Shari Green Wins David Booth Poetry Award
The Canadian Children's Book Centre recognized the author for her novel in verse, Song of Freedom, Song of Dreams.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Books
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Author Shari Green received the David Booth Children's and Youth Poetry Award for her novel in verse, Song of Freedom, Song of Dreams. The recognition came as part of a national event in Toronto honouring excellence in children's literature.
Why it matters
The award highlights the cultural significance of Canadian children's literature and celebrates works that engage young readers through complex stylistic choices. The jury specifically praised the novel for its evocative and taut free verse.
The Canadian Children's Book Centre presented six national children's literature prizes during the gala. Song of Freedom, Song of Dreams has previously secured the Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People and was a finalist for the Governor General's Literary Award.
The players
Shari Green
An author based in Campbell River who writes verse novels for young readers.
The Canadian Children's Book Centre
A national organization that promotes Canadian literature for young people and administers various literary prizes.
The details
The book, published by Andrews McMeel Publishing, is set in East Germany and explores its themes through a distinct verse format. Shari Green, who is based in Campbell River, was selected by a jury that commended the narrative's stylistic execution.
Timeline
The awards were presented at a gala in Toronto on October 26, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This award win follows a pattern established by the Governor General's Literary Award in elevating recognized Canadian literary voices. Such national recognition underscores the ongoing efforts of organizations to spotlight domestic authors amidst a competitive landscape for youth literature.
Readers interested in the award-winning work can find the book through major retailers and local libraries. The recognition by the Canadian Children's Book Centre typically increases the availability of the title in school curricula and youth reading programmes.
The takeaway
Literary awards serve as a vital marker for high-quality reading material in an increasingly crowded book market. Parents and educators can use these honours to identify acclaimed works that offer both historical depth and artistic merit for young readers.
Further reading
Discover more about the latest developments in Books from across the country.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Campbell River Mirror.
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