Curriculum Approved Titles

This historical fiction takes up the perspective of a ten year old girl whose father is an Italian “detainee” in Atlantic Canada during the Second World War.

“Palermo uses a familiar YA style that makes the 1940s seem contemporary...The language is vivid...the story's sense of a terrible wrongdoing comes across loud and clear.”
– Quill & Quire.

This novel would make an excellent starting point for student investigations into the principle of equality.

• Finalist for the Red Cedar and Silver Birch Awards
• Finalist, Geoffrey Bilson Award

Ages 8-13

 Reviews

Beaton, Virginia. “Neglected history recounted in children's novel.” Halifax Chronicle-Herald . July 14, 1995. B2.
Fazio, Venera. “At a glance.” Eyetalian (Winter 1996): 30-1.
Garvie, Maureen. Quill & Quire (May 1995).
Jenkinson, Dave. Canadian Children's Literature (July 1996): 66.
Johnston, Ingrid. Resource Links (February 1996): 129.
MacDonald, Cathy. “Keeping the enthusiasm high.” Halifax Daily News . September 8, 1996. 50.
Matthews, Katherine. Children's Book News, Canadian Children's Book Centre 19.1 (Winter 1996): 16.
“Novels with a touch of reality.” Atlantic Books Today (Summer 1995): 13.
“StoryMakers presents 'The Lie That Had To Be' - May 7.” Writers' Federation of Nova Scotia (1995).

*Teacher Resource Guide Available