Growing up as a young Turner Valley girl, author Jacqueline Guest never saw her love of reading, leading to one of the most prestigious awards that a Canadian can get.

Guest was shocked with a phone call in early January that explained she and 99 others had been appointed as new Members to the Order of Canada.  Jacqueline Guest now Jacqueline Guest C.M. was chosen for her contributions as a children's book author who promotes multiculturalism, youth literacy and indigenous culture.

The Order of Canada is a prestigious title and appointments are given out by the Governor General of Canada - David Johnston, who's been quoted saying the appointments for this year are extra special on the Order of Canada's website.

"I am delighted to recognize these new recipients of the Order of Canada in this milestone year," said the Governor General.  "Besides marking Canada’s 150th anniversary, 2017 marks the 50th anniversary of the Order. So let’s be inspired by the examples set by these remarkable Canadians and use this occasion to build a smarter and more caring country in which every individual can succeed to the greatest extent possible."

Guest says it's a matter of pride for her, meaning her work and the importance of Children's Literature has also been recognized.

"I am a Canadian first, I am a Canadian children's author second, and to me  it's like  this has been recognized by the highest order in the land, and for me I guess it's just  a point of pride."

Guest grew up in Turner Valley where there was no library to support her love of reading and would read the only two books she owned over and over. Eventually Scholastic would come to the school in town and Guest as a young girl would do anything to grow her library.

"My mom gave each of us 4 kids, 1 book choice from scholastic and I traded my brother's book choices for their chores. So I would complete their chores for the month and in exchange I got their books." Guest says "They always thought they had put one over on their little sister, but I am sure I came out the winner in that deal."

Jacqueline Guest feels that by including Canadian cultures and history in her novels, she leaves "her children" as she calls her readers, the opportunity to question and choose to educate themselves on Canadian culture.

"What I do is I include just a hint, just a tiny bit of specifically Canadian cultures such as Inuit, First Nations or Metis." Guest then hopes "The kids themselves will be intrigued enough to go 'gee I didn't know that about the Metis or the First Nations people', and then go and question or learn more for themselves."

Jacqueline Guest always participates in school's willing to sit in on classes to educate 'her kids' on the importance of reading and writing.

She has often participated in the Foothills Young Authors and Writers Conferences as well.  For more information on contacting Guest or her novels click here to visit her website.

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