Carl Brundtland

Friendship drama and actual theater drama abound in this hilarious and heartfelt middle-school story.It’s the summer before eighth grade, and best friends Nansi, Ayesha and Angela are spending as much of the summer together as they can, and celebrating the news that Ayesha got the lead role in the festival play. But when Nansi and Angela accidently post an embarrassing video of Ayesha to a group chat, it sets off a series of events that threaten Nansi and Ayesha’s friendship. And it looks like Nansi’s track-and-field archnemesis, Tania, is at the center of it all …Packed with humor and hijinks, this second book in the Nansi graphic novel series by Carl Brundtland and Claudia Dávila hits all the right notes. The relatable characters, problems and situations - stage fright, sports rivalries, misunderstandings among friends (and adversaries) - make it a pitch-perfect middle-school read. Nansi’s character is loosely based on Anansi, the West African folktale trickster, adapted to inhabit a modern, urban North American setting. The series features a multicultural cast of characters and incorporates elements of Jamaican culture into Nansi’s family life. Colorful and expressive art by Claudia Dávila captures the energy and emotional range of the lovable characters. This book offers excellent character education lessons on caring, courage and resilience.

Nansi has never lost a race... until snobby Tania beats her in an unofficial event. Surely it''s Tania''s flashy shoes that gave her the edge. Nansi has to get a pair before the track tryouts! But how will she kick up 338 dollars? Incorporating Jamaican culture and the West African trickster character, Anansi, debut author Carl Brundtland has created an endearingly self-absorbed heroine who always goes the distance - even if it''s the wrong way. With award-winning illustrator Claudia Davila''s expressive art, Way Off Track hits the ground running with humour, hijinks and a whole lot of heart.