A Blinding Light

Julie Lawson

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ISBN: 9781771085410

A Blinding Light

  Author:   Julie Lawson    
  Publisher:  Nimbus Publishing

It’s 1917 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The First World War is raging, and despite its distance from the conflict, the Halifax Harbour is bustling with activity. Anti-German prejudice is rampant, and though 12-year-old Livy Schroeder and her 15-year-old brother Will are still mourning the loss of their father, who died in a mysterious boating accident just six months before, his German heritage doesn’t merit them much sympathy. The rumours he’d been a German spy are only flamed by his disappearance.

On the morning of December 6, while Livy is in Richmond begging forgiveness from the Schroeders’ former housekeeper, Will is atop Citadel Hill reporting for the school paper, when he sees two ships collide. A flash of light, then thunder from underground: the Halifax Explosion hits. Instantly, the city is unrecognizable. Lost and separated in the dark, destroyed city, will the siblings find each other again? Where is their mother? And who is to blame for the catastrophe?

In A Blinding Light, award-winning author Julie Lawson (No Safe Harbour) tells a riveting story of the Halifax Explosion and its aftermath, exploring the concepts of guilt, blame, and taking ownership, the divide between the rich and poor, locals and immigrants, as well as the human bonds that arise in times of tragedy. Young readers will be spellbound, and teachers and librarians will find plenty of topics for discussion in the book’s historical and cultural lessons.

Details and Specs
ISBN associated with this title: 9781771085410
Item NB1302
PublisherNimbus Publishing
PublisherNimbus Publishing
Published on October 16 2017
Language eng
Pages 264
Format Paperback
Dimensions7.75(in) x 5.25(in)
Shipping weight297(g)
Status ACTIVE TITLE

Julie Lawson is the award-winning author of many books for young people. Her three novels for Dear Canada have been acclaimed by readers of all ages. No Safe Harbour, also about the Halifax Explosion, won the Hackmatack Award. Julie has a personal connection with the tragic event and writing this novel allowed Julie to delve into the history behind many of the stories she'd heard as a child. Julie lives in Victoria, BC.



Quick Quotes

"Broken glass from the explosion suggests the fragility of life and the shattering of old-fashioned attitudes about social class." —Canadian Materials Magazine (Winnipeg, MB)
  

"This historical fiction novel is a thought-provoking read with extremely well-represented themes of resilience, tragedy, and humanity." —Resource Links (NF)
  

"Solidly grounded with believable and appealing main characters, the story weaves the many threads together artfully, presenting a finely tuned, engaging historic tale." —Booklist Online
  

Award Winners & Nominees


Best Books for Kids and Teens, Spring

Shortlisted CCBC Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People


Shortlisted Bolen Awards