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Carol Matas (November 14th, 1949) is an internationally acclaimed Canadian author, actress, and speaker, best known for her works in children’s and young adult literature.

Born to a Jewish family and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Matas is the middle child of Roy Joseph and Ruth Gloria Matas. Her father was a practicing lawyer, who was later elevated to the Court of Queens Bench and was appointed to the Court of Appeal as a Judge. She has an older sister Susan, and younger brother John. Their family enjoyed spending their summers at their cottage at Falcon Lake. It is from here that much of her inspiration for writing grew.

Matas met her husband, Per K. Brask, while acting in Toronto. He is a professor of Theatre at the University of Winnipeg; they married on February 19th, 1977. Together they have two children, Rebecca Ellen and Aaron Samuel, Matas is also a grandmother of three, Rebecca having two children, Zevi and Naomi, and Aaron having a son named Kai. Matas enjoys being a grandmother, and frequently assumes the role as a secondary caregiver to her grandchildren.

Matas still lives in Winnipeg, where she spends her free time attending plays, watching science fiction movies, and spending time with her family, which includes her rescue dogs. Her and her husband continue to enjoy their summer vacations at Falcon Lake, and in the winter months, they travel to their home in Phoenix. Her times in Phoenix also serve as the secondary source of inspiration for the settings of her novels.

Matas attended Queenston Elementary School, River Heights Junior High, and then Kelvin High School, both in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Often noted as an exceptional student and excelling in the advanced academic program at Queenston Elementary School, she quickly became an avid reader. Matas’ passion for reading began with bedtime stories from her parents, but it wasn't long until she was reading on her own. It was not unusual for her to hurry home from school and spend the evening reading in her bedroom. Of her many favorite books, it was L. Frank Baum’s Oz series that she recalls the most. Once she began reading a novel she was unable to put it down. Often times she would get caught not paying attention in class due to her unshakable reading habit.

From a young age, Matas displayed an appreciation for the arts. Aside from reading and writing, she also enjoyed the theatre and acting. In 1970 she graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in English. She then went on to pursue a theatrical career and in 1972, Matas graduated from the Actor’s Lab in London, England. Matas spent many years as an actress in Toronto until eventually meeting her husband, Per K. Brask; they married on February 19th, 1977. Matas retired her acting career after giving birth to her two children.

In 1976, Matas turned her attentions toward writing. As an actress, she was frequently out of work, along with many of her actor collogues and friends, many of whom were also writers in their spare time. They would share their stories with her, and thus, inspired her to write some of her own. Like her friends, she wrote only as a hobby at first, but after she became pregnant with her first child, she was forced to take a break from acting. It was then that she decided to take her writing more seriously, as she was able to write while staying at home with her children.

Along with her writing, Matas also extends her passion and knowledge to others in the form of teaching and speaking engagements. Matas is also a speaker who is often invited to address children and adults across North America. Her teaching experience includes: Artists in the School (Manitoba Arts Council), visiting professor at Bemidji State University MN, creative writing instructor at the University of Winnipeg, and the Winnipeg Public Library’s writer-in-residence. Matas has also been involved in many workshops throughout her career as an author, at first attending, and now, leading them.

Matas has published 43 books as of 2014 and with more in progress. She regularly publishes more than one title a year. Her novels have garnered worldwide critical acclaim in the publishing world, as she has won many international awards and has accumulated a global readership. Her books have been translated into many other languages including Spanish, Catalan, Japanese, Taiwanese, Turkish, Dutch, Danish, Swedish, Finnish, Norwegian, German, French, Indonesian, Bulgarian and Russian.

Matas enjoys writing contemporary and historical fiction as well as science fiction and fantasy. The first novel she wrote was titled The Island and was inspired by the island that was across from the cottage at which she spent her much of her childhood. This novel, however, was not published. In fact, it took Matas a few years of writing to get published. Her first novel to hit shelves was a science fiction novel called The DNA Dimension. Matas began her writing career with the publication of four science fiction novels, centered on time travel. She began writing the science fiction genre for the entertainment of her son, Aaron, as well as her own enjoyment of the genre. Before being published, Matas wrote many stories for Aaron called Adventures in Lego Land.

Although Matas has a keen interest in the science fiction genre, most of her work is centered on Jewish stories and topics such as immigration to North America, and the historical aspects of Jewish life. Eleven of her novels are focused on the Holocaust alone.

Matas began writing historical fiction when her husband (of Danish decent) told her stories about his parents’ experience fighting Nazi’s in World War 2. Much of the inspiration for her historical fiction novels has come from her family’s background. Stories of her ancestors’ heritage and experiences serve as the central ideas of her books. Matas’ family oriented mindset is evident in her writing as she often includes the names of her family members as characters in her stories.

The ability deliver a fast paced, action packed story while portraying a historically significant event is what enables Matas to successfully engage young audiences. This has gained her many positive reviews and has enabled her to become one of the most popular Canadian children’s writers.

Over the years, Matas’ writing has gained a reputation as having a positive influence on her young audience. She has received many awards for her work and has been nominated for many other prestigious titles.

As well as the inclusion of her books on many honour lists such as; the ALA notable list, The New York Times Review notable list, The New York Public Library list for the Teen Age, and the Voya, books in the middle, Best Book list; Matas has been twice nominated for Canada’s prestigious Governor General Award.

Due to her renowned holocaust themed books for young readers, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington DC asked her to write Daniel’s Story, another one of her best sellers.

• Lisa. Toronto: Lester & Orpen Dennys, 1987. Published in the U.S. as Lisa’s War. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1989. Published in Spain by Ediciones B: Barcelona, 1989. Paris, France: Poshe/Jeunesse, Hachette, 1991. Stockholm, Sweden: Tidens, 1991. Mass market, New York and Toronto: Scholastic.

- The Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young Readers, 1988.

- New York Times Book Review, Notable Book, Dec 1989.

- Canadian Children's Book Centre "Our Choice", Memorable Books for young People.

- Young Adults' Choices for 1991, International Reading Association.

- Sydney Taylor Book Award, Notable 1989.

• Jesper. Toronto: Lester & Orpen Dennys, 1989. Published in the U.S. as Code Name Kris, New York: Charles Scribner's Sons: 1990. Also, published in Spain by Edebe, 1991. Mass market, New York and Toronto: Scholastic.

- Mr. Christie Honour Book, 1989.

- Manitoba Book of the Year Nominee, 1989.

- Honour list, Canadian Materials, 1989.

- Code Name Kris, Notable 1990 Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies.

- Canadian Children's Book Centre "Our Choice", Memorable Books for Young People.

• The Race. Toronto: Harper Collins, 1991.


- Canadian Library Association Notable book, 1992.

• Sworn Enemies. New York: Bantam, 1993; Toronto: Harper Collins, 1993.


- New York Public Library, 1994 Book for the Teen Age.


- Canadian Library Association, Notable book, 1993.


- Sydney Taylor Award, 1993.


- Notable Children's Trade Book in the field of Social Studies, 1994, by NCSS, U.S.

• Daniel's Story. New York and Toronto: Scholastic, 1993. Commissioned by the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, Washington, D.C.


- Finalist for the Governor General's Literary Award, 1993.


- Children's Book Centre, Our Choice, 1993.


- Silver Birch Award, 1994, Ontario Readers' Choice award.


- Finalist 1993 Ruth Schwartz Award.


- Mr. Christie Honour Book, 1993.


- Manitoba Young Reader's Choice Award, 1996.


- New York Public Library, 1994 Book for the Teen Age.

• The Burning Time. New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell; Toronto: Harper Collins, 1994.


- Finalist, Governor General's Literary Award, 1994.


- New York Public Library, Book for the Teen Age, 1994.


- ALA Quick Pick for Young Adults List, 1994.


- Children’s Book Centre, Our Choice, 1993.


- Moose Jaw Young Reader's Choice Award, 1998.


- Resource Links, best books of 2007.

• Of Two Minds. With Perry Nodelman, Winnipeg: Bain & Cox, 1994; New York: Simon & Schuster, 1995. Mass market, New York & Toronto: Scholastic, 1998.

- School Library Journal Best Book list, 1995.


- Voya, Books in the Middle, Best Book of the year list, 1995.


- Great Stone Face Children's Book Award Program, finalist for 1996-1997 Master Reading List.

• The Primrose Path. Winnipeg: Bain & Cox, 1995.


- Finalist for Manitoba Book of the Year, 1995.


- Outstanding Book Of The Year, Children’s Book Centre, 1996.


- Finalist Manitoba Young Readers Choice Award, 1997.

• After the War. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1996; Scholastic Canada, 1996. Mass market, New York: Alladin, 1998; Scholastic Canada, 1998.
 - New York Public Library, 1997 Book for the Teen Age.


- Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies for 1997, by National Council for Social Studies and the Children's Book Council.


- ALA Quick Pick for Young Adults, 1996.


- ALA, Best Book of the Year for Young Adults, 1996.


- Finalist Best Book of the Year, McNally Robinson Book Award, 1996.


- Finalist Best Book of the Year for Children, McNally Robinson Book Award, 1996.


- Finalist Ruth Shwartz Award, 1996.


- Jewish Book Award, 1996.


- Mr. Christie Honour Book, 1996.


- Junior Library Guild pick, 1996.


- Booklist, Editor's Choice, 1996.


- Resource Links, The Best Of List, 1997.


- South Carolina Junior Book Award nominee, 1998-1999.


- O.L.A. Red Maple Readers Choice Award, 1998.


- Finalist Utah Young Adult Book Award, CLAU, 1998-9.

• The Garden. Simon & Schuster, 1997, Scholastic Canada, 1997. Mass market, New York: Alladin, 1998; Scholastic Canada, 1998.


- Junior Library Guild pick, 1997.


- Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies for 1998, NCSS and Children's Book Council.


- New York Public Library, Books for the Teen Age, 1998.


- 1998 Rachel Bessin/Isaac Frischwasser Memorial Award for Y.A. Fiction (Jewish Book Award).

• Greater than Angels. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1998. Scholastic Canada, 1998.Mon Bel Oranger, France 1999.


- Notable Children’s Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies for 1999, NCSS and Children’s Book Council.


- Finalist, Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction, 1999.

• In My Enemy's House. Simon & Schuster: New York, 1999. Scholastic Canada 1999. Aladdin, 2001.


- Finalist, McNally Robinson Book of the Year Award for young people.


- Book for the Teen Age, New York Public Library.


- Children’s Book Centre Our Choice, 2000.


- Geoffrey Bilson Honour Book, Historical Fiction, 2000.


- Sydney Taylor Honour Book, 1999.

• Rebecca. Scholastic Canada, Fall 2000.


- Finalist, Manitoba Book for Young Readers, 2001.


- Finalist, Margaret McWilliams Award, Manitoba Historical society.


- Finalist, Hackmatack, Children’s Choice Award.


- Finalist, Manitoba Readers Choice Award.

• Sparks Fly Upwards. Clarion, New York, Spring 2001.


- Judy Lopez Award, honour book, California library award.

• The War Within. Simon & Schuster: New York, 2001, Scholastic Canada.

- Books For the Teen Age, New York Public Library, 2001.

- Sydney Taylor Honour Book, 2001.

- Geoffrey Bilson Honour Book, 2001.

- Finalist, McNally Robinson Book for Young People, 2001.

- The Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award, 2002.

- Finalist, Lamplighter Award, 2003/2004.

• The Second Clone. Scholastic, Canada, Fall 2001.


- Our Choice, The Canadian Children’s Book Centre, 03.

• Footsteps in the Snow. Dear Canada, Scholastic, Canada, Spring 2001.


- Finalist, Silver Birch Award.


- The Canadian Children’s Book Centre, Our Choice, starred for outstanding merit, 03.


- Finalist, McNally Robinson Book for Young Readers.


- Margaret McWilliams Award, Manitoba Historical Society.

• Gotcha! Rosie In New York City. Simon & Schuster, Aladdin, NY, Key Porter, Toronto, Spring 2003.


- Finalist, McNally Robinson Book For Young People.

• Play Ball! Rosie in Chicago. Simon & Schuster, Aladdin, NY, Key Porter, Toronto, Fall 2003.


- Finalist, McNally Robinson Book For young People.


- Finalist, Geoffrey Bilson Award.

• Action! Rosie in L.A. Simon & Schuster, Aladdin, NY, Key Porter, Toronto, Spring, 2004.


- Notable Children’s Books Of Jewish Content by the Association of Jewish Libraries, 2004.


- Hackmatack Children’s Choice Book Award, finalist, 2005.

• Turned Away, The World War 11 Diary of Devorah Bernstein, Dear Canada. Scholastic Canada, Fall 2005.


- Finalist, McNally Robinson Book for Young Readers Award.


- Margaret McWilliams Award, Manitoba Historical Society.


- Manitoba Young Readers Award, short list.


- Finalist, Geoffrey Bilson Award, 2006.


- Children's Book Centre Our Choice, starred for outstanding merit.


- Resource links, best of the year, 2006.


- Frances and Samuel Stein Memorial Prize in Youth Literature, 07.

• Past Crimes. fall 2006, Key Porter.


- Children’s Book Centre Our Choice pick


- Finalist, Stellar Award (B.C. Teen Reader's Choice Award), 2008.

• The Whirlwind. spring 2007, Orca Book Canada.


- Sydney Taylor Notable Book, for older readers, 2007.


- Finalist, McNally Robinson Book For Young People, 2008.


- Finalist, Stellar Award (B.C. Teen Reader's Choice Award), 2009

• The Freak (Book 1 of The Freak Series), Reissued fall 2007 Key Porter Books.


- Sydney Taylor Notable Book, 2008

• The Freak: Visions (Book 2 of The Freak Series), fall 2007, Key Porter Books.


- MRCA nominee, Manitoba Reader’s Choice Award, 2008.


- Finalist, Stellar Award (B.C. Teen Reader's Choice Award), 2009.

• Behind Enemy Lines, World War II, Sam Frederiksen, Nazi-Occupied Europe, 1944, I Am Canada, February 2012, Scholastic Canada


- A "best book" in Junior and Intermediate Fiction for Tweens Ages 8 -14, in the Best Books for Kids & Teens: Fall Edition 2012, Canadian Children's Book Centre


- Nominated for the 2013 Ontario Library Association Golden Oak Award

- Shortlisted for the 2014 Rocky Mountain Book Award (an Alberta Children's Choice Book Awards)

• Pieces of the Past, The Holocaust Diary of Rose Rabinowitz, Dear Canada, February, 2013, Scholastic Canada


- "Highly recommended" by CM Magazine


- Shortlisted for a 2104/15 Red Cedar Award (BC’s young readers’ choice award for students in grades 4 through 7) 


- A "BEST BOOKS FOR KIDS AND TEENS" pick for the Canadian Children's Book Centre’s Fall 2013 edition of Best Books For Kids and Teens 


- A 2014 Sydney Taylor Honor Book Selection for Older Readers


- Winner of the 2014 Helen & Stan Vine Canadian Jewish Book Award for Young People

• Tucson Jo, 2014, Fictive Press.


- "Recommended" by CM: Canadian Review of Materials

1. Matas John, personnel communication, November 1, 2014

2. Carol Matas. Encyclopedia Online. Retrieved from, http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3546000052.html

3. Carol Matas Online. Retrieved from, http://carol.carolmatas.com/index.html

• Carol Matas Official Website
• Carol Matas' Blog
• Carol Matas' on Twitter