Through the generosity of IODE member, the late Mrs. Violet Downey, IODE established The National Chapter of Canada IODE Violet Downey Book Award in 1984. The first award was presented in 1985. This award is offered annually for the best English-language book containing at least 500 words of text, preferably with Canadian content, in a category suitable for children aged 13 and under. A panel composed of IODE members and specialists in the field of children’s literature selects the award-winning book each year."
| Five Canadian Books on the 2025 Short List |
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A Galaxy of Whales Written by Heather Fawcett Published by Tundra Books When Fern hears about a photo contest with a big cash award, she decides she’ll enter and win! After all, photography is her passion (and was an interest she shared with her dad, who has recently died). She knows she can take a prize-worthy photo of a whale during one of the whale-watching tours her mom runs. But her neighbor (and nemesis), Jasper, is also planning to enter the contest. It’s another frustration for Fern while she’s already coping with the worry that her best friend, Ivy, might not want to spend time with her anymore. She’s hoping to use the prize money to buy something that will attract Ivy’s interest. |
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Iggy Included Written by Deborah Kerbel Published by Scholastic Canada Ltd Twelve-year-old Paige Coopersmith and her family win a house in rural Ontario through an essay contest. Excited to leave their cramped apartment, they’re shocked to find the house in disrepair and even more surprised that it comes with Iggy, a large, scruffy Newfoundland dog, as stated in the fine print. With no other options, they stay. Paige, afraid of Iggy, keeps her distance until she discovers the dog loves being read to, helping her grow as a reader. As their bond deepens, mysterious instructions from the previous owner and Iggy’s sudden disappearance force Paige to uncover the secrets of the house and find the dog she never expected to love. |
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Plague Thieves Written by Caroline Fernandez Published by Cormorant Books “Steal. Trade. Survive.” That’s what Father tells Rose and Lem before dying of the Great Plague. Orphaned in 1665 London, the siblings are left with nothing but their wits, each other, and three bottles of Thieves Oil - a medicinal blend their father claimed could protect against the sickness. But when Lem disappears, Rose is left to survive alone. As word spreads about the oil’s power, desperate scavengers come hunting for it. Rose must join forces with other street orphans, stealing to survive and guarding the oil at all costs. In a city ravaged by disease and danger, she’ll need courage, cunning, and trust to protect herself and her newfound family. |
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The Outsmarters Written by Deborah Ellis Published by Groundwood Books Ltd What do you do when the adult world lets you down? Twelve-year-old Kate, angry and suspended from school, has been living with her aloof grandmother since her mother left three years ago. With no friends and frequent meltdowns, Kate dreams of her mom’s return and sets out to earn money for when that day comes. After her plan to sell psychiatric advice is vetoed, she opens a philosophy booth, offering answers to life’s big questions. But when Kate uncovers a painful secret Gran’s been hiding, their relationship shatters. Forced to face hard truths, Kate must decide whether to hold on to her anger or reach out and find a new path forward. |
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Tig Written by Heather Smith Published by Rocky Pond Books In this heartwarming middle-grade novel by Heather Smith, Tig and her brother Peter are forced to leave a life without parents or electricity and move in with their Uncle Scott and his partner, Manny. Their new home in picture-perfect Wensleydale feels too neat, too different. Struggling to adjust, Tig resists with daily arguments and a bold plan to become a competitive cheese racer—anything to take control of her new life. With Peter’s support, she hopes to outrun her past. But when things don’t go as planned, Tig must confront her feelings and decide what she’s really willing to let go in order to move forward. |
