#NotYourPrincess: Voices of Native American Women

Charleyboy, Lisa (Editor)

Leatherdale, Mary Beth (Editor)

Annick Press 2017. 110 pages

First published: 2017

Book type: Anthology

Cycle

Elementary

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Keywords:

body image, colonialism, discrimination, feminism, grandmothers, illustrations (photographs), Indigenous peoples, intertextuality, media literacy, multigenre, multimodal, princesses, self-esteem, social justice, traditions, women, women’s history

Summary: This anthology gathers a broad range of Indigenous women’s perspectives, through both words and images, as they share aspects of their culture and challenge sexist, racist and colonial perceptions.

Thing Explainer: Complicated Stuff in Simple Words

Munroe, Randall (Author)

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt 2015. 64 pages

First published: 2015

Book type: Non-Fiction

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

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Keywords:

concepts, descriptions, diagrams, English language, humour, science, technology, words

Summary: This book offers a comprehensive look at the form and function of various objects. Each concept is broken down into use and components, and wittily detailed and illustrated.

My Granny Loves Hockey

Weber, Lori (Author)

Liska, Eliska (Illustrator)

Simply Read Books 2014. 24 pages

First published: 2014

Book type: Picture Book

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

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Keywords:

dreams, encouragement, feminism, grandmothers, hockey, intergenerational relationships, old age, winter

Summary: A young girl and her grandmother share a love of hockey and Granny’s dream of playing comes true when her granddaughter wheels her onto the ice to score a goal.

Moonshot: The Indigenous Comics Collection Volume 1

Nicholson, Hope (Editor)

AH Comics 2016. 176 pages

First published: 2016

Book type: Graphic Text

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

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Keywords:

anthologies, cultural heritage, diversity, Indigenous peoples, legends, multigenre, multiple authors, multiple voices, North America, oral history, pourquoi tales, short stories, storytelling, supernatural, traditions, tricksters

Summary: This full-colour comics collection features stories from a variety of Indigenous cultures across North America, set in the past, present and future.

You Talking to Me?

Ham, Catherine (Author)

Quarto 2017. 96 pages

First published: 2017

Book type: Non-Fiction

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

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Keywords:

codes, communication, cultures, history, languages, self-expression

Summary: Explores various forms of language and communication through human and natural history.

Speaking Our Truth: A Journey of Reconciliation

Smith, Monique Gray (Author)

Orca 2017. 160 pages

First published: 2017

Book type: Non-Fiction

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

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Keywords:

abuse, assimilation, Canadian history, colonialism, families, human rights, illustrations (photographs), Indigenous peoples, maps, multimodal, politics, residential schools, social justice, Truth and Reconciliation Commission

Summary: Using conversational language and interviews with sources from a great variety of backgrounds, this non-fiction addresses the history of Canada’s relationship with its First Peoples, and a discussion of Reconciliation issues today.

Keeper of the Light

Barkhouse, Janet (Author)

Cilia, Thérèse (Illustrator)

Formac 2016. 32 pages

First published: 2016

Book type: Picture Book

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

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ELA

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

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Keywords:

boats, Canadian history, child labour, children’s rights, determination, female protagonist, independence, lighthouses, navigation, overcoming adversity, responsibility

Summary: After her father dies in a seafaring accident, eleven-year-old Sara goes to work for the Mosher family helping clean, maintain and keep the light. When the Mosher family must leave for the mainland in a medical emergency, Sara is left alone to keep the light as a terrible gale approaches.

Alpha

Arsenault, Isabelle (Author/Illustrator)

Candlewick Press 2015. 56 pages

First published: 2015

Book type: Non-Fiction

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

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ELA

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

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Keywords:

alphabet, codes, communication, illustrations extend text, languages, one word per page, radios

Summary: The words of the International Radiotelephony Spelling Alphabet make an evocative theme for this illustrated alphabet book.

Dumplin’

Murphy, Julie (Author)

HarperCollins 2015. 378 pages

First published: 2015

Book type: Novel

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

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Keywords:

beauty pageants, body image, differences, diversity, empowerment, first-person narration, friendship, mothers and daughters, personal appearance, self-actualization, self-esteem, sexuality

Summary: Things are changing in eleventh grader Willowdean’s life. Her beloved (and obese) Aunt Lucy has died, leaving her alone with ex-beauty queen Mom. Her best friend Ellen is no longer a virgin, and she herself has been making out with the gorgeous Bo, prompting new insecurities about her plus-size. In a snap decision to enter the local beauty pageant, Will must face her own issues, as she successfully challenges Mom and her small town’s conventions of beauty.

The Whisper

Zagarenski, Pamela (Author/Illustrator)

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt 2015. 36 pages

First published: 2015

Book type: Picture Book

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

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ELA

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

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Keywords:

books, creativity, fantasy, imagination, inspiration, reading, story within a story, storytelling, words

Summary: Her magical book of stories is wordless until a whisper in the wind tells a little girl to imagine a story for each page.

Everyday Hero

Cherry, Kathleen (Author)

Orca 2016. 162 pages

First published: 2016

Book type: Novel

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

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Keywords:

acceptance, Asperger syndrome, British Columbia, empathy, friendship, identity, independence, mathematics, new students, school life, self-esteem

Summary: Thirteen-year-old Alice tells her story as the new girl in town (with Asperger syndrome). Temporarily living with her father, and without the support systems of her old school, Alice forges a friendship with Meghan, who has troubles at home. Meghan starts out championing Alice, but Meghan needs a champion too. As it turns out, Alice is uniquely equipped for the job.

The Story of Snowflake and Inkdrop

Gatti, Alessandro (Author)

Baccalario, Pierdomenico (Author)

Mulazzani, Simona (Illustrator)

Enchanted Lion Books 2015. 44 pages

First published: 2015

Book type: Picture Book

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

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Keywords:

first-person narration, friendship, intersecting stories, multiple stories, paper cut-outs, point of view, transformation

Summary: This picture book hinges on the serendipitous meeting of an ink drop and a snowflake. Told from both perspectives and printed back to front, the book artfully foregrounds the journey and the destined embrace.

Is There a Dog in This Book?

Schwarz, Viviane (Author/Illustrator)

Candlewick Press 2014. 28 pages

First published: 2014

Book type: Picture Book

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

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Keywords:

acceptance, cats, community, deconstructing stereotypes, dialogue, dogs, humour, lift-the-flap books, overcoming fears, speech bubbles

Summary: Dogs hate cats, and if there’s a dog in this book, then its resident cats have to hide wherever they can… right? This playful pop-up book makes friends out of presumed enemies, and extends that friendship to the reader.

Labyrinth: Find Your Way Through 14 Magical Mazes

Guignard, Théo (Author/Illustrator)

Quarto 2017. 32 pages

First published: 2017

Book type: Picture Book

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

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ELA

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

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Keywords:

games, interactive books, interesting illustrations, labyrinths, mazes, numbers, puzzles

Summary: The mazes at the beginning of this book are created for the youngest detectives. As you work you way through every page, you’ll encounter worlds that are more and more challenging...and in some cases, only safe for the hardiest explorer.

Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between

Smith, Jennifer E. (Author)

Little, Brown 2016. 252 pages

First published: 2015

Book type: Novel

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

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Keywords:

breakups, friendship, graduation, long-distance relationships, love, moving (household), night, romantic relationships

Summary: This romance novel captures a pivotal night in a young couple’s relationship, as they must decide whether to pursue a long-distance relationship after they go to different colleges.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

Boyne, John (Author)

David Fickling Books 2016. 218 pages

First published: 2006.

Book type: Novel

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

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Keywords:

children and war, concentration camps, death, family life, friendship, Germany, Holocaust, soldiers, World War II

Summary: Bored and lonely after his family moves from Berlin to a place called "Out-With" in 1942, Bruno, the son of a Nazi officer, befriends a boy in striped pajamas who lives behind a wire fence.

Turtle Island: The Story of North America’s First People

Yellowhorn, Eldon (Author)

Lowinger, Kathy (Author)

Annick Press 2017. 116 pages

First published: 2017

Book type: Non-Fiction

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

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ELA

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Keywords:

archaeology, colonialism, cultures, exploration, history, illustrations (photographs), Indigenous peoples, mythology, North America, persecution, prehistory, science, traditions, Turtle Island

Summary: This fully-illustrated non-fiction book focuses on the great variety of cultures of pre-contact North America, from the Ice Age to 1491, drawing on Indigenous myth, oral histories and archeology.

A Moment in Time: A Perpetual Picture Atlas

Hegbrook, Thomas (Author/Illustrator)

Tiger Tales 2017. 76 pages

First published: 2017

Book type: Non-Fiction

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

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ELA

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

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Keywords:

around the world, circular story, community, cultures, everyday life, geography, interactive books, similarities, time, wordless book

Summary: This unique book invites readers to explore the mysterious world of time zones. The illustrations on each page depict the same single moment in time, presenting the reader with a vast array of interwoven human stories from around the world. Readers are introduced to a number of different people and activities, from to a nomad leading his camels through the Sahara Desert to a pod of humpback whales traveling through the Pacific Ocean.

Burning Blue

Griffin, Paul (Author)

Penguin Random House 2014. 296 pages

First published: 2012

Book type: Novel

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

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3

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ELA

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

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Keywords:

crime, first-person narration, friendship, multigenre, multiple narrators, mystery, personal appearance, popularity, romantic relationships, self-esteem, self-harm, suspense

Summary: When beautiful, smart Nicole, disfigured by acid thrown in her face, and computer hacker Jay meet in the school psychologist’s office, they become friends and Jay resolves to find her attacker.

Ghost

Reynolds, Jason (Author)

Simon & Schuster 2016. 184 pages

First published: 2016

Book type: Novel

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

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3

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ELA

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

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Keywords:

family life, friendship, overcoming adversity, poverty, running, self-control, single-parent families, socio-economic disparity, sports, track and field, trust

Summary: A boy facing familial and socio-demographic challenges finds an emotional outlet sprinting. The novel examines the strength of mentorship and the support of a team in helping a young man run straight.

Fire Starters

Storm, Jen (Author)

Henderson, Scott B. (Illustrator)

Yaciuk, Donovan (Illustrator)

Portage & Main Press 2016. 54 pages

First published: 2016

Book type: Graphic Text

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

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3

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ELA

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

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Keywords:

community, crime, discrimination, First Nation reservations, friendship, Indigenous peoples, justice, missing persons, Ontario, reconciliation, social justice, stereotypes, traditions

Summary: Cultural elements of a small town and an Indigenous reserve are captured in this graphic novella, about two falsely accused brothers and the sheriff’s son, who lets them take the fall for his own arson against the reserve’s gas bar. But when racist assumptions are challenged by Grandma’s Anishinaabe values and a bit of detective work, the true culprit is revealed. A rewarding ending shows justice and healing prevail, through Indigenous methods of reconciliation—and reparation by the sheriff’s son.

The Seventh Wish

Messner, Kate (Author)

Bloomsbury 2016. 232 pages

First published: 2016

Book type: Novel

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

2

3

1

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ELA

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5

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

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Keywords:

dancing, family life, first-person narration, fish, fishing, friendship, intergenerational relationships, magic, magic realism, sisters, substance abuse, wishes

Summary: While ice fishing on Lake Champlain, seventh grader Charlie (Charlotte) catches a magical fish who grants her wishes—if only they had the happy results she intends. When beloved big sister Abby is sent home from college with a heroin addiction, Charlie’s best wishes are mixed with feelings of betrayal and neglect. Finally Charlie learns that, even with the best of intentions, no one can control anyone else’s choices.

Bone Gap

Ruby, Laura (Author)

HarperCollins 2015. 356 pages

First published: 2015

Book type: Novel

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

2

3

1

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ELA

K

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

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Keywords:

brothers, bullying, country life, first romantic relationships, kidnapping, magic realism, mystery, personal appearance, self-acceptance

Summary: Roza blew into the town of Bone Gap suddenly, and just as suddenly disappeared. The townsfolk shrug and set to work forgetting her, except Roza’s friend Finn. Part mystery thriller, part contemporary fairy tale, this novel examines appearances belied by our hidden selves.

The First Part Last

Johnson, Angela (Author)

Simon & Schuster 2010. 132 pages

First published: 2003

Book type: Novel

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

2

3

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ELA

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

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Keywords:

babies, families, fathers, first-person narration, flashbacks, friendship, loss, overcoming adversity, pregnancy, responsibility, single-parent families, teen parent

Summary: This novel about family, patience, and perseverance tells the story of the challenges a teenaged father faces when he decides to raise his baby daughter by himself.

Lost Girl Found

Bassoff, Leah (Author)

DeLuca, Laura (Author)

Groundwood Books 2014. 216 pages

First published: 2014

Book type: Novel

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

2

3

1

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ELA

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

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Keywords:

child soldiers, civil war, community, courage, female protagonist, friendship, gender equality, gender roles, migration, peace, refugees, Sudan, survival

Summary: When war comes to her village in southern Sudan, Poni is forced to flee, and join thousands of refugees travelling on foot and experiencing great hardship on their way to a refugee camp.

Head Lice

Gravel, Elise (Author/Illustrator)

Tundra Books 2015. 32 pages

First published: 2015

Book type: Non-Fiction

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

2

3

1

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ELA

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

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Keywords:

animal behaviour, hair, health, humour, insects, lice, science

Summary: Check out this humorous but informative book about head lice.

Proof of Lies

Wallach, Diana Rodriguez (Author)

Entangled 2017. 326 pages

First published: 2017

Book type: Novel

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

2

3

1

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ELA

K

1

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5

6

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

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Keywords:

adventure, disinformation, family life, grief, Italy, kidnapping, loss, mystery, orphans, secrets, sisters, technology

Summary: 17-year-old Anastasia is still reeling from the death of her parents three years ago. Now her older sister has gone missing, and it’s beginning to look like both events are related. With the help of computer whiz Charlotte and new friend Marcus, Anastasia travels to Italy to try and find her sister, and discover the true nature of her parents’ high-flying international lifestyle.

Big Dogs, Little Dogs: A Visual Guide to the World’s Dogs

Medway, Jim (Author/Illustrator)

Fletcher, Mark (Author)

Firefly Books 2016. 32 pages

First published: 2016

Book type: Non-Fiction

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

2

3

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ELA

K

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

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Keywords:

animal breeds, animal classification, dogs, visual dictionary, words

Summary: Provides information on different types of dogs, including working dogs, sporting dogs, and toy dogs.

The One and Only Ivan

Applegate, Katherine (Author)

Castelao, Patricia (Illustrator)

HarperCollins 2015. 310 pages

First published: 2012

Book type: Novel

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

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3

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ELA

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

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Keywords:

animal rescue, animal rights, captivity, empathy, friendship, gorillas, loneliness, social change, zoos

Summary: Ivan the silverback gorilla recounts his life in a concrete cage, in a mall mini-circus off the highway. When young elephant Ruby arrives, expected to bring new income to the languishing animal exhibit, Ivan hatches a strategy to rescue her from his own fate. With the help of friends both animal and human, he succeeds—and winds up with a new family group of his own, in a properly equipped zoo.

Dreamland

Dessen, Sarah (Author)

Penguin Random House 2012. 250 pages

First published: 2000

Book type: Novel

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

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3

1

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ELA

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1

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

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Keywords:

cheerleading, dysfunctional families, family life, first romantic relationships, first-person narration, gender roles, hope, identity, school life, sexual violence, sisters, substance abuse, survival, television shows

Summary: For Caitlin, Rogerson is mysterious, super-smart and sexy, but soon there’s no time for school, family and other friendships—and then he starts hitting her. Intense mixed emotions keep her trapped until Rogerson is finally caught in the act and Caitlin can begin recovery, with a better understanding of her own needs and boundaries.

Nathan

Ouriou, Susan (Author)

Red Deer Press 2016. 152 pages

First published: 2016

Book type: Novel

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

2

3

1

2

ELA

K

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

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Keywords:

acceptance, Alzheimer’s disease, bullying, Canadian history, courage, empathy, family life, Indigenous peoples, intergenerational relationships, perspectives, residential schools, sadness

Summary: Nathan is the target of a vicious bully. Grampa’s Alzheimer disease is accelerating, and Nathan’s parents are very busy. When his only friend is sent to a different school, Nathan experiences paralysis in his legs. Being part of an imperfect yet interconnected community helps bring Nathan back to his feet.

Go Home Bay

Vande Griek, Susan (Author)

Milelli, Pascal (Illustrator)

Groundwood Books 2016. 32 pages

First published: 2016

Book type: Picture Book

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

2

3

1

2

ELA

K

1

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4

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6

1

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ESL

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

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4

5

Keywords:

artists, Canadian art, creativity, illustrations (oil paint), mentors, painting, pastiche, stories in verse, Tom Thomson

Summary: Based on a true anecdote, this book poetically revisits the time spent by the iconic Canadian painter Tom Thomson at a friend’s cottage, and introduces us to Helen, the young girl he taught to paint.

Tasting the Sky: A Palestinian Childhood

Barakat, Ibtisam (Author)

Macmillan 2016. 184 pages

First published: 2007

Book type: Novel

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

2

3

1

2

ELA

K

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

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ESL

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

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5

Keywords:

childhood, children and war, cultures, discrimination, family life, first-person narration, gender roles, Israeli-Palestinian conflict, literacy, memoir, Middle East, war

Summary: Ibitisam is three years old when her family must literally run for their lives during the Six-Day War. A child’s perspective on Palestinian family life, school and the joys of early reading mingle with memories of war, a return home to Israeli occupation and an eventual departure for somewhat safer environs.

Kiss

Wilson, Jacqueline (Author)

Sharratt, Nick (Illustrator)

Penguin Random House 2008. 314 pages

First published: 2007

Book type: Novel

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

2

3

1

2

ELA

K

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

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ESL

1

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

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5

Keywords:

bullying, coming out, family life, first romantic relationships, first-person narration, friendship, identity, LGBTQ, love, school life

Summary: This teen romance explores the changing relationship between two childhood friends as they reach adolescence.

A Bear in War

Innes, Stephanie (Author)

Endrulat, Harry (Author)

Deines, Brian (Illustrator)

Pajama Press 2012. 40 pages

First published: 2012

Book type: Picture Book

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

2

3

1

2

ELA

K

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

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ESL

1

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

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Keywords:

Canadian history, Canadian War Museum, family life, first-person narration, loss, point of view, soldiers, teddy bears, war, World War I

Summary: During World War One, a young girl slips her teddy bear into a care package for her father, a medic posted to the trenches of France. Although her father dies in the battle of Passchendaele, his belongings are shipped back to his family, along with the toy bear, which today sits in the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa.

The Secret Life of Owen Skye

Cumyn, Alan (Author)

Groundwood Books 2008. 176 pages

First published: 2002

Book type: Novel

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

2

3

1

2

ELA

K

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

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ESL

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

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Keywords:

adventure, brothers, family life, farms, friendship, humour, imagination

Summary: Young Owen Skye learns about death, life, and love through a series of misadventures with his older brother, Andy, his little brother, Leonard, and the beautiful, piano-playing Sylvia.

Tuk and the Whale

Rivera, Raquel (Author)

Gerber, Mary Jane (Illustrator)

Groundwood Books 2008. 88 pages

First published: 2008

Book type: Novel

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

2

3

1

2

ELA

K

1

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5

6

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ESL

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Keywords:

Arctic, Canadian history, community, courage, family life, first contact, historical fiction, hunting, Indigenous peoples, point of view, survival, whales

Summary: Tuk, a young Inuit boy, is surprised to see a large ship near Baffin Island that hunts whales.

What Ship Is Not a Ship?

Ziefert, Harriet (Author)

Masse, Josée (Illustrator)

Blue Apple Books 2014. 36 pages

First published: 2014

Book type: Picture Book

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

2

3

1

2

ELA

K

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

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ESL

1

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

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Keywords:

differences, English language, games, homonyms, questions, vocabulary, wordplay

Summary: Clever word groupings list three alike things and one that it is different. For example, there are living rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms—but a mushroom is not a room! Picture clues will help kids figure out which "of these things is not like the other" and will begin to grasp the more fine-tuned nuances of word parts, roots, and meanings.

Show Me Dogs

Peterson, Megan Cooley (Author)

Capstone 2013. 32 pages

First published: 2013

Book type: Non-Fiction

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

2

3

1

2

ELA

K

1

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4

5

6

1

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ESL

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

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Keywords:

animal behaviour, animal care, dogs, human-animal relationships, illustrations (photographs), pets, responsibility

Summary: This primer on dogs introduces young readers to all things canine, from breeds to behaviour to care, and provides scores of photographs as well as detailed information.

Hippos Are Huge!

London, Jonathan (Author)

Trueman, Matthew (Illustrator)

Candlewick Press 2015. 30 pages

First published: 2015

Book type: Non-Fiction

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

2

3

1

2

ELA

K

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

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5

ESL

1

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6

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

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5

Keywords:

African animals, animal behaviour, animal communication, habitats, hippopotamus, narrative non-fiction

Summary: Hippos may make you laugh, but watch out! An acclaimed naturalist takes an exuberant look at these massive, swift, and super dangerous animals.

Me and Luke

O'Hearn, Audrey (Author)

Groundwood Books 2005. 176 pages

First published: 1987

Book type: Novel

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

2

3

1

2

ELA

K

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

ESL

1

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4

5

6

1

2

3

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5

ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

Keywords:

adoption, babies, community, country life, first-person narration, intergenerational relationships, justice, Ontario, responsibility, single-parent families, teen parent

Summary: This novel about family, patience, and perseverance tells the story of the challenges a teenaged father faces when he decides to take his infant son and raise him by himself.

The Crazy Man

Porter, Pamela (Author)

Groundwood Books 2006. 216 pages

First published: 2005

Book type: Novel

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

2

3

1

2

ELA

K

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

ESL

1

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6

1

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

2

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5

Keywords:

1960s, acceptance, amputees, courage, empathy, farms, friendship, kindness, loneliness, loss, mental health, Saskatchewan, social change, tragedy

Summary: Written in free verse, the voice of 12-year-old Emaline recounts upheaval and loss, balanced by the discovery of new talents, friendships and a strong sense of justice, in her prairie town during the late 1960s.

36 Questions That Changed My Mind About You

Grant, Vicki (Author)

Running Press 2017. 288 pages

First published: 2017

Book type: Novel

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

2

3

1

2

ELA

K

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

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ESL

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

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Keywords:

conflicts in relationships, dialogue, humour, lists, love, multigenre, point of view, psychology, questions, romantic relationships, universities

Summary: Hildy and Paul are in this psychology experiment for different reasons: Hildy worries she’s a romantic failure; Paul wants the $40. Yet both find themselves struggling with the list of intimacy-building questions (and each other) as a spark of attraction is given time to grow—or go splat.

The Popularity Papers

Ignatow, Amy (Author/Illustrator)

Abrams 2011. 208 pages

First published: 2010

Book type: Graphic Text

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

2

3

1

2

ELA

K

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

ESL

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

2

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4

5

Keywords:

choices, cliques, coming of age, dialogue, diaries, family life, friendship, humour, non-traditional text layout, personal appearance, self-esteem

Summary: Two best friends embark on a project to study the behavior and taste of the popular girls at their elementary school so that by the time they get to middle school they too will be in the right crowd. Novel appears in the form of a scrapbook.

Wherever You Go

Miller, Pat Zietlow (Author)

Wheeler, Eliza (Illustrator)

Little, Brown 2015. 32 pages

First published: 2015

Book type: Picture Book

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

2

3

1

2

ELA

K

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

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ESL

1

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4

5

6

1

2

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

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5

Keywords:

adventure, coming of age, discovery, friendship, homes, inspiration, journeys, rabbits, stories in rhyme

Summary: This inspiring story-poem follows the adventurous road trip of a cycling rabbit, and the journey back home.

Bruno and Titch: The Tale of a Boy and His Guinea Pig

Dempsey, Sheena (Author/Illustrator)

Candlewick Press 2014. 32 pages

First published: 2014

Book type: Picture Book

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

2

3

1

2

ELA

K

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

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ESL

1

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Keywords:

adoption, family life, friendship, guinea pigs, human-animal relationships, pets, trust

Summary: Since he is the only guinea pig left at the pet shop, Titch worries that he will never get an owner and a home of his own.

The Eleventh Hour: A Curious Mystery

Base, Graeme (Author/Illustrator)

Penguin Random House 1997. 32 pages

First published: 1988

Book type: Picture Book

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

2

3

1

2

ELA

K

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

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ESL

1

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6

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

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5

Keywords:

animals, anthropomorphization, birthdays, celebrations, codes, interesting illustrations, mystery, parties, stories in rhyme

Summary: This rhyming mystery story presents a cast of animals who’ve come to celebrate their friend’s eleventh birthday only to find that someone’s stolen the birthday feast.

Close to the Heel

McClintock, Norah (Author)

Orca 2012. 262 pages

First published: 2012

Book type: Novel

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

2

3

1

2

ELA

K

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

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ESL

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6

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

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5

Keywords:

adventure, anger, family life, first-person narration, grief, Iceland, mystery, overcoming adversity, quests, secrets, survival

Summary: At the request of his late grandfather, Rennie goes to Iceland to right an old wrong, and gets drawn into investigating a murder.

When Charley Met Grampa

Hest, Amy (Author)

Oxenbury, Helen (Illustrator)

Candlewick Press 2013. 36 pages

First published: 2013

Book type: Picture Book

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

2

3

1

2

ELA

K

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

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ESL

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Keywords:

dogs, first-person narration, friendship, grandfathers, intergenerational relationships, kindness, letters, pets, winter

Summary: Grampa visits Henry and his new dog Charley. At first Grampa is concerned about the dog, but Charley’s helpful ways win him over.

Somebody Else’s Summer

Little, Jean (Author)

Penguin Random House Canada 2006. 184 pages

First published: 2005

Book type: Novel

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

2

3

1

2

ELA

K

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

ESL

1

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4

5

6

1

2

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5

ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

Keywords:

choices, divorce, family life, friendship, horses, individuality, kindness, summer

Summary: Two girls meet on a flight from Vancouver to Toronto. As the girls talk they realize they’d each rather be doing what the other is. So they are going to trade places for the summer. Will they manage to pull it off? For how long? And with what consequences?

Latest Selections

#NotYourPrincess: Voices of Native American Women

Additional Editors

Keywords:

Thing Explainer: Complicated Stuff in Simple Words

Keywords:

My Granny Loves Hockey

Keywords:

Moonshot: The Indigenous Comics Collection Volume 1

Keywords:

You Talking to Me?

Keywords:

Speaking Our Truth: A Journey of Reconciliation

Keywords:

Keeper of the Light

Keywords:

Alpha

Keywords:

Dumplin’

Keywords:

The Whisper

Keywords:

Everyday Hero

Keywords:

The Story of Snowflake and Inkdrop

Additional Authors

Keywords:

Is There a Dog in This Book?

Keywords:

Labyrinth: Find Your Way Through 14 Magical Mazes

Keywords:

Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between

Keywords:

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

Keywords:

Turtle Island: The Story of North America’s First People

Additional Authors

Keywords:

A Moment in Time: A Perpetual Picture Atlas

Keywords:

Burning Blue

Keywords:

Ghost

Keywords:

Fire Starters

Additional Illustrators

Keywords:

The Seventh Wish

Keywords:

Bone Gap

Keywords:

The First Part Last

Keywords:

Lost Girl Found

Additional Authors

Keywords:

Head Lice

Keywords:

Proof of Lies

Keywords:

Big Dogs, Little Dogs: A Visual Guide to the World’s Dogs

Additional Authors

Keywords:

The One and Only Ivan

Keywords:

Dreamland

Keywords:

Nathan

Keywords:

Go Home Bay

Keywords:

Tasting the Sky: A Palestinian Childhood

Keywords:

Kiss

Keywords:

A Bear in War

Additional Authors

Keywords:

The Secret Life of Owen Skye

Keywords: