Where Lives Take Root

by Christina Kilbourne

Spanning two continents, one war and several generations, "Where Lives Take Root" follows the stories of three unforgettable characters as their lives become forever linked and grounded in Muskoka. First there is Nan, a grown woman and mother of two young boys who suddenly discovers her family that her deceased mother was half Chippewa. Then there is Gunner, a First Nations classmate from Nan's small rural community and the only reference point Nan has to her new identity. Finally, there is Hamar, Gunner's father, a displaced Norwegian who escaped his homeland during the German occupation and found himself at the end of the war, still tied to the Norwegian airforce training camp in Muskoka. Weaving together different decades and narrative points of view, "Where Lives Take Root" is about the universal search for identity and belonging. Suitable for both adults and young adults, this story examines the meaning of blood and ancestry and the inevitable conclusion that what really matters is not about race or religion, but about finding a place and purpose in the world.

256 pages, Paperback

First published June 22, 2007

About the author

Christina Kilbourne is an award-winning young adult author who handles complex subjects with sensitivity and tact while covering issues of critical significance to youth.

Her novel, Dear Jo, was the recipient of three Canadian young reader’s choice awards in British Columbia (Red Cedar), Saskatchewan (Snow Willow) and Manitoba (MYRCA). It was also shortlisted for a young reader’s choice award in New York (New York State Charlotte Award). She is a four-time recipient of an Ontario Arts Council Works in Progress Grant.

Christina Kilbourne was born in Southwestern, Ontario, then moved and spent her elementary and high school years in Muskoka, a resort area two hours north of Toronto, Canada.

She graduated with an Honours BA in English Literature and Anthropology from the University of Western Ontario and completed her Masters degree in Creative Writing and English Literature at the University of Windsor, Ontario.

Upon graduating Christina travelled across Africa, Mexico, Central, South America, Australia and parts of the South Pacific. She lived two years in New Zealand.

She writes adult, young adult and middle grade fiction and has had her work translated into Slovenian, Portuguese, Ukrainian and Spanish.

Christina currently lives with her husband and two children near Bracebridge, Canada. She is a member of the Writer’s Union of Canada.