Firefly (novel)
![]() | |
Author | Philippa Dowding |
---|---|
Country | Canada |
Language | English |
Genre | Children, fiction |
Published | 2021 |
Publisher | DCB / Cormorant Books, Toronto |
Media type | Print (paperback), digital (eBook) |
Pages | 216 |
Award | Governor General’s Literary Award |
ISBN | 978-1770865983 |
Firefly is a novel written by Canadian author Philippa Dowding, and published in 2021 by DCB / Cormorant Books in Toronto, Ontario. It won the 2021 Governor General's Literary Award for English-language children's literature.
Plot[]
Firefly is a thirteen-year-old girl looking for a new home after police take her unstable and violent mother away. She is discovered living in the park across from her mother's home and is forced by social services to live with her Aunt Gayle, owner of the Corseted Lady Costume Shop. While Firefly adjusts to having a roof over her head, she develops post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and sets out on a quest to discover her true identity.
Awards[]
Firefly won the Governor General's Award for English-language children's literature at the 2021 Governor General's Awards,[1][2] and is a 2022 nominee for the Forest of Reading Red Maple Award.[3]
Reception[]
Firefly was generally well received across Canada. The Governor General’s Literary Award Peer Assessment Committee for the 2021 English-language awards wrote "Firefly will shine for readers and resonate long after they close this quietly powerful book.”[4] At Goodreads, Valerie Sherrard writes, "This is a wonderful story about a young girl who finds strength, hope and stability through her own unique process".[5] Teachers Guide at the 49th Shelf listed the novel for grades 4 to 7 in English Language Arts, and grades 6 to 8 in Social Science and Humanities.[6]
References[]
- ^ van Koeverden, Jane (November 17, 2021). "Young people's literature — text winner: Firefly by Philippa Dowding". CBC Arts. Retrieved November 24, 2021.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Bresge, Adina (November 17, 2021). "Inuk author Norma Dunning wins $25K Governor General's fiction prize". Coast Reporter. Glacier Media Group. The Canadian Press. Retrieved November 25, 2021.
- ^ "Red Maple Nominees – Forest of Reading". forestofreading.com. Retrieved November 24, 2021.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Firefly (Young People's Literature – Text – English)". Governor General's Literary Awards. Retrieved November 24, 2021.
- ^ "Firefly". goodreads.com. Retrieved November 24, 2021.
- ^ "49th Kids for Teachers". 49thshelf.com. Retrieved November 24, 2021.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
- 2021 children's books
- Canadian children's books
- 2021 Canadian novels
- Governor General's Award-winning novels