Here, as provided by Andrea Deakin (who has also added descriptive notes), is the shortlist for the 2004 Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People:
Kevin Major: Ann and Seamus (Groundwood Books)
an historical novel written in poetic form.
Alternating poems from Ann and Seamus( a fictional character) describe the wreck of an Irish immigrant ship and Ann's courage and strength as an oarsman which was responsible for saving more than 160 lives.
Brian Doyle: Boy O'Boy (Groundwood Books)
During the last days of World War 11 Martin lives a difficult life in a troubled home. He does, however, own a cat, enjoy a best friend, and live next door to a hero. More trouble lies ahead, for when he and Billy join the church choir the organist appears to become very attached to Martin.
Jean Little: Brothers Far from Home:The World War 1 Diary of Eliza Bates (Scholastic Books)
the World War 1 diary of Eliza. It has been two years since Hugo, her older brother, went away to war. Now brother Jack too has enlisted, and Eliza longs for her brothers' safe return.
Priscilla Galloway: The Courtesan's Daughter (Penguin Canada)
set in ancient Athens.
Phano is of age to marry, and content with Theo's courtship. Her father has always told her that her mother died in childbirth. He has remarried Nera,"the most famous courtesan in Corinth". Now Theo's opponents, sensing scandal, are trying to embarass the young man in an attempt to cripple his political career. Priscilla Galloway has based her novel on an actual recorded court case.
Ted Stenhopuse: A Dirty Deed (Kids Can Press)
Set in 1952 in a small Canadian town, "Dirty Deed" deals with deception
and prejudice. Will and Arthur, a Blackfoot Indian, face up to the town
evil-doer, Howe, as he persecutes a young Indian, Catface.
