On The Same Page announces this year's book

Winnipeg, MB - Manitobans have selected The Evolution of Alice by David Robertson as this year's featured book for the 8th annual On The Same Page, a province-wide reading initiative. The book is published by Portage & Main Press.

On The Same Page, a joint project between The Winnipeg Foundation and the Winnipeg Public Library, encourages all Manitobans to read and talk about the same book at the same time. The program includes book giveaways, author appearances and special events that will take place in early 2016.

One of four titles shortlisted for the 2015-16 On The Same Page program, The Evolution of Alice, garnered the most selections through online and in-person voting between June and September.

"I'm thrilled and humbled that The Evolution of Alice has been voted as the book to get all Manitobans �on the same page.' It's especially humbling considering the amazing books I was shortlisted with; I didn't expect this. I want to thank The Winnipeg Foundation and the Winnipeg Public Library for this honour, and I hope Manitoba enjoys reading The Evolution of Alice,� said Robertson.

�The public continues to select compelling reads for On The Same Page,� said Rick Walker, Manager of Library Services. �David Robertson's book, The Evolution of Alice, is a heart wrenching story, but one that also offers the reader a message of forgiveness and hope. The societal issues that underlie the story will make for interesting programming that you will not want to miss.�

�On The Same Page is a great community-building project that gets people reading and talking about important issues in our community. The Evolution of Alice will certainly inspire some powerful conversation,� says Richard Frost, CEO of The Winnipeg Foundation.

On The Same Page was launched in 2008 and has featured the following works:

• In Search of April Raintree by Beatrice Mosionier
• Reading by Lightning by Joan Thomas
• Juliana and the Medicine Fish by Jake MacDonald
• The Setting Lake Sun / Le soleil du lac qui se couche by J.R. Léveillé
• Manitowapow: Aboriginal Writings from the Land of Water edited by Niigaanwewidam James Sinclair and Warren Cariou
• The Lucky Ones: African Refugees' Stories of Extraordinary Courage by Anne Mahon
• North End Love Songs by Katherena Vermette

For more information, visit OnTheSamePage.ca.

Author Biography:
David Alexander Robertson, of Irish, Scottish, English, and Cree heritage, is a graphic novelist and writer who has long been an advocate for educating youth on indigenous history and contemporary issues. David has created several bestselling graphic novels, including the 7 Generations series, the Tales From Big Spirit series, as well as his newest graphic novel Betty: The Helen Betty Osborne Story. His work has been featured in CV2 and Prairie Fire. His first novel, The Evolution of Alice, was published in fall 2014. He lives in Winnipeg with his wife and five children.