About the Author

Author Cyndi Sand-Eveland has worked with elementary-aged children for the past fifteen years as a teaching assistant for students with learning disabilities and ESL students. She has led storytelling and journal writing workshops for primary and intermediate students. She has also worked as a freelance storyteller, children’s library assistant, and sign language interpreter. Dear Toni and her original poetry were recently included in a workshop to inspire students to begin their own creative adventures in storytelling and journal writing. She currently lives on a farm just outside of Nelson, BC.

Reviews

“Gene’s story is told in a marvelously authentic voice; delightful doodles accompany the text, which appears printed on faux notebook paper. A great addition to middle-grade collections.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“Both the text and the presentation are highly accessible…. This book would be a great resource for introducing a journaling, time capsule or creative writing project….”
—CM Magazine

“The novel is written in diary format and peppered with often humorous sketches depicting the various activities, thoughts, pets, and people that make up Gene’s life. Girls, especially, will relate to the protagonist and feel as if they are reading personal notes from a close friend.”
—School Library Journal

"Gene's story is told in a marvelously authentic voice; delightful doodles accompany the text, which appears printed on faux notebook paper. A great addition to middle-grade collections."
-Kirkus Reviews

"Both the text and the presentation are highly accessible.... This book would be a great resource for introducing a journaling, time capsule or creative writing project...."
-CM Magazine

"The novel is written in diary format and peppered with often humorous sketches depicting the various activities, thoughts, pets, and people that make up Gene's life. Girls, especially, will relate to the protagonist and feel as if they are reading personal notes from a close friend."
-School Library Journal