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Page 24THE OSCARlOCTOBER 2013BOOK REVIEWBrothers at War: A New Novel by OOS Author Don CummerReviewed by Patty DelineDon Cummer’s new book, Brothersat War, is a winner on several scores.He recounts a compelling tale aboutthe dynamic friendship between twoboys from very differentbackgrounds whofind themselvesPHOTO BYROMAN ROMANOVICHthrown together on the eve of theWar of 1812. This is the story thatwill most capture the imagination ofyounger readers. However, the politicalgoings on in Upper Canada andthe town of Newark (now Niagaraon-the-Lake)where it is set, makesequally compelling reading foradults.The story is told by Jacob, the sonof a merchant, “a towner”, in thesocial divisions of Newark. Untilthe arrival of the McCabe familyfrom the new country across LakeOntario, the United States of America,the other class was “the dockers”,or longshoremen who loadedand unloaded the cargo from York(Toronto). But Mr. McCabe runs atannery, an extremely smelly operation,outside of the town. So he andhis family, a class of their own, areteased and scorned.Yet, in this satisfying read, JacobGibson becomes fast friends withEli McCabe, even “Blood Brothers”as they are drawn together in oppositionto two mean-spirited townboys who torment them. The earlychapters convey the ends to whichthese rascals will go and the havocthat follows. In one instance, Jacobnearly drowns. He is saved by Eli, histrusty dog Ginger and, of all people,General Brock, the Governor of theprovince of Upper Canadaand General of FortGeorge, which sitsat the mouth ofthe NiagaraRiver, protectingNewarkfromtheAmericansoldierson theother side.Later excitingevents turnon this contact withGeneral Brock .Then came the “Urine Wars”.Urine is used to tan hides, so is collectedby Mr. McCabe in jugs fromfarmers. The ‘bad boys’ pour urineall over the steps of important buildingsin town one hot summer day.As they planned, Eli is blamed. It allworks out for the best, but imaginea 10 year-old reading this chapter!And there is much learning in thechapter, about the tanning process,but more importantly, that Jacob’smother has died along with a baby.Jacob reads her tombstone, and findsthere are three more dead children’snames there. Much to ponder fora young reader, but told with suchelegance that an adult will not bedisappointed.Another thread in the story involvesthe fact that Eli’s father“ain’t swore allegiance,” as the boysays and whether the family will bedeported south if he doesn’t. This isa great worry to both boys, and is ahot point of local debate. In fact, itleads to a rift between the two boys.Jacob’s father had fought with theBritish against the American colonistswho wanted to create a separatecountry. Eli’s father fought on theother side: “‘A Tory?’...(cries Eli).‘Them was traitirs (sic) what foughtagainst Liberty.’” Jacob is confusedby Eli’s passionate outburst. Theseideas are new to him. He talks tohis father about loyalty and the war(1776). Mr. Gibson is reluctant todiscuss details Jacob has overheardin after-dinner talk among the men,making it clear he did not like war.These are heady ideas to present toa young reader, yet the details ofthe story will continue to captivateeveryone.Politics and the election of 1812form another strong theme in thebook. General Brock dissolves theAssembly in June and calls a snapelection. He wants a mandate toprepare for what he sees as a comingwar with the Americans. Joe Willcocks(a real person) is the sittingmember and Abraham Ecker, olderbrother of one of the bullies, runs forthe Tories. Jacob’s father supportsMr. Willcocks, as does Jacob. Thebullies try to convince Jacob to jointhem. When he refuses, they try topersuade him to spy for them on Mr.Willcocks. They use a nasty tacticthat I will not reveal. Thus beginsa very dirty election with tricksthat will perhaps shock the modernreader, such as setting the pollingtime such that distant voters couldnot make it, and so on. But youngreaders will discover as well thatonly men could vote, and then only ifthey owned property. This could leadto some interesting classroom debate.The book also touches in placeson Aboriginal themes. Jacob wears amedicine pouch which was given tohis father by some native friends hegrew up with. And towards the end,Mr. Gibson and Mr. Willcocks areapproached by General Brock to helpget the support of the Grand RiverIroquois, which Gibson explains toBrock “are not British subjects....They are a nation. You must negotiate.”A deal is struck, thanks toJacob, for the three of them to headoff to undertake this secret task.And so ends this terrifically interestingand well-written book, June1812, days before the Americans attacked!I can hardly wait for numbertwo, which is sure to come. We can’tbe left in such suspense!Brothers at War will be released onOctober 3rd at the Georgetown Pub,from 7 to 9 pm. Kaleidoscope Bookswill be on hand with copies andauthor Don Cummer will be thereto talk about the book, and to signcopies.To place your ad here,contact Gayleoscarads@ottawasouth.ca
THE OSCARlOCTOBER 2013Page 25KALEIDOSCOPE KIDS’ BOOKSFall Book Events – Like Leaves Falling From the Trees!By Karen Fuller,Kaleidoscope Kids’ BooksSchool’s in, new books have startingcoming out – it’s a wonderfultime for a bookstore! Why not take abreak from your worksheets, projectsand dioramas and meet some greatauthors who’d love to take you awayon the wings of imagination? Theview’s pretty good from up here…Perhaps you’ve attended the OttawaKid’s Lit Gala in past years ona week night at Ben Franklin Placein the west end of town. This year,things have been changed up a bit:the event will take place on SaturdayOctober 19th from 2-4 p.m. atthe Greenboro Branch of the OttawaPublic Library. Each year, theChildren’s Literature Roundtable andthe Ottawa Public Library present theGala to showcase the recent work oflocal kids’ and teen literature authorsand illustrators.Besides meeting a long list of greatlocal writers, there will also be rovingperformers, a family craft stationand scheduled drawing and writingworkshops. Local favourites willinclude Alan Neal, Charles De Lint,Von Allan, Eric Péladeau, Kevin Bolger,Ben Hodson, and Jan Andrews.With this great event even closer tothe ‘hood, why not check it out? Fulldetails on the event and the authorlineup are available on the OPLwebsite (http://biblioottawalibrary.ca– look at their events calendar).Lemony Snicket is coming to Ottawa!While a few lucky schools willget to enjoy a daytime visit with theauthor behind A Series of UnfortunateEvents, everyone is welcometo attend an evening featuring thismysterious character to discover thelatest book in his new All the WrongQuestions series. Fans will be gatheringon Tuesday, November 12th at7 p.m. at the Nepean Centrepointebranch of the Ottawa Public Library.We’re super-psyched to be teamingup with the Ottawa Public Library’s(OPL) Teen Author Fest once again.Elizabeth Wein is a favourite here atthe KKB; we’re big fans of her multiaward-nominatednovel Code NameVerity. Rose Under Fire is the heavilyanticipated sequel – fans have twoopportunities to meet the authorand hear about her books: either atthe Sunnyside branch on Tuesday,September 24th at 7 p.m., or at theCarlingwood branch on Wednesday,September 25th at 1 p.m.In October, the OPL will be featuringauthor Paul Blackwell wherehe will present his suspenseful teenthriller Undercurrent. Paul and hisbooks will be at the St. Laurentbranch of the library on Tuesday,October 29th at 1 p.m.November is the next installmentof the OPL Teen Author Fest: TeresaToten will be showcasing her newnovel, The Unlikely Hero of Room13B which addresses the complex issueof teen mental health issueswith heart and humour.There are three opportunitiesto see Teresa – at theMetcalfe branch on Tuesday,November 12th at 2 p.m.; atthe Cumberland branch onWednesday November 13that 10 a.m.; or, at the Carlingwoodbranch of the libraryat 1 p.m. also on Wednesday,November 13th.Lauren Oliver is a NewYork times bestseller and awonderful spinner of tales.She will be reading from hernew book Requiem – the finalinstallment of her Deliriumtrilogy. Ms. Oliver willalso provide a sneak peek ather upcoming novel Panic(releasing winter 2014) onMonday, November 18th at7 p.m. at the Nepean Centrepointebranch.Eric Walters is a popularand prolific Canadian authorof fantastic teen fiction. Thisbest-seller will be readingfrom and answering questionsabout his moving newnovel Power Play. Eric willappear at the Alta Vistabranch on Friday, November29th at 1 p.m.Ottawa is awash in greatauthors this fall – such agreat opportunity to connectall of our readers with somefantastic writers. Here at KaleidoscopeKids’ Books, weplan to make the most of it.Listen to the BirdsAn introduction to classical music byAna Gerhard, illustrated by CeciliaVarelaBook talk by Hélène Merritt,Children’s Librarian at theSunnyside Branch, OPLThis short and charming introductionto classical music is new to theLibrary collection.There are 20 featured pieces fromCamille Saint Saens to Mozart toSchubert, each given a two-pagespread, each given a less than 2minute music selection on the accompanyingCD. Almost each pieceis selected according to its relation toa bird, be it the title, the suggestionof the instruments or the intention ofthe author.Each piece is accompanied by abrief retelling of the story. In theaccompanying listening guide at theend of the book, children have differentmusical instruments pointedout to them. There is also a sectiongiving a very brief biographical noteon each composer.A glossary of musical terms and atimeline of each composer round outthis introduction.The CD is delightful. 20 shortpieces, 20 chances to get to know adifferent composer and a differentorchestral instrument, all of thembirdlike, all of them enchanting.There is an awkward pause betweenThe Bird from Peter and theWolf, and Hens and Roosters fromthe Carnival of the Animals, but otherthan that, the recording is vivaciousand playful and easy to listen to.A charming introduction, wellthought out, well conceived, augmentedwith gentle and dreamywatercolour illustrations.
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Page 11 and 12: THE OSCARlOCTOBER 2013Page 11SOUTHM
Page 13: THE OSCARlOCTOBER 2013Page 13COUNCI
Page 17 and 18: THE OSCARlOCTOBER 2013Page 17ABBOTS
Page 19 and 20: THE OSCARlOCTOBER 2013Page 19CLAMBA
Page 21 and 22: THE OSCARlOCTOBER 2013Page 21Contin
Page 23: THE OSCARlOCTOBER 2013Page 23SECOND
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Page 29 and 30: THE OSCARlOCTOBER 2013Page 29COMPUT
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Page 33 and 34: THE OSCARlOCTOBER 2013Page 33CARLET
Page 35 and 36: THE OSCARlOCTOBER 2013Page 35FINANC
Page 37 and 38: THE OSCARlOCTOBER 2013Page 37SUNNYS
Page 39 and 40: THE OSCARlOCTOBER 2013Page 39GARDEN

Oct - Old Ottawa South

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