EVER SINCE THE SKY IS FALLING BY KIT Pearson was published in 1989 I have had numerous requests in my library for its sequel. Her followers will be pleased to know that the sequel is to be released this fall, the second of a proposed trilogy. The sky Is Falling follows the plight of Norah, ten, and Gavin, five, who had been sent by their parents from England to Canada during World War II to become "war guests" in the home of the wealthy Mrs. Ogilvie and her daughter. Pearson's Looking at the Moon (Viking $17.99) continues the story of Norah, now 13 and Gavin, 8, during an almost idyllic summer at the family's cottage in Muskoka in 1943. Life in Canada has become familiar and comfortable for Gavin, but Norah continues to question and contrast their safe and affluent surroundings with the precarious life of her parents in Britain. Norah would rather spend her time boating and swimming than talking with the other girls about shaving their legs or the latest fads in fashion and make up. She refuses to succumb to the croonings of Frank Sinatra or the teenage obsessions of her 'adopted' older cousins. As Norah reaches puberty, Mrs. Ogilvie explains only that Norah has a monthly "little visitor which sweeps out the little room inside her". When this version of her menstrual period is replaced by a cousin's more accurate information, Norah responds adamantly: "I'm not going to have anything to do with this curse! I won't do it!" Then the dashing Andrew Drummond appears at the family cottage and Norah falls in love. Everyone expects the 18-year old to enlist in the army, but he confides to Norah that he's a pacifist and will refuse to go. Norah first feels shock that he wouldn't want to fight against Hitler, but then realizes that Andrew could be killed. It's a summer of change, of awareness of the complexities of life, of first love, of growing up. Kit Pearson's novels are favourites with girls aged 9 to13. Her writing career began with the publication of The Daring Game (1986) followed by A Handful of Time (1987) which won the CLA Book of the Year award for children. The Sky is Falling won also the CLA Award, plus the Mr. Christie Book award, and the Geoffrey Bilson Award for Canadian historical fiction.
0-670-84097-1-by Allison Haupt

[BCBW 1991] "Kidlit";