The Cranky Ballerina

Gravel, Elise (Author/Illustrator)

HarperCollins 2016. 32 pages

First published: 2016

Book type: Picture Book

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

3

4

5

Keywords:

differences, gender roles, identity, individuality, onomatopoeias, physical activity, stereotypes, wordplay

Louis Undercover

Britt, Fanny (Author)

Arsenault, Isabelle (Illustrator)

Groundwood Books 2017. 158 pages

First published: 2017

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

3

4

5

ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

Keywords:

addiction, alcoholism, childhood, divorce, dysfunctional families, first romantic relationships, friendship, graphic novels, siblings, summer, vacation

When Green Becomes Tomatoes

Fogliano, Julie (Author)

Morstad, Julie (Illustrator)

Macmillan 2016. 56 pages

First published: 2016

Book type: Anthology

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

3

4

5

ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

Keywords:

circular story, figurative language, nature, poetry, poetry (collections), seasons

Summary: A series of poems traces the shifts in the natural world across the seasons and illustrates human perspectives. Simple but eloquent, this picture book’s drawings add an additional figurative layer.

Escape From Syria

Kullab, Samya (Author)

Roche, Jackie (Illustrator)

Freiheit, Mike (Illustrator)

Firefly Books 2017. 96 pages

First published: 2017

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

3

4

5

ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

Keywords:

brothers and sisters, children’s rights, civil war, community, endnotes, family life, first-person narration, Lebanon, loss, migration, military regimes, refugee camps, survival, Syria

Summary: Amina and her family flee Aleppo and languish in a refugee camp, with little hope of returning home. When offered a chance to emigrate to Canada, they make the difficult decision to begin a new life.

Crush

Chmakova, Svetlana (Author/Illustrator)

Yen Press 2018. 240 pages

First published: 2018

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

3

4

5

ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

Keywords:

breakups, consent, first romantic relationships, friendship, graphic novels, romantic relationships, school life, self-discovery, social media

Colette’s Lost Pet

Arsenault, Isabelle (Author/Illustrator)

Tundra Books 2017. 40 pages

First published: 2017

Book type: Picture Book

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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3

4

5

6

1

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3

4

5

Keywords:

animals, exaggeration, friendship, graphic tale, imagination, lost and found, Montréal, moving (household), neighbours, pets, storytelling, tall tales

Summary: A new girl in Montréal’s Mile End makes up a story about a lost parakeet and gathers a search party of curious kids to find a bird that never existed, making friends along the way.

Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race

Shetterly, Margot Lee (Author)

Freeman, Laura (Illustrator)

HarperCollins 2018. 40 pages

First published: 2018

Book type: Non-Fiction

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

2

3

1

2

ELA

K

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

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ESL

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

Keywords:

biography, Black history, careers, civil rights, mathematics, NASA, overcoming adversity, perseverance, resilience, science, space travel, women’s rights

Summary: This creative non-fiction picture book profiles four black women mathematicians, their critical roles in NASA space flight, and their success in breaking colour and gender barriers—before, during and after segregation in America.

Super Graphic: A Visual Guide to the Comic Book Universe

Leong, Tim (Author)

Chronicle Books 2013. 196 pages

First published: 2013

Book type: Non-Fiction

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

3

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5

ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

Keywords:

comic strips, diagrams, facts, graphic design, humour, infographics, lists, media literacy, multimodal, superheroes, time lines

Summary: Bar charts, timelines, Venn diagrams and more provide the entertaining structure for all manner of comics-related trivia in this visually striking book.

The Diamond and the Boy: The Creation of Diamonds & the Life of H. Tracy Hall

Holt, Hannah (Author)

Fleck, Jay (Illustrator)

HarperCollins 2018. 40 pages

First published: 2018

Book type: Non-Fiction

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

3

4

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

Keywords:

careers, geology, H. Tracy Hall, inventors, minerals, mining, overcoming adversity, parallel stories, research, self-actualization

The Courage of Elfina

Jacob, André (Author)

Delezenne, Christine (Illustrator)

Lorimer 2019. 64 pages

First published: 2019

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

3

4

5

ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

Keywords:

child labour, children’s rights, courage, family life, graphic novels, immigration, inclusion, poverty, resilience

From Far Away

Munsch, Robert (Author)

Askar, Saoussan (Author)

Green, Rebecca (Illustrator)

Annick Press 2017. 32 pages

First published: 1995

Book type: Picture Book

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

3

4

5

Keywords:

Canadian culture, community, differences, English language, hope, identity, immigration, isolation, language learning, overcoming adversity, refugees

Summary: Saoussan is a young girl struggling to adjust to a new world after being uprooted from Lebanon, her war-torn homeland.

It’s Trevor Noah: Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood

Noah, Trevor (Author)

Penguin Random House 2019. 296 pages

First published: 2019

Book type: Non-Fiction

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

3

4

5

Keywords:

apartheid, Black history, coming of age, entertainers, humour, identity, memoir, mothers and sons, oppression, overcoming adversity, racism, segregation, South Africa

Who Done It?

Tallec, Olivier (Author/Illustrator)

Chronicle Books 2015. 28 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

3

4

5

ESL

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

Keywords:

emotions, humour, inference, mystery, observation, patterns, questions

Summary: This picture book makes a game of finding out who has done ‘it’—fallen in love, peed his pants…. The interrogative form encourages reader interaction while honing observation skills.

Inside Out & Back Again

Lai, Thanhhà (Author)

HarperCollins 2013 264 pages

First published: 2011

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 Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

Keywords:

cultural heritage, escape, family life, first-person narration, historical fiction, immigrants, journeys, languages, novels in verse, refugees, resilience, traditions, Vietnam, Vietnam War

Summary: Through a series of poems, a young girl chronicles the events of the life-changing year of 1975 when she, her mother, and her brothers leave Vietnam and resettle in Alabama.

Take Shelter: At Home Around the World

Tate, Nikki (Author)

Tate-Stratton, Dani (Author)

Orca 2014. 48 pages

First published: 2014

Book type: Non-Fiction

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

3

4

5

ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

Keywords:

adaptations, around the world, community, creativity, environment, homes, illustrations (photographs), innovations

Summary: This fully illustrated book examines a great variety of dwellings around the world, built—or found—according to available materials, climate and financial resources.

Something in Between

de la Cruz, Melissa (Author)

Harlequin 2016. 448 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

3

4

5

ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

Keywords:

deportation, family life, first romantic relationships, first-person narration, friendship, identity, immigrants, immigration, scholarships, school life, socio-economic disparity, United States

Summary: A successful, popular, intelligent high-school senior feels her identity shaken and nearly loses hope for her academic future when she finds out that her family is in the United States illegally.

The Red Bicycle: The Extraordinary Story of One Ordinary Bicycle

Isabella, Jude (Author)

Shin, Simone (Illustrator)

Kids Can Press 2015. 32 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

3

4

5

ESL

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

Keywords:

Africa, bicycles, Burkina Faso, community, donations, narrative non-fiction, recycling, resourcefulness, sharing

Summary: This narrative non-fiction tells the story of a well-travelled bicycle which finds several new incarnations after it is donated to an international bike distribution program.

Sugar Falls: A Residential School Story

Robertson, David A. (Author)

Henderson, Scott B. (Illustrator)

Portage & Main Press 2011. 40 pages

First published: 2011

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

3

4

5

ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

Keywords:

abuse, biography, Cree, cultures, grandmothers, illustrations (black and white), Indigenous peoples, residential schools, resilience, survival, traditions, Truth and Reconciliation Commission

Summary: April’s grandmother gives her personal account of surviving residential school. With symbols from her Cree Heritage, Kokum Betty creates a healing environment to share, with a new generation, her story of suffering and strength.

A Hungry Lion, or, a Dwindling Assortment of Animals

Cummins, Lucy Ruth (Author/Illustrator)

Simon & Schuster 2016. 36 pages

First published: 2016

Book type: Picture Book

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

3

4

5

ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

Keywords:

animals, deconstructing stereotypes, humour, mystery, parties, predators, surprise endings

Summary: Members of a large group of animals, including a penguin, two rabbits and a koala, disappear at an alarming rate, but the hungry lion remains in this picture book with a twist.

Ungifted

Korman, Gordon (Author)

Scholastic Canada 2014. 264 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

4

5

ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

Keywords:

abilities, acceptance, community, family life, first-person narration, friendship, identity, individuality, mischief, multiple voices, perseverance, school life

Summary: After he pulls an elaborate prank, instead of being punished, an administrative error promotes Donnie to a gifted program despite his lackluster academic abilities. He, his classmates and his teachers learn there are different ways of being gifted.

Ocean Animals From Head to Tail

Roderick, Stacey (Author)

Moriya, Kwanchai (Illustrator)

Kids Can Press 2016. 36 pages

First published: 2016

Book type: Non-Fiction

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

3

4

5

ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

Keywords:

animal behaviour, close-up illustrations, habitats, marine animals, oceans, questions, science, underwater life

Summary: In this brightly illustrated picture book, basic facts about a variety of ocean-dwelling creatures are offered through the engaging structure of a guessing game.

A Blinding Light

Lawson, Julie (Author)

Nimbus 2017. 264 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

3

4

5

ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

Keywords:

boats, community, courage, family life, friendship, Halifax, Halifax explosion, historical fiction, loss, perseverance, social classes, survival, World War I

Summary: Will and Livy Schneider must cope with the disappearance of their German-born father. But when tragedy strikes on an unprecedented scale—the Halifax Explosion of 1917—Will and Livy see their city and its inhabitants in a new light.

The Red Hat

Teague, David (Author)

Portis, Antoinette (Illustrator)

Disney/Hyperion Books 2015. 36 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

3

4

5

ESL

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

Keywords:

buildings, companionship, determination, friendship, kites, neighbours, perseverance, problem-solving, wind

Summary: Billy Hightower spies a girl in a red hat on the rooftop of a building across from him. All of his attempts to meet her are thwarted by the wind, but with perseverance he finds a way.

The Zoo Box

Cohn, Ariel (Author)

Steinke, Aron Nels (Illustrator)

Macmillan 2014. 48 pages

First published: 2014

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

3

4

5

ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

Keywords:

adventure, animals, captivity, family life, fantasy, humour, illustrations (cartoon), mischief, perspectives, responsibility, rules, zoos

Summary: Erika and Patrick discover a “zoo box” in their attic, which releases countless wild animals—and a world in which people reside in the zoo, while the animals come to visit.

Lesson for the Wolf

Qitsualik, Rachel (Author)

Tinsley, Sean (Author)

Cook, Alan (Illustrator)

Inhabit Media 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

3

4

5

ESL

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

Keywords:

community, identity, individuality, Inuit, nature, peer pressure, self-acceptance, wolves

Summary: Wolf spends his days admiring all the other animals. He watches them with envy, wishing that he could be like them. When his wish is granted, Wolf finds out that what he admires may not be what he really wants.

Turtles All the Way Down

Green, John (Author)

Penguin Random House 2017. 294 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

3

4

5

Keywords:

anxiety, female protagonist, first-person narration, friendship, identity, mental health, missing persons, mystery, romantic relationships, school life, self-esteem, self-harm, single-parent families, socio-economic disparity

Summary: Sixteen-year-old Aza eventually comes to terms with her mental health issues with the help of her best friend, a caring mother and a supportive love interest.

Buddy and Earl Go Exploring

Fergus, Maureen (Author)

Sookocheff, Carey (Illustrator)

Groundwood Books 2016. 32 pages

First published: 2016

Book type: Picture Book

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

3

4

5

Keywords:

dogs, exploration, friendship, hedgehogs, humour, imagination, travel

Summary: Buddy and Earl are off on a grand adventure. While exploring the wilds of the kitchen, they see wondrous sights, make delicious discoveries and even encounter a couple of unusual monsters.

Wade’s Wiggly Antlers

Bradford, Louise (Author)

Battuz, Christine (Illustrator)

Kids Can Press 2017. 32 pages

First published: 2017

Book type: Picture Book

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

3

4

5

Keywords:

acceptance, animals, anxiety, changes, courage, friendship, growing up, moose, seasons

Summary: Wade, a young moose, worries when his antlers start wiggling, but he realizes he has to jump into life head-first, even if it means growing up and growing a new pair of antlers.

We’re in the Wrong Book!

Byrne, Richard (Author/Illustrator)

Macmillan 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

3

4

5

ESL

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

Keywords:

adventure, books, dialogue, imagination, interactive books, libraries, metafiction, problem-solving, speech bubbles, surprise endings

Summary: Accidentally bumped off their page and into the wrong book, Bella and Ben try to find their way back, through books about counting, Egyptian history, puzzles and more.

Finding Wild

Lloyd, Megan Wagner (Author)

Halpin, Abigail (Illustrator)

Penguin Random House 2016. 24 pages

First published: 2016

Book type: Picture Book

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

3

4

5

ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

Keywords:

appreciation, environment, nature, second-person narration, senses, wilderness

Summary: This poetic picture book explores all of the ways and places where ‘wild’ exists in our world, out in nature and even in the city.

Bob the Artist

Deuchars, Marion (Author/Illustrator)

Laurence King Publishing 2016. 32 pages

First published: 2016

Book type: Picture Book

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

3

4

5

ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

Keywords:

acceptance, art, artists, birds, discrimination, individuality, inspiration, self-confidence, teasing

Summary: Bob the bird is just like all his friends, apart from his skinny legs. When Bob is teased, he decides to try and change his body in order to fit in. But little does he know where all his efforts will lead him.

Today Is the Day

Walters, Eric (Author)

Fernandes, Eugenie (Illustrator)

Tundra Books 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

3

4

5

ESL

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

Keywords:

Africa, birthdays, identity, Kenya, narrative non-fiction, orphans, poverty, valuing

Summary: This story is based on a real small-town orphanage in Kenya, where one day is designated each year to celebrate the children who don’t know their real date of birth.

Worms

Friot, Bernard (Author)

Guillerey, Aurélie (Illustrator)

Kids Can Press 2015. 28 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

3

4

5

ESL

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

Keywords:

first-person narration, food, human behaviour, humour, mischief, surprise endings, tricks, wealth, worms

Summary: A small boy is so bored at dinner, he agrees to help out in this tale of mischief – and just desserts – served with a flourish!

Pirate, Viking, & Scientist

Chapman, Jared (Author/Illustrator)

Little, Brown 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

4

5

ESL

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

Keywords:

conflicts, friendship, pirates, problem-solving, science experiments, scientific method, scientists, vikings

Summary: A pirate and a Viking fight to be the very best friend of a kid scientist, who meanwhile devises the perfect formula for all three friends to play happily together.

Wet Cement: A Mix of Concrete Poems

Raczka, Bob (Author)

Macmillan 2016. 44 pages

First published: 2016

Book type: Anthology

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

3

4

5

ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

Keywords:

everyday life, non-traditional text layout, poetry, poetry (collections), shape poems, wordplay

Summary: This collection of concrete poems enchants readers with clever text layout that creates images and enhances meaning.

Soar, Elinor!

Brown, Tami Lewis (Author)

Roca, François (Illustrator)

Macmillan 2010. 40 pages

First published: 2010

Book type: Non-Fiction

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

3

4

5

ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

Keywords:

adventure, airplanes, aviation, determination, Elinor Smith, flying, gender roles, overcoming adversity, women

West Coast Wild: A Nature Alphabet

Hodge, Deborah (Author)

Reczuch, Karen (Illustrator)

Groundwood Books 2015. 48 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

3

4

5

ESL

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

Keywords:

alphabet, ecology, ecosystems, illustrations (watercolours), oceans, Pacific west coast

Summary: Informative and artful, this picture book introduces the flora and fauna of the Pacific west coast. Presented as an alphabet book, it showcases the habitual and hidden details of a wide-ranging ecosystem.

I Help = Niwechihaw

Nicholson, Caitlin Dale (Author/Illustrator)

Morin-Neilson, Leona (Author)

Groundwood Books 2008. 24 pages

First published: 2008

Book type: Picture Book

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

3

4

5

ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

Keywords:

bilingual text, Cree, grandmothers, illustrations (acrylic), Indigenous peoples, intergenerational relationships, nature

Summary: This simple story in Cree and English explores a young child’s relationship with his grandmother, or kôkhom, as they go for a walk in the woods to pick rosehips.

Where Will I Live?

McCarney, Rosemary (Author)

Second Story Press 2017. 24 pages

First published: 2017

Book type: Non-Fiction

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

3

4

5

ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

Keywords:

around the world, children, family life, homes, hope, illustrations (photographs), journeys, refugee camps, refugees, resilience, war

Summary: Minimal language and powerful photographs convey the circumstances of refugee children around the world.

Half-Truths and Brazen Lies: An Honest Look at Lying

Vermond, Kira (Author)

Hanmer, Clayton (Illustrator)

Owlkids 2016. 48 pages

First published: 2016

Book type: Non-Fiction

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

3

4

5

ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

Keywords:

choices, community, ethics, honesty, humour, instructions, lying, science

Summary: This look at lying offers historical anecdotes, scientific studies and sociocultural analyses to help unpack the complex world of untruths.

Oops, Pounce, Quick, Run!: An Alphabet Caper

Twohy, Mike (Author/Illustrator)

HarperCollins 2016. 32 pages

First published: 2016

Book type: Picture Book

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

3

4

5

ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

Keywords:

acceptance, adventure, alphabet, differences, dogs, friendship, humour, illustrations extend text, mice, one word per page, wordless book

Summary: When a bouncing ball wakes a sleeping mouse, it’s just the beginning of an alphabet adventure.

Wild Ideas

Kelsey, Elin (Author)

Kim, Soyeon (Illustrator)

Owlkids 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

3

4

5

ESL

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

Keywords:

animals, illustrations (collage), nature, observation, problem-solving, questions, science, second-person narration

Summary: Poetic language and collage illustrations convey a positive message about problem-solving, as found in animal behaviours.

The Hockey Song

Connors, Tom (Author)

Clement, Gary (Illustrator)

Greystone Books 2016. 40 pages

First published: 2016

Book type: Picture Book

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

3

4

5

ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

Keywords:

acceptance, community, diversity, hockey, music, outdoor activities, songs, sports

Summary: Expressive painted illustrations offer homey, community-oriented visuals to accompany the words of a Canadian classic: “The Hockey Song.”

Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library

Weatherford, Carole Boston (Author)

Velasquez, Eric (Illustrator)

Candlewick Press 2017. 44 pages

First published: 2017

Book type: Non-Fiction

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

3

4

5

ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

Keywords:

African Americans, Alexandre Dumas, Arturo Schomburg, biography, Black history, books, Frederick Douglass, historical figures, James Audubon, libraries, Ludwig van Beethoven, Phillis Wheatley, research, time lines

Summary: This picture-book biography of Arturo Schomburg, black historian and bibliophile, includes profiles of eminent black figures throughout history, brought back to public awareness through Schomburg’s research.

How to Build a Plane

Lacey, Saskia (Author)

Sodomka, Martin (Illustrator)

Quarto 2015. 64 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

3

4

5

ESL

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

Keywords:

airplanes, aviation, design, flight, instructions, overcoming fears, problem-solving

Summary: This prettily illustrated book combines a fictional narrative with step-by-step instructions on how to build an airplane.

TED Talks: The Official TED Guide to Public Speaking

Anderson, Chris J. (Author)

HarperCollins 2016. 272 pages

First published: 2016

Book type: Non-Fiction

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

2

3

1

2

ELA

K

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

Keywords:

advice, communication, performing, public speaking, reference, speeches

Summary: Learn some of the inside secrets to giving a first-class presentation from the man who put TED talks on the world’s stage.

Pedal It! How Bicycles Are Changing the World

Mulder, Michelle (Author)

Orca 2013. 48 pages

First published: 2013

Book type: Non-Fiction

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

3

4

5

ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

Keywords:

around the world, bicycles, creativity, environmental awareness, illustrations (photographs), innovations, inventions, transportation, work

Summary: This introduction to all things bicycle-related offers in-depth historical, technological and international perspectives on the humble bike.

Frank and Laverne

Whamond, Dave (Author/Illustrator)

Stokes, Jennifer (Author)

Owlkids 2016. 40 pages

First published: 2016

Book type: Picture Book

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

3

4

5

ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

Keywords:

acceptance, animal behaviour, cats, dogs, everyday life, friendship, heroes, mischief, multiple stories, parallel stories, pets, point of view

Summary: Every morning Frank the pug is up early to patrol for squirrels and protect his humans while Laverne, the cat, prefers a more refined routine of napping, kneading her cat bed and scorning human behaviour.

The Golden Touch: A Retelling of the Legend of King Midas

Huser, Glen (Author)

Béha, Philippe (Illustrator)

Tradewind Books 2015. 48 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

3

4

5

ESL

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

Keywords:

Greek mythology, Midas, operas, poetic language, retelling

Summary: This retelling of the classic Greek myth about King Midas and his golden touch reminds us to be careful what we wish for.

ABC Dream

Krans, Kim (Author/Illustrator)

Penguin Random House 2016. 44 pages

First published: 2016

Book type: Picture Book

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

3

4

5

ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

Keywords:

alliteration, alphabet, animals, inference, nature, wordless book

Summary: This wordless alphabet book features dreamlike compositions forming the capital letters of the alphabet.

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