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THE MIDDLE OF EVERYWHERE (Orca, 2009)
"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 "a page turner. Along the way Noah learns a lot about Qallunat offenses against the Inuit and about noticing and listening, true survival skills in this part of the world" -- Puget Sound Council for Reviewing Children's Media "a quieter, finding-your-inner-strength-and compassion story" -- NRRLS (Northeast Massachusetts Regional Library System) Youth Services Book Review "Noah's greatest adventure is discovering that the middle of nowhere can be the beginning of something new" -- The Alan Review Noah "learns to acknowledge the depth of the suffering of the Inuit (in past and present), to respect the Inuit experience, and also to appreciate the value of their perspective, the wonder of their resilience, and the magnificence of the wilderness they love. Monique Polak's The Middle of Everywhere is a well-crafted, revealing look at Inuit culture. As Noah deals with his culture shock, learns from his mistakes and adjusts his misconceptions, readers get the privilege of following him on his realistic journey. This is a memorable book -- a very worthwhile and important read for youth who are open to learning about the lived experiences of others with much to teach" -- Canadian Children's Book News
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Comments (29)
Christy Snowball
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about the book... 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... |
Monique
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... 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 |
Jesse Parks
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The middle of everywhere The Book was great at first but had a fast ending. i really enjoy these kind of adventure books. My advice i would of wrote a little more about the culture. and maybe have noah experiance more with the dogsledding if mentioned but very brief. for a city boy he seems to know a lot about the way the Men of the Nortth Live. Just my adivce ! : ) |
Shayna
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... I absolutely loved the book!!! I am going to do my summer assignment on it. I love how you wrote about his crush on Geraldine and then didn't take their relationship that far. You are now one of my favorite authors!!!  |
Monique Polak
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... Hi Shayna, What a great comment! It's especially nice for me to get comments from readers during the summer -- that's when I get a little lonely for my students. Thanks so much for writing and for saying I'm now one of your favourite authors!! (Are you American? I notice you don't use the 'u' in favourite the way we Canadians do!!) best from Monique |
Joe Snowball
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Center Diredtor Is there a way to purchase your book "The middle of Everywhere"? One of our teacher got a copy and I would like to get more for a class. Thanks, Joe Snowball |
Erin the American
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... I read your book The Middle of Everywhere and thought it was really great! Now I'm doing a book project on it...I'd love to write when I grow up  |
Monique
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... Hi Erin the American, Thanks for posting your comment about The Middle of Everywhere. The funny thing is that I am back in Nunavik (very far from my home in Montreal), doing writing workshops with Inuit students, so it was pretty exciting to get a comment from an American reader! Good luck with your book project and your future writing career. Check out the writing tips on my website. My main advice, though, is to READ and WRITE A TON!! best to you from Monique |
Tennaya
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The Middle of Everywhere Hey Monique! You came to my school, Rosemere High School yesterday and I'm the one who write in her journal, I'm doing my project on your book, but I can't decide what to put for my favourite part of your book, what was yours? |
rania
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... 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. curt |
Monique
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... You guys have been asking me what the favourite part of my book, The Middle of Everywhere, is. Hey, that's a hard question... but I guess it's when Noah and his friends meet a polar bear. Sounds like you are doing a school assignment on my book -- here's hoping I'm not giving too much away. Best from Monique |
Tyler Barry
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The middle of Everywhere I read this book in 2 days it was one of my favorite books. i was wondering where you got the idea of the book from. Did you something like this happen to you or did this idea come to you in a dream???  |
nichole honderich
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seriouse question i am doing a book report i dont know what to right i am stunned  |
nichole honderich
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i live in canarvan highway 35 Ont. i need you to answer back because i won't be able to pass DS English without your help. |
Rachel
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I love your books :) Hi My name's Rachel, I have Miss Cochrane for my homeroom/English teacher and we've been reading "The Middle of everywhere" in class. Being a fast reader, I finished it the second day we were reading it, the next day I started and finished "What world is left", the next day I started and finished "Junkyard dog"... All this to say, I love your books and your writing and I can't wait to meet you! I can't wait to read more |
melody
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love your books i really loved this book, im doing a report on this for my english class..... |
Olivia Parsons
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The Middle of Everywhere Monique, Your book was amazing I have read it twice already. I would have liked the ending to be longer but I really enjoyed the end bcause of Bill and Noah's time alone staring up at the Norhern Lights! I think you should write a non-fiction book about your time in George River and about the people there! Do the people in the book portray peole you met there? Olivia |
Monique P
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... Sounds like some of you are lucky enough to have Miss Cochrane for your English teacher. Glad you've been enjoying The Middle of Everywhere. Maybe I'll take your suggestion, Olivia, and write a non-fiction book one day about my travels to the North. My experiences there have definitely been life-changing! See you when I come to visit and thanks for posting your comments! |
Morgan
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... Hi Monique! I have been reading your book The Middle of Everywhere in my English class. Mrs. Cochrane is my English teacher as well. Ha! I was surprised to see that some of my friends had commented on your page. I'm writing a Literary essay on your book right now. It's a little difficult, but I'll be finished soon. Anywho, I can't wait to meet you! Have a great day! -Morgan |
Monique P
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... Good luck with your essay, Morgan! I'm glad to know my friend Mrs. Cochrane is making her students work hard!! See you in a couple of months!! |
claudia
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... monique i would like to know where the best place to buy one of your books would be... i live near boisbriand or near rosemere.. |
Danielle Fontaine
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... Thank you for recreating George River in your novel. I am curious about the historical references in your book; The Middle of Everywhere - particularly the reference to the sled dog massacre in the 60s by the rcmp. So sad. I will be reading this book to my students this year in Ottawa and would like to offer more details. I like how Noah is just a regular, ornery 15 year old like my daughter. |
Monique P
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... Hi Danielle, Thanks for your message. I'm excited that you are going to be teaching my book! That's great! When I visited "George River" (I've been there twice), I interviewed some elders who shared their memories of what happened to the sled dogs. IN the book, most of my descriptions of those scenes come from what they told me. You could also talk to your students about the High Arctic Relocation. Let me know if you need more material about that. Good luck with your ornery daughter. Mine is well past the ornery stage -- in fact, I now sometimes wish there was still an ornery kid living with us! Have a great school year! |
Eric
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The Middle of Everywhere Hi Monique, I loved the book The Middle of Everywhere, I just finished reading it!!! I'm doing a book report on it. I would love to read more of your books. I'm in to the adventures and action books. I love the way you write them. Thanks!! |
Monique P
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... Eric! Thanks for the great message. I'm pleased that you are enjoying my book. Lucky me that I go to visit the great white North! I am curious to know where you live. I hope YOU get to visit the north one day, too! Thanks so much for taking the time to write to me. I am doing a big rewrite over the Christmas holidays, so it is encouraging to hear from a reader like you! Best wishes from Monique |
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