Two new book deals for publication this year!

Transatlantic Agency has just announced two book deals! And, I'm thrilled that both these new books will be published in 2025.

Kar-Ben has acquired my picture book, Kai and the Golem, illustrated by Elisa Vavouri, for publication in the spring of 2025. In Kai and the Golem, nothing seems to be going right for Kai: it’s raining every day, he doesn’t get what he wants for breakfast, and he misses his Bubbe, who’s in the hospital. He doesn’t know what’s going on, but he begins to wonder if a golem is to blame! 

Scholastic Canada has acquired my next middle grade Holocaust novel, Mia & Max, for publication in fall of 2025. In Mia & Max, a Jewish girl and her beloved dog are both in danger as the Nazis rise to power in 1930s Berlin.

The Canadian Children's Book Centre Best Books for Kids and Teens, 2024

 Yay! Zevi Takes the Spotlight has been included in the CCBC's Best Books for Kids and Teens, Fall 2024 in the Hi-Lo Middle Years Fiction category .

Winnipeg launch of three middle grade novels

What a wonderful evening at McNally Robinson booksellers where I joined Sidura Ludwig, author of Swan and Rising, and Colleen Nelson, author of Mystery at the Biltmore and The Umbrella House. We read from our books - mine being Zevi Takes the Spotlight - and we had a conversation about writing for middle grade readers. My special guest was my twelve-year-old grandson who read with me. 

Book Q&As with Deborah Kalb

Many thanks to Deborah Kalb for her blog interview about my two latest books: Zevi Takes the Spotlight for middle grades.

"I wanted to write a fun book but a book that would get kids thinking about what fame really is. I started noticing that young people have gone from wanting to become scientists, or vets, or firefighters, to YouTube influencers. It seemed to me that fame had become the goal, not the result of hard work or inspiration. So, something to mull over."

Exciting news for Zevi Takes the Spotlight

 Zevi Takes the Spotlight has been chosen by School Library Journal as one of 42 Stellar Middle Grade books for 2024.

MATAS, Carol. Zevi Takes the Spotlight. Orca.
Gr 4-7–This hi-lo title excels in the genre, packaging an accessible, dyslexia-friendly text with a compelling plot and likable protagonist whose journey readers will happily follow.

More great news for Zevi Takes The Spotlight

What a wonderful review from the Association Of Jewish Libraries (AJL).

“Prolific Canadian author Carol Matas has another winner with this fun middle-grade novel that seamlessly blends elements of mystery, Jewishness, friendship, and the extraordinary…The plot is entertaining, the portrayals of family and friendships are positive and the inclusion of Jewish practices and values are few, but important, especially at the conclusion of the book, set at the family Shabbat dinner table.”—Association of Jewish Libraries (AJL)

Plus: School Library Journal has included Zevi Takes the Spotlight in their Top Trends in SLJ's Starred Books/ The 2024 Stars issue!

A Big Honour for Zevi Takes the Spotlight

Zevi Takes the Spotlight has been chosen by the Children's Book Council for their BUILDING A HOME LIBRARY list of books for ages 12-14.

"A brand-new 2024 Building a Home Library book list –organized by age groups from 0 to 14– is now available.

Experts in children’s literature at the Ingram Content Group have compiled a vibrant range of genres, formats, and subject matter, with a focus on diversity of voices and from a wide range of publishers large and small.

From board books to graphic novels, picture books to middle-grade fiction, the new Building a Home Library list is a fantastic resource for all parents, caregivers, librarians, teachers, and booksellers."