Schools
Discover these family friendly novels recommended by your peers
Many teachers across Canada and the USA have already experienced the educational benefits of our bestselling and award-winning Victoria Chronicles, the inspiration their students receive from the Lizzie Series, and the fun their new readers delight in when discovering our entertaining Moonbeam Series. We are also aware of many teachers in Canada and the USA who either utilize our books in their classrooms for studies in Social Studies and English Lit and/or read them aloud to their students.
We’ve also been told that some of our books are now on AR lists. We hope you can take a few minutes to discover our popular, entertaining and educational books, too.
Our books contain NO sex, graphic violence or modern swearing! The list below is set out from youngest to oldest reader although all our books are also read by adults, who make up approx. 65% of our readership!
Moonbeam Series - two fairy stories set in Fairyland, a fantasy set in a land among the stars where fairies and leprechauns become moonbeam riders so they can help Earth children solve their problems. There are many old-fashioned lessons about respecting elders, appreciating your friends, having confidence in yourself, etc. Fun and non-scary read-aloud books for G1-3 with G2/3 vocabulary.
Lizzie Series - set in early 19th century England during the Napoleonic Wars, Industrial Revolution and Age of Steam. The main characters progress from juveniles (ages 8-12 in Book 1), to young adults (ages 12-16 in Books 2-3) and as adults on the brink of exciting new lives in Book 4. They are superb read-aloud books for G3-7, Book 1 has been reported to be recommended reading for 1st Year Univ. English Lit at UVIC, Malaspina, Camosun and UNBC. Educational, inspirational and entertaining. G8/9+
Victoria Chronicles - trilogy of novels set in real history from 1900-1919 with approx. 70% real characters from the Pacific Northwest. These books are as close to fiction as novels can be. They are the first novels to be endorsed by the Victoria Archives. Books 1 and 2 are Canadian Bestsellers and Book 3 won an Independent Publisher (IPPY) Gold Medal in 2007.
Some historical events covered are the Canadian Gold Rushes, end of whaling industry on Pacific Coast, WW1, Prohibition, rum running on Pacific Coast and Spanish Influenza Epidemic of 1918-19. This series has absolutely NO swearing. Real history, events and characters. G8/9+
Whispers Across Time - another historical novel set in 1916 but with more frivolous content. Written to mainly entertain, there is still a great deal of real historical content. Oliver Ryan, is a lonely and bored journalist from Seattle, WA who works in 1916 Victoria, BC. One night he is mysteriously drawn to the Ross Bay Cemetery where he meets some of the resident spirits. He soon realizes they have had some fun with him turning him into a mortal angel. He is given a Guardian Angel and learns he can time-travel, do good deeds, and talk to ghosts from different periods of history. A wonderful (platonic) romance with a female teacher from present day, Everett, WA, adds a modern setting with Oliver in unfamiliar territory discovering how the world has changed (including TVs and remote controls). Entertaining and historical. G9+
Race for a Treasure - set in modern day, an English family search for genealogical information that could lead them to the location of an early 18th century Spanish ship carrying gold treasure. A favourite with men and teen boys, this novel contains more than enough adventure to keep teenage boys interested as the family travels from South of England to Spain, Portugal and British Columbia, Canada. G8+
Yesterdays, A Collection of Short Stories - a random selection of short stories suitable for G8 and up. The second half of the book is an old-fashioned western with cowboys, multi-culturalism, a physically handicapped young woman (the heroine) and many life lessons. Also incl. 2 historically correct (Victoria BC), ghost stories. G8+
School Visits
Joyce Sandilands is the author of the Moonbeam Series for K-3 classes and enjoys visiting this age group to share her stories. When her husband, bestselling novelist, J. Robert Whittle is available (see details below), they visit schools together. Mr. Whittle is a popular speaker with Middle and High School classes.
Miss Sandilands, having had 13 years of writing/editing/publishing experience and enjoys sharing her knowledge and expertise on the joys, pitfalls and rewards of writing and self-publishing.
As Mr. Whittle’s schedule is very busy from Spring until October, at this time, his available time for school visits is limited to Jan/Feb/March.
Fees apply dependant on time needed and distance travelled starting at $75 for a local visit (Victoria, Oak Bay, Saanich etc.).
To discuss having the author(s) visit your school, contact us for more details or call Joyce direct at 250-477-0192.