Local writer Kathleen Cherry's latest novel has been shortlisted for the 2017 BC Book Prizes, for the Sheila A. Egoff Children's Literature Prize, awarded to the best non-illustrated book written for children.
Her book, Everyday Hero, follows the journey of a girl with Aspergers, Alice. Alice makes a new friend, Megan, and when Megan runs away, Alice resolves to help her friend and find her.
Cherry said that through her work as a school councillor, and now school psychologist in Kitimat, she worked with children on the Aspergers and Autism spectrum, which gave her experience and insight into the challenges that those students face. She describes Everyday Hero as a show of resilience.
"Anybody can be a hero," she said, "Anyone can be brave, and persevere, even when things are difficult in whatever area that takes," she added.
The book is Cherry's second published work, the first being a children's picture book, Blowing Bubbles, written to help children understand the ageing of their older relatives.
The BC Book Prizes were established in 1985, and celebrate the achievements of BC writers and publishers, according to their website.
Cherry will be going on a book tour in honour of her nomination, and will be presenting in northern communities from April 25 to 28.
Everyday Hero is also a finalist in the Forest of Trees Competition which is organized through the Ontario Library Association. Cherry will be in both Toronto and Sault Ste Marie in May as part of that competition.
You can learn more about Cherry and her books on her website, kathleencherry.ca.