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Annotated Award-Winning Titles

		Manitoba Young Readers' Choice Award (Manitoba School Library Association) For the favourite Canadian book of Manitoba's young readers No One Must Know Eva Wiseman Toronto: Tundra Books, 2004. 194 p. ISBN 0887766803 Ages 10 to 12
No One Must Know Source

Alexandra is well liked by her classmates. She has many friends, is a good student and a Girl Guide, and attends Catholic Sunday school. Little does she know that she is living in a perfect world created especially for her by her parents.

When Jacob moves to town, Alexandra's world slowly begins to unravel. Why do other students treat him differently? How do her parents know about Shabbos dinner and mezuzahs, when all she knows about are crosses and confirmations? Why do they forbid her to see him? Why does her mother hide photographs of her family in a drawer? Why does her mother get migraines when asked about the war? What secret can her parents be hiding from her?

Gradually, as her questions are answered, Alexandra realizes that the real costs involved in denying who you are far outweigh any perceived gains. This gentle story about the quest for self-discovery and identity, and the choices that such a journey involves, also brings to light the value of true friendship and respect for others.

–AC

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