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Children's Fiction Military & Wars

The Road to Afghanistan

by (author) Linda Granfield

illustrated by Brian Deines

Publisher
Scholastic Canada Ltd
Initial publish date
Aug 2013
Category
Military & Wars, General, Multigenerational
Recommended Age
7 to 18
Recommended Grade
2 to 12
  • Hardback

    ISBN
    9781443113564
    Publish Date
    Aug 2013
    List Price
    $19.99

Classroom Resources

Where to buy it

Description

A moving tribute to all the soldiers who have served with the Canadian Forces.

A young soldier just returned from Afghanistan has many memories: the beauty of the mountains and wildflowers, the colours of land and sky . . . but also the tragedy that war has brought to that ravaged country and those who fought there.

Memories shift to another soldier in the family — great-grandfather's years in the trenches during WWI, and then grandfather's tour of duty during WWII. The young soldier also remembers those who did not return alive, but travelled home along the Highway of Heroes, honoured by silent observers.

In this timely new book aimed at a younger audience than most, award-winning author and noted war historian Linda Granfield delivers a moving and honest portrayal of military service. Complemented by poignant, evocative artwork by acclaimed illustrator Brian Deines, this book is sure to provide insight and to inspire pride in families all across Canada.

About the authors

Linda Granfield has won many awards for her non-fiction/history titles for young readers and adults including the Vicky Metcalf Award for a Body of Work. Her books include In Flanders Fields: The Story of the Poem by John McCrae, Pier 21: Gateway of Hope, Canada Votes and America Votes. She lives in Toronto, Ontario.

Linda Granfield's profile page

BRIAN DEINES has illustrated numerous books for children, including SkySisters

 

(written by Jan BourdeauWaboose), Dragonfly Kites (written by Thomson Highway),

 

and One Hockey Night (written by DavidWard). He has been nominated for

numerous awards, including the Governor General’s Literary Award, the Ruth and

Sylvia Schwartz Children’s Literature Award, the Martha Baillie Picture Book

Award, and the Lillian Shepherd Memorial Award. A native of Red Deer, Alberta,

Brian lives in Toronto.

Brian Deines' profile page

Awards

  • Commended, Rocky Mountain Book Award (Alberta Children's Choice)
  • Short-listed, Hackmatack Children's Choice Award (Atlantic Canada)
  • Short-listed, Shining Willow Award (Saskatchewan Young Readers' Choice)
  • Short-listed, Libris Award - Young Reader Book of the Year, Retail Council of Canada
  • Commended, Best Books for Kids and Teens, Canadian Children's Book Centre, Starred Selection

Editorial Reviews

Praise for The Road to Afghanistan:

"A touching and direct story that resonates with personal understanding of what Canadians have done in Afghanistan." —The Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Colonel-in-Chief, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry

"This book really highlights the reality of what many soldiers have gone through during their time in Afghanistan. [It] touched my heart and brought me right back to those hot sunny days in the desert so far away from home and family." —Master Corporal Christopher D. Russell, Canadian Forces Military Police

"The Road to Afghanistan doesn't shy away from the realities of war . . . but [Granfield] balances those descriptions with relatable stories of hope and family bonds." —Quill & Quire

"Granfield's moving narrative is accompanied by Deines' striking images in a story that honours the many Canadian soldiers who have fought in numerous wars in countries far from home. This picture book will help young readers connect with soldiers past and present." —Canadian Children's Book News

"The Road to Afghanistan is a uniquely Canadian story of common soldiers, historical and present-day. With a measured, deeply felt tone, and a quietly surprising ending, this insightful picture book presents the story of a soldier's experience." —CM: Canadian Review of Materials

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