My latest novel, 1212: Year of the Journey, was published by Second Story Press in November, 2006. The year is 1212, and the religious wars are raging. Muslims, Christians and Jews are all targets of military crusades sponsored by zealous supporters of the Church of Rome. Amid the harsh brutality of the times, an unlikely hope emerges in the form of a young shepherd named Etienne. One night, Etienne has a vision that challenges him to lead children like himself on a different kind of crusadeone founded on peace rather than violence. He joins up with two other young people, Abel and Blanche, both of whom have secrets they dare not reveal. Together, they embark on a remarkable journey, battling starvation, corruption and intolerance as they lead thousands of young people who share the dream of a world where all religions live in peace and harmony. Read a sneak-preview excerpt from 1212: Year of the Journey. Contact the publisher, Second Story Press, for ordering information. What reviewers are saying about 1212: Year of the Journey: "Kathleen McDonnell vividly brings the 13th-century world of these child crusaders to life, but 1212 is also a novel that feels very contemporary in its exploration of the themes of religious tolerance, empire building, and war and peace... An imaginatively powerful recreation of this unforgettable historical moment." - Jeffrey Canton, writing in Quill and Quire "Kathleen McDonnell has written a well-researched historical novel which offers readers the chance to explore the possibility of understanding and peace between world factions that to this day are still at war. Highly Recommended." - Betty Klassen, writing in CM Magazine My play The New Mother, an adaptation of a classic Victorian children's story, is being re-mounted by Youtheatre in Montreal in the fall of 2006. The Montreal Gazette praised last year's premiere production of show as "wonderful... the audience sat spellbound." The New Mother has also been chosen for a showcase performance in January, 2007 at the International Showcase of Performing Arts for Young People in Cleveland, Ohio. Other playwriting news: In May, 2006, I was in residence at the Banff Playwright's Colony working on a new play, The Wolf Sisters, based on the true story of two children found living with a wolf pack in India in the 1920's. Putting on a Show: Theater for Young People Putting on a Show is a new book loaded with information about theatre history and how to put on a show, and contains complete scripts and photos from the productions of my young-audience plays. A valuable classroom resource and an engaging, accessible book for kids. An excerpt from Putting on a Show is available online. Contact the publisher, Second Story Press, for ordering information. What reviewers are saying about Putting on a Show: "Hard-hitting plays for older children that tackle subjects like self-esteem and being an unwanted foster child. Her stories are compelling and are, of course meant to be performed, but would also be suitable for reading aloud with students in a classroom setting." - Canadian Children's Book Centre "Expertly written by award-winning children's playwright Kathleen McDonnell, Putting On A Show is a simple but effective guide to introducing young people to the joy of performing. A superb tool for teachers as well as aspiring actors, directors, and playwrights." - Midwest Book Review "Putting on a Show will be very useful in a drama class. The plays will educate students and give them an opportunity to develop their dramatic talents through interesting, challenging plays. Highly recommended." - CM magazine, Manitoba Library Association The Shining World My latest novel, The Shining World, is an exciting fantasy-adventure story. It's a sequel to The Nordlings (published in 1999) and is the second book of a series entitled The Notherland Journeys about Peggy, a teenage girl with the ability to create imaginary worlds. In this latest installment, Peggy and her Notherland companions -- Gavi the philosopher-loon, Molly the pirate doll and a mysterious young man named Jackpine - set out in search of the missing sky-spirit Mi. On their journey they pass through a series of dream-worlds, where they encounter some larger-than-life figures, including the Pirate Queen Grania and the poet William Blake, and finally descend into a nether region called the FarNear, where Peggy catches a glimpse of the mythical Shining World. Writing in Canadian Children's Literature, Professor Hilary Turner says The Shining World has an "expansive imaginative canvas" and applauds the "sophistication of its moral vision." "Like all good imaginary worlds, Notherland is both familiar and strange... The historical settings are well-researched and vivid." Sneak preview! Read the opening prologue to The Shining World Back to top
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