Winner of the IODE National Chapter Award, and a Horn Book Fanfare Top Ten List selection
In this brillant and poetic novel, Brian Doyle returns to the Gatineau River near Ottawa, the world of his novels Up to Low and Uncle Ronald.
Mary Ann Alice McCrank was named for the pretty church bell in the steeple of St. Martin's Church in the Martindale. She has the soul of a poet and Mickey McGuire Jr. is in love with her. Mary Ann Alice is passionately interested in many things, especially the geology of her part of the world. Her teacher, the wonderful Patchy Drizzle, shares her passion for rocks and fossils, many of which can be found along the river and in caves under the famous Paugan Falls.
But a new project to dam the river at Low places rocks, fossils, falls as well as many farms in danger. The dam must go ahead. And, as with much technological change, it brings both benefits and tragedies to the community.
Winner of the IODE National Chapter Award, and a Horn Book Fanfare Top Ten List selection
In this brillant and poetic novel, Brian Doyle returns to the Gatineau River near Ottawa, the world of his novels Up to Low and Uncle Ronald.
Mary Ann Alice McCrank was named for the pretty church bell in the steeple of St. Martin's Church in the Martindale. She has the soul of a poet and Mickey McGuire Jr. is in love with her. Mary Ann Alice is passionately interested in many things, especially the geology of her part of the world. Her teacher, the wonderful Patchy Drizzle, shares her passion for rocks and fossils, many of which can be found along the river and in caves under the famous Paugan Falls.
But a new project to dam the river at Low places rocks, fossils, falls as well as many farms in danger. The dam must go ahead. And, as with much technological change, it brings both benefits and tragedies to the community.
| Published By | Groundwood Books Ltd — Sep 1, 2001 |
| Specifications | 168 pages | 5.06 in x 7.56 in |
| Keywords | Action & Adventure; Love & Romance; Girls & Women; award winner; |
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Supporting Resources
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Excerpt |
| Written By | Brian Doyle is the award-winning author of many beloved children's books. He lives in Chelsea, Quebec. |
| Written By |
| Brian Doyle is the award-winning author of many beloved children's books. He lives in Chelsea, Quebec. |
| Audience | ages 9 to 13 / grades 4 to 8 |
| Reading Levels | Lexile 810L |
Winner, IODE National Chapter Award, 2002
Winner, Leishman Prize, 2002
Short-listed, Sask. Book Awards - Children's Literature, 2002
Winner, Riverbank Review Children's Books w/ Distinction, 2003
Short-listed, Governor General's Literary Awards: Text, 2001
Long-listed, Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People, 2002
Long-listed, Mr. Christie's Silver Seal Award, 2002
Long-listed, Ruth Schwartz Award, 2002
“...the writing is pretty near perfect, spare and evocative. In Mary Ann Alice, Doyle has created a wonderful hero with an unforgettable voice.” —Quill & Quire, STARRED REVIEW
“...a most welcome return to familiar territory...It would never be too soon to have more about Mary Ann Alice.” —Globe and Mail
“...an affecting and entertaining story...” —Teacher Magazine
“Doyle at his best - which is very good indeed.” —Horn Book, STARRED REVIEW
“Doyle is clearly in his element, enlivening a slice of regional history with his own tall tales.” —Riverbank Review
“Doyle, a fearless and exhilarating writer, negotiates the novel's eddies and swirls with unerring control.” —Horn Book
“The story's a small masterpiece, and Doyle...ranks right up there with the best of Canadian writers - for children or grownups.” —Toronto Star