Alison Acheson – författare

Molly's Cue is a story of growing up only to discover that things aren't the way you always thought they were; but with persistence there's more than one way to reach for the stars. For always and EVER, Molly Gumley has wanted to be on stage, has imagined and dreamed of life as an actor. That's because Grand, her grandmother, filled Molly with colourful stories of theatre life, and with her faith in what she saw as Molly's destiny. But as Molly enters high school, Grand is no longer in her life. She's left to pursue the dream on her own. High school, with a real stage and a real drama teacher, is the next step to Molly and Grand's shared dream -- life is finally going to begin. Molly auditions for a school play, certain of the lead role. She is going to shine! But then she runs into a roadblock that threatens everything, making her question her lifelong dream. With a cast of interesting and unforgettable supporting characters, Molly's Cue will appeal to all young adults trying to find their place in life's stage. Humourous and poignant, Alison has created a compelling novel that will appeal to many. "e;The relationships in Molly's Cue are real, gritty, and teens who enjoy stories of friendship and families will enjoy this book. A sure hit with teens who are into drama and theatre, Acheson's novel illustrates the ups and downs of having a dream, struggling to realize it, and coming to terms with disappointment if things don't quite work out. Molly's struggles to accept change and feelings of unrealized expectations will resonate with teens who are going through transition in their own lives. Recommended."e; CM Magazine"e;Molly's Cue fills a niche in children's literature similar to the one Jane Austen's Emma (1815) fills for adults. Like Emma, Molly has it all: she is confident, talented, and sure of her future. Like Emma, Molly needs to learn to respect others for their abilties...and to understand how she can best contribute to the world around her...The characters are heartwarmingly real; their troubles are expressed sympathetically, in a manner that is not overwhelmingly angst-inducing...A positive and strong voice for the artistic child reader to hear."e; Resource Links"e;The story's strength is the way the trapped adults articulate poignant truths about their lives."e; Kirkus Reviews"e;A great read for teens who may be encountering speed bumps on the road of life...Readers will enjoy journeying with Molly as she misses her cue, time and again, only to finally find the right path and begin to develop her own identity."e; Canadian Teacher A Vancouver Sun "e;Editor's choice"e; July 31, 2010

For ages 7-11 Feenie Bailey lives with her family in a floathome community on the Fraser River, a salty and tidal river in the most southwestern part of Canada. In the middle of a stormy summer night, a boat turns up by the Baileys' dock, with a little old dog on board. Then another dog goes missing. Later another turns up. The dogs are a motley collection: one is ancient, another has an injury, and the third has only three legs. Who would want these dogs? Feenie has a growing list of suspects, but this being-a-detective stuff is new. She's always wanted to be a detective, just like the books she reads, dealing with details and clues! But the worst thing about being a detective? Having to be suspicious of people! It's easy to put the neighborhood "e;grumpy old man"e; on the suspect list, along with Terence Kowalski, school bully, and even Michael Elliot, the scary young entrepreneur. But Mimi Zwick, art teacher extraordinaire, has to be on the list, too...and that's a bit unsettling. Feenie needs to find the truth, especially about her neighbor's missing dog. Feenie and her friend Trixa hold a stakeout and set a trap. They need to find WHO before any other furry ones go missing...

Mud Girlfor ages 13 and up Abi - Aba Zytka Jones lives with her dad in an odd little house that hangs over the Fraser River in British Columbia, Canada. Her mom took off a year ago. In his own way, so did her dad. Abi doesn't fit in, never has, and she has questions.Jude - the cute guy from the paint shop - starts to take an interest. Then Abi meets hiw two-year-old son, Dyl. The questions get even more complicated.Ernestine - is she there to help Abi - or her dad?Can Abi find the answers?