Education Alumnus Finalist for National Book Award

Saskatoon author and recording artist Sally Meadows has been shortlisted for The 2016 Word Awards, a national competition that honours the best published work by Canadian Christian writers in a wide range of genres. Sally is one of only two Saskatchewan authors shortlisted, which includes over 100 nominees in 35 categories. Also shortlisted was Ramona Lusch Johnson of Dalmeny, SK. Sally was nominated for her children’s picture book The Two Trees (2015).

The Two Trees is about a boy on the autism spectrum as told from the perspective of his younger brother. The book raises awareness about the challenges facing families that include a child on the autism spectrum, in an accessible story form. Over 2000 elementary school children across the province have participated in Sally’s The Two Trees presentation, which includes an author reading, discussion about autism and bullying, and hands-on activities that delight and enlighten. Many of Sally’s school presentations have been funded through the Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild author reading program.

This is Sally’s third The Word Award nomination. Her first two nominations (2013, 2014) were for her songs “Turn the Page” and “This New Year” from her CDs Turn the Page and Red & White respectively. Sally is also a contributing author to a number of anthologies including the #1 Canadian bestseller Chicken Soup for the Soul: Christmas in Canada.  Her second children’s book Beneath That Star was released in 2015.

The 28th Annual Word Awards are sponsored by The Word Guild and will be presented at a gala in Toronto, Ontario on June 24, 2016.