I found out a few weeks ago that A Hare in the Elephant’s Trunk has been nominated for a Snow Willow Award, as sponsored by SYRCA (Saskatchewan Young Readers Choice Awards). This means it’s part of a list of ten books that middle school readers can read, then vote for, over the next year or so (provided they’ve read at least three of the books on the list). I’ve decided to try and read the other nine nominated books to size up the competition, so to speak:) I love the idea of readers’ choice awards, and I’m pretty happy with the nomination! I have an aunt and uncle who live in Saskatchewan; maybe some of their grandchildren will participate!
I’m not sure how many provinces have such a program. Nova Scotia has the Hackmatack Awards, but I believe they involve books for readers 12 and under. I know Ontario has a similar program, but I don’t know much about it. I think SYRCA is completely run by volunteers, which is quite a feat as they apparently had 11,000 voters involved in the Willow Awards last year. It sounds like they’re really going to work to promote the nominated books as they’ve asked for links to any book trailers or websites authors may have, as well as suggesting authors might like to create a podcast readers could watch. Last year, I learned how to make a book trailer and a writing PowerPoint; guess this year it’ll be a podcast. Sounds like fun, but I’m not sure if I have the necessary technology on hand. I might have to put out a plea for technical assistance. Normally, son Liam would provide that assistance, but since he’s in the UK, I’ll have to look elsewhere. Of course, there’s always Google…
Jan L. Coates - "What if...?" 
I was so thrilled to hear this news, Jan. I know you must be pretty happy as well. The awards where the readers actually get to choose a winner is pretty cool. I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed for you, as I’m sure many others will be doing as well. Maybe Goerge Clooney will help you out with the podcast. 😉 That would be sure to win you votes..
Nice idea, Laura – now if I only had his personal email address…Thanks!
Maybe you could make a video asking for his endorsement. Dare yah! 😉
BTW I like your new blog theme.
Hi Jan,
I just read A Hare in the Elephant’s Trunk this week and wanted to let you know that I really loved it. Thank you for sharing Jacob’s story in such a genuine, heart-felt & eloquent manner. Congratulations on the nomination! 🙂
Thanks for taking the time to offer your kind comments and congratulations! Now that the snow has gone, I’m looking forward to meeting up with your mom at Vittles in the near future! Happy Spring!