Will Me & Mr. Bell be Book of the Year?
The Canadian Library Association has announced the shortlist for its 2014 Book of the Year for Children Award. Among the top ten is Nova Scotia writer Philip Roy’s Me & Mr. Bell, published by CBUP. Me & Mr. Bell is set in early 20th-century Baddeck. It’s the story of ten-year-old Eddie MacDonald, who is befriended and mentored by Alexander Graham Bell. Bell is renowned by many for being the smartest man in the world; Eddie is just a local farm boy who struggles to learn to read and write. After a few chance encounters, the elderly Bell befriends the young boy, and takes an interest in his struggle – encouraging Eddie to celebrate his successes and never give up.
This respected award honours a book published by a Canadian author in 2013 that appeals to readers aged 12 and younger. Nearly 200 books were submitted for the award, which will be presented at the CLA national conference and trade show in Victoria, BC, on May 29.
If you like Me & Mr. Bell, don’t miss his other historical fiction for young readers, Blood Brothers in Louisbourg.