News from Orca Book Publishers

News From Orca Book Publishers
September 2009

News and notes...
(Click on the covers for more info).

Extreme Makeover - Orca Edition...

After 60 titles, 8 years and almost 1 million copies, we decided it was time for a makeover for the best-selling Soundings series.
Starting with new titles from Carrie Mac, Laura Langston, Robin Stevenson and Norah McClintock, and a handful of reprints, the new version is ready for the next million copies!
With sharper covers and a redesigned interior, Orca Soundings will be flying off the shelves - Move that bus!

Bolen Books Prize...

The Lit Report, a teen novel by Sarah N. Harvey has been nominated for the Bolen Books Children's Book Prize.

The Globe and Mail said of The Lit Report "Harvey depicts authentic relationships. She also reveals, quite wonderfully, the fluid line between family and friends. She opens us up to the joyous unpredictability of life. And through the example of Julia's mother, she demonstrates the transformative power of a gentle, adaptable faith."

More info here.

Yowza...

Best-selling author Vicki Grant's young-adult novels Quid Pro Quo and Res Judicata have been optioned for film by Yowza Animation.

Quid Pro Quo was the winner of the Arthur Ellis Award and the CBC Young Canada Reads 2009 contest. It has been nominated for numerous other honors, including the Edgar Allan Poe Award and the Ann Connor Brimer Award.
The Globe and Mail said, "The narrator of this thoroughly engaging whodunit is the smartest mouth on two legs any of us could expect to meet."

The deal was negotiated by Sarah Cooper of The Saint Agency.

Orca rights info here.

New Packaging...

Following the success of our packaged collections for the Soundings, Currents and Sports series, we have developed new display packaging for the classroom and for retail.

Including an attractive shelf display and Resource Guide (if ordered) this packaging will make these popular titles even more accessible to your struggling readers or those looking for a quick read.

Keep an eye out for new packaging for the Orca Echoes series and the new Echoes Resource Guide - coming soon.

More info here.

The Raven has landed...

Orca Book Publishers is excited to introduce Raven Books, a new series of short, "easy-read" books for adult readers. In our increasingly fast-paced world we believe there is a market for well-written, well-told novels that can be read in one sitting. Raven Books will also appeal to those struggling with literacy challenges. Raven Books will feature titles from some of Canada's best authors - great writing, great storytelling in a small package.
The first four titles will be released in Spring 2010 and include books from Gail Bowen, William Kowalski, Medora Sale and Zoe Whittal.

More info here.

Lexiles 'r' Us...

Many Orca titles, including all of our Hi/Lo titles, now have Lexile reading levels associated with them. Lexiles provide more than a way to pick the right book for a student to read. They are a powerful tool for targeting instruction and improving achievement across grade levels and content areas. Using Lexiles, educators connect students with instructional resources that match their reading abilities.

For a full list of Lexiles for Orca titles please call or e-mail.

Review attention...

We have been seeing a great crop of good reviews for Fall titles. A couple of highlights:

Salt by Maurice Gee: "A compelling tale of anger and moral development that also powerfully explores the evils of colonialism and racism." Publishers Weekly
"Admirable characters confronting human realities make for compelling reading." Kirkus.
Death on The River by John Wilson: "This riveting look at the Civil War's horrifying Andersonville prison through the eyes of an 18-year-old inmate has the power to shock and to compel young readers' interest while uncovering exciting history for them. ...This engrossing novel leaves an enduring impression." Kirkus

Walking Backward by Catherine Austen: "An elegantly crafted volume of lasting power." (Kirkus)
"...well-drawn characters. Highly Recommended." CM Magazine

More reviews are constantly being posted on the website so keep an eye out.

Fresh and tasty...
The Fall catalog is in the mail and packed full of literary goodness.
Click here for a look at our new online version or drop us a note to make sure you get a catalog in the mail. New books also show up on our website under "coming soon."

Also available - The School Catalog - this time including books for younger readers.

Want to read the first chapter in a new novel? Head to our website and click on the Sneak Peek logo. A new chapter goes up each week.

Email us to have a catalog sent today.

Thanks for reading!
Remember customer service? We do too. If you have a question about a title, want us to customize a collection for your school or library, are interested in what we can can do for your store, or just want to chat and exchange gossip, give us a call. Our toll-free customer service line is manned (personed?) from 8:30 to 4:30 PST.
Really - call us. We're waiting.