{"title":"Books for Schools","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"9781771624145","title":"Beast : A Novel","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch6\u003eDescription\u003c\/h6\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReturning to his favourite setting of Fort Simmer, Northwest Territories, Richard Van Camp brings his exuberant style to a captivating teen novel that blends the supernatural with 1980s-era nostalgia to reflect on friendship, tradition and forgiveness.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: black;\"\u003eFor as long as Lawson can remember, his life in a small Northwest Territories town has revolved around “the Treaty” between the Dogrib and the Chipewyan, set down centuries ago to prevent the return of bloody warfare between the two peoples.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: black;\"\u003eOn the Dogrib side, Lawson and his family have done their best to keep the pact alive with the neighbouring Cranes, a family with ancestral ties to a revered Chipewyan war chief. But even as Lawson and his father dutifully tidy the Cranes’ property as an act of respect, their counterparts offer little more than scowls and derision in return, despite the fact that both families are responsible for protecting the treaty.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: black;\"\u003eWorse still, it seems that one of the Cranes’ boys is doing all he can to revive the old conflict: Silver, fresh out of jail, has placed himself in the service of a cruel, ghoulish spirit bent on destroying the peace. Now it’s up to Isaiah Valentine, a Cree Grass Dancer, Shari Burns, a Metis psychic, and Lawson Sauron, a Dogrib Yabati—or protector—to face what Silver Cranes has called back.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: black;\"\u003eThis latest feat of storytelling magic by celebrated author Richard Van Camp blends sharply observed realism and hair-raising horror as it plays out against a 1980s-era backdrop replete with Platinum Blonde songs and episodes of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem style=\"color: black;\"\u003eDegrassi Junior High\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: black;\"\u003e. Unfolding in the fictional town of Fort Simmer—the setting of previous Van Camp stories—\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem style=\"color: black;\"\u003eBeast\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: black;\"\u003e delivers a gripping, spirited tale that pits the powers of tradition against the pull of a vengeful past.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrize(s): Short-listed Foreword INDIES (YA) (2024), Winner NorthWords NWT, Youth Category (2025), Nominated Forest of Reading, White Pine Award (2025), Short-listed Governor General’s Literary Awards (2025), Short-listed R. Ross Annett Award for Children’s Literature (2026) \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e“\u003ci\u003eBeast\u003c\/i\u003e is a singular force. It’s the offspring of \u003ci\u003eStranger Things\u003c\/i\u003e, Stephen King, and vintage Van Camp. Rich in lore, terror, pop culture, and traditional knowledge, this novel is a page-turning, spine-tingling delight.”\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e–David A. Robertson, author of \u003ci\u003eThe Barren Grounds\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e“\u003ci\u003eBeast\u003c\/i\u003e by Richard Van Camp is an enthralling blend of horror and heritage, set against the evocative backdrop of the Northwest Territories. This young adult novel follows Lawson, a Tłı̨chǫ (Dogrib) warrior, as he faces a malevolent spirit threatening his community. Infused with ’80s nostalgia, Van Camp’s chilling and lyrical prose creates a dark tapestry where youthful innocence clashes with primordial evils. \u003ci\u003eBeast\u003c\/i\u003e is a spellbinding journey that will worm its way into the darkest corners of your mind, lingering long after the last page is turned.”\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e–Shane Hawk, editor of \u003ci\u003eNever Whistle at Night\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Richard Van Camp’s \u003ci\u003eBeast\u003c\/i\u003e takes us deep into the heart of the Northwest Territories. There, against the backdrop of the 1980s, tradition and supernatural forces collide as Van Camp—as always—masterfully weaves a tale of friendship, duty, and the haunting legacies of the past. Lawson’s journey to uphold a centuries-old peace treaty is compelling and profound, making \u003ci\u003eBeast\u003c\/i\u003e a standout in contemporary young adult fiction. Van Camp’s storytelling is vivid and chilling, seizing the essence of a community grappling with its history and the unknown. \u003ci\u003eBeast\u003c\/i\u003e is another testament to Van Camp’s exceptional longevity and talent as a writer. Van Camp has blessed us with another must-read, one filled with a story so indelibly crafted that years later, we will all undoubtedly recall this work as a memory, an experience.”\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e–Morgan Talty, national bestselling author of \u003ci\u003eNight of the Living Rez\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eFire Exit: A Novel\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Reading Richard Van Camp is like coming home. It’s like pushing your chair back from the family dinner table with a full belly, sore face from laughing and eager ears still hungry for more stories. No one does horror, and no one does a funny, awkward, gangly teen hero, like Richard Van Camp. Is \u003ci\u003eBeast\u003c\/i\u003e like the Indigenous \u003ci\u003eStranger Things\u003c\/i\u003e?! Kind of, but also with Ceremony, community, and even more metal! This book is as cool as an Iron Maiden album cover. It’s the literary equivalent of Corey Hart and Sebastian Bach having a baby. This book is like a mixed tape with lots of AC\/DC. I love this book!”\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e–katherena vermette, author of \u003ci\u003eA Girl Called Echo\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e“With canny references to Indigenous and Métis languages, practices, and traditions throughout, Van Camp creates an intimacy and shared experience with the reader … Van Camp’s world is one of medicine and magic where the power of relationships and the coming together of traditions trumps the will of the individual who would destroy everything for personal gain.”\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e–Christina Barber, \u003ci\u003eThe Seaboard Review\u003c\/i\u003e, November 2024\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e“With so many well-known and well-loved stories, Van Camp’s reputation precedes him in a way that seems difficult to continue living up to. Yet, with each new offering, Van Camp reminds us of his remarkable gift for storytelling. \u003ci\u003eBeast\u003c\/i\u003e is no exception … Set in the 1980s, with each chapter titled after an iconic ’80s song, \u003ci\u003eBeast\u003c\/i\u003e immediately comes alive with a classic, coming-of-age narrative that has a bittersweet sense of nostalgia, while also appealing to fans of the more recent period pieces, such as \u003ci\u003eStranger Things\u003c\/i\u003e. Following the energetic pace of vintage synth pop, \u003ci\u003eBeast\u003c\/i\u003e hits the ground running, and Van Camp wastes no time getting into the action … Like most of Van Camp’s novels, the setting swiftly becomes the star of the show … His rich cultural and geographical knowledge lends the story an immense level of detail that helps those—me, for one—who have never visited the Northwest Territories feel at home … The novel is written with a character voice that is warm, welcoming, and impossible to put down. Not only does Van Camp’s writing bring forward the conversational tone of oral storytelling, but he balances this with the awkward, uncomfortable thoughts and feelings of a teenage boy. The result is a protagonist who is brave, charming, foolish, and dorky, like many teenage boys … the most stunning thing about \u003ci\u003eBeast\u003c\/i\u003e is how full of heart the story manages to be ... a story that is equal parts painful and profound. \n\nThe experience of reading \u003ci\u003eBeast\u003c\/i\u003e reminded me of catching up with loved ones, heading home later into the night than expected with a sore face from talking and a chest full to bursting with care and appreciation for those around me. \u003ci\u003eBeast\u003c\/i\u003e is a book I itch to share with anyone who will listen—not just like-minded readers who enjoy a good book, or those horror fanatics who always welcome a scare. \u003ci\u003eBeast\u003c\/i\u003e is a story with a lot of heart—and we’ve all got one of those.”\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e–Zoe McKenna, \u003ci\u003eThe British Columbia Review\u003c\/i\u003e, October 2024\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Tłı̨chǫ Dene author Richard Van Camp’s new novel \u003ci\u003eBeast\u003c\/i\u003e is a strange and wonderful reading experience … a gifted storyteller with a unique and compelling authorial voice … This novel is a remarkably fluent and effective use of the genre conventions to inform a story of profound human depth and meaning … Like the best young adult work, this is accessible to readers of all ages and will reward the adult as well as the teen audience … This is a book that will move, inform and change readers whether they enjoy it in middle school or the old folks home.”\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e–Tom Sandborn, \u003ci\u003eThe Vancouver Sun\u003c\/i\u003e (Postmedia), December 7, 2024\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch6\u003eDetails \u003c\/h6\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDouglas \u0026amp; McIntyre\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 9781771624145\u003cbr\u003ePaperback \/ softback\u003cbr\u003e5.5 in x 8.5 in - 312 pp\u003cbr\u003ePublication Date: 12\/10\/2024\u003cbr\u003eBISAC Subject(s): YOUNG ADULT FICTION \/ Thrillers \u0026amp; Suspense \/ Supernatural,YOUNG ADULT FICTION \/ Indigenous \/ General,YOUNG ADULT FICTION \/ Horror \u003cbr\u003e ","brand":"Douglas \u0026 McIntyre","offers":[{"title":"Paperback \/ softback","offer_id":44602822951170,"sku":"9781771624145","price":24.95,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0469\/8229\/9803\/files\/9781771624145.jpg?v=1775499224"},{"product_id":"9781771624183","title":"The Animal People Choose a Leader","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch6\u003eDescription\u003c\/h6\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAccompanied by award-winning illustrator Bridget George’s luminous artwork, this tradition-steeped story from renowned author Richard Wagamese meditates on the unifying powers of wisdom, kindness and respect with all the visionary clarity of our most essential legends.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe unmistakable voice of revered Ojibway author Richard Wagamese returns with this moving tale, beautifully illustrated by original work from Anishinaabe artist Bridget George.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe story unfolds in a “Long Ago Time” when animals of all kinds share a common language and gather to solemnly consider which of them should be their leader. After hearing boasts about the qualities of the candidates—Horse’s fleetness, Buffalo’s stamina, Cougar’s patience, Wolverine’s stealth—the conference decides to settle the matter with a race between the challengers around a foreboding mountaintop lake. And there will be one more contestant of the most unlikely sort: a small, charmingly humble rabbit named Waabooz, whose chances are considered slim by all.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the action that follows, described with the piercing clarity and richness of any great legend, Wagamese and George gracefully convey the limits of physical force and the quietly irresistible energies of humility, empathy and a loving attachment to the land. Unforgettable for its lyrical power and poignant message, \u003cem\u003eThe Animal People Choose a Leader\u003c\/em\u003e is yet another example of the late author’s unique gifts as a storyteller, and a welcome reminder of his honoured place in Canadian writing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e  \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch6\u003eDetails \u003c\/h6\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDouglas \u0026amp; McIntyre\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 9781771624183\u003cbr\u003eHardback\u003cbr\u003e10.25 in x 9.25 in - 32 pp\u003cbr\u003ePublication Date: 12\/10\/2024\u003cbr\u003eBISAC Subject(s): JUV083010-JUVENILE FICTION \/ Indigenous \/ Animal Stories,JUV030090-JUVENILE FICTION \/ Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island,JUV030140-JUVENILE FICTION \/ Indigenous \/ Teachings \u003cbr\u003e ","brand":"Douglas \u0026 McIntyre","offers":[{"title":"Hardback","offer_id":44602823049474,"sku":"9781771624183","price":24.95,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0469\/8229\/9803\/files\/AnimalPeopleChooseaLeader_RGB300.jpg?v=1749687545"},{"product_id":"9781771624497","title":"The Inquisitive Raven","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch6\u003eDescription\u003c\/h6\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShare in a raven’s sense of wonder as this gorgeous picture book brings Richard Wagamese’s wisdom to young audiences.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Rueben was an inquisitive raven. Of course, all ravens are inquisitive, but Rueben was a notch above even the most curious bird.” So begins a story by beloved author Richard Wagamese, about a raven that has the whole forest talking. Some think he is nosy, but really, he is in a state of utter amazement at the world. He suggests new designs for the beavers’ dams, imitates the blue herons’ one-legged stance as they spear minnows, and squawks in glee at the sight of the bears emerging from hibernation. When he sees an eagle soaring high in the sky, he tries to soar just as high, in order to earn the other animals’ respect—only to learn that respect is not something one earns, but something one carries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is yet another example from Richard Wagamese about the power of storytelling. 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Uninterested in booze or sports, he floats on the edges of high school life, sustained by his love of Iron Maiden and a hopeless crush on Juliet Hope.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen good-looking, trouble-seeking Johnny Beck moves to town, he upends Larry’s dreamy existence, leading him into a new world of parties and fights, and pushing him to stand up for himself, bringing Larry face to face with memories he’s worked hard to lose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis expanded 30th anniversary edition includes two bonus short stories featuring Larry Sole and a playlist of songs curated by the author.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrize(s): Long-listed CBC Canada Reads (2020) \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e“I believe in very few things yet \u003ci\u003eThe Lesser Blessed\u003c\/i\u003e, as dark as it is bright, is the only book I’ve ever read that had me thinking a paradise exists.”\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e–Morgan Talty, \u003ci\u003ePeople\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch6\u003eDetails \u003c\/h6\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDouglas \u0026amp; McIntyre\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 9781771624770\u003cbr\u003ePaperback \/ softback\u003cbr\u003e5.5 in x 8.5 in - 184 pp\u003cbr\u003ePublication Date: 30\/09\/2026\u003cbr\u003eBISAC Subject(s): FICTION \/ Coming of Age,FICTION \/ Literary \u003cbr\u003e ","brand":"Douglas \u0026 McIntyre","offers":[{"title":"Paperback \/ softback","offer_id":47664672473346,"sku":"9781771624770","price":22.95,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0469\/8229\/9803\/files\/9781771624770.jpg?v=1787958771"}],"url":"https:\/\/douglas-mcintyre.com\/collections\/books-for-scjools.oembed","provider":"Douglas \u0026 McIntyre","version":"1.0","type":"link"}