A Pickering resident has been recognized nationally for her work in children’s literature.
Charlene Rocha, co-author of You Can Be an Activist: How to Use Your Strengths & Passions to Make a Difference, has been named a finalist for the Sharon Fitzhenry Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction.
The book, written with Toronto’s Mary Beth Leatherdale and illustrated by Drew Shannon, was published by Kids Can Press.
According to the Canadian Children’s Book Centre, the title serves as both an introduction to activism and a call to action for young readers. Jurors praised the book for highlighting change-makers of all ages and backgrounds, with a global perspective that also features Canadian examples.
The Sharon Fitzhenry Award carries a $10,000 prize and is one of seven major categories in the Canadian Children’s Book Centre’s 2025 Book Awards.
The awards and prize amounts are as follows:
- Richard Allen Chase Memorial Award – $2,500
- Arlene Barlin Award for Science Fiction and Fantasy – $5,000
- Jean Little First-Novel Award – $5,000
- Amy Mathers Teen Book Award – $5,000
- Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People – $5,000
- Sharon Fitzhenry Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction – $10,000
- Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award – $20,000
“The CCBC is extremely proud to honour the finalists for the 2025 CCBC Book Awards,” said Stephanie Wells, CCBC Executive Director. “These outstanding books represent 20 publisher imprints, confirming that Canadian authors and illustrators are finding both the space and the right place to tell their stories. The 2025 finalists represent a delightful variety of stories and experiences from across the country, the world, and the imagination. Among this year’s finalists, young readers are sure to find books that connect with their own experiences, pique their curiosity, expand their knowledge, and open their hearts. We are grateful to the awards sponsors for making this all possible!”
This year also introduces a new prize—the Sharon Fitzhenry Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction, valued at $10,000 and supported by the Fitzhenry Family Foundation. The award honours the late Sharon Fitzhenry, former President and CEO of Fitzhenry & Whiteside. “Sharon had a passion for Canadian publishing, with a special place in her heart for both non-fiction and children’s literature,” said her sister Holly Doll, former CEO of Fitzhenry & Whiteside. “This award is the perfect way to keep her memory alive and to celebrate the books that she championed throughout her career.”
Winners will be announced at an in-person event on Monday, October 27, at the DoubleTree by Hilton in downtown Toronto.