Books with author Rachna Gilmore

A CLA Book of the Year for Children Award Honour-Book and finalist for the Silver Birch and Red Cedar awardsIt's the Depression, but Red's family is managing better than most on their Prince Edward Island farm. Hard working and resourceful, they have enough to eat and to help others, even if at times they are mocked by their neighbours for putting education ahead of farm work. Eleven-year-old Red, with his preference for woodworking, doesn't always shine at school, but he can't slack off-his older sister, Ellen, is the local teacher, and she simply won't tolerate it.But when Red's father is injured, the family's situation looks dire. Red must step up to the challenge to finish the tobacco boxes that his father makes and help shovel out a train stuck in the snow. Stubborn, even pig-headed, Red makes many mistakes along the way, landing himself in the midst of some hair-raising and hilarious adventures involving horses, lost sisters, outhouses and even airplanes. But in this gem of a novel-a CCBC Best Books for Kids and Teens selection and Girl Guides of Canada Book Club pick-the hero's heart is always in the right place.

Dilly can’t believe her eyes. That new kid, Gedion―Sulky-face― is shoplifting from her family’s store, and her mother is just letting it happen. No wonder her parents can’t afford to buy her those special hockey skates she’s always wanted. But as soon as Dilly tells on Gedion, she realizes that some things are better left unsaid. Gedion’s father has just lost his job, and he has to put back some groceries to pay for the chocolate bars his son has stolen. To make up for her thoughtless action, Dilly comes up with the most fabulous, beautiful, wonderful idea: she’ll throw a Christmas party for Gedion and his parents, just like the ones Gedion’s father said they used to have in the old country.With her best friends on board, Dilly’s plan grows and grows. Soon the whole community is involved―from pipsqueak Simon to Dilly’s grandmother, a.k.a. the Great White Hen―with some hilarious and unexpected results. But has the party become too big? How will they raise all the money they need without Dilly having to dip into her own savings for those hockey skates she’s been yearning for? With Sulky-face always glaring at her, Dilly wonders why she’s bothering in the first place.