Synopsis
My first YA novel. Thanks to Coteau Books!
A gripping historical novel about believing in oneself and standing true to one’s convictions.
It’s 1842. 14-year-old Jennie Lawrence has been found guilty of stealing and finds herself aboard one of the few women-only convict ships destined for Australia.
Jennie had been desperate – and, as she gets to know the other women on the convict ship – she realizes she’s not the only one. Many of the women she gets to know were trying to survive, and feed themselves and their families, before they were caught and sentenced to Australia.
It’s clear from the moment the ship sets sail that the conditions aboard are abhorrent – women are sea sick and ill from the lack of good food and water, they are beaten if they disobey orders, and sleep brings no reprieve – as bed bugs, rats, and other parasites attack them in the night.
The only way for the women to survive the boat ride is if they band together. And so, with the help of her new “family” – Sarah, Bridget, and Alice – and other convicts, Jennie battles the jailers, the ship, and the sea. But will it be enough to set them free?
A previously untold story about the plight of an all-female convict shop on the high seas in 1842. Based on true accounts, this lively historic adventure is filled with angst and determination. From first stepping foot on the gangplank to board the three-mast sailing ship bound for Van Diemen’s Land, Jennie’s feisty nature and strong convictions are tested on this perilous journey.
Excerpt
Glimpse into this time travel adventure series and follow Emily’s adventures where she meets a girl from the past on the Canadian Prairies.
Convictions Novel Study Guide
These resources provide insights into the novels and have stimulating teaching materials that engage students and reveal details and insights on pioneer life.
Awards & Acknowledgments
With awards from the Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards and the Next Generation Indie Book Awards, “Convictions” has generated awards for its portrayal of resilience amidst the harsh realities of life on an all-female convict ship. Discover why critics and readers alike are captivated by this tale of courage.
Praise for Convictions:
“Convictions is a novel about a history of women which is not often told. It is built around the sotry of young women prisoners and the discrimination they face aboard a ship that determines their fate. With strong character development and a compelling story, this historical fiction is a welcome addition to young adult literature.” – Judges, Saskatchewan Book Award for Publishing in Education
“Taking place almost entirely aboard ship, Convictions rises to the challenge it sets itself: the brutal 1842 story of a girl’s journey to a penal colony gains momentum at every turn and sees its protagonist take a leadership role against all odds.” – Judges, Saskatchewan Book Award for Young Adult Literature