5 Questions About My Book, FIREFLY!

FIREFLY is my thirteenth book for children, thank you to DCB Young Readers, my amazing publisher. 

FIREFLY recently won the 2021 Governor General's Literary Award for Young People's Literature (text) and has also received another five shortlist nominations, including the Ruth & Sylvia Schwartz Children's Book Awards and the OLA Red Maple Awards.

Set in a real downtown Toronto costume shop, it's a story about mental health, PTSD, homelessness and poverty. BUT, it's also about the indomitable spirit of a 13-year-old girl, and her imperfect but amazing aunt, who runs the costume shop.

Order FIREFLY now.

Here are the top 5 questions I think people might ask about the book, enjoy!

1. What is FIREFLY about?

Firefly has been sleeping in the Toronto park across from her mother's house for most of the summer.  Then the Bad Night happens and she gets nabbed by social services, who send her to live at The Corseted Lady costume shop with her Aunt Gayle. The costume shop has 7 million pieces in it, enough for Firefly to try all kinds of identities in grade nine at her new high school. But which one is the real Firefly?

2. What made you want to write this story?

The setting for the story is inspired by a real costume shop in Toronto, run by my extended family members: 

Read more about Thunder Thighs here. 

It's an amazing place, a warehouse with 7 million pieces in it! Along with all the beautiful costumes, you'd have to include the huge collections of things like buttons, eye glasses, boots, shoes, fascinators to reach that number, though. My sister-in-law started the shop in the 1980s, and built it into a very successful business, creating and renting costumes for the Canadian film, theatre and television industry. She made my wedding dress, for instance, which was used on at least one CBC franchise! Costumes transform us, but also reveal who we are. I wanted Firefly's story to be more about who she becomes, than who she was on the street, and costumes are a great way to achieve that.

3. Firefly and her mother don't reconcile by the end of this story. Is this a little unusual for a middle-grade book?

Without giving too much away, I did want to write a story that explores the long-term struggle a young person has with a parent who, for various reasons, cannot parent their child properly. There's no fast, easy way to heal and to write any other kind of ending would be untruthful. But the story isn't really focused on the past. In the indomitable spirit of a young teenager, Firefly looks forward. She's curious, loving, smart, resourceful and with help from her aunt, her friend Charlie, a good social worker and a few others, she starts a journey of self-discovery. And in a costume shop, that journey can go in some amazing and hilarious directions! 

The ending is hopeful too, and there is the suggestion that Firefly and her mother will talk again, one day. When Firefly is ready.

4. What is your favourite part of the book?

It was a real honour to write a story inspired by a family-run business, one that my kids have worked at, that I have watched grow and change for decades. I have lots of memories about it, including the carrot costume that one family member wore every Halloween, or the motorcycle cop outfit that my son loved at age 13. It's a family story, so I love that about it, although it is a piece of fiction. The book is also quite hilarious in places, strange things can happen in a costume shop, especially at Halloween (which is when the story is set). I really love Chapter Fourteen, "There's Always a Guy in a Gorilla Suit," which I think is one of the funniest things I've ever written!  I'll just leave that there!

Firefly statue from friends, Dec. 2021

5. What is the main message you want young readers to take away from FIREFLY?

I think any child, whether in a difficult home situation or not, will identify with the courage and humour in Firefly. We're all luminous, beautiful creatures, lit from within, and there are people who see that in us, too. The main message I want kids to hear: find your crew, and let them love you and help you. You're not alone.

BOOK LAUNCH Q&A on YouTube: Kidlit blogger Helen Kubiw interviews me on all things FIREFLY.

Firefly is a CBC Books "28 Middle-Grade Books" Pick, March 2021

Firefly is an EXPERT PICK, Canadian Children's Book Centre March 2021

Beautiful Review from CanLit for Little Canadians

Here's a short YouTube video of ME Reading FIREFLY

FIREFLY BOOK TRAILER

More about FIREFLY on this BLOG

Family, PTSD, homelessness and more, FIREFLY interview on Deborah Kalb's blog

I'm so honoured to be the featured author on US blogger Deborah Kalb's blog this week! She asked me some great questions about my latest book, FIREFLY, and I had a lot of fun answering them. Thanks Deborah!

See the FULL Q&A INTERVIEW.

We talked about finding story inspiration, how the story started, how it ended, my writing process along the way, what I hope young readers take from the story, and also finding that fine writing balancing act of pain and humour, a delicate combination in a middle-grade book about serious issues like PTSD, homelessness and parental addiction. 

Click for the whole interview. Here's Question 2:

"What do you think the novel says about definitions of family?

One thing I’ve learned from raising my family in a busy city is that our definition of family is constantly changing, and that we help, support and love each other in ways that make us family, whether we’re related by blood or not.

Firefly has a friend in the park who looks out for her, a homeless man named Moss Cart, who despite his own challenges helps her as best he can. She helps him, too. There’s also a group of therapists at Jennie’s, a women’s drop-in centre, who teach Firefly coping techniques for PTSD (the therapists don’t know she is only 13).

And there’s Aunt Gayle who barely knows her niece, but agrees to shelter and care for Firefly as soon as the social worker contacts her. Aunt Gayle’s staff at The Corseted Lady all care for Firefly, too. As they spend time together in the days before Halloween (a busy time in a costume shop), they give Firefly support and validation in the most unusual way (and a plot twist that I can’t give away!).

When she starts grade nine six weeks later than everyone else, Firefly also discovers a family of school friends she never expected.

The only traditional family member in the story is her mother (who she calls Joanne-the-mother), who has failed Firefly. At the end of the book, they are not reconciled although there are supports in place for Firefly if she ever wants to connect with her mother.

What is a family? Ultimately in this book, it’s up to Firefly."

NEW: Watch my short 3-minute reading from FIREFLY, on BIBLIOVIDEO

More about Firefly on THIS BLOG.

Philippa Dowding's awards, nominations, shortlists, and more

 Award Listings

​Governor General's Literary Award

WINNER (Young People's Literature), FIREFLY
​
Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children's Book Award
WINNER, FIREFLY

SYRCA Snow Willow Award
Shortlist 2023/2024, FIREFLY

Rocky Mountain Book Awards
Shortlist 2023, FIREFLY

MYRCA Northern Lights Award
Shortlist 2023, FIREFLY

IODE Violet Downey Award
Shortlist 2022, FIREFLY

OLA Red Maple Award
Shortlist 2022, FIREFLY
Shortlist 2015, The Strange Gift of Gwendolyn Golden

The Globe & Mail Top 100 Books
Firefly, December 2021

OLA Best Bets 2021
Firefly

Best Books for Kids And Teens, CCBC
FIREFLY, Starred Selection, Fall 2021
OCULUM, Fall 2018
Everton Miles is Stranger than Me, Spring 2017

Forest of Reading Kid Committee List
2021 Silver Birch Selection, FIREFLY
2019 Red Maple Selection, OCULUM

OLA Silver Birch Award
Shortlist 2020, OCULUM
 

SYRCA Diamond Willow Award
Shortlist 2019-2020, OCULUM
Shortlist 2017-2018, Myles and the Monster Outside
Shortlist 2013-2014, The Gargoyle at the Gates
Shortlist 2012, The Gargoyle in My Yard

OLA Silver Birch Express Award 
WINNER, Honour Book 2017 
​Myles and the Monster Outside
​Shortlist 2014,The Gargoyle at the Gates 
Shortlist 2012,The Gargoyle Overhead

Hackmatack Children's Choice Award  
Shortlist 2016-2017, Myles and the Monster Outside 
Shortlist 2013-2014, The Gargoyle at the Gates

Red Cedar Young Reader's Choice Award 
Shortlist 2013-2014, The Gargoyle at the Gates

White Raven Book International Youth Library (Munich, 2013), 
The Gargoyle at the Gates

FIREFLY, awards, commendations, free teacher's guides, reviews

 

Looking for information about my book, FIREFLY?

Here are links for my launch video, links to awards, reviews, news, and free teacher's guides. Enjoy! 

Firefly Book launch Video

Firefly YouTube Q&A with author, March/21

FIREFLY AWARDS
SYRCA Snow Willow Award 2023/2024
WINNER Governor General's Literary Award 2021
WINNER Ruth & Sylvia
​Schwartz Children's Book Award 2022
Rocky Mountain Awards 2023
MYRCA Northern Lights 2023
IODE Violet Downey Award 2022
​OLA Red Maple 2022 Nominee

FIREFLY in the News

Globe & Mail 100 Best Books 2021
OLA Best Bets 2021
9 Great Holiday Books for Kids, CBC BOOKS
​CBC BEST YA & MG READS 2021
AUTHOR READS on YouTube
​Book Trailer

FIREFLY Reviews and more:
CCBC Expert's Pick, March 2022
​CBC, The Next Chapter, 9 Great Holiday Reads, Dec 2021
​The Chat, 49th Shelf Q&A, Dec 2021
CCBC Recommended, July 2021
OpenBook, Review & Excerpt, May/21
Highly Recommended, CM Reviews
Q&A with US Blogger, April 2021
CBC Books Best Books Spring 2021
Expert's Pick, CCBC, March/2021
Author Q&A, YouTube, March/2021
CanLit for Little Canadians, Feb/2021
​

Author Reads, YouTube

​FREE Teacher's Guide

REVIEWS

FIREFLY:  "The characters are deftly drawn, the setting is unique, and Firefly's story is moving and thought-provoking." Expert's Pick, Canadian Children's Book Centre, March 2022

"It's a powerful book with engaging characters ... a book with a lot of heart." CBC | The Next Chapter, 9 Great Holiday Reads

"This fantasy specialist’s shift into realism is a triumph (it won the Governor-General’s Award for young fiction)."
Globe & Mail, Top 100 Books of 2021
 
"... a natural segue to the mental health literacy component of the curriculum for senior elementary students." CCBC/July '21
​
"Firefly, like so much of Dowding's work, isn't limited to young readers. Her nuanced depiction of trauma, the search for identity & the desire to define what 'family' means will resonate with readers of all ages." OpenBook Review/Excerpt, May/21

Free Teacher's Guide for FIREFLY
More Teacher's guides on 49th Shelf

FIREFLY is based on a real costume shop in Toronto's east end...

Here's the beautiful cover for my next middle-grade book! The illustration is by the wonderful Julie McLaughlin.

FIREFLY is about a lot of things: family, PTSD, mental health, homelessness, resilience, courage, friendship. But it's also inspired by a costume company in Toronto's east end, run by my extended family. Read about Thunder Thighs Costume Shop here.

The costume shop in my story is called The Corseted Lady, where Firefly has been taken in by her Aunt Gayle. It has seven million pieces in it, and Firefly starts to wear them to school.

Motorcycle copy? Saloon Girl? Lobster? In all those costumes, which one is the real Firefly?

Advance Reader Copies of this book have just gone out for review. It's always a nervous time for an author, waiting for reviews. I have to say it's a bit more nerve-wracking than usual this time, since I have written a book about a family-run business. Luckily everyone in the family loves the story, I hope readers (and reviewers) love the place, too.

Wish me courage, and good vibes!

FIREFLY is coming FEb. 2021! Contact DCB Young Readers for review copy, interview, media.

More about Firefly soon, for now:

Firefly BOOK TRAILER

More about Firefly on THIS BLOG

A beautiful first review for FIREFLY ...

"But author Philippa Dowding isn't telling us Firefly's story as dress-up play, as a little girl pretending to be someone else. Though the shop and its costumes are fascinating, colourful and rich in history and entertainment, as are the employees and customers, Firefly is about a child who has had to become an adult, who has endured trauma and negligence, and had to find ways to cope..."

--CanLit for Little Canadians, Feb 8/2021

Full FIREFLY Review here

The first review for my latest book FIREFLY is out, and it's a really thoughtful and beautiful one. Thank you to Helen Kubiw, from Canlit for Little Canadians, for the kind words for FIREFLY.

It's always a bit of a nail-biter for an author, that time before the first review comes out. This one is most appreciated!

YouTube Clip of Philippa Reading from FIREFLY!

More about FIREFLY on this BLOG.

Book Launch: March 2, 2021, Another Story Bookshop online. STAY TUNED!

Foreign Rights for FIREFLY!

 

Macedonian Edition of FIREFLY

Introducing the Macedonian Edition of FIREFLY! Thanks to my Canadian publisher,
 DCB Young Readers, and my new Macedonian publisher, SF (Strange Forest).

Well, it's finally happened: FIREFLY has been published in a language other than English! I find it delightful that the Macedonian book cover is so sweetly different from the English version. The main changes are that Aunt Gayle is on the front cover too (she only appears on the back cover in the English version), and there are two versions of Firefly on the Macedonian cover (a darker, reserved one behind the WWI flying ace version). Juggers the cat is pretty sweet in both versions!

For those who don't know, these "foreign rights" are an income stream for authors and publishers, and I'm grateful to SF for inviting FIREFLY into their publishing space. Please contact my publisher if you're interested in foreign rights for FIREFLY.

Other news ... FIREFLY has also been optioned for film rights, so stay tuned!

FIREFLY is an Expert Pick by the Canadian Children's Book Centre!

"Firefly's compelling story unfolds through her indomitable and spirited first-person narration, and flashbacks revisit her troubled childhood of neglect and parental struggles with addiction. Aunt Gayle's care and kindness wrap around Firefly like a comforting, hand-knit blanket."

--Canadian Children's Book Centre, March 2021 Expert Picks

So honoured that FIREFLY is an Expert Pick in the March 2021 newsletter of the Canadian Children's Book Centre! Thank you so much for the lovely review!

More about Firefly:

Youtube Video of FIREFLY Book Launch, Q&A with kidlit book blogger Helen Kubiw and me.

The Author Reads from FIREFLY, 3-minute YouTube Video

All posts about FIREFLY on this Blog.

What's it like to win the Governor General's literary award?

 

Reposting from November 2021, because in a few months I will go to Ottawa to receive my GG award, after a 4-year hiatus. I'll be talking about this experience in upcoming posts:

"A: On October 3rd this year, a woman in Golden, BC, woke up to a meteorite crashing through her roof and landing in bed beside her. I think that’s a perfect metaphor for winning the Governor General’s Literary Award: it’s somewhat miraculous, unforeseeable, and frankly leaves you a little shaken up.

I couldn’t be more honoured by this win for Firefly, a book very close to my heart..." 

--PD on the 49th Shelf, Dec/2021

A meteorite is right! In the interview I also talk about inspiration for FIREFLY, challenges creating the character, my litmus test for a great children's story, and what I'm reading right now.

Read the entire interview: 49th Shelf Q&A Interview with Philippa Dowding

I'm still getting used to the idea that FIREFLY won the GG award for Young People's Literature (text) this year. In the photo above, I'm pretty dazed at the news, celebrating at my publisher's office that morning, so much champagne!

But it's slowly sinking in and thank you (again) to the Canada Council. Part of the job of receiving this massive honour, I'm realizing, is to be gracious and inclusive, and to thank everyone who reaches out with congratulations, and to say yes to every invitation, but also eventually to just sit with it, to try to be worthy of it. It's so unexpected, this meteorite, that it will take time to get used to having it in the bed with me.

In the Globe and Mail, Nov/2021

There's also a terrific review on Storytime with Stephanie, thank you!

Here's the opening paragraph: "At the beginning of October, the Governor General’s Literary Award and the Forest of Reading Award nominees were announced in the same week. When a book appears on both of those lists, it’s certainly one to consider reading. Firefly by Philippa Dowding certainly lived up to its nominated status!"

It's really all about the story though, Firefly's story, not about me (thank goodness), and I couldn't be more pleased that because of the Governor General win, more kids will be reading about PTSD, homelessness, addiction and mental health. I hope that none of them live a life like Firefly's (please no!), but if they do or know someone who does, they'll also know they're not alone.

Shine bright, Firefly!

All posts on this blog about Firefly.

FIREFLY gets a Starred Review and is a Globe and Mail Top 100 Book!

"This fantasy specialist's shift into realism is a triumph."

The Globe 100: The Books we Loved in 2021 
The Globe & Mail, December 2021
Full list also available in the newspaper print edition,
Saturday, Dec. 4th, 2021

The great news for FIREFLY just keeps coming, and it's been an amazing month. In this space I've shared that FIREFLY won the Governor General's Literary Award for Young People's Text, and that it's an OLA Red Maple 2022 nominee.

The book has also just received a Starred Review in the Canadian Children's Book Centre Best Books of 2021 (Fall Edition). The book was also named one of 9 Great Holiday Reads for Kids by CBC's The Next Chapter in December.

Author and her publisher, Nov. 17/2021

AND, the Globe and Mail newspaper chose the book as one of its top 100 books of the year, in the Young Adult Fiction section. 

The quote above is astonishing: a triumph.

I'm deeply moved by that, and couldn't be more honoured that Firefly's story is resonating with so many people. I hope that it resonates with you, too. 

Please, this year support your local bookstore, and as always, read Canadian (then tell the world what you thought)! 

Keep reading everyone, and shine bright, Firefly!

Signing with my beautiful new pen,
 a gift from my wonderful publisher

More about Firefly:

Author Reading, YOUTUBE

Book Launch, YOUTUBE

All Posts about FIREFLY on this BLOG

FIREFLY is a Governor General's Award Finalist AND an OLA Red Maple Nominee

I've never had a week like this before. I don't think that as a writer, you can have a better week. Certainly, you would never expect a week like this. I'm still in shock. 

On Thursday, October 14th, I woke up to the news that FIREFLY was a Governor General's Literary Award Finalist, Young People's Literature (text). It is an incredible honour, one that I would never have expected. I've cheered on my friends, many times, and clapped with joy from the sidelines when they were nominated. But to be a Finalist myself? Never, not EVER, did I ever think that would happen. Tears of joy, wept along with my inner 9-year-old who used to dream of being an author one day.

I'm also incredibly honoured to be among the first group of Finalists with Mary May Simon, the first Inuk Governor General, in Rideau Hall. Here is a CBC article by Inuk journalist Pauline Pemik, Oct. 21/2021: Interviewing the Governor General in my Language felt like reconciliation.

Winners are announced on November 17, 2021. Stay tuned for that. Here's a video of me reading from FIREFLY:

The next day, October 15th, was the day that FIREFLY was shortlisted for the Ontario Library Association Red Maple Award. 

An incredible honour, this means that young readers in Ontario in grades 7 and 8 will be introduced to Firefly, an indomitable, funny, wise 13-year-old living in a park in downtown Toronto. I will be talking to kids (probably via Zoom etc) across the province about the book, then the young readers choose their favourite book out of the ten nominees. Next spring, 2022, the winners are decided in a big celebration. Stay tuned! 

Here is a post from 2014, about being a Red Maple nominee. That year I was nominated for The Strange Gift of Gwendolyn Golden.

Shine bright, Firefly!

All posts about Firefly on this blog.

FIREFLY is a MYRCA Northern Lights 2023 nominee

I could not be more honoured to say that FIREFLY has been nominated for the Manitoba Young Reader's Choice Awards (MYRCA) in the Northern Lights category (grades 6-8).

Thank you to them, this is the first time one of my books has been nominated for this wonderful reader's choice award. The winner will be chosen by the student reader's of Manitoba, some time next spring 2023. Get reading, everyone!

FIREFLY is listed with some fantastic Canadian authors and books for young readers, congrats to all nominees and publishers. A special thanks, as always, to my publishing family at DCB Young Readers.

Here is the complete list: MYRCA Northern Lights 2023

FIREFLY has had an amazing year, believe me a book like this only comes along once in a while in any author's career. While I don't think any author sits down to write a book to win awards (at least I don't), it's always an incredible honour to receive recognition from your peers, from the literary community and especially from readers. Thank you, all.

Author (2nd from left) and her
fab publishing family at DCB Young Readers

Writing is a long, lonely endeavour; FIREFLY took a lifetime to write in a way, since the story is set in a costume shop inspired by a real costume shop run by my extended family here in Toronto. 

There isn't always a lot of money in writing (truth), although you can have a good year or even several good years, the fact is that most writers in Canada have a second job. I'm also a copywriter, some people write scripts, work as journalists, librarians or teachers and so on.

I'm always inspired by meeting kids, and talking to them about books and answering their questions about my stories. That feels like a sacred trust, frankly, and I love doing it. 

BUT ... awards and nominations inspire, too. They are never expected, but delightful when they come. And to be purely businesslike about it, awards and nominations help my small, independent, Canadian publisher sell books, which then allows me to write more books. Publishing is craft, art, and business, and nominations and awards also bring sales.

All to say that this author is incredibly grateful, inspired and deeply humbled by the success, thank you to everyone who has mentored, inspired and given me a chance over the years. Thanks also to my readers, who seem to keep getting what it is I'm trying to say!

More about FIREFLY on this blog

A complete list of this author's awards

The author dressed as her character, FIREFLY

The Next Chapter recommends FIREFLY as a great holiday read ...

 

"It's a powerful book with engaging characters. It helps one discover who family is. It's a book with a real heart and something that young readers are really going to be taken by."

-Ken Setterington, CBC's The Next Chapter

Well, the great news for FIREFLY just keeps coming, and I couldn't be more honoured. Thank you to the CBC children's book panel, for selecting FIREFLY as one of their "9 Great Holiday Reads for Kids."

Here is the whole list of 9 books: Firefly on the CBC

The book panel also chatted to Shelagh Rogers live on CBC radio, Saturday Dec. 11. A few excited friends contacted me to share that great news, too. (Link on CBC page, noted above)

It's a great list, go and check it out!

Also, I have the BEST friends who gifted me this incredible FIREFLY trophy this week (along with a bottle of champagne) to celebrate the Governor General Literary award win. Any resemblance to an old hockey trophy is purely coincidental! 

I love everything about this:

Happy Holidays everyone and shine bright, Firefly!

All posts about Firefly on this blog

FIREFLY is an OLA Best Bets Selection 2021!

Thank you to the Ontario Library Association! Their expert nominating committee has chosen FIREFLY as one of their BEST BETS 2021, in the Junior Fiction category. 

This is an incredible honour, since it means that librarians, teachers and parents across the country will choose FIREFLY for their library, classroom and to read at home, too.

Here is the entire list, including best picture books,
teen fiction, non-fiction and adult fiction: OLA Best Bets 2021

The author as Firefly,
in a WWII Flyboy costume
Courtesy Thunder Thighs Costumes 

And KUDOS to my wonderful publisher, DCB Young Readers, for having THREE books on this list! Honestly, to have three of the top ten OLA books of the year chosen, cornering 30% of the selection ... well that's just mind-boggling. Kudos to all the authors, but also to publisher-siblings/authors Leslie Gentile and Valerie Sherrard! 

FIREFLY is having a great run, (it won the Governor General Literary award and is an OLA Red Maple nominee), and is getting a lot of really wonderful and appreciated attention. If the book makes a difference for a reader, if a child learns even just a little more about PTSD or reaches out for help, then my job is done.

BONUS: the wonderful librarians at an Ontario public school

set up a free online QUIZ about Firefly. They gave me permission to share it, enjoy!

All posts about FIREFLY on this BLOG

 

Lovely FIREFLY review and excerpt on Open Book!

"Philippa Dowding has a special knack for exploring tough issues in her kids' books without sacrificing storytelling and imagination. She meets kids and teens where they are to tell fascinating and often even funny stories about strong characters in complicated situations with family, moving to new cities and towns, or dealing with an absent parent... 

The appeal of Firefly, like so much of Dowding's work, isn't limited to young readers. Her nuanced depiction of trauma, the search for identity, and the desire to define what "family" means will resonate with readers of all ages."

A lovely review and excerpt of FIREFLY, on OPEN BOOK, thank you!.

Here's the whole review plus: Read an Excerpt of FIREFLY

The good news for FIREFLY just keeps coming!

All posts about FIREFLY on this blog