Monique Polak

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The Middle of Everywhere

THE MIDDLE OF EVERYWHERE (Orca, 2009)

Noah Thorpe is spending the school term in George River, in Quebec's Far North. At first, Noah thinks the Inuit kids he meets there have a strange way of looking at the world, plus they eat raw meat and seal blubber. Most have never left George River. But Noah's views change when he realizes he will have to learn a few lessons from his Inuit buddies if he wants to survive in the North.

"Monique Polak has written a powerful novel that blends the emotional insecurities of young teenage boys with their need to be strong: socially, physically and emotionally. Noah's internal monologue rings true; what he learns is a lesson young readers -- male and female -- can follow and believe in.... Polak delivers her tale with a simplicity and realism that bring the readers into the northern world. Polak incorporates the customs and language of the Inuit seemlessly into her narrative, facilitating readers' comfort and acceptance of her story, and helping us to feel that the world she depicts not only could be, but is, essentially true" -- Resource Links

"A truly enjoyable novel.... This well crafted story brings together a number of topical and very Canadian issues, such as climate change and its effect on the north and its communities, as well as the many embarrassments from past treatment of the Inuit and First Nation's peoples.... [Noah's] first person voice resonates with authenticity" -- Canadian Materials

"Add this to survival/adventure collections" -- School Library Journal

"A great deal of information about daily life and Inuit culture is packed into the recounting of a few days in the community" -- Kirkus

"the commotion (storms, polar bears, and tragedy at camp) keeps our attention" -- Booklist

"a dramatic, engaging novel that doubles as an excellent teaching tool, fostering awareness of Northern issues and Inuit culture"-- Montreal Gazette

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Christy Snowball said:

I'd Like To Read Your Book That You Wrote... I'm Like Really really wanting to read it... But I Dont know where i could find it... Wonder If Mark Has it...

.x3 Christy...

December 03, 2009

Monique said:

Hi Christy! Thanks for posting a comment -- I think that is the first comment I got from George River since my visit. Yes, Mark has a copy of the book. Ask if you can borrow it. Sapina will also come home with another copy. And your school should be receiving 20 copies of the book, but that might not be until after Christmas. Say hi to everyone from me. I'm in PUV, but I do miss your town. Hug from Monique

December 07, 2009

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