Finn is furious when his parents head off on another scientific expedition and he gets stuck with his cantankerous great-grandfather, who clearly doesn’t want him around. Is it because of the secret in the barn? Or the mysterious stranger down by the river?

Awards:

• Winner of the 2014 Gold Moonbeam Award

• Starred selection: Best Books for Kids and Teens, 2014

• Shortlisted, Chocolate Lily Readers’ Choice Award, 2015-16

Reviews:

One of Draper’s greatest achievements is how she seamlessly unrolls the plot of this adventure story-about the 1997 Red River flood disaster-and also spins out a very credible character story. Shelley Leedahl, Blogger

Red River Raging is an excellent realistic read-aloud that is extremely timely considering the flooding seen in Manitoba during the summer of 2014. Highly Recommended. CM Magazine, Vol. XXI, No. 1

The new boy at school is a liar, and maybe a thief. He sure makes life interesting. But can Ella trust him?

Soon enough, a few lies count for nothing. When the worst tornado in history strikes, the question is – who will survive?

Awards:

• Winner: Saskatchewan Book Awards, Publishing in Education 2013

• Silver Medallist, Moonbeam Awards, 2012

• Finalist: Diamond Willow Readers’ Choice Award, 2014

Reviews:

“Penny Draper’s latest instalment in the highly entertaining and educational Disaster Strikes! series tells the story of the deadliest tornado in Canadian history, which killed 28 people and left more than 2,500 homeless when it swept through Regina on June 30, 1912. Draper’s exciting coming-of-age story, featuring a relatable protagonist and set against the backdrop of an historic moment in danger of fading from consciousness, strikes the perfect balance between enthralling and informative.”  Quill and Quire, February 23, 2012

Penny Draper has the voice of a storyteller, and like all good stories, Day of the Cyclone cries to be read out loud. Not only do the voices of the characters ring true, but the voice of the narrator also clearly rings through.  Keith Foster, SPG Review, October 10, 2012

The ice had brought down all the hydro lines. There was no heat, no light, no power and no phones. Mrs. Hartley was sick and Alice’s dad was gone.

“Sophie, I wish you were here. I’m so afraid.”

Awards:

• Winner, Saskatchewan Book Award, Publishing in Education 2012

• Finalist, Manitoba Young Readers’ Choice Award, 2013

• Finalist, Chocolate Lily Readers’ Choice Award, 2013

• Finalist, Red Cedar Readers’ Choice Award, 2013

• Finalist, Diamond Willow Readers’ Choice Award, 2013

• Starred selection: Best Books for Kids and Teens, 2012

Reviews:

“It’s the Storm of the Century and the lives of two cousins, Alice and Sophie, are turned upside-down….In coping with the tragedy, both girls are on a personal journey….Draper does not shy away from the cruel forces at work. There is looting and vandalism; death and destruction. But there is also goodness to be found: the community spirit from the farmers; the help from the American soldiers; and the camaraderie and friendship found at the shelter. Recommended for school and public libraries for independent reading. Another good addition to the Disaster Canada Series.” Resource Links, Volume 16, Number 5

“From dead cows to looting to staying in a shelter, Draper covers the terror and impact of the storm.” Kirkus Reviews, March 1, 2011

When a sixty foot wave comes roaring in from the sea, twelve year old Murphy has just seconds to respond. Can he save his aunt and cousins?

Can he save himself?

Awards:

• Finalist, Manitoba Young Readers’ Choice Award, 2012

Reviews:

A Terrible Roar of Water was a great book. It kept me wanting more right to the end. I was constantly wondering what would happen next. It includes some Newfoundland traditions, as well, which were cool to learn about and was overall historically accurate. I highly suggest reading this action packed book. What If? Magazine, February 23, 2010

Penny Draper once again hits the mark with her latest young adult novel in the Disaster Strikes Series. Draper is a gifted writer who understands how to combine historical facts and fiction. It is obvious that she conducts a great deal of in-depth research in order to maintain historical accuracy in her book. Draper weaves a page turner of a story that merges fictional characters and authentic historical facts. This book is not only a great adventure story but is also a valuable teaching tool.  Sask Publishers Group Weekly Book Pick, February 10, 2010

Much has been written about this disaster including a number of books by Newfoundland authors, however this is the first one for a younger audience. It will certainly be a welcome addition to the historical fiction genre for Newfoundland children and readers who are familiar with Draper’s other books will enjoy the drama and history for which she is noted. I would highly recommend this book for school and public libraries.  Resource Links, December 2009

Nell lives in a lighthouse on Canada’s spectacular west coast. One night, during a terrifying storm, Nell sees a ship headed for the deadly rocks. The telegraph lines are down and her father is away. Nell is the sailors’ only hope.

Will she be able to save them?

Awards:

• Winner of the 2009 Bolen Books Childrens’ Prize

• Winner of the 2009 Gold Moonbeam Award

• Runner up in the 2009/10 Chocolate Lily Reader’s Choice Award

• Nominated for the 2010/11 Red Cedar Award

Reviews:

Fact and fiction come together in this exciting story based on an actual shipwreck rescue off the coast of Vancouver Island in 1906. The author has skillfully combined history, nature, and family dynamics to create a strong, believable young protagonist.  SWON Libraries, April 2009

“Graveyard of the Sea” is a riveting young adult read, highly recommended. Children’s Bookwatch, March 2009

Graveyard of the Sea is a wonderful book. Draper eloquently marries historical fiction with a heroine that you simply cannot help but be engaged by. Because of the skill with which Draper places the historical events effortlessly within the context of the story, I would highly recommend this novel not only for young girls but as a classroom novel study. Graveyard of the Sea would make an excellent addition to a classroom or school library as well as being an unforgettable read. Resource Links, February 2009

Two young teens, Jack Gordon and Henry Addison, meet when the Great Lakes cruise ship, the S.S. Noronic, docks in Toronto in the summer of 1949, just before the ship catches fire – with Henry on board.

Awards:

• Finalist, Silver Birch Young Readers’ Choice Award

Reviews:

“…entangles facts and imagination into an adventurous novel that captivates readers and has them treading water as they are mesmerized by the turn of events.”  CM Magazine, Volume XIV, Number 7

Nathalie lay awake, listening for the train whistle that will bring her cousin Helena to visit. But instead of the whistle, Nathalie hears a terrible roar as Turtle Mountain breaks apart, sending 90 million tons of rock into her valley.

Awards:

• Finalist, Geoffrey Bilson Award

• Finalist, Silver Birch Young Readers’ Choice Award

• Honourable Mention, Juvenile Fiction, ForeWord Magazine

• Finalist, Diamond Willow Award

Reviews: 

The action is palpable and swift in this gripping adventure set in 1903. Fans of the “Dear America” and “My Name Is America” series (both Scholastic) will appreciate this remarkable tale of survival. School Library Journal, October 2006

Terror at Turtle Mountain epitomizes the Canadian survival story. Suspenseful, fast-paced, and moving, Penny Draper’s historical novel about loss, finding self, and reconciliation easily transposes modern-day readers to 1903, to life in the booming coal mining town of Frank and the 90-second slide disaster that killed In this character-driven plot. Written in the third person narrative, Draper excels at creating a page-turning suspended tension and an underlying premonition of disaster which sets the novel’s tone. There is definitely a place in the classroom, school library, and home for Terror at Turtle Mountain.  CM Magazine, June 23, 2006