TORONTO - Dear Jo: The story of losing Leah … and searching for hope, Christina Kilbourne’s novel about a girl whose best friend is abducted by an online predator, has won the Red Cedar Award, garnering the most votes among BC readers in grades 4—7.
Christina couldn’t be happier about the recent recognition for a book that was originally published in 2007. “The special thing about readers’ choice awards is that it’s like getting a thumbs up from the adult readership who choose the books for the programs, and on top of that, a stamp of approval from the audience it was meant to reach—young people. Having won three of these awards in the past year leaves me feeling grateful, validated, privileged, amazed. There’s a new emotion every time I think about it.”
Why did Christina choose to write about internet safety? “Kids are important to me and so issues facing them are important to me too. Internet safety is a real concern, not just the making of a good plot for a book. Today’s kids are in the unique situation of being the first generation of internet kids. I want to see them using the internet productively and safely.”
Christina’s work has been praised by many reviewers, such as Ann Ketcheson from CM: “Kilbourne stands apart from others ... she enlightens her readers on facts of life that, while they could be ignored, are important to deal with.” Raising awareness is definitely a priority for Christina, but she knows that if a young reader doesn't connect with a book, the message won’t be received. This is where she excels, creating engaging, realistic stories, which entertain as much as they educate. As Quill & Quire notes, “A potential challenge for any YA author is to both delight and instruct a generation that is less likely to crack open a book than to plug into an iPod ... Kilbourne recognizes the need to meet YA readers on their own turf.”
About the author:
Christina Kilbourne received her master's degree in Creative Writing and English Literature from the University of Windsor, and lives in Zephyr, Ontario. She is also the author of They Called Me Red (Lobster Press, 2008), Where Lives Take Root, Day of the Dog-tooth Violets, and The Roads of Go Home Lake (published by BookLand Press). Visit her online at www.christinakilbourne.com.
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