But all that changes after an accident leaves Mya to take charge–an experience which helps her realize how much she’s grown, with or without access to proper communications.

She’s no closer to touch-screen victory, let alone the Nobel Peace Prize she deserves. Her efforts leave her ego bruised and the kitchen slightly scorched. She advertises her babysitting services, takes on more responsibility around the house, and attempts to supervise her sister’s skateboarding lessons. When her distracted dad and her long-distance mom (temporarily in Myanmar taking care of Mya’s grandmother) both say no, no way, and possibly never, Mya launches a campaign to prove herself reliable and deserving. Her more immediate desire is to get a phone, preferably one like Cleo’s, with a leopard-print case to match. Her lifelong desire is to work for the United Nations and change the world, and then bask in all the ensuing adulation. Mya Parsons runs her school’s social justice club with her best friend, Cleo.

Bringing up Beauty, her guide dog story, won the Silver Birch Award, launching her to international success. Sylvia McNicoll is the author of over thirty novels.

He’s sure that this will be easier than walking canine clients Ping and Pong - until Pearl locks herself in the house, runs away from home, and loses her family’s rare pink diamond ring. The Diamond Mistake Mystery by Sylvia McNicoll and Mya’s Strategy to Save the World by Tanya Lloyd Kyi have been nominated in the English Fiction category!ĭogwalker Stephen Noble has been recruited to walk his five-year-old reading buddy, Pearl Lebel, to and from school while her mother is away and her father is ill. The winners of the Hackmatack Award in each category are announced at the final award ceremony in May. Each year, thousands of children in grades four to six (aged nine to twelve) read from the selection of outstanding Canadian books and vote for their favourites. The Hackmatack Children’s Choice Book Award is a literary program designed for young readers in Atlantic Canada.

Beauty Returns by Sylvia McNicoll