Jury Citation

“In his extensive array of novels for the young, Iain Lawrence ranges from the realms of early 19th century seafarers to a remote, 20th century lighthouse off B.C.’s north coast; from Cold War rural America to a southern English village at the height of World War I. Lawrence builds on the traditions of Treasure Island and other boys’ adventures in many of his stories, but his convincing evocation of period, setting and character make these as much studies of human nature as they are tales of excitement, suspense, fear, and sometimes, sorrow. He is well able to sustain both a rousing pitch of action and complex, reflective male protagonists.” — 2011 Vicky Metcalf Award Jury (Deiredre Baker, Ron Jobe, and Julie Johnston)