Seeking Shelter, a novel for readers nine and up, is a sensitive and moving story of a young girl's struggle to recover from the death of her mother. When her dad lands an assignment in the States, thirteen-year-old Marcie Chisholm is sent to the Crieffs, friends and former neighbours in Montreal, for the summer. Armed with a backpack, the violin her father insists she take, and a heart full of longing and memories, Marcie sets out for the city where she was born.

It's been four yearssince her mother died in Montreal, and this is Marcie's first trip back. Almost at once, problems arise - everything from the sight of her old home to getting along with her former best friend, Daniella Crieff. Marcie soon encounters Renée, a homeless woman who is slumped in a bus shelter. She later sees a security guard throw Renée out of a mall. Marcie feels drawn to this destitute woman. But why?

As the turbulent weeks progress, Marcie begins to make friends, swims races, and even enters herformer home. But is this new found courage enough for her to face her worst fear? Marcie must find the answer when she discovers Renée face down in the shelter. If she is to help Renée, Marcie must somehow come to terms with her past.

Catherine Goodwin's profile page

Catherine Goodwin is the author of several short stories, including "The Ballot," published in the Ronsdale YA historical anthology, Beginnings: Stories of Canada's Past. Her short story "Emily's Problem" was selected as the 2003 fiction contest winner for Pockets Magazine. She also writes and edits English second language textbooks and has written articles for newspapers and magazines. Seeking Shelter is Goodwin's first YA novel. Originally from Montreal, Goodwin now lives with her family in London, Ontario, where she spends her time writing and teaching.

Seeking Shelter

Thirteen-year-old Marcie is sent by her father to stay at the house of an old friend in Montreal, where the family used to live. Marcie’s father is busy working in the US for the summer and Marcie’s mother died four years before, just before the family moved away from Montreal. The old friend does not seem very glad to see her and Marcie must cope with this as well as try to come to terms with the loss of her mother. Befriending a homeless woman who stays in a nearby bus shelter helps Marcie cope, as does playing her violin. This is a touching story of loss, friendship and recovery.

Seeking Shelter

Marcie encounters a homeless woman in Montreal, and is forced to come to terms with her mother’s death. A moving story that deals with loss, grief and courage.