When the Moon Comes

Harbridge, Paul (Author)

James, Matt (Illustrator)

Tundra Books 2017. 40 pages

First published: 2017

Book type: Picture Book

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

2

3

1

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ELA

K

1

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6

1

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ESL

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

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Keywords:

community, first-person narration, friendship, hockey, illustrations (acrylic), independence, outdoor activities, snow, traditions, winter

Aluta

Badoe, Adwoa (Author)

Groundwood Books 2016. 216 pages

First published: 2016

Book type: Novel

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:

1980s, civil rights, female protagonist, friendship, gender roles, Ghana, identity, oppression, politics, pregnancy, protest movements, rape

Summary: For eighteen-year-old Charlotte, university life is better than she’d ever dreamed, a sophisticated and generous roommate, the camaraderie of dorm living, parties, clubs and boyfriends. Most of all, Charlotte is exposed to new ideas, and in 1981 Ghana, this may be the most exciting and most dangerous adventure of all.

The Most Perfect Snowman

Britt, Chris (Author/Illustrator)

HarperCollins 2016. 32 pages

First published: 2016

Book type: Picture Book

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

2

3

1

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ELA

K

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ESL

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Keywords:

bullying, community, friendship, generosity, kindness, self-acceptance, self-esteem, snowmen, winter

Summary: Drift was a plain snowman who dreamed of wearing a scarf, mittens, and stylish hat, and having a pointy orange carrot nose. When a blizzard begins to blow, Drift gives up the things he loves to help others.

When We Were Alone

Robertson, David A. (Author)

Flett, Julie (Illustrator)

Portage & Main Press 2016. 28 pages

First published: 2016

Book type: Picture Book

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

2

3

1

2

ELA

K

1

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4

5

6

1

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ESL

1

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

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Keywords:

Canadian history, community, Cree, education, Indigenous peoples, intergenerational relationships, multiple narrators, oral history, questions, recurrent patterns, residential schools, storytelling

Summary: When a young girl helps tend to her grandmother’s garden, she begins to notice things that make her curious. As she asks her grandmother about these things, she is told about life in a residential school a long time ago, where all of these things were taken away.

Town Is by the Sea

Schwartz, Joanne (Author)

Smith, Sydney (Illustrator)

Groundwood Books 2017. 52 pages

First published: 2017

Book type: Picture Book

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

2

3

1

2

ELA

K

1

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4

5

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ESL

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

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Keywords:

coal, community, country life, family life, fathers and sons, first-person narration, historical fiction, mining, occupations, point of view, traditions

Radioactive: Marie & Pierre Curie, a Tale of Love and Fallout

Redniss, Lauren (Author/Illustrator)

HarperCollins 2010. 208 pages

First published: 2010

Book type: Graphic Text

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

2

3

1

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ELA

K

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4

5

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ESL

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

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Keywords:

chemistry, discovery, interesting illustrations, love, Marie Curie, Nobel Prize, Paris (France), physics, Pierre Curie, radioactivity, science, scientists

Summary: Presents the professional and private lives of Marie and Pierre Curie, examining their personal struggles, the advancements they made in the world of science, and the issue of radiation in the modern world.

The Wolf-Birds

Dawson, Willow (Author/Illustrator)

Owlkids 2015. 36 pages

First published: 2015

Book type: Picture Book

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

2

3

1

2

ELA

K

1

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4

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ESL

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

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Keywords:

animal communication, birds, carnivores, ecosystems, food chains, forests, hunting, nature, ravens, winter, wolves

Summary: In a winter forest, a pair of ravens search for food. Their hunt leads them to help a pack of wolves, who also struggle to feed themselves and their young ones.

Nadia: The Girl Who Couldn’t Sit Still

Gray, Karlin (Author)

Davenier, Christine (Illustrator)

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt 2015. 36 pages

First published: 2015

Book type: Non-Fiction

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

2

3

1

2

ELA

K

1

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4

5

6

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ESL

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

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Keywords:

athletes, childhood, competitions, determination, gymnastics, Montréal, Nadia Comaneci, Olympic Games, Romania, self-discovery, sports, talent

Summary: A biography of the young Romanian gymnast describes some of the ways her energy got her into trouble as a child, how she became involved in gymnastics, and how practice and determination led her to become an Olympic champion.

Good Morning, Canada

Beck, Andrea Lynn (Author/Illustrator)

Scholastic Canada 2014. 32 pages

First published: 2014

Book type: Picture Book

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

2

3

1

2

ELA

K

1

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ESL

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Keywords:

Canada, Canadian animals, Canadian culture, Canadian provinces, Canadian symbols, recurrent patterns, stories in rhyme, travel

The Goldfish Boy

Thompson, Lisa (Author)

Scholastic 2017. 316 pages

First published: 2017

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 Intensive & Enriched

5

6

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Keywords:

community, family life, first-person narration, friendship, kidnapping, loneliness, mental health, missing persons, mystery, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, social skills

Summary: 12-year-old Matthew Corbin’s concerns with germs keep him stuck in his room—watching the world go by from his window—until 18-month-old Teddy is kidnapped from the yard across the street. While trying to manage his debilitating compulsions, Matthew’s neighbourhood observations give him clues to the possible kidnapper. With allies Melody and Jake on the streets, Matthew solves the mystery—and begins a journey from isolation to healing.

Sugar White Snow and Evergreens: A Winter Wonderland of Color

Chernesky, Felicia Sanzari (Author)

Swan, Susan (Illustrator)

Albert Whitman 2014. 32 pages

First published: 2014

Book type: Picture Book

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:

animals, colours, farms, maple syrup, nature, spring, stories in rhyme, winter

Summary: The colours of winter are featured in this rhyming story about a family visit to a maple sugar farm.

Splotch

Marino, Gianna (Author/Illustrator)

Penguin Random House 2017. 36 pages

First published: 2017

Book type: Picture Book

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

2

3

1

2

ELA

K

1

2

3

4

5

6

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ESL

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Keywords:

animal care, death, dialogue, fish, friendship, lying, mothers and sons, pets, tricks

Summary: When his prized pet fish, Splotch, mysteriously disappears, a young boy is determined to find him again—and his mother is determined to ’fix’ the problem by any means necessary.

Adventures With Barefoot Critters

White, Teagan (Author/Illustrator)

Tundra Books 2014. 32 pages

First published: 2014

Book type: Picture Book

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

2

3

1

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ELA

K

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

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ESL

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Keywords:

alphabet, animals, illustrations (watercolours), seasons, stories in rhyme

Summary: A group of young animal friends enjoy homey adventures, in this rhyming story that takes readers through the alphabet and the months of the year.

Jeremy Stone

Choyce, Lesley (Author)

Red Deer Press 2013. 184 pages

First published: 2013

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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5

ESL

1

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5

6

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

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Keywords:

bullying, depressions (psychological), family life, first-person narration, free verse, healing, identity, Indigenous peoples, mental health, novels in verse, residential schools

Summary: In this free verse novel 16-year-old Jeremy Stone grapples with depression, school bullying, an absent father and a loving yet alcoholic mother. However, his new friend Caitlan’s difficulties may be may even greater than his own. Drawing on his Indigenous culture and unique connection with the spirit world, Jeremy disarms the bully, aids Caitlan and brings his family back together.

A Mammoth in the Fridge

Escoffier, Michaël (Author)

Maudet, Matthieu (Illustrator)

Gecko Press 2013. 32 pages

First published: 2012

Book type: Picture Book

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

2

3

1

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ELA

K

1

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5

6

1

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ESL

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Keywords:

exaggeration, family life, friendship, humour, imagination, mammoths, routines

Summary: The whole family goes into an uproar when they discover a mammoth in their kitchen. Mom, Dad and Noah are upset for obvious reasons, but little sister’s got different worries—until she is able to sneak her pet mammoth back to her room.

The Valiant

Livingston, Lesley (Author)

HarperCollins 2017. 378 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

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

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1

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Keywords:

Egypt, fantasy, female protagonist, first-person narration, freedom, gladiators, historical fiction, romantic relationships, Rome, slavery, war

Summary: Warrior-trained Fallon, the 17-year-old daughter of a Celtic chief, is kidnapped by slavers, and after an eventful journey over land and sea, is sold in Rome to Julius Caesar’s own school for “gladiatrixes”. A skilled fighter, Fallon is less prepared to manage student rivalries, Roman intrigue, an attractive decurion named Caius—and new insights into her own family’s secrets. Thinking she has been wrenched away from the fate the druids predicted for her, Fallon learns that she has been following it all along.

The Unlikely Hero of Room 13B

Toten, Teresa (Author)

Doubleday Canada 2013. 264 pages

First published: 2013

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

1

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

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5

Keywords:

brothers and sisters, dysfunctional families, family life, first romantic relationships, friendship, identity, mental health, multigenre, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, peers, self-esteem

Summary: Adam Spencer Ross and the other teen ‘superheroes’ at Group are all trying to manage their OCD, with the help of their therapist Chuck. When Adam (known as Batman in Group) falls for Robyn, it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to him. But their relationship doesn’t solve the complications of his two-family life, and pressure from his mother’s own growing mental health issues.

Under Earth; Under Water

Mizielińska, Aleksandra (Author/Illustrator)

Mizieliński, Daniel (Author/Illustrator)

Candlewick Press 2016. 108 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

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ESL

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

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5

Keywords:

discovery, Earth, earth sciences, exploration, geology, innovations, marine animals, mining, nature, technology, underwater life

Summary: With the help of pull-points, captions and sidebars, large-size illustrated spreads depict the hidden workings of nature and humans, under the ground and under water.

Rash

Hautman, Pete (Author)

Simon & Schuster 2007. 250 pages

First published: 2006

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

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1

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5

Keywords:

Canada, corporations, dystopia, first romantic relationships, first-person narration, football, health, pizza, prisons, science fiction, stereotypes

Summary: Even though his father and brother are currently serving time, high school student Bo Marsden generally agrees with the harsh laws imposed on citizens of the USSA (United Safer States of America), where life’s necessities are provided by the free labour of prison inmates. But when Bo’s temper gets him landed in a polar-bear infested pizza-making factory in Canada’s far north, he gains a new perspective on safety, risk, and self-determination. With the help of his class project—an Artificial Intelligence somehow gone rogue—Bo manages to return home, with a plan to pursue his dreams in a less repressive environment than the USSA.

Young Frank, Architect

Viva, Frank (Author/Illustrator)

Abrams 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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3

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5

ESL

1

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6

1

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

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5

Keywords:

architecture, creativity, determination, Frank Lloyd Wright, grandfathers, individuality, intergenerational relationships, Museum of Modern Art (New York), occupations

Zomboy

Scrimger, Richard (Author)

HarperCollins 2014. 232 pages

First published: 2014

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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1

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

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Keywords:

adventure, differences, friendship, humour, new students, prejudice, school life, zombies

Summary: The new kid in grade seven, Imre, acts and smells peculiar. Ultra-sensitive Bob’s repulsion changes to alarm when he learns Imre is undead. This humorous tale of friendship and understanding is delivered with plenty of gross zombie habits and dropped body parts.

The Navajo Code Talkers

Lewis, J. Patrick (Author)

Kelley, Gary (Illustrator)

Creative Editions 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

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ESL

1

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6

1

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

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3

4

5

Keywords:

American history, cryptography, Indigenous peoples, languages, military history, Navajo, spies, war, World War II

Summary: In a layout reminiscent of graphic novels, this creative non-fiction picture book conveys elements of Navajo culture and history as the foundation for a stirring account of Navajo code talkers’ heroic contribution to Pacific theatre operations in World War II.

Dare to Care: Pet Dragon

Symes, Sally (Author)

Robertson, M.P. (Illustrator)

Quarto 2016. 30 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

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ESL

1

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6

1

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

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5

Keywords:

animal anatomy, animal care, animal training, dragons, imaginary creatures, instructions, pets

Summary: From budgetary considerations to grooming tips, this faux user’s manual covers the knowledge necessary for looking after a pet dragon.

Eliza and Her Monsters

Zappia, Francesca (Author/Illustrator)

HarperCollins 2017. 388 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

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ESL

1

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6

1

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

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Keywords:

art, family life, fandom, female protagonist, first romantic relationships, first-person narration, friendship, identity, monsters, multigenre, multimodal, self-esteem, stereotypes, webcomics

Summary: High school senior Eliza Mirk is a nobody at school, but online she is LadyConstellation, creator of the famous Monstrous Sea web comic. Although compulsively absorbed in her Monstrous Sea world, Eliza’s finds real-life budding friendship with new student Wallace exciting and frightening, especially since he is one of her leading fans online. When her identity is finally outed, Eliza must find the courage to synthesize her creative life with real life.

How Deep Is the Sea?

Milbourne, Anna (Author)

Riglietti, Serena (Illustrator)

Usborne 2009. 24 pages

First published: 2009

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:

adventure, curiosity, mothers and sons, oceans, penguins, questions, underwater life

Summary: Have you ever wondered how deep the sea is? Pipkin the penguin wants to know just that. Join him and some underwater friends on an incredible journey to find out.

Shu-Li and Tamara

Yee, Paul (Author)

Wang, Shaoli (Illustrator)

Tradewind Books 2008. 72 pages

First published: 2008

Book type: Novel

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

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

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5

Keywords:

acceptance, British Columbia, cultures, friendship, illustrations (monochrome), immigrants, justice, new students, prejudice, self-esteem

A Year of Borrowed Men

Barker, Michelle (Author)

Benoit, Renné (Illustrator)

Pajama Press 2015. 40 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

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ESL

1

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6

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

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1

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Keywords:

childhood, Christmas, country life, family life, first-person narration, freedom, Germany, inclusion, prisoners, World War II

Summary: When World War II "borrows" most of the men in Germany, 6-year old Gerda’s family is allowed to borrow 3 French prisoners of war to help run their farm. They are supposed to treat them as enemies, but the family finds ways to show kindness and friendship. Based on the early childhood memories of the author’s mother.

Schooled

Korman, Gordon (Author)

Scholastic Canada 2008. 238 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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6

1

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

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Keywords:

belonging, bullying, foster parents, grandmothers, hippies, homeschooling, intergenerational relationships, multiple narrators, point of view, school life

Summary: Homeschooled by his hippie grandmother, Capricorn (Cap) Anderson has never watched television, tasted a pizza, or even heard of a wedgie, but when his grandmother lands in the hospital, Cap is forced to move in with a guidance counselor and attend the local middle school. While Cap knows a lot about tie-dyeing and Zen Buddhism, no education could prepare him for the politics of public school.

The Raven

Poe, Edgar Allan (Author)

Price, Ryan (Illustrator)

Kids Can Press 2006. 48 pages

First published: 1845

Book type: Picture Book

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

2

3

1

2

ELA

K

1

2

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5

6

1

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

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Keywords:

death, first-person narration, grief, guilt, horror, illustrations (monochrome), mental health, missing persons, poetry, tragedy, unreliable narrator, violence

Summary: Presents Poe’s haunting poem, which explores the terrifying truths that lurk deep within the human psyche.

Xander’s Panda Party

Park, Linda Sue (Author)

Phelan, Matt (Illustrator)

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt 2013. 40 pages

First published: 2013

Book type: Picture Book

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

2

3

1

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ELA

K

1

2

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5

6

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ESL

1

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Keywords:

animals, community, friendship, giant pandas, inclusion, parties, stories in rhyme, zoos

Summary: Xander is the only panda at the zoo, so he plans a party for all the bears. But he gradually increases the guest list to include all the zoo’s mammals, then birds, reptiles, and finally even human visitors.

Peace, Love and Baby Ducks

Myracle, Lauren (Author)

Penguin Random House 2010. 294 pages

First published: 2009

Book type: Novel

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

2

3

1

2

ELA

K

1

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4

5

6

1

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ESL

1

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

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Keywords:

body image, Christianity, family life, first-person narration, gender roles, identity, romantic relationships, school life, self-esteem, sexuality, sisters, socio-economic disparity, spirituality

Summary: Fifteen-year-old Carly’s summer volunteer experience makes her feel more real than her life of privilege in Atlanta ever did, but her younger sister starts high school pretending to be what she is not, and both find their relationships suffering.

Ding Dong! Gorilla!

Robinson, Michelle (Author)

Lord, Leonie (Illustrator)

Peachtree Publishers 2013. 28 pages

First published: 2013

Book type: Picture Book

Cycle

Elementary

Secondary

1

2

3

1

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ELA

K

1

2

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4

5

6

1

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ESL

1

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1

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ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

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5

Keywords:

exaggeration, first-person narration, gorillas, human behaviour, humour, imaginary creatures, strangers

Summary: Working within a storytelling framework of, ‘I’ve got bad news—and some more bad news’, this funny book relates a boy’s imaginative excuses for the gorilla-sized mess he has made.

The Passion of Dolssa

Berry, Julie (Author)

Penguin Random House 2016. 482 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

Keywords:

13th century, Catholicism, France, friendship, gender equality, heretics, historical fiction, Inquisition, multiple voices, persecution, point of view, religions, women

Summary: In thirteenth century southern France, a peasant family of three motherless girls come to the aid of a young noblewoman who is running from the Inquisition. The thoughtful and quick-witted voice of Botille, middle sister and matchmaker, is supplemented with the perspectives of inquisitors and the hunted girl in this tale of miracles—and those who would control and oppress them.

Words

Niemann, Christoph (Author/Illustrator)

HarperCollins 2016. 352 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:

creativity, English language, illustrations (black and white), imagination, minimalist, one word per page, perspectives, words

One of Those Days

Rosenthal, Amy Krouse (Author)

Doughty, Rebecca (Illustrator)

Penguin Random House 2006. 32 pages

First published: 2006

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, emotions, everyday life, feelings, happiness, humour, loss

Summary: Not every day is a great day. This book pays homage to some of the less pleasant feelings that touch our days.

Leo the Snow Leopard: The True Story of an Amazing Rescue

Hatkoff, Juliana (Author)

Hatkoff, Isabella (Author)

Hatkoff, Craig (Author)

Scholastic 2010. 36 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:

animal rescue, endangered animals, illustrations (photographs), international cooperation, Pakistan, perseverance, snow leopards, survival, wildlife conservation, zoos

Farmer Will Allen and the Growing Table

Martin, Jacqueline Briggs (Author)

Larkin, Eric-Shabazz (Illustrator)

Readers to Eaters 2013. 32 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

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:

agriculture, city life, community, composting, environment, farms, gardening, healthy eating, narrative non-fiction, plants, sustainable living, Will Allen

Summary: This picture book recounts the accomplishments of Will Allen, city farmer, founder of Growing Power and recipient of a MacArthur “Genius Grant”.

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children: The Graphic Novel

Riggs, Ransom (Author)

Jean, Cassandra (Illustrator)

Yen Press 2013. 272 pages

First published: 2013

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:

abilities, acceptance, alternate history, fantasy, fathers and sons, friendship, grandfathers, identity, loss, orphans, supernatural, World War II

Summary: Sixteen-year-old Jacob Portman gets the shock of his boring, ordinary life when Grandpa is savagely murdered and Jacob spots the killer: a tentacle-mouthed monster with glowing eyes. Grandpa’s stories of his childhood may have been true after all; Jacob sets out to learn more. On a remote island he finds a grand old refuge, caught in a time loop, for youth with a variety of special powers. Jacob finds all the answers he seeks—and a few surprises. In the end, he relinquishes his ordinary life to fight monsters with Miss Peregrine’s peculiar children.

Twisted

Anderson, Laurie Halse (Author)

Penguin Random House 2013. 262 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

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, dysfunctional families, first romantic relationships, first-person narration, friendship, graffiti, male protagonist, school life, self-esteem, socio-economic disparity

Summary: Senior year is looking up for Tyler: his nerd status has leveled-up to cool loner, since his famous school prank and a summer of community service. Even his chances with the beautiful Bethany look good. But family problems, a wild party and a police investigation put Tyler back in trouble, so he must stand up for himself and take responsibility for his own future.

Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two

Bruchac, Joseph (Author)

Penguin Random House 2006. 232 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

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

Keywords:

American history, cryptography, first-person narration, heroes, Indigenous peoples, military history, Navajo, oral tradition, spies, war, World War II

Summary: This novel brings to light the little-known involvement of Navajo cryptographers during the Second World War. The story is important not only as historical revision, but also calls attention to questions of language, identity, and commemoration.

Africans Thought of It: Amazing Innovations

Opini, Bathsheba (Author)

Lee, Richard B. (Author)

Annick Press 2011. 48 pages

First published: 2011

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, art, creativity, cultures, history, illustrations (photographs), inventions

Summary: Time-tested customs, knowledge and technologies provide a basis for learning about African cultures today.

How Dare the Sun Rise: Memoirs of a War Child

Uwiringiyimana, Sandra (Author)

Pesta, Abigail (Author)

HarperCollins 2017. 296 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

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

Keywords:

activism, first-person narration, gender equality, immigration, memoir, poverty, refugees, Rwanda, Sandra Uwringiyimana, social justice, war

Summary: At the age of ten, Sandra Uwiringiyimana survives a bloody massacre at a refugee camp in Burundi, but her beloved little sister Deborah does not. At times horrifying, joyous, challenging and rewarding, this memoir of Sandra’s childhood in three war-torn African nations is followed by her account of life in America, as a newcomer who is also black and female. Cultural conflicts, sexism, racism and the effects of PTSD are counter-balanced by family, friends, community, and Sandra’s own activism for her voiceless, stateless people back home.

Face to Face With Grizzlies

Sartore, Joel (Author)

National Geographic Society 2009. 32 pages

First published: 2007

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, animals, bears, grizzly bears, illustrations (photographs), wildlife conservation

Summary: A professional nature photographer shares facts, breathtaking images and anecdotes about brown bears.

The Giver

Lowry, Lois (Author)

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt 2014. 226 pages

First published: 1993

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

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

Keywords:

choices, community, conformity, dystopia, fate, freedom, individuality, love, sacrifices

Summary: This transformative young-adult dystopia imagines a world without choice, without colour, and without love, and tells the story of a boy who is appointed to carry the past.

Green Eyes

Birnbaum, A. (Author/Illustrator)

Penguin Random House 2011. 48 pages

First published: 1953

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:

cats, exploration, farms, first-person narration, point of view, seasons, time, voice

Summary: Green Eyes the cat recounts his life on the farm—as a kitten and now that he is grown.

Jason’s Why

Goobie, Beth (Author)

Red Deer Press 2012. 80 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

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

ESL Intensive & Enriched

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

Keywords:

abuse, dysfunctional families, family life, first-person narration, friendship, identity, kindness, love, mothers and sons, self-esteem, social change

All the Places to Love

MacLachlan, Patricia (Author)

Wimmer, Mike (Illustrator)

HarperCollins 1994. 32 pages

First published: 1994

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, country life, discovery, family life, farms, first-person narration, illustrations (oil paint), intergenerational relationships, nature

Summary: A young boy describes the favorite places that he shares with his family on his grandparents’ farm and in the nearby countryside.

What Is Hibernation?

Crossingham, John (Author)

Kalman, Bobbie (Author)

Crabtree 2002. 32 pages

First published: 2002

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 adaptations, animal behaviour, environment, habitats, hibernation, illustrations (photographs), metabolism, sleep

Summary: Describes the process of hibernation and the various ways in which different animals use this process to survive in harsh climates.

The Little Red Hen

Galdone, Paul (Author/Illustrator)

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt 2011. 40 pages

First published: 1973

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:

adaptations, animals, chickens, community, cooking, cumulative stories, farm animals, folktales, recurrent patterns

Summary: This version of the classic tale is set in a charmingly run-down household of lazy animals.

Light and Sound

Goldsmith, Mike (Author)

Macmillan 2012. 56 pages

First published: 2012

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:

colours, energy, illustrations (photographs), light, science, science experiments, sounds

Summary: Brief text, quality photography and clear graphics explain the basics of light, sight, sound and hearing. Back material includes related projects for children to do.

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