Marietta meets Piero, a young cabin boy, she is envious of everything he sees sailing the oceans--mountains, meadows and seas far from Venice. But Piero, sold into slavery to the ship''s captain, only dreams of staying at home and learning to paint. As the friendship between the two grows throughout the summer, they make plans that will allow Piero''s dreams to come to fruition. And when the time for Piero''s escape home arrives, Marietta''s special gift of her cherished paint box makes his trip extra special.

This delightful story for children ages four and up tells the story of a poor boy with a vivid imagination. The Festival of Kites will award a prize to the person with the smallest kite. Though he cannot afford a kite, Eddie Wing flies a make-believe one with such precision that everyone is sure they can see it. The Tiny Kite of Eddie Wing by Maxine Trottier & Al Van Mil is a magical tale about a powerful imagination.

Our Choice outstanding book selection, CCBC Outstanding Book, Parent Council In this exquisitely wrought tale, young Van finds a walking stick at the foot of a huge teak tree. Blessed by Buddha, it becomes his talisman, his life long link to the past, and the support he will need to carry him into the uncertain future. For when the winds change blow, not even the deep forest of Vietnam remain safe. With the walking stick and his indomitable spirit, Van leads his family to safety and new land. Though the years pass in peace, the ever-present tap, tapping at the brass-tipped walking stick is Van''s constant reminder of the customs, voices, and land he will always remember with love. When the stick''s long odyssey is finally over, it is Van''s granddaughter who carries it home and places it at Buddha''s feet. The Walking Stick is a tribute to all those who must see beyond the next hill.

When Mack and Jamie MacNeil are kidnapped by the sinister Ben Sparks, a dangerous adventure is set in motion. Forced to travel through the North American wilderness on the eve of the American Revolution, Mack and Jamie''s very lives are on the line. As they try to thwart the evil that stalks them, they meet many brave allies, participate in thrilling political intrigue, and even find love. It is a journey that neither Mack nor Jamie would have chosen, but once set upon its path, their lives will be changed forever. Be sure to read the first book in The Circle of Silver Chronicles, A Circle of Silver, for more tales of the MacNeils'' adventures in the New World.

"With the encroaching War of 1812, Edward is caught between supporting Britain, his native heritage, and a new-found sympathy for Americans" Cf. Our choice, 2002.

This book in the Kids Can Do It series features more than 16 beautiful crafts.

"Even if I don''t finish, we need others to continue. It''s got to keep going." -Terry Fox Dozens of photographs and simple, evocative text combine to tell the story of Terry''s life and legacy-how he grew up loving sports and competition, always determined to finish what he started; how he developed cancer and lost his leg; how he trained day after day, on one strong leg and a prosthetic limb, with the idea that he might try to run across Canada; how he managed to make it two-thirds of the way before cancer returned; and how by so doing, he inspired millions of people around the world and raised millions of dollars for cancer research. The hardcover edition of this important book, created in cooperation with the Terry Fox Foundation and Terry''s family, was the first authorized biography of Terry Fox ever written specifically for children. This new paperback edition includes eight new pages of information about Terry and his legacy.

Young Hélène St. Onge and her older sister Catherine are orphans. When King Louis XVI orders all men in New France to marry, Catherine becomes a fille du roi, one of the many young women sent to the new world as brides. Hélène will accompany her on the long sea voyage and live with her sister''s new family. But Catherine dies during the grueling journey, and Hélène finds herself alone in a strange new country. New France is a far harsher place than she imagined, with bitter winters and the threat of attack from the Iroquois. Will the few friendships she has made on her long voyage enable her to survive?

Anna is the child of Mennonites from Mexico, who have come north to harvest fruit and vegetables. Sometimes she feels like a bird, flying north in the spring and south in the fall, sometimes like a jackrabbit in an abandoned burrow, since her family occupies an empty farmhouse near the fields, sometimes like a kitten, as she shares a bed with her sisters . . . But above all Anna wonders what it would be like to be a tree rooted deeply in the earth, watching the seasons come and go, instead of being like a "feather in the wind."

Meet five amazing adventurers and learn about their historic Canadian journeys. Meet five explorers whose travels opened up our country! Packed full of illustrations and photographs, this book includes the biographies of Pierre de La Verendrye and Samuel Hearne, as well as Jacques Cartier, who gave Canada its name; Samuel de Champlain, the founder of Quebec; and David Thompson, the man who mapped close to four million square kilometres of Canada and is still considered one of the world''s greatest geographers. Canadian Explorers includes a table of contents, historic photographs and full colour art, and is perfect for curriculum use.

In 1760, thirteen-year-old John MacNeil leaves England and becomes a cartographer of the Canadian wilderness.

A patriotic look at the Canadian flag. The maple leaf is a powerful symbol. Take a heartfelt look at what it means to everyday Canadians. Emotional text, beautiful illustrations, and sidebars that add fascinating details and facts about the history of our flag make this book perfect for the classroom or for anyone who simply loves this great country. Supports social studies topics of current provincial curricula as well as current interest in Canadian history and patriotism.

After falling out the back of his parents'' wagon during a blizzard, a young boy is rescued by Louis Riel.

Presents the true stories of five Canadian leaders.

Read the amazing true stories of five pioneers who helped shape our country. Follow Marie-Anne Gaboury as she treks across Canada with her husband. Learn how Louis Hébert became the first habitant as he made his living as a farmer. All the stories will make you appreciate how this country came to be.

Read the amazing true stories of five pioneers who helped shape our country. Follow Marie-Anne Gaboury as she treks across Canada with her husband. Learn how Louis Hébert became the first habitant as he made his living as a farmer. All the stories will make you appreciate how this country came to be.

A holiday treat for fans of the Dear Canada series, and all lovers of historical fiction! Gifts from the heart are the best gifts of all. Genevieve feared for her brother''s life when he and his friend fought to defend New France against the British siege of their city. Their hopes came undone in one day following a fierce battle on the Plains of Abraham. With Quebec in British hands, everything - everything - changed! And now another shift in their fortunes brings a new challenge. This short story was originally published in Dear Canada: A Christmas to Remember, a collection featuring many of Canada''s top writers for children, including Jean Little, Sarah Ellis, Carol Matas, and more. New readers will adore this stand-alone holiday tale, while fans of the series will recognize the voice of Genevieve, whom they first met in the award-winning Dear Canada book The Death of My Country. Collect all 12 Dear Canada Christmas stories this season and enjoy a very happy holiday

A fox tells the tale of the Louisbourg Fortress on Cape Breton Island.

Selected as a Starred Book for the 1998/99 Our Choice Awards by the Canadian Children''s Book Centre. Short listed for the Ruth Schwartz award 1999 Notable Book, Social Studies, Childrens Books Council Childrens Choice selection, Childrens Book Council and International Reading Association Emily''s weeping willow becomes a living symbol of the warmth, strength, and history shared by generations of one family. When Emily''s family moves to the ocean of grass called the prairie, she can_t help but dream of trees. After building their sod house, ploughing, planting and then harvesting, her Papa tells her there is a little money left over to get something special from the mail-order catalogue. She chooses a willow tree. The Prairie Willow chronicles the life of this little girl and her pioneering family.

The first Dear Canada featuring a First Nations diarist, The Death of My Country is set at a pivotal point in Canada''s history — the war between Britain and France for control of New France. Geneviève Aubuchon is born into an Abenaki tribe but is orphaned when another tribe destroys her village. She and her brother are taken to a convent in Québec.While Geneviève gradually adapts to her new life with the sisters, her older brother runs away to rejoin the Abenaki. Geneviève fears for his life when he joins the First Nations allies who are helping defend Québec against the British siege of the city and the attack on the Plains of Abraham. Author Maxine Trottier frequently participates in historical re-enactments. Her hobby has provided her with an opportunity to research and experience this key time in Canada''s history.

A young girl watches as the Métis life she knows is threatened by conflict and the men in her family are called to action by Louis Riel, the charismatic leader of the North West Resistance. Tension grips Batoche, Saskatchewan in 1885. Many Métis moved here after the 1870 Riel Rebellion in Manitoba left them disallusioned. But life in Batoche is difficult. The buffalo on which the Métis depended for generations have been hunted almost to extinction, and the coming of white settlers poses a threat to their traditional way of life. The Métis want title to their land, but the government has delayed for years. Promises are no longer enough . . . and talk of a second uprising is in the air. Thirteen-year-old Josephine finds herself torn over her feelings about the Resistance: she is worried for her brother, who is eager to fight; for her father, who prefers a peaceful solution; for Edmond Swift Fox, her friend, whom she loves and will eventually marry; and for Louis Riel, the leader whose efforts to help the Métis preserve their way of life are actions she grows to respect and admire. Through Josephine''s faithful diary entries, the reader is transported into this pivotal moment in Canadian history — the time leading up to the defeat of the Métis and the allied First Nations forces at Batoche, the execution of Louis Riel, and the growing tensions between English Canada and French Canada.

"You must not use the mountain road." "We know no other way," the girl told him. "Perhaps not, but moon does," answered Tenzin. He knelt down to stroke the long hair from the little dog''s eyes. "Take them. Show them the way." A young monk is moved by the bravery of two children journeying alone to the freedom of Nepal. He offers what help he can--a hot bowl of soup, a warm bed for the night--but he realizes their best chance lies with Moon. She is the little dog who knows the unguarded paths out of the mountains, the very dog who will leave an ache in his heart when she goes. This story was inspired by the sacrifice and courage of those who struggle to be free. It is not uncommon in Tibet for parents to send their children into the treks through the mountains in the hope they will find refuge in Nepal. During the winter when the passes are not heavily guarded, the bitter cold is considered a smaller threat than remaining at home. Many such children have made it, many have turned back, many more have simply disappeared.

A holiday treat for fans of the Dear Canada series, and all lovers of historical fiction! Sometimes starting over is the best way to move forward, even at Christmastime. When the North West Resistance broke out, Josephine''s family sided with Louis Riel. But the Métis forces that fought at Batoche faced yet more challenges after the battle itself. The Bouviers and others who decided to stay have been struggling to survive, and still they do not hold title to their land. This short story was originally published in Dear Canada: A Christmas to Remember, a collection featuring many of Canada''s top writers for children, including Jean Little, Sarah Ellis, Carol Matas, and more. New readers will adore this stand-alone holiday tale, while fans of the series will recognize the voice of Josephine, whom they first met in the popular Dear Canada book Blood Upon Our Land. Collect all 12 Dear Canada Christmas stories this season and enjoy a very happy holiday!

Twelve original holiday stories from the top children''s writers in the country! What an incredible gift book for Dear Canada fans! The twelve stories in this treasury are set around Christmas time and feature the young girls from a dozen previous Dear Canada books. Readers will be thrilled to reconnect with their favourites and get a glimpse of each character''s life a year or so after the events in the actual diary are over. Anyone new to the Dear Canada series will be introduced to characters so compelling, they''ll want to read more.

A wonderful seasonal anthology for Dear Canada readers, both old and new! A real treat for fans of this series, and all lovers of historical fiction! Eleven stories that each revisit a favourite character from books in the Dear Canada series are included in this special collection. These are completely original tales that stand alone as heartwarming Christmas stories, but also serve as a lovely "next chapter" to their original books. Each story is written by one of Canada''s top award-winning writers for children, including Jean Little, Sarah Ellis, Maxine Trottier, Carol Matas and more. This collection is a lovely companion to A Season of Miracles, and will be treasured year after year at holiday time!

Réédition. L''ouvrage relate la vie et l''exploit de ce jeune homme qui, atteint de cancer, a entrepris de traverser le Canada à la course afin de ramasser des fonds pour lutter contre la maladie. De nombreuses photographies commentées et extraits de lettres accompagnent ce texte accessible et touchant. Un hommage au courage, au rêve et à la détermination de Terry Fox.

In this powerful novel for mature readers, Maxine Trottier transports the reader to the summer of 1956, and the small town of Erie View, a haven for teenagers. Summer jobs are plentiful, and there’s always action on the beach or the main drag. Life is cool. But Erie View is a town of shifting layers. They drift by turns, scarcely touching, then jarring painfully: fathers and grandfathers try to adjust to quiet lives after an eternity of action overseas, women struggle to remake marriages and return to their kitchens, and teenagers with far too much freedom live the secret lives of youth. This is sixteen-year-old Gordon Westley’s world. But it’s about to change once tragedy strikes his family and forces Gordon to explore the darkest, as well as the sweetest, side of human emotions. Part mystery, part love story, acclaimed author Maxine Trottier weaves a spellbinding portrait of small-town Ontario dealing with its loss of innocence and coming of age in a changed world.

To escape her father''s abuse, Emily and her mother come to a shelter where they find a safe place to stay with other women and children in similar circumstances.

Alison loved her little house and her big family, but when the new baby came along, there just wasn''t enough room any more. Her parents thought enough was enough and decided to move. Everyone cheered. Everyone except Alison. "You can move. I love it here and I''m never going to leave." That''s what Alison said.

Learn how five Canadian entertainers traveled the road to fame and fortune. Included are the lives of Celine Dion, Michael J. Fox, Tom Jackson, Mike Myers and Shania Twain. This book is packed with photographs and written for 7- to 9-year olds to read themselves.

« William Jenkins s''embarque sur un navire de guerre de la Marine royale qui participe à la campagne militaire pour assiéger Québec, le bastion des Français. S''il arrive à accomplir ses tâches et à survivre, son vaisseau sera peut-être celui qui fera perdre ou gagner la guerre entre Français et Britanniques. »--