Middle Grade Novels
Because of That Crow
Shortlisted for a 2021 Saskatchewan Book Award (the Edna and G. Murray Forbes Foundation Award)
“Highly Recommended 5/5 Stars”
— CM Magazine
“Beverley Brenna has written a rich, complex story that will help youngsters discover important things about themselves and those around them. The writing is beautiful, the story compelling, and the characters fully developed and engaging. It’s short, sweet, and a real winner.
“5/5 stars”
— Manhattan Book Review
Sapphire the Great and the Meaning of Life
Winner of the 2021 Joan Betty Stuchner—Oy Vey!—Funniest Children’s Book Award
First Place Winner, Fiction, Indie Book Awards, 2021
“This slice-of-life Canadian import is more than just another I want to get a pet tale.”
— Kirkus Review
“Alternating narrators Jeannie and her pet hamster exude an endearing impetuousness in this novel about family and finding one’s true self….Brenna (The White Bicycle) expands on themes of identity and acceptance by introducing Anna, Jeannie’s mother’s transgender friend, and Robin, the man who is Harvey’s new partner….Fetching portraits of Sapphire by Anderson (Rhino Rumpus) open each chapter.”
— Publishers Weekly
“Sapphire the Great is full of zest….Throughout the novel, the theme of gender-nonconformity is present without being explicitly broken down or didactic….Brenna’s novel also directly challenges young readers to think beyond cisgender norms. These original stories would be very helpful classroom resources to provide an entry point for anti-bias and inclusive language and to open up important conversations on gender, self-identity, and inclusivity.”
— Quill & Quire
“This book exposes children to a variety of family types, and opens the door to discussion in a positive way of these differences. A great addition to any library.”
— Canadian Bookworm
Sapphire the Great was written in consultation with OUTSaskatoon, an organization that supports LGBTQ2S+ people of all ages.
Fox Magic
“A book in which purpose and art intertwine successfully (Fiction. 10-14).”
— Kirkus Review
“Fox Magic is a small book with a big message. In a world where bullying is a significant problem and suicide is a terrifying reality, it is a must-read. It belongs on every juvenile and young-adult bookshelf.”
— Catherine Thureson, Foreword Reviews
“This slim novel packs a powerful punch. Brenna has poignantly captured the voice of a broken and lost young girl, and her difficult path to healing is written with clarity and candour. A touch of magic has been woven in, with Brenna leaving it up to the reader to decide if the fox is real or not.”
— Tracey Schindler, The Canadian Children’s Book News (listing Fox Magic as a Recommended Book)
Falling for Henry
“This book will definitely hold your interest and is truly a great read...5 out of 5 stars.”
— Paige Duncan, National Post
“Tudor England comes alive under Brenna’s meticulous research…Tightly edited and intelligent... Themes of love, loss and self-acceptance should appeal to a variety of fiction and non-fiction readers, from teens to adults.”
— Aliki Tryphonopoulos, Canadian Children’s Book News
The Moon Children
Shortlisted for a Saskatchewan Book Award and a Silver Birch Award from the Ontario Library Association; long-listed for the Children’s Book of the Year by the Canadian Library Association.
“Beverley Brenna has given us a poignant and well-written novel about an unusual friendship between two children, who, despite their differences, are able to give each other hope and encouragement....”
— Ann Shantz, Canadian Children’s Book News
“Once again, Brenna demonstrates her superb ability to present the world as it is seen through the eyes of a central character with special learning needs. Highly Recommended.”
— Dave Jenkinson, CM Magazine
The Keeper of the Trees
Shortlisted for a Saskatchewan Book Award.
“This book, aimed at 8 to 12 year olds, should appeal to readers who like to imagine strange enchanted places and incredible adventures.”
— Helen Norrie, Winnipeg Free Press
“A worthy job, believable characters and story.”
— Beatrice Repp, Kimberly Daily Bulletin
“A first-class story of a young girl’s encounter with an odd old lady, fantastic little horses, and an Otherworld beneath the streets of London.”
— Ted Hainworth, Saskatoon Star Phoenix
Spider Summer
“This mystery novel contains fascinating factual information about tarantulas and piranhas. Students are encouraged to collect information by research and through observation. For ages 8 to 12.”
— Nelson, Canada