{"id":10,"date":"2010-08-13T05:54:50","date_gmt":"2010-08-13T05:54:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.glenhuser.com\/main\/"},"modified":"2023-08-25T04:54:24","modified_gmt":"2023-08-25T04:54:24","slug":"books","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.glenhuser.com\/main\/books\/","title":{"rendered":" "},"content":{"rendered":"

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The Runaway<\/h2>\n

About the Book<\/a><\/strong> | Synopsis<\/a> | Questions & Activities<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Leroy “Doodlebug” Barnstable likes to call himself the quickest draw in the west–with a crayon. It’s 1923 and Doodle is on the run from a couple of abusive cousins. He stumbles into a travelling Chautauqua show where it\u2019s easy to get lost in a crowd–but also easy to lose your heart. This funny and endearing novel by Governor General’s Award-winning novelist Glen Huser will make an absorbing read for young teens, boys and girls alike.<\/p>\n

Available from: Tradewind Books<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Grace Lake<\/h2>\n

About the Book<\/a><\/strong> | Synopsis<\/a> | Questions & Activities<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

A book of remarkable sensitivity\u2026The central figure, John Hislop, is an aging music teacher who returns to summer camp as a counselor. There he reflects on a past of suppressed desire, barely acknowledged homosexuality, and guilt. He focuses on a handful of important times and people in his life, only slowly beginning to come to terms with their meaning and importance for him. Huser does an excellent job with the tricky business of managing Hislop\u2019s present life, the jumbled fragments of his past, and troubled dreams that mix up parts of both. This is how stream of consciousness should be \u2013 but seldom is \u2013 managed.<\/p>\n

\u2026Huser is also a splendid prose stylist. He pays attention, as few writers do, to the rhythms of his words. I\u2019m afraid if I call the book poetic, I\u2019ll put off some of the potential readers. What I mean is this: Huser has an ear for the real rhythms of speech, and for the natural, but different, rhythms of written prose. Moreover, the density of the imagery, the repetition (of image and event and character) and relative brevity (compared to the depth and breadth of content) all suggest a long poem as much as a novel.<\/p>\n

~ Gary Draper, Books in Canada<\/strong><\/p>\n

Available from: Amazon Books<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Touch of the Clown<\/h2>\n

About the Book <\/a>| Synopsis<\/a> | Questions & Activities<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Fascinating, thought-provoking, are just two of the words that pass through your mind as you read this wonderful novel. A 14-year-old girl and her younger sister are truly touched by an angel when the littlest one, Livvy, runs out into the street and is hit by a man on a bicycle\u2026The girls\u2019 relationship with Cosmo, although totally unexpected and unconventional, is the single most important event in their young lives. We eventually realize that Cosmo has been living with AIDS for many years, but he can still form new attachments and play a near-saviour role in the lives of these young girls\u2026Not only does Barbara discover talents and strengths she didn\u2019t know she had, but for the short time Cosmo is well enough, she has someone to turn to when her alcoholic father turns violent.<\/p>\n

~ Karen Shewbridge, The Telegraph<\/strong><\/p>\n

Available from: House of Anansi Press<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Stitches<\/h1>\n

About the Book<\/a> | Synopsis<\/a> | Questions & Activities<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

This text underneath the book: Here is a classic scapegoats-vs.-bullies school story with some low-key but unusual distinctions. The setting is rural Alberta, and the good kids are Chantelle, who has a limp and a scarred face, and Travis, a boy completely unselfconscious about his love for puppets and sewing\u2026Chantelle and Travis joined forces back in the fifth grade, when she rescued him from boys who called him \u201cgirlie\u201d; junior high brings new challenges as the teasing gets uglier and, eventually, violent. But while this gathering darkness provides the book with tension and a conscience, the real story is the friendship between the two outsiders and their marshaling of forces within themselves, each other, and their families to keep going\u2026Two nice teachers are on call as well, to provide hope and meaningful work to the friends, but their ability to help is realistically limited. In the end, Travis is on his own, but it doesn\u2019t seem like such a bad place to be.<\/p>\n

~ R. S., Horn Book (starred review)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Available from: House of Anansi Press<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Skinnybones and the Wrinkle Queen<\/h1>\n

About the Book <\/a>| Synopsis<\/a> | Questions & Activities<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Glen Huser fashions a telling friendship between two misfits \u2013 a young girl who moves from foster home to foster home and an old woman struggling to maintain her independence despite her grasping nephew. Neither Tamara nor Jean fit neatly into the systems that hold them, nor, at first, do they seem likely allies. But when Jean, almost 90 years old, realizes that 15-year-old Tamara (who is desperate to get to Vancouver for a modeling course) is her best chance for a trip to Seattle to see Wagner\u2019s entire Ring cycle performed, anand alliance forms\u2026The novel alternates between Tamara\u2019s voice and Jean\u2019s \u2013 both are strongly evoked and engaging. One can\u2019t help loving Jean\u2019s toughness and her wit; Tamara\u2019s intelligence is at once na\u00efve and penetrating. Their perspectives on the characters around them \u2013 nursing-home workers, family members, school officials, hoteliers \u2013 are pointedly perceptive and, not surprisingly, reveal their own humanity. Their opinions about each other, and their own cultural touchstones, are quite wonderful\u2026<\/p>\n

~ Marnie Parsons, Quill & Quire<\/strong><\/p>\n

Available from: House of Anansi Press<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Jeremy\u2019s Christmas Wish<\/h1>\n

About the Book<\/a> | Synopsis<\/a> | Questions & Activities<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Jeremy hurried into a sweater and grabbed his jacket and a toque and some mitts from his closet. Outside, it was cold and crisp and clear, a windless Christmas Eve. The man led him through the garden to the hedge at the far end. Just behind it was his sleigh with its patient team snorting puffs of steamy breath through their nostrils, eyeing him with curious gentle eyes. Spying their master, they tipped their great antlers almost as if they were saluting him<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are you taking me?\u201d Jeremy shouted against the rush of air once they were aloft, but his voice came out small and piping.<\/p>\n

Jeremy is the richest kid in the country but even with all his toys and games, he\u2019s so bored even the prospect of Christmas coming doesn\u2019t excite him. He writes a letter to Santa which has some unexpected results. A mysterious bearded stranger arrives and takes him on a journey where he makes new friends and learns a lesson about love and friendship that changes his attitude forever.)<\/p>\n

Available from: the author (antonglen@shaw.ca)<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Time for Flowers Time for Snow: A Retelling of the Legend of Demeter and Persephone<\/h2>\n

About the Book<\/a> | Synopsis<\/a> | Questions & Activities<\/a><\/strong>
\nCombining striking illustrations, a dramatic story based on ancient myth, song lyrics, and a companion CD featuring a children\u2019s operetta, Time for Flowers, Time for Snow<\/i> is a fabulous multi-sensory thrill to be enjoyed by parents and kids alike\u2026 Huser wrote the song lyrics, and while they may be challenging for younger readers, their pathos, spirited defiance, and humour are readily appreciated when paired with the music, which is appealingly varied in mood and rhythm\u2026 Time for Flowers, Time for Snow<\/i> is an ambitious project that brings together a group of talented collaborators with splendid results. This is not just a book, it\u2019s a whole arts experience with many facets \u2013 literary, artistic, musical \u2013 to explore. (Gwyneth Evans, Quill & Quire<\/i>)<\/p>\n

Available from: Tradewind Books<\/strong><\/p>\n

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The Snuggly<\/h2>\n

About the Book<\/a> | Synopsis<\/a> | Questions & Activities<\/a><\/strong>
\nTodd discovers that the new item to help keep his baby sister safe is also an ideal place to keep his beloved teddy bear. On the way to school, Todd and his friends collect more items to keep safe, things such as a paper tube that would make a great rocket, a book, snacks, a coffee mug, a jar of pollywogs and a stray kitten. In an effort to avoid an impending explosion, Todd\u2019s teacher, Mrs. Bale, suggested he be first to \u201cshow and tell\u201d that morning, but it was far too late, and everything flew all over the classroom! An upset Todd was comforted by Mrs. Bale who helped fix up the damaged snuggly and reminded him that it is only good for \u201cjust one thing. A baby or a teddy bear.\u201d<\/p>\n

Glen Huser\u2019s writing is accompanied by Milan Pavlovic\u2019s delightful watercolour illustrations. These images capture Todd\u2019s morning in a fanciful way and complement well the funny and touching moments in this ideal story for a new brother or sister. A cute book, The Snuggly<\/i> is a great gift idea or as an addition to a primary-level library. (Amy E. Dickerson)<\/p>\n

Available from: House of Anansi Press<\/strong><\/p>\n

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The Golden Touch<\/h2>\n

About the Book<\/a> | Synopsis<\/a> | Questions & Activities<\/a><\/strong>
\nCombining beautiful art, a wry retelling of a classic tale, playful and informative song lyrics, and an accompanying CD of music performed in part by 200 Quebec schoolchildren, The Golden Touch is the newest release from the team behind the fabulous Time for Flowers, Time for Snow. While that earlier effort retold the story of Persephone, this time King Midas gets his turn. The book and music can be enjoyed separately, but the combination of the two elements is an immersive experience that will captivate many an otherwise fidgety kid. (Quill& Quire)<\/i><\/p>\n

Available from: Tradewind Books<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Firebird<\/h2>\n

About the Book<\/a> | Synopsis<\/a> | Questions & Activities<\/a><\/strong>
\nIn his young adult novel Firebird<\/i>, Glen Huser, a Governor General\u2019s Award-winning novelist for young teens, sets his heroic saga against the backdrop of one of Canada\u2019s most shameful historical events. Alex, a 13-year-old immigrant orphan from Galicia (in today\u2019s Ukraine but then a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire), is left homeless and alone in Vermilion after a fire kills his uncle. It\u2019s 1915 and war has just pitted Germany and Austria-Hungary against the Allies. Thousands of farmers, miners and farmhands, including Alex\u2019s older sibling Marco, are imprisoned as enemy aliens in Alberta. Brutal conditions in the Castle Mountain internment camp near Banff leave Marco emaciated and close to death. Alex, penniless and still new to Canada, decides to make his way from the homestead in central Alberta to search for his brother\u2026 Despite the horror, the arc of the story is uplifting. Perseverance and the kindness of strangers allow Alex to reunite with his brother and help nurse Marco in his final days\u2026 Ultimately this is a true heroic odyssey\u2026Alex can\u2019t overcome death but can learn to accept it, deepening his courage and character on the path to that epiphany. (Agnieszka Matejko, Alberta Views<\/i>)<\/p>\n

Available from: Ronsdale Press<\/strong><\/p>\n

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The Elevator Ghost<\/h2>\n

About the Book<\/a> | Synopsis<\/a> | Questions & Activities<\/a><\/strong>
\nThe Blatchford Arms is a quirky little place, an old apartment complex that\u2019s filled with eccentric families and rumoured to be haunted. It\u2019s therefore fitting that it\u2019s on Halloween night that Carolina Giddle, \u201cexperienced babysitter, mah-jong instructor, and vegetarian caterer\u201d and excellent storyteller of ghostly tales, moves into Apartment 713\u2026The short chapters, each with a self-contained scare, and the mix of humor and gentle spookiness make this a perfect classroom readaloud, and tellers might even be inspired by Carolina to set the mood with lighting, snacks, and a pet tarantula (or not)\u2026Have this on hand for Halloween week or whenever kids want a fun but not too frightening tall tale. (Kate Quealy-Gainer, Bulletin of the Center for Children\u2019s Books<\/i>, John Hopkins University Press)<\/p>\n

Available from: House of Anansi Press<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Burning the Night<\/h2>\n

About the Book<\/a> | Synopsis<\/a> | Questions & Activities<\/a><\/strong>
\nThe beauty and honesty of Glen Huser\u2019s book Burning the Night<\/i> have filled my head since reading it over the summer. It\u2019s an amazing love story interwoven with the tale of a man finding himself. While the book is my favourite of the last year, it was also awarded the 2022 Robert Kroetsch City of Edmonton Book Prize. It\u2019s a great literary work, a period piece that gives us a glimpse of the city\u2019s history and so much more. (Justin Bell, Edmonton Journal\u2019s \u201cBest of 2022\u201d)<\/p>\n

A new Glen Huser book is always welcome, whatever its subject. Huser is one of the steady, quiet lights of Alberta\u2019s writing world\u2014an excellent author who is often underappreciated, which I hope changes with this novel… Probably no one but Huser could, or would think to, combine the Group of Seven, the Halifax explosion, classical music and small-town Alberta to create a symphony of the whole. That he does so in this readable, kind, loving novel is proof of his mastery. (Candas Jane Dorsey, Alberta Views<\/i>)<\/p>\n

Available from: NeWest Press<\/strong><\/p>\n

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. The Runaway About the Book | Synopsis | Questions & Activities Leroy “Doodlebug” Barnstable likes to call himself the quickest draw in the west–with a crayon. It’s 1923 and Doodle is on the run from a couple of abusive cousins. He stumbles into a travelling Chautauqua show where it\u2019s easy to get lost in […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":9,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-10","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.glenhuser.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.glenhuser.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.glenhuser.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.glenhuser.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.glenhuser.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10"}],"version-history":[{"count":83,"href":"https:\/\/www.glenhuser.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":890,"href":"https:\/\/www.glenhuser.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10\/revisions\/890"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.glenhuser.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}