Winner of the 2009 Atlantic Book Award for Best Atlantic Published Book, and the Lillian Shepherd Memorial Award for Excellence in Illustration.
A positive, heartwarming portrayal of Preston past and present. This touching poem from spoken-word artist, poet and CBC Radio personality Shauntay Grant portrays the Nova Scotian community of Preston. Short, staccato lines, musicality and the use of real, spoken language, and Susan Tooke's breathtaking illustrations using real models from the community, combine in a sensory experience that is sure to wow readers of all ages. Grant's memories of growing up reflect a magical place where landscape, food, history and, most of all, people come together in a community filled with love and beauty. A powerful story with positive images of one of Nova Scotia's most important black communities.
Shauntay Grant is a writer, journalist, and spoken-word performer with roots in North Preston, Nova Scotia. Her poetry and music have been featured nationally on CBC Radio, CBC TV, and Vision TV. Shauntay is a founder of the Word Iz Bond Spoken Word Artists' Collective, and as a spoken-word performer, she has shared her poetry at festivals and events across Canada and internationally. She is the host of CBC Radio-Two's "All the Best." Shauntay lives in Halifax.
Susan Tooke is an award-winning artist whose work has been exhibited across North America. She has illustrated numerous books for children, including Free as the Wind, A Fiddle for Angus and Brave Jack and the Unicorn. In 2003, she received the Halifax Mayor's Award for Illustration for Full Moon Rising, as well as the Lillian Sheppard Memorial Award for Excellence in Illustration. Born in New Jersey, she is a long-time resident of Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Reviews:
"Up Home is an absolute treasure...a masterpiece." — Canadian Materials
"Grant's child-centered point of view (in Up Home) is as refreshing as a freezie on a hot summer's day. Four thumbs up for Up Home, which will inspire childrens everywhere to discuss what makes their community special, what they will remember."