“Celebrated writer Sylvia McNicoll's latest book is Best Friends Through Eternity (February), about a teen who is hit by a train and transported to a surreal world where she meets another girl who'd been killed years before. Bringing up Beauty won the Ontario Library Silver Birch Award, launching her to international success.

Don't be fooled by the cover this novel takes place largely after death has occurred, though it remains lively throughout.' - The Globe and Mail The tone is fresh and feels present-day appropriate, challenging stereotypes, racism and how families integrate into Canadian culture. 'Influenced by the true story of a teenager who died at a railway crossing, Sylvia McNicoll has written a supernatural fiction that aims to fill in the blanks of a tragic death. Though she vowed that she would never love her, Elizabeth grows fonder of Beauty with each passing day, and it is with great reluctance that she returns the dog. Canadian Children's Book Centre Our Choice, 2007 Hamilton Literary Awards Program, 2007 - Mixed. Bringing up Beauty, her guide dog story, won the Silver Birch Award, launching her to international. It is also refreshing to see characters from diverse cultures presented realistically, something that is still sorely lacking from most children's fiction.' - Quill & Quire Beauty Returns by McNicoll, Sylvia available in Hardcover on, also read synopsis and reviews. Sylvia McNicoll is the author of over thirty novels. 'McNicoll's story addresses a slew of important issues - including racism, self-perception, intergenerational culture clashes, bullying, and selflessness - via an engaging, multilayered plot that will give readers much to ponder. will be a solidly satisfying read for many middle school girls.' - School Library Journal Bringing up Beauty, 2003 A Different Kind of Beauty, 2003 Beauty Returns, 2006. 'This is a nicely paced story with solid characters. Selected, CBC's Next Chapter with Shelagh Rogers's list of Best Summer Reads for Children and Teens, 2015

Beauty Returns by Sylvia McNicoll