Schools
Discover these family friendly novels recommended by your peers
Note: Please refer to the revolving banner above for illustrations of these book covers.
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 historical novels 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 in addition to no sex or graphic violence as mentioned above. 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 (yet 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 since 1916 (including TVs and remote controls). Entertaining and historical. G9+
Race for a Treasure - set in modern day, an English family search for genealogical information (in England) which they hope will lead them to the location of an early 18th century Spanish ship carrying gold treasure. This novel has become a favourite with male readers especially, of all ages. It contains more than enough adventure to keep teen boys interested as the family travels from South of England to Spain, Portugal and Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. G8+
Yesterdays, A Collection of Short Stories - a random selection of short stories suitable for G8 and up, including two historically correct (Victoria BC), ghost stories and many lessons for life. The second half of the book is a lively western with a handsome young cowboy, multi-culturalism and a physically handicapped young woman who inherits the family homestead. 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 14 years of writing/editing/publishing experience enjoys sharing her knowledge and expertise on the joys, pitfalls and rewards of writing and self-publishing. She has spoken to all levels of school groups, service clubs and guested at private events.
As Mr. Whittle’s schedule is currently very busy from Spring until October, his available time for school visits is limited to Jan/Feb/March.
Fees apply dependant on length of visit, distance travelled and permission to sell their books at the venue.
To discuss having the author(s) visit your school, contact us for more details or call Joyce direct at 250-477-0192 to discuss your needs.
