This posting features recent CANADIAN publications, each worthy of praise. What talented children’s authors and illustrators we have, eh? 

Let’s hear it for “I READ CANADIAN DAY” (November 8th, 2023) .. and many days beyond!!!

 

CHAIWALA by Priti Birla Maheshwari; illus. Ashley Barron

In the introduction to this picture book, readers learn that Chaiwala ‘tells teh sweet and comforting story of a young girl and her mother bonding over an aromatic cup of chai at a train station in Jaipur, India. Delightfully caputreing the richness of Indian, culture, the story teachers young readers the importance of taking time to celebrate the pleasures of family, food, and tradtion.’ This publication is noteworthy for being the TD Grade One Book giveaway. Every grade one student across Canada will be given a copy of Chaiwala. Hip, Hip, Hooray! for TD bank. Hip, Hip, Hooray! to Priti Bilra Mahesawari and Ashley Barron. Hip, Hip,Hooray for chai!

 

DO YOU REMEMBER? by Sydney Smith

The striking cover  image of a pensive boy caught my attention. The questioning title Do You Remember? caught my attention inferring that this would be a book of memories, stories and significant life events. Seeing the author’s name at the top of the cover was reason enough to grab this picture book for purchase. A boy and his mother are cozily tucked together in the bed of an apartment that they just moved into, trading memories of special times they had experienced in the past (a picnic with Dad, a fall from a bicycle,  a rainstorm).  The format of the book is intriguinng: memories are shared in mostly 1/4 page text  which are surrounded by 6 illustrated panels illuminating the  happy and sad memories – a scrapbook of sorts. This is a book to foster connections, to ignite stories and to ignite emotional connections. This is a book that deserves repeated visits. This is another  masterful book by the masterful award winning author, illustrator Sydney Smith.  

 

DO YOU WONDER? by Wallace Edwards

Thia book presents ponderances big and small that encourage about some world’s mysteries for readers to wonder about.  A reptetious pattern appears page by page inviting young people to answer in their heads, with some friends, or alongside an adult. (‘Sometimes I wonder why some songs make me happy. ‘/ ‘Sometimes I wonder why it feels good to help a friend.’ / ‘Sometimes if I can finish what I’ve started.’  Wallace Edwards staggering art work featuring comical animal characters (e.g., elephant, flamingo, penguin, porcupine) are sure to delight as much as the Sometimes I wonder statements that give food for thought. This book is the definition of “Imagination” with a capital ” It is indeed WONDERful!!

 

DRAGON’S DILEMMA by Catherine Little; illus. Sae Kimura

This is an exquisite companion book to the author’s and illustrator’s picture book Twelve in a Race where the Chines Zodiac animals enter a competition to determine who is the mlst powerful runner. In this title, Dragon boasts, ‘I am by far the biggest, by far the fastest and I am the only one who can fly.” The race provides the opportunity for Dragon to see the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.  When he passes over a village in peril of a drought, Dragon faces the dilemma of winning the race or helping a people in need.  Catherine Little tells a great adventure story and artist Sae Kimura provides exquisite illustrations that fill the pages. This is a fantastic story to shine a light on dragons that are significant to Chinese culture. This is a great story to have student think about ethical deeds and kindness. Dragon’s Dilemma is a treasure!

 

IF YOU SEE A BLUEBIRD by Bahram Rahman, Gabrielle Grimard

Ali and his family are safe in their new home, but the young boy has strong wishes to go back to Afghanastan. Although his story has Ali recalling nightime flight, a crowded bus and a flight to immigration, Ali has fond memories of the home he once knew of.  When  Nana spot a bluebird, she suggests that Ali make a wish and though he wishes to return ‘home’ Ali realizes that a home is a place of where families live and love together. This is another great title from Pajama Press by award winning author of The Library Bus and A Sky-Blue Bench.  Inspiring!

 

THE IMAGINARY ALPHABET by Sylvie Daigneault

 I love alphabet books. I love books that celebrate words. I love books with illustrations that enrich curiosity, wonder and imagination. this is a triple crown winner for me.  On one side of the page we see an alphabet letter adorned with visual images (‘C’  features cactus, ‘L’ features lemons) and each letter is accompanied with playful alliterative sentences. On the right hand page, Daigneault ‘illustrates’ the whimsical sentence in addition to a number of pictures that start with the same letter as the one featured in the large illustrations.  At the conclusion of this book there is a sit of about 300 words that have been ‘hidden’ throughout. 26 letters. 26 whimsical alliteratuve descriptions to accompany the letters. 300 words and one glorious trip to an art gallery with Sylvia Daigneault’s exquisite, fantastical illustrations. This is a WOW! of a book (to be released in September 2023 from Pajama Press.

G = Grumpy Gorillas Guarding the Garden Gate. Can you spot the gargoyles, gerbils, giraffe, gravel ground and gold hidden in the picture?

 

IMAGINE A GARDENby Rina Singh; illus. Hoda Hadadi A tribute to everyday heroes who calm fears and foster hopes

This book is a collection of 7 stories (vignettes) of courage and changing the world. Each concise story is presented over two pages in free-verse style.  Each story is based on a real life stories from across the globe (e.g., Rio di Janero, India, South Africa, Greece and Northern Ontario). The narratives of ordinary people doing extraordinary things (e.g., a mother plants gardens in the canistars of spent grenades; the children of migrant workers gather under a bridge to get an education; an artist dismantles illegal weapons to transform them into musical instruments; a ballet teacher encourages her students to dance in spite of the sounds of shooting guns). show a troubled world through the lens of love, courage, and compassion . The cut-paper art work is spectacular. I would love to have any one of these images hanging on my walls. Background information about each of the stories is provided as notes at the end of the book. This book was given as a gift from a friend. Imagine a Garden is a gift for any readers who encounter the poignant stories and exquisite art work I’ll cherish this book and hope it gets awards it deserves.  

Author’s note: “Our world is not always an easy place to live in. There is war, poverty, and violence in many parts of our planet. The news mostly puts a spotlight on what is wrong with our world. But there is a lot that is right too. There are people who get out of bed every morning and spend their days thinking of others and making things better for their communities 

 

EVERYONE IS WELCOME by Phuong Truong; illus. Christine Wein (2023)

I strongly believe that children’s literature can offer students significant insights into hate and discrimination. Everyone is Welcome is a story of an 8 year old girl (almost 9) who learns stories about her mother who was taunted with anti-asian racial slurs (“Ching chong”) when she was younger and a friend of her grandmother’s, Mrs. Lee,  who was  under attack and pushed onto the road. The girl’s brother has joined the Asian Student Association designed to bring Asians together but also have a goal to help accompany other who feel cared to walk to school. Finally, one of the girl’s friends tells her that he is forbidden to play with her any more since everything that’s happened in the world is the fault of Asians. This is an honest and brave story of Anti-Asian racism. Kudos to author Phuong Truong for a rich story that is centred on community, compassion and caring. This is a absolutely a worthy contribution to titles that invite readers to think about inclusion, where everyone is welcome. Note: Christine Wei’s   colourful illustrations not only compliment the verbal text but present a window and mirror into Asian culture. 

 

LOOK UP HIGH! THINGS THAT FLY by Victoria Allenby

“Look up high! Toy planes fly. How? Where? Look up there?” This is another terrific concept book  by Author Victoria Allenby (Shape Up, Cosntruction Trucks, Listen Up! Train Song!). A repeated pattern of text invites young readers to “Look up high!” and gaze at balloons, helicopters, jet planes and other things that soar through the clouds. The information about things that fly and the vivid photographs make this a captivating title to share with toddlers. Wonderful!

 

MINA by Matthew Forsythe

Mina is a mouse. She lives happily in the woods with her father and looks forward to the random surprises he brings home to her from the outside world. Mina is concerned when father brings home a cat (he insists it’s a squirrel). This is a funny, whimsical ‘cat and mouse’ story with staggering, glowing, patterned artwork that fills the pages. Mina is the winner of the $20 000 2023, Marilyn Baillie prize for best picture book. Well deserved, I’d say.  

 

MOLLY MISSES NAINAI by Emma Chan: illus. Sean Huang

Because her Visa is up., Molly’s grandmother must return to China. Molly misses Nanai terribly and remembers good times that they spent together. Despite the distant sepearation, a familiar lullaby, shared through screen time brings granddmother and granddaughter together.  (“When Grandma starts to sing the lullaby, Molly closes her eyes. They sing softly togethr, and Molly feels warm in her heart and her eyes. Nainai is back.” A heartfelt story about immigration and family bonds. The glorious artwork Sean Huang is evocative beautifully capture time and place. This is a special picture book creation filled with song, warmth and heart. 

 

PIGS CAN’T FLY by Wallace Edwards

The title of this book serves as a testimony to the whimsical  and wonderful imaginative world of Wallace Edwards. Through rhyne and art Pigs Can’t Fly  creates a world of possibilities  With Wallace Edwards the impossible becomes possible: Who says worms don’t dance? Swans don’t wear shoes? Fish never sing?  Frogs don’t play bagpipes? Alligators don’t like snow.    I was lucky to have recently attended an art  gallery showing of Edward’s illustrations, an event to honour the celebrated artist who passed away in 2022 .  The author bio of the book states that ‘his art and words invite children to find wonder and delight all around them every day. Mission accomplished, Mr. E. Thank you for your talent, your book gifts. 

They say that nothing lasts forever.

I don’t know if that’s true.

But I know, between now and never –

And I know this now, more than ever-

Love will see you through. 

 

THE YELLOW LEAVES ARE COMING by James Gladstone; illus. by Francois Thisdale

A young boy dreams about the glorious leaves of autumn. As teh book – and the seasons – unfold – this young poet and his little sister engage in activites that celebrate nature, nighbourhoods and wonder.  James Gladstone presents concise poetic text (“The yellow leaves are coming, though the last leaf just fell. I know the leaves will come again. But first, there is the rain and the chill wind that blow… while empty branches wait alone.”  Illustrator, Francois Thisdale once again reveals himself to be a masterful illustrator. 

 

WACI! DANCE! by Sage Speidel; illus. Leah Dorian

A mother shares Lakota cultural experiences with her daughter introduducing her (and readers) to ‘waci’ (dance) as a way to celebrate life.  The ‘Wacipi’ (powwow) is the place where the dancing occurs, a setting for Indginous song, dance, food and crafts.  Sage Spiedel, who comes from the Stadning Rock Hunkpapa Lakota nation, shares the joy of being together and caring as she passes along the teachings of Powwow from Kunsi (grandmother) to michunski (grandaughter. The verbal text is presente rhythmic language (“On the morning of. a hot summer day, ou heard the powwow drums over the hill Boom Boom Boom Boom” )and words are accompanied by brightly  decorative full-page illustrations by Leah Dorion that ‘dance’ off the page. Beautiful!

 

WE BELONG HERE by Frieda Wishinsky; illus. Ruth Ohi

When author, Frieda Wishinski and illustrator, Ruth Ohi met one day in a cafe, they ended up sharing family stories.  Frieda’s family died in Worl War Ii at the hands of the Nazis. Ruth told her friend about her  gandfather who had difficulty as a Japanese Canadian finding employment and  who was eventually hired as a caretaker by a Jewish man. This picture book grew out of that cafe conversation. In We Belong Here, Eva Bloom is taunted for being a newcomer and Mark Nakamura is taunted by others for being different. Eva and Mark become close friends and  when Mark’s father is unemployed he his hired to fix up up the Bloom’s store. Mr. Nakamura can build anything and his carpentry talents are well used in the community.  Set in the 1950’s, this is a story of both discrimination and acceptance. Frieda Wishinsky tells good stories and Ruth Ohi paints womderful clear illustrations that depict time, character and emotions. We Belong Here is an important contribution to help today’s young readers think about friendship, acceptance and belonging.  Every primary classroom bookshelf needs this book!

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SHOUT OUT!!! 

CANADIAN CHILDREN”S BOOK CENRE AWARDS 2023

The 2023 CCBC Book Awards Celebrate Excellence in Literature for Young People, with Weird Rules to Follow by Kim Spencer Winning Three Prizes! Seven prizes in total were awarded on Monday October 23, 2023 Weird Rules to Follow, written by Kim Spencer (Orca Book Publishers), won the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award ($50,000) Mina, written and illustrated by Matthew Forsythe (Simon & Schuster Canada), won the Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award ($20,000) The Witness Blanket: Truth, Art and Reconciliation, written by Carey Newman and Kirstie Hudson (Orca Book Publishers), won the Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non‐Fiction ($10,000) Weird Rules to Follow, written by Kim Spencer (Orca Book Publishers), won the Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People ($5,000) As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow, written by  Zoulfa Katouh (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers), won the Amy Mathers Teen Book Award ($5,000) Weird Rules to Follow, written by Kim Spencer (Orca Book Publishers), won the Jean Little First-Novel Award ($5,000) Blood Scion, written by Deborah Falaye (HarperTeen), won the Arlene Barlin Award for Science Fiction and Fantasy ($5,000) “ About the Canadian Children’s Book Centre The Canadian Children’s Book Centre is a national, not‐for‐profit organization founded in 1976. We are dedicated to encouraging, promoting and supporting the reading, writing and illustrating of Canadian books for young readers. Our programs, publications and resources help teachers, librarians, booksellers and parents select the very best for young readers. For more information, please visit bookcentre.ca.

 

I’ve recently enjoyed reading some graphic memoirs and decided to shine a light on ten biographical, autobiographical and semi-autobiographical* stories of diversity, equity and social justice written in the graphic format. They’re terrific!

*NOTE: Some titles are not authentically ‘memoirs’ but are based on personal experiences and presented as fiction. 

 

BUT I LIVE (ed. Charlotte Schallie) (2022)

This is a collection of three Stories of Child Survivors of the Holocaust. Through interviews  the four child survivors share their memories and provide testimonies of their World War II experiences. Each piece elucidates the powerful stories  and  provides stark images in Holocaust recounting. The graphic novella format  provides a vehicle that documents acts of resistance against forgetting, or denying, transforming memory into accessible, emotional narratives.  This book invites readers to experience and understand personal accounts with deep empathy. 

“A Kind of Resistance” by Miriam Liubiki and David Schaffer

“Thirteen Secrets” by Gilad Seliktar, Nico Kemp, and Rolf Kamp

“But I Live by  Barabara Yelin and Emmie Arbel

DREAMERS byAkim Aliu with Greg Anderson Elysee; illus. Karen De la Vega (2023) 

This is a powerful story of racism in the sports world. It is especially engrossing (and infuriating) since it recounts the true story of professional athlete Akim Aliu, a Ukranian Nigerian Canadian who experienced systemic racism at every turn. Presented in graphic format, this memoir tells Akim’s courageous story of being the only Black child in his Ukranian community and the determination of his struggling immigrant parents to build a better life for their two sons in Canada. Akim Aliu’s story is one of resilience, bravery and inspiration as the hockey player never stopped dreaming. A riveting read. Note: in 2020 Akim Aliu, along with six other former NHL players announce the formation of the Hockey Diversity Alliance whos mission strives to ‘create sustainable change on all levels of hockey.’ 

A FIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHING by Dan Santat (2023)

Award-winning Author-illustrator,  Dan Satant, has written a number of amusing picture books (e.g., Beckle, After the Fall, Lift). In this memoir, Santat recounts the awkward life of a middle years  student as and his friends embark on a class trip to Europe that changed his life. A First Time for Everything is a great coming-of-age memoir about a ‘good kid’ travelling France, Germany, Switzerland and England.

FLAMER by Mike Curato (2020) (YA)

This story takes place in a summer camp for Scoutw. Aiden Navarro, a chubby Filipo boy,  is a stand in for the author who dealt with the turmoils of a young adolescent who navigates friendships, bullies, homophobia and infatuation and life in the closet. Much of the book is presented in black and white panels, but bright red, orange and yellow flames often ignite the pages throughout. This book is one of the most banned pieces of children’s literature in the past few years. The homophobic taunts are blunt, Aiden’s sexual thoughts are authentic. No, it should not be ‘banned’ but instead should be given to adolescent boys who question their gay identity and should also be shared with Eagle Scouts to consider inclusiveness of sexual orientation and gender. Navarro’s / Curato’s story will give them strength especially when overwhelmed by a culture of hatred. 

Excerpt

“I know I’m not gay. Gay boys like other boys. I HATE boys. They’re mean and scary, and they’re always destroying something or saying something dumb or both. We learned at achool how bad sexuality is. It’s a sin. Gay people do bad things and I’m not a bad person. I try to do good. All the time. So I couldn’t be gay.” (p,. 125) 

THE LIBRARIAN OF AUSCHWITZ: the Graphic novel, based on the book by Antonio Iturbe (ages 12+) (2023)

The bestselling novel by Antonio Iturbe tells the story of fourteen-year old Dita who was, along with her mother and father imprisoned in Auschwitz. For Dita, the horrors of the concentration camp were counterbalanced when she was asked to become the librarian of Auschwitz and take charge keep safe, the 8 books that were smuggled past the guards. The books along with real stories told by prisoners educated the children in the camp, even though they discovery of the books in Block 31, the children’s camp would prove to be dangerous, perhaps resulting in execution. Iturbe’s story is based on the true story of Dita Kraus, a Holocaust survivor. This graphic novel adaption synthesized the 400 pages of the original novel by presenting historical facts and  powerful narratives. The strong images  illustrated by Loreto Aroca along with the narrative captions and dialogue match the power of the original novel in presenting another haunting historical account of the Holocaust. Novel: Spanish author, Antonio Iturbe; adapted by Salva Rubio; translated by Lligt Zekulin Thwaites; illustrated by Loreto Aroca.

MEXIKID by Pedro Martin (2023)

A Mexikid is a kid born in the U.S. to parents from Mexico. There are 11 people in Pedro/Peter Marin’s family and when his Apa/ father announces that the whole family will be driving 2000 miles to Mexico with the purpose of bringing grandfather/ Abuelito to live with them in California. Pedro doesn’t know what adventures await on the long journey in the Winebago, nor is he aware of the history and mystery that will be uncovered about his Abuelito’s escapades during the Mexican-Revolution era. Martin recounts some unforgettable (and often hilarious) stories that include tough border patrol, recorded music (“Shipoopi”), Star Wars action figures, (including the Little Peepee Man), diarrhea,  grave-digging, swindling, a bad haircut, Fonzi, fireworks, lots of food, and lots and lots of cousins. Mexikid is jam=packed filled narratives of travelling, culture, heritage and family. This is a great graphic memoir.

NEW KID  by Jerry Craft (2019)

In this award-winning graphic story  author-illustrator, Jerry Craft recounts his experiences through the character of Jordan Banks who loves nothing more than drawing cartoons about hsi life. More than anything, Jordan wants to go to an art school but his parents sent him to a prestigious private school where the seventh grader is one of the few kids of color in the entire grade. Jordan is forced to navigate his new school culture at the same time as keeping his Washington Heights neighbourhood friends. Craft already won a batch of awards for New Kid (Newbery Medal, Coretta Scott King Award, Kirkus Prize)  but Jerry Craft gets an A+ Dr. Larry for this fantastic, engaging semi-autobiographical graphic story about a present-day African American experience.. (sequels: Class Act; School Trip)

PARACHUTE KIDS by Betty C. Tang (2023)

The term “Parachute Kids’ refers to children from Asia who have been ‘dropped off’ with friends or relatives in foreign countries while their parents are left behind. In this graphic novel, Feng-Li and her two older siblings are left on their own in California while their parents return to Taiwan.  The three kids not only have to fend for themselves (and get along with each other) but must deal with being in a new school, bullying, learning a new language, earning money and Anti-Asian racism. Parachute Kids is not an actual memoir, but a mixture of fiction, Tang’s family’s first experiences in America and anecdotes of immigrant friends the author met along the way. 

SUNSHINE b y Jarrett J. Krosoczka (2023)

Jarrett J. Krosoczka is the author of many popular graphic novel series. His memoir Hey, Kiddo was a National Book Finalist. In this title, the author recounts his teenage experiences as a counsellor at Camp Sunshine to be part of a volunteer program to work with seriously ill kids and theirr families. Even though it was a one week experience, the opportunity was life-changing for Krosocska who learned about the captivity of illness but also the hope and determination that gets people through tough times. The author was assigned to work one on one with wheelchair-bound Diego who, although reluctant to participate in activities . developed a warm relationship with his buddy counsellor. The book recounts camp experiences (boating, crafts, a talent show, boating, fishing, and team-building activities.  Each of the individuals that Jarrett J. Krosoczka and his 5 volunteer companions, offer sunshine even though most lived in the shadow of death. The subtitle of this memoir is ‘How Camp Taught me About LIfe, Death and Hope.’  It is an heartfelt story that will help teach readers about Life, Death and Hope. Inspiring with a capital “I”. 

TWO TRIBES by Emily Bowen Cohen (2023) 

Emily Bowen Cohen is Muscogee (Creek) and Jewish. In this graphic novel, Cohen invents the fictitious character of Mia who, though living a Jewish life, is anxious to find more about her father and secretly sets off to Oklahoma to find out more about her  her Muscogee side and to discover what she feels is a missing part of herself. In her short visit with her father and her family, Mia does learn about some Indigenous life including  life, food, dancing, crafts as well as the history of American “Indians” (a term used within the community. Mia’s primary and secondary research provide insights into Anti-Indigenous racism (Her rabbi says “Without the Torah and Talmud we would just be running around like a bunch of wild Indians. Mia and Emily Bowen Cohen both come to terms with the love that can come from being part of two tribes. The graphic format offers readers an engaging, informative story about culture and identity. 

WELCOME TO ST. HELL: My Trans Teen Adventure by Lewis Hancox (graphic memoir) YA  (2023)

In this frank graphic autobiographic, Lewis Hancock tells the story of heartbreaking and often funny, journey as a trans male. We are given a first-hand account of what it means to hate your body and be be confused about what to wear, who to snog and how to convince family and friends about what it means to fight for the truth of your gender identity. This is an honest story, a hopeful one that will bring comfort to many who question who they are and who they need to become. In this book, Lewis has a conversation with his younger self (as Lois) surviving hellish years in high school  and college trying to figure out what it means to be ‘normal’. Comic art work is presented in black and white graphic panels. Thank you for sharing your story Lewis.

WHEN STARS ARE SCATTERED by  Victoria Jamison & Omar Mohamed (2020)

Omar Modhamed and his brother Hassan grew up in a refugee camp in Kenya. Victoria Jamisona has done a brilliant job to tell Omar’s story and his chance to go to school, even though it means leaving Hassan who needs medical care. A powerful story of family, and home , and hope in the most difficult of settings. Essential reading!

SHOUT OUT TO… 

Attention must be paid to two noteworthy graphic authors whose books offer readers insights into friendships, identity and the trials and tribulation of growing up!

SHANNON HALE: REAL FRIENDS, BEST FRIENDS: FRIENDS FOREVER

RAINA TELGEMEER: SMILE; SISTERS; DRAMA; GUTS,;GHOSTS

 

YA (ages 12+) HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

AMERICAN BORN CHINESE by Gene Luen Yang

ANNE FRANK’S DIARY: THE GRAPHIC ADAPTATION by Ari Folman

DRAGON HOOPS by Gene Luen Yang

GENDER QUEER by Maia Kobabe 

SKIM by Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki

 

It is that time or year when the colourful leaves are spectacular and when publishers release a bundle of spectacular new books, many by favourite children’s authors. This posting lists some recent releases by some of my(our) favourite authors which provided some very happy, very rich October reading. Some of these titles are sure to be on my end of the year list of favourites. Lets’ hear it for… KATHERINE APPLEGATE. PETER BROWN, GENNIFER CHOLDENKO, KATE DiCAMILLO, NIKKI GRIMES, JON KLASSEN, GRACE LIN,  JERRY & BRIAN PINKNEY, JASON REYNOLDS, REBECCA STEAD, KELLY YANG. 

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Recognition is also given to another rewarding fall tradition… the announcement of the winners of the best in CANADIAN children’s literature, presented by the Canadian Children’s Book Centre on October 23, 2001. 

 

THE BIG BOOK OF DAD JOKES by John D. Moody (Jokes)

OK… John D. Moody may not be considered a favourite children’s author to be included in this posting, but I  wanted to include this title because jokes and riddles are quite the favourite genre for many young readers. Can’t get kids in your class to read/ I suggest putting a copy of The Big Book of Dad Jokes (and other similar titles on display and you’ll have students grabbing for the book.. and laughing!  Jokes are great for comprehension (kids either get it or they don’t), for vocabulary building and a sure way to have kids read print aloud. Note: I sent  a package with a copy of this book to my 10 year old nephew who is a ‘reluctant’ reader and when he phoned me to thank me, he said, “At last a book, that I’m going to read from top to bottom!” (I also included a copy of Jason Reynolds book Miles Morales in the package).

“I don’t like vampire jokes. They suck!”

“I tried to catch some fog, but I mist.”

“I decided to sell our vacuum cleaner. It was gathering dust.”

“Those who believe in telekinesis, raise my hand.”

 

CHINESE MENU by Grace Lin (Nonfiction, Myths and Legends)

Award- winning author and illustrator, Grace Lin (A  Big Mooncake for Little Star, Where The Mountain Meets the Moon,  The Ling & Ting Series) has done a delicious job of telling stories behind popular American Chinese dishes we have come to know and love. Over 40 myths and legends that include such characters as squabbling dragons, hungry monks, vain emperors, kind peasants, magical fruit, rovide historical background and folklore connected to Chinese dishes. The book is arranged like a Chinese menu (e.g. Tea, Appetizers, Soup, Side Orders, Chef Specials and Desert) and readers can choose from the menu to learn about familiar offerings such as Dumplings,  Wonton Soup, Hot and Sour Soup, Sweet and Sour Pork, General Tso’s Chicken, and Chop Suey and exotic items such as  Bird’s Nest Soup, Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, Beggar’s Chicken, Buddhas Delight and White Hair Silver Needle Tea). And of course readers will learn about the background of chopsticks and fortune cookies. I read the book page by page in chronological story and was fascinated by the myths and legends of each item on the menu. Grace Lin also does a terrific job by providing conversation- like introductions to the food items presenting ingredients and personal anecdotes to each item.  Thorough research went provide the ingredients for learning not only aboutfo the stories behind the names of American Chinese dishes,  the recipes and ingredients of these items but also learn about the culture of Chinese people who lived in Asia or Immigrated to the United States. This book is a ‘feast of stories” and a culinary banquet of information and narrative. 

This book is for anyone, young or old  who has been to, or had take-away from,  an American Chinese restaurant. This is a scrumptious nonfiction treasure. NOTE: Grace Lin provides information about some Chinese dishes by providing ‘One Minute Myths on YouTube (e.g., Peking Duck, Noodles, Rice, Fortune Cookies)

 

DOGTOWN by Katherine Applegate,and Gennifer Choldenko; illus. Wallace West

Dogtown is a dog shelter where canines large and small, young and old, real or mechanical (!) await their fates with the hopes of getting rescued. Chance (a real three-legged) and Metal Head (a robot dog) and Mouse (a mouse) are the residents of Dogtown, three friends who are eager to help each other out Chance and Metal Head find themselves outside the walls of Dogtown, they embark on a wild adventure with the hopes of finding forever homes. This is a novel filled with adventures (mean babysitters, being trapped in a car trunk, fun in a furniture store, cheese sandwiches, reading buddies, Green Eggs and Ham) and is sure to be enjoyed by dog lovers, adventure-seekers, anthropromorphic admirers, and book fiends written by two terrific authors. At 341 pages, the novel is presented in 131 chapters, each from 1 to 3 pages (occasionally 4). The large font, the inclusion of comical illustrations by Wallace West spread throughout help to make Dogtown an appealing, quick paced doggone great read for middle readers to enjoy.  After all, “a dog’s superpower is LOVE.”

 

THE LOST LIBRARY by Rebecca Stead & Wendy Mass

The authors present the novel by presenting chapters with three different characters; Al (a ghost librarian), Mortimer (an aging orange cat) and Evan (a very likeable boy who experiences the last days of fifth grade before heading off to Middle School.  This book should satisfy middle years’ readers who enjoy  books with cat characters and / or mystery stories and/ or books about loving books. The book is centred on the mystery of the town library that was burned down. Who was responsible for this disaster and what part do a cat and a ghost and a borrow-a-book library play in what happened that day? I myself didn’t love this somewhat predictable, hard-to get going, novel but, to quote Evan, “I am not upset when others don’t love the books I love. We each have our own book spaces inside us, and they do not match up perfectly, nor should they.” (page 61

 

THE PUPPETS OF SPELHORST by Kate DiCamillo; illus. Julie Morstad (a fairy tale novella)

Need a great read aloud for your classroom? Look no further! Need a great drama lesson? Look no further (let’s dramatize a story about…). Need a master storyteller to engage, enrich, entertain your students? Look no further.  Master storyteller Kate DiCamillo  tells the story of five puppets trapped in a trunk: A king with a beard made of human hair, , a wolf with sharp teeth (of course), a boy, with arrows and a bow a girl with a green cloak, an owl with real feather. Turn on the narrative switch in your brain to discover what these puppets have in common. What is the purpose? dream? fate? of each character. Fate takes them to the home of two little girls who have their own story to tell and puppet play to present. In an article recently written in the New Yorker (Sept 18, 2023), the author says that reading aloud is an important process to creating her work. Listening to the words is important to her. Yes, this book is a treasure for gathering students around you, listening, feeling, and wondering to a a grand story. This is the first title in a projected trio by the author. Bring ’em on!

 

THE SKULL by Jon Klassen (illustrated folktale)

Award-winning author Jon Klassen (I Want My Hat Back, This is Not My Hat, The Rock from The Sky) presents his own version of a traditional folktale. Otilla is a runaway girl (we never really know this background story) and when she comes upon a house in the woods she meets up with a Skull and the two become friends. The Skull warns Otilla about a headless skeleton who is desperate to obtain the Skull.  This adventurous tale is blends humour, creepiness and friendship to provide an entertaining retelling (told in five  parts), accompanied by Klassen’s masterful, rather monochromatic visual interpretations of text. At 101 pages, this title is not presented in a traditional picture book format. Tbis is a terrific read aloud and as I read it, I thought of The Skull as a terrific resource for igniting lessons for a range of comprehension strategies.  Just sayin’. (Note; Attended a terrific talk the author at the Lilian Smith Library which the author aptly titled, “Omission and Connection in Picture Books.    Jon Klassen  one terrific author!

 

TOP STORY by Kelly Yang 

This is the fifth title in the Front Desk series (Front Desk, Three Keys, Room to Dream, Key Player).  With a strong female Chinese protagonist, author Kelly Yang has written top-notch stories about the Asian Experience. Top Story is another top-notch novel. In  this story, Mia, her mother and her best friend Lupe travel to San Francisco and learn about life in that city’s Chinatown. Mia is attending a journalism camp and hopes to have one of her stories published in the newspaper. Lupe, under the leadership of Mia’s mom, has entered the math championships. The two friends embark on many adventures that include taking tours of the important San Francisco sites, visiting a fortune cookie factory, acquiring a new pet dog, named Comma, presenting an unforgetable Christmas banquetbut most important learning about the people of Chinatown, their history and Anti-Asian racist events, past and presentt. And oh yes, Mia’s the big question of whether Mia will express her romantic interest with her best friend Jason.  These novels can be stand-alone reads, but readers who have come to know and understand Mia Tang’s experiences as an immigrant will likely consider her to be a good friend. Kelly Yang’s books need to be read. 

 

THE WILD ROBOT PROTECTS by Peter Brown

“The poison tide is here!” “The poison tide is here!” When Roz and her friends learn that their perfect island is in danger, they are forced to fight over dwindling resources. When she discovers that new body is impervious to the poison tide, she embarks on a mission across the ocean determined to find the source of the poison tide and put an end to it. Along the way she encounters some incredible creatures and when she learns that the toxic waters is causing devastation in the ocean she is fiercely moves forward until she comes upon the deep-sea mining operation that is creating huge clouds of toxic dust that travels through the ocean.

In the notes from the author, Peter Brown writes “I wanted to show the interconnectedness of life in the water and on land and in the air.” Mission accomplished. “I wanted to show a new cast of characters and how they sturggled in different ways with their changing environments.” Mission accomplished. “I wanted to show Roz methodically solving what seems to be an unsolvable problem.” Mission accomplished.” Above all, I wanted to make readers care deeply about everything that was happening, and to do that the story had to be believable.”  In the third book in the trilogy (The Wild Robot Escapes;The Wild Robot Protects; Peter Brown brilliantly introduces us to beloved character The Wild Robot, Roz. She has many fans and readers learn of her quest to protect the world, they are sure to fall more in love with her. This novel is so so so so good. Peter Brown’s writing (short chapter help), and unfussy but staggering art work make this a standout 2023 publication. Bravo!

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SHOUT OUT! TWO SPECTACULAR PICTURE BOOKS

THERE WAS A PARTY FOR LANGSTON: KING OF LETTERS  by Jason Reynolds, illus. Jerome Pumphrey & Jarrett Pumphrey 

WOW! A new book by Jason Reynolds (his debut picture book). WOW! a book celebrating the brilliance of Langston Hughes, king of letters! WOW!a book celebrating African American writers. WOW A book celebrating Harlem and poetry and words, words words.   In a note from the author, Reynolds tells us that the book was Inspired by a photograph of Maya Angelou and Amiri Baraka dancing at a party ‘in honor of word maker of all word makers, Langston Hughes”.

Jason Reynolds sends an invitation to readers to join the hoopla in Harlem, a party where everyone is welcome to  “a blowout to celebrate th man who wrote wake-up stories and rise and shine rhythms.”  This is a story that invites readers to a ‘fancy-foot, get-down, all out bash.” This is a story that should/must inspire readers to further investigate the work and the brilliance of Langston Hughes.

The cut-out letters and  lively figures by the brothers Jerome and Jarrett Pumphrey groove, bebop, and  boogie  boogie wiggle wild with their boogie woogie wiggling wild dance partner, the brilliant Jason Reynolds. 

 

A WALK IN THE WOODS by Nikki Grimes; illus. Jerry Pinkney & Brian Pinkney

A young black boy is grieving the death of his father.  When he discovers an envelop that his dad had left behind he is surprised to find a map of the woods beyond the house, the woodsi whihc he and his father shared outings together. Reluctant to go on a hike alone (“Why would Dad ask me to go without him?’  the boy decides to take the joureny where he encounters the soft song of a Carolina Wren, the anxious brood of grouse, and an ancinet stone water storage house and ultimately discovers a rusted metal box hidden in  a lonely brick fireplace.  When he finds a key to open the box, he is surprised to find a sheaf of paper wrapped in plastic, each sheet containing portrait of wildlife left in the woods. A poem accompanies each sketch. A final page reads, “I leave you these drawings, these scribbles and mostly, this forest – the true treasure. Finish my stories, or not.”

In notes from the author we learn that Nikki Grimes and Jerry Pinkney had collaborated on this book during the pandemic (one of the first that feature African American characters engaging with nature) during the Pandemic.  Jerry Pinkney died on October 20, 2021. He had prepared sketches for the book after his passing, his son, Brian Pinkney embarked on adding watercolour and gouache to the art work which resulted in expressionistic, abstract images of tone, hue and dancing lines. A son completes the scribble artwork of his father. Like, the boy in the story, Brian Pinkney knew he ‘needed the walk in the woods.” This is a stunning picture book production where words and imagery meld, where poetry and nature is celebrated, where love and legacy shine.  It serves as a testimony to the artist Jerry Pinkney. Like Jane Yolen’s “Owl Moon’ (1987), A Walk in the Woods serves as heartwarming narrative of child, parent and nature. This is a stellar publication, that needs to be shared in libraries, in homes and in classrooms, admired, perhaps winning awards. 

Children’s literature increasingly presents worlds that expose students to how people outside thier experience live and struggle. Multicultural literature not only focuses on matters of race and ethnicity, but also addresses such topics as sexual orientation, ableism, religion and immigration and refugee experiences. In my book, Stop the Hate for Goodness Sake, written with Andrew Campbell,  consideration is given to how well fiction and picture book titles address social justice goals, such as belonging, acceptance, and equity and how well they foster a sense of inclusion and confront intolerance and hate. 

The titles outlined listed below are some recent books, (some with 2023 publication date)  that I’ve encountered and would augment the recommended titles that appear in Stop the Hate.

 

BLACK BROTHER, BLACK BROTHER by Jewell Parker Rhodes (2020) (ANTI-BLACK RACISM)

Dante is the only visible Black student at his private school, also attended by his light-skinner brother. Early in the novel decides  is accused of something he didn’t do and gets suspended and arrested. Dante is framed and bullied by the captain of the fencing team and decides that he is going to take action and fight the injustice and begins training as a competitive fencer in order to take down the team captain. By doing so, Dante is determined to speak against the discrimination he faced at Middlefield Prep. Jewell Parker Rhodes, author of Ghost Boys, not only presents detailed and exciting information  about the  sport of fencing, but preents a sympathetic story about students of colour who are often unfairly suspended, arested by police and frequently charged with crimes. 

Excerpt: Sitting, I stare at the black specks on the white linoleum . A metaphor? That’s what they’re teaching me in Englsih. Metaphor. Except I won’t believe I’m just a black spek. I’m bigger, more than that. Though sometimes I fell like I’m swimming in whiteness” (pages 3-4)

 

BUT I LIVE (ed. Charlotte Schallie) (2022) (ANTISEMITISM/ THE HOLOCAUST)

This is a collection of three Stories of Child Survivors of the Holocaust. Through interviews  the four child survivors share their memories and provide testimonies of their World War II experiences. Each piece elucidates the powerful stories  and  provides stark images in Holocaust recounting. The graphic novella format  provides a vehicle that documents acts of resistance against forgetting, or denying, transforming memory into accessible, emotional narratives.  This book invites readers to experience and understand personal accounts with deep empathy. 

“A Kind of Resistance” by Miriam Liubiki and David Schaffer

“Thirteen Secrets” by Gilad Seliktar, Nico Kemp, and Rolf Kamp

“But I Live by  Barabara Yelin and Emmie Arbel

 

DREAMERS byAkim Aliu with Greg Anderson Elysee; illus. Karen De la Vega: A Graphic Novel Memoir (2023) (ANTI-BLACK RACISM)

This is a powerful story of racism in the sports world. It is especially engrossing (and infuriating) since it recounts the true story of professional athlete Akim Aliu, a Ukranian Nigerian Canadian who experienced systemic racism at every turn. Presented in graphic format, this memoir tells Akim’s courageous story of being the only Black child in his Ukranian community and the determination of his struggling immigrant parents to build a better life for their two sons in Canada. Akim Aliu’s story is one of resilience, bravery and inspiration as the hockey player never stopped dreaming. A riveting read. Note: in 2020 Akim Aliu, along with six other former NHL players announce the formation of the Hockey Diversity Alliance whos mission strives to ‘create sustainable change on all levels of hockey.’ 

HOW TO BE A GOLDFISH by Jane Baird Warren  (2022) (HOMOPHOBIA)

This book, told in chapters that alternate the voices of the two main characters, is set in both small town Ontario and Toronto.  Lizzie is assigned a class family tree project and the only people in her life are her unmarried mother and her grandmother. David learns that his mother is about to re-marry. When his grandfather dies and leaves a will that involves a farm in Scotch Gully, David thinks there’s a chance he can escape  city and the school bullies who torment him. Most of all he hopes that his mother leaves her horrible new fiancee. (He really is horrible, a liar, a schemer and a bully). This is a story about learning about the past, uncovering secrets and finding a way to move forward – especially wih the help of a good friend. Warren is a fine storyteller and this is a brisk read, where readers care about the characters.  The topic of homosexuality and  unfolds tenderly in the later half of the book.

 

Shout out!   LINKED by Gordon Korman  (2021) (ANTISEMITISM)

I think this title needs to be shared with any classroom, grades 6 to 8.  I am repeating an earlier posting of this novel,  but the book is now in paperback. Hooray!!!

Chapter one of this book opens with the startling news that a swastika has been painted on the walls of a small town middle school. Who would do such a hateful thing? How will the tolerance programs help students understand that “THERE IS NO PLACE FOR HATE.”  The chapters in Linked tell the story through the different viewpoints of a number of grade 7 students who are trying to figure out what is happening in their community when more and more swastikas appear. One character, Lincoln Rowley (Link)  is determined to help his classmates get to the truth of what is happening and to past crimes of white supremacy . Learning about his Jewish past and planning to have his bar mitzvah makes Link a sympathetic character. The title of the book not only refers to Link but to a dedicated project to create a paper chain of 6 million links to represent the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust. Korman writes that the book was inspired by the famous 1998 Paper Clips Project from Whitewell Middle School in Whitwell Tennessee. Will the culprit(s) get caught? What will their punishment? Will the community work together to complete what seems a mammoth task? Where will the school get supplies and find space to display the chain? Will Link learn enough to have a proper Bar Mitzvah? How will news spread beyond the community? How will the appearance of a popular vlogger help to solve the problem? How do we conquer hate? Will a mission to find dinosaur bones be successful? Mr. Korman tells an important story about heritage, defamation, and respect. Mr. Korman you write great books!. 

 

OBIE IS MAN ENOUGH by Schuyler Bailar (2021) (TRANSPHOBIA)

Obadiah / Obie, a Korean American middle school teenager has come to positively accept his transition (as does his family members). It is at school and in his swimming competitions that he us up against bullies who torment him for being transgender. He is passionate about doing his very best in a sport that that he is dedicated to even though he encounters a coach and former friends who taunt him for being true to himself. Although there are many people  in Obie’s life (his first crush, his brother, his grandparents, a supportive teacher, ), he is up against some unsympathetic, transphobic people who make Obie’s life hell.  Throughout the novel, Obie remains true to himself and knows that it is important live by his teacher’s advice to ‘stand tall and confident’ at all times.  

Champion swimmer, Schuyler Bailar was the first transgender athlete to compet in any sport on an NCAA Division 1 Men’s Team.  This novel, was written for “all kids who don’t know where or how to find themselves, either trans or not. It is scary to learn that books about LGBTQ2 identity are being removed from bookshelves in some states. Obie is Man Enough is a story of support, loving, and affirmation  and is essential reading for transgender and cisgender (non transgender) readers offering understanding and acceptance that how we look upon people ‘should never depend on how we look or what pronouns we use”. (p. 328).  Schuyler Bailar you are hero! (and so is Obadiah!)

 

ONE MORE MOUNTAIN by Deborah Ellis (2022) (AFGHANISTAN, 2021)

This is the fifth book in The Breadwinner Series (The Breadwinner, Parvana’s Journehy, Mud City, My Name is Parvana). We first met Parvana at eleven years of age in Kabul Afghanistan when we learn she is forbidden to earn money as a girl and disguies her self as a boy to become the breadwinner when her father is arrested  This new title takes place in Afghanistan, and the year is 2021, and Parvana is now in her 30’s, a wife, and mother.  Her sister, Maryam, a celebrated singer, and Rafi, her son, a talented dance  are about to set off to the United States but the Taliban have taken over the airport and when a devastating explosion hits, their plans go awry.  Parvana’s hard-fought battles for family, school, and country are challenged and put to the test (“I’ve spent my whole life dancing on the edge of a knife, trying to keep people safe.” (page 96). This is a powerful story of survival and resilience , reintroducing characters we have med in the book series who are part of an Afghan civilian community under Taliban threat.  Deborah Ellis gets inside the world of violence and bombs, of justice and women’s equity.  Parvana is a brave, strong, children’s literature heroine extraordinaire fighting for justice at all costs.  Deborah Ellis is a giant Canadian author and activist and is deserved of any awards and accolades that come her way. All royalties from One More Mountain will be donatd to Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan. 

Author’s note (page 189)

“We have seen Parvana grown from a child trying to feed her family, into a woman made of iron, like so many Afghan women, firece in their determination to protect, to build and to create.”

 

TOP STORY by Kelly Yang (2023)  (ANTI-ASIAN  RACISM)

This is the fifth title in the Front Desk series (Front Desk, Three Keys, Room to Dream, Key Player).  With a strong female Chinese protagonist, author Kelly Yang has written top-notch stories about the Asian Experience. Top Story is another top-notch novel. In  this story, Mia, her mother and her best friend Lupe travel to San Francisco and learn about life in that city’s Chinatown. Mia is attending a journalism camp and hopes to have one of her stories published in the newspaper. Lupe, under the leadership of Mia’s mom, has entered the math championships. The two friends embark on many adventures that include taking tours of the important San Francisco sites, visiting a fortune cookie factory, acquiring a new pet dog, named Comma, presenting an unforgetable Christmas banquetbut most important learning about the people of Chinatown, their history and Anti-Asian racist events, past and presentt. And oh yes, Mia’s the big question of whether Mia will express her romantic interest with her best friend Jason.  These novels can be stand-alone reads, but readers who have come to know and understand Mia Tang’s experiences as an immigrant will likely consider her to be a good friend. Kelly Yang’s books need to be read. 

 

TWO TRIBES by Emily Bowen Cohen (2023) (ANTI-INDIGENOUS RACISM)

Emily Bowen Cohen is Muscogee (Creek) and Jewish. In this graphic novel, Cohen invents the fictitious character of Mia who, though living a Jewish life, is anxious to find more about her father and secretly sets off to Oklahoma to find out more about her  her Muscogee side and to discover what she feels is a missing part of herself. In her short visit with her father and her family, Mia does learn about some Indigenous life including  life, food, dancing, crafts as well as the history of American “Indians” (a term used within the community. Mia’s primary and secondary research provide insights into Anti-Indigenous racism (Her rabbi says “Without the Torah and Talmud we would just be running around like a bunch of wild Indians. Mia and Emily Bowen Cohen both come to terms with the love that can come from being part of two tribes. The graphic format offers readers an engaging, informative story about culture and identity. 

 

WEIRD RULES TO FOLLOW by Kim Spencer  (2022)  (ANTI-INDIGENOUS RACISM)

in this debut novel, Kim Spencer tells the story of an important friendship set in the 1990’s in Prince Rupert BC. Mia lives in a run-down house full of relatives including her binge-drinking mother,  her churchgoing grandmother,  and a number of aunts uncles and cousins who come and go. Her best friend, Lara, who is Mexican Hungarian, lives in a big house and enjoying many comforts. The book is presented in short chapters as a series of anecdotal events. The book is based on the author’s personal experiences of growing up in a coastal fishing town (note: the terms Native, Native Indian and Indian are used since it was the language used at the time.) It is one of the best recent fictional publications that explores the identity and culture, family and friends, of an Indigenous middle age girl. Highly recommended.

 

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SHOUT OUT: THREE PICTURE BOOKS

AN AMERICAN STORY by Kwame Alexander; art by Dare Coulter (ANTI+BLACK RACISM)

This is a picture book about slavery unlike any other written before.  In 32 pages  Kwame Alexander, a Newbery Medal-winning author, presents a narrative of the history of slavery in America told in staggering verse. Most pages have text that is less than 20 words. It is. a sory of struggle, strength, horror, hope and survival. Added to the brilliance of this book, are pages (yellow background) where a teacher questions her ability to tell the story to her students (“I don’t think I can continue./ It’s just too painful. I shouldn’t have read this to you/ I’m sorry children.”). The children’s voices spur the teacher on to speak the truth, even when it’s hard. Yes, this is an American story of slavery. It is a story of the past and of now that gives honour to Black Lives Matter. Astonishing!

The powerful illustrations  by artist Dare Coulter that appear throughout the book are mixed media created with a combination of spray paint, acrylic paint, charcoal, graphite, ink and digital painting on wood panels, watercolour and Adobe Photoshop.  The sculptures are both ceramic and polymer. I doubt there will be a picture book this year with dynamic and dramatic images that appear in this book.  Hello Caldecott committee 2024!

How do you tell a story that starts in Africa and ends in horror?

… a story of struggle about bold men and women jumping into the sea?

.How do you tell a story about strenght and pride and refusing to be broken?

 

IMAGINE A GARDEN by Rina Singh; illus. Hoda Hadadi

A tribute to everyday heroes who calm fears and foster hopes

This book is a collection of 7 stories (vignettes) of courage and changing the world. Each concise story is presented over two pages in free-verse style.  Each story is based on a real life stories from across the globe (e.g., Rio di Janero, India, South Africa, Greece and Northern Ontario). The narratives of ordinary people doing extraordinary things (e.g., a mother plants gardens in the canistars of spent grenades; the children of migrant workers gather under a bridge to get an education; an artist dismantles illegal weapons to transform them into musical instruments; a ballet teacher encourages her students to dance in spite of the sounds of shooting guns). show a troubled world through the lens of love, courage, and compassion . The cut-paper art work is spectacular. I would love to have any one of these images hanging on my walls. Background information about each of the stories is provided as notes at the end of the book. This book was given as a gift from a friend. Imagine a Garden is a gift for any readers who encounter the poignant stories and exquisite art work I’ll cherish this book and hope it gets awards it deserves.  

Author’s note: “Our world is not always an easy place to live in. There is war, poverty, and violence in many parts of our planet. The news mostly puts a spotlight on what is wrong with our world. But there is a lot that is right too. There are people who get out of bed every morning and spend their days thinking of others and making things better for their communities 

 

EVERYONE IS WELCOME by Phuong Truong; illus. Christine Wein (2023) (ANTI-ASIAN RACISM)

I strongly believe that children’s literature can offer students significant insights into hate and discrimination. Everyone is Welcome is a story of an 8 year old girl (almost 9) who learns stories about her mother who was taunted with anti-asian racial slurs (“Ching chong”) when she was younger and a friend of her grandmother’s, Mrs. Lee,  who was  under attack and pushed onto the road. The girl’s brother has joined the Asian Student Association designed to bring Asians together but also have a goal to help accompany other who feel cared to walk to school. Finally, one of the girl’s friends tells her that he is forbidden to play with her any more since everything that’s happened in the world is the fault of Asians. This is an honest and brave story of Anti-Asian racism. Kudos to author Phuong Truong for a rich story that is centred on community, compassion and caring. This is a absolutely a worthy contribution to titles that invite readers to think about inclusion, where everyone is welcome. Note: Christine Wei’s   colourful illustrations not only compliment the verbal text but present a window and mirror into Asian culture. 

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NOTEWORTHY: GRAPHIC MEMOIRS

FLAMER by Mike Curato (Homophobia)

NEW KID by Jerry Craft (sequles, Class Act; School Kid) (Anti-Black Racism)

PARACHUTE KIDS by Betty C. Tang (Anti-Asian Racism)

TWO TRIBES byEmily Bowen Cohen (Anti-Indigenous Racism)

WELCOME TO ST. HELL: My Trans Teen Adventure by Lewis Hancox (Transphobia)

 

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The following is one of the  lists of recommended titles appears in the book Stop The Hate for Goodness Sake by Andrew Campbell and Larry Swartz

FICTION

Anti-Black Racism

Clean Getaway by Nic Stone
Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas (prequel: Concrete Rose YA)
Look Both Ways: a tale told in 10 blocks by Jason Reynolds
New Kid by Jerry Kraft (graphic text) (sequels: Class Act; School Trip) Troublemaker by John Cho

Anti-Asian Racism

Finally Seen by Kelly Yang (also. New From Here)

The Front Desk (series) by Kelly Yang

Maizy Chen’s Last Chance by Lisa Yee
The Many Meanings of Meilan by Andrea Wang New From Here by Kelly Yang
A Place to Belong by Cynthia Kadohata
Prairie Lotus by Linda Sue Park
When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller

Anti-Indigenous Racism

The Barren Grounds by David A. Robertson (The Misewa Saga) (also The Great Bear; The Stone Ground)

The Case of the Missing Auntie by Michael Hutchinson
Borders by Thomas King; illus. Natasha Donovan (graphic text)
Fatty Legs: A True Story by Christy Jordan-Fenton & Margaret-Olemaun Pokiak Fenton; illus. Liz Ami i-Holmes (biography) (sequel: A Stranger at Home)

Red Wolf by Jennifer Dance
The Secret Path by Gord Downie; illus. Jeff Lemire (graphic novel)

Antisemitism

The Good Fight by Ted Staunton; illus. Josh Rosen (graphic novel)

The Good War by Todd Strasser (YA)

How To Find What You’re Not Not Looking For by Veera Gurababdabu

Linked by Gordon Korman

Under the Iron Bridge by Kathy Kacer (also Broken Strings with Eric Walters)

What We’re Scared Of by Keren David

Homophobia

Answers in the Pages by David Levithan
A High Five for Glenn Bure by Phil Bildner
Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender (also King of the Dragonflies)

On the Line by Paul Coccia and Eric Walters
The Pants Project by Cat Clarke
Rick by Alex Gino (also Melissa: Alice Austen Lived Here)

Islamophobia

Count Me In by Varsha Bajaj
Everything Sad is Untrue (a true story) by Daniel Nayer (YA)

Flying Over Water by Shannon Hitchcock and N.H. Senzai Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga
Wishtree by Katherine Applegate
Yusuf Azeem is Not a Hero by Saadua Faruqi

 

STOP THE HATE FOR GOODNESS SAKE by Andrew B. Campbell and Larry Swartz (professinal resource)

 

 

In recent years, I’m particularly drawn to titles that address multicultural issues and inclusion. My book TEACHING TOUGH TOPICS has helped to frame the work I do with children’s literature in recent years. I so believe it’s important to introduce literature that helps address DiVERSITY, EQUITY and SOCIAL JUSTICE. The books listed ) in this posting provide some new resources of great books to teach tough topics. Most of these have been publisbhed in 2022/2023. I have included a chapter title from TTT for each of these ten recommended books.

 

> Race and Diverse Cultures (chapter 1)

DREAMERS byAkim Aliu with Greg Anderson Elysee; illus. Karen De la Vega: A Graphic Novel Memoir (2023)

This is a powerful story of racism in the sports world. It is especially engrossing (and infuriating) since it recounts the true story of professional athlete Akim Aliu, a Ukranian Nigerian Canadian who experienced systemic racism at every turn. Presented in graphic format, this memoir tells Akim’s courageous story of being the only Black child in his Ukranian community and the determination of his struggling immigrant parents to build a better life for their two sons in Canada. Akim Aliu’s story is one of resilience, bravery and inspiration as the hockey player never stopped dreaming. A riveting read. Note: in 2020 Akim Aliu, along with six other former NHL players announce thefromation of the Hockey Diversity Alliance whos mission strives to ‘create sustainable change on all levels of hockey.’ 

 

> The Immigrant and Refugee Experience (chapter 2)

WHEN CLOUDS TOUCH US by Thanhha Lai

After a dozen years, award-winning author, Thanbhha Lai preents a sequel to her beautiful story Inside Out and Back Again. Ha is a refugee from Vietnam and settles into a place of belonging in Alabama. One day her Mother announces that the family is moving to Texas and the young girl feels that she is starting all over again to find comfort at home and school. Her mother believes strongly that the sacrifices they nmake today will lead to an easier better future. The free verse format always appeals to me. This book however was somewhat disappointing.  The poetry is beautiful but the narrative is somewhat elliptical and confusing and young adolescent readers might not easily grasp the somewhat stilted thoughts of the main character who likes to think in Vietnamese (based on the author’s own childhood experiences. In the author’s note, Lai writes: “I want to feel how words float through her mind.,,, because Vietamese still swirls inside Ha’s mind two years later (from the original book.?

 

>Indigenous Identities (chapter 3)

REZ DOGS by Joseph Bruchac (2021)

When the Covid strikes, Malian is forced to live with her grandparents on a Wabanaski reservation where granddaughter and grandparents protect each other. Like many young people forced to stay inside during the coronavirus pandemic, Malian fights boredom. It is  generational and cultural stories of Indigenous nations and communities that engage the girl and connect her to family and to her Penacook heritage. Bruchac interweaves past and present stories and cleverly presents a loyal dog character named Malsum (which means ‘wolf’ who is sure to endear many readers. When I ordered this book, I didn’t realize it was in free verse, a format I’m very fond of. This is a terrific book, one of the best of recently published fictional titles that highlights the Indigenous culture and  family experience. Author of over 150 books for adults and children, Joseph Bruchac is a great storyteller. I give Rez Dogs a four star out of four star rating. Highly recommended. 

 

> The Holocaust (chapter 4)

BUT I LIVE (ed. Charlotte Schallie):(2022), Graphic memoir

This is a collection of three Stories of Child Survivors of the Holocaust. Through interviews  the four child survivors share their memories and provide testimonies of their World War II experiences. Each piece elucidates the powerful stories  and  provides stark images in Holocaust recounting. The graphic novella format  provides a vehicle that documents acts of resistance against forgetting, or denying, transforming memory into accessible, emotional narratives.  This book invites readers to experience and understand personal accounts with deep empathy. 

“A Kind of Resistance” by Miriam Liubiki and David Schaffer

“Thirteen Secrets” by Gilad Seliktar, Nico Kemp, and Rolf Kamp

“But I Live by  Barabara Yelin and Emmie Arbel

 

Mental Challenges (chspter 5) 

THANKS A LOT UNIVERSE, by Chad Lucas

Brian suffers from social anxiety which he secretly calls Super Awkward Weirdo Syndrome (SAWS for short). Early in the novel, we learn that his father is in trouble with the law and has left the family and his mother is hospitalized after overdosing on pills. When Brian and his brother are forced to live with a foster family, Brian’s mental health is further impacted which results in a plot to runaway. All Brian wants is to have things be normal again.  We are introduced to another character named Ezra who proves to be a good friend to Brian, in fact we learn that he has a strong crush on Brian. The novel is written with chapters alternating the stories of  these two basketball-loving, risk-taking, troubled grade 7 tweens. Chad Lucas presents an intruging cast of characters that includes a feisty younger brother, two elderly foster parents, a helpful policeman, a concerned social worker, a caring teacher, an empathetic high school student and yes, a school bully, 

 

> Poverty (chapter 6)

CRENSHAW by Katherine Applegate (2015)

I am a Katherine Applegate fan and  when this recently book fell off my bookshelf, I decided to re-read this compelling novel of a family that has fallen on hard times. Jackson is an endearing character who knows that it is a struggle for his family to pay rent, to acquire food and to survive from day to day, even when being forced to live in their minivan. Applegate cleverly introduces the character of Crenshaw, a large black and white cat, an imaginary cat who supports Jackson as troubles unfold. Applegate cleverly convinces readers and Jackson that Crenshaw is real. An admirable, compassionate, honest story, one of the best novels for middle age readers about the working poor. I’m sure I will revisit this book again. 

 

> Death Loss and Remembrance (chapter 7)

MIXED UP by Gordon Korman (2023)

Reef Moody lost his mother to Covid and is now living with his mother’s best friend. Like any young person would,  he struggles to cope with grief and tries to remember the good times the two  spent together. Theo Metzinger lives on the other side of town and enjoys gardening but does not enjoy living up to his father’s expections.  The novel is presented in alternating chapters between Reef and Moody. Here’s the thing – hang on to your hat – the two boys are trapped in the world of each other’s memories. The memories are real, but they just don’t belong to the ‘right person’.  Gordon Korman is oh-so-clever at giving readers plots that only can be explained in the world of fiction. As the novel unfolds the two boys try to rationalize the phenomenon (it had something to do on the day they were both born). We can rely on Korman to set the characters off on wild adventures and to return to sanity, the two boys plot get things back to normal. This involves a rubber tire, a  building cupola and targeting the right moment that lightning strikes (sort of channelling a Back to the Future storyline. Alone the way we meet a cast of characters: a bully, a teenage delinquent, a popular girl that everyone loves, a high-heeled lady principal, a retired nurse and a gareden-eating rabbit named Jaws. In a way, this is a story about death, loss and remembrance (or lack of remembrance).  This is another funny, nutty, preposterous, poignant, relatable, believable/unbelievable, remarkable story from the unbelievable, remarkable, Gordon Korman.

 

> Gender Identity and Homophobia (chapter 8)

DIFFERENT FOR BOYS by Patrick Ness; illus. Tea Bendix (ages 12+) (2023)

Patrick Ness is the author of a knockout novel entitled A Monster Calls and seeing his name on a book jacket appeals to me.  The title of this book for Young Adolescents invited me to pick up this book about friendship, masculinity and sex, different for boys like Anthony Stevenson who has lots of questions about his sexual identity and the boys he keeps company with. This is an honest powerful story of loneliness and intimacy.7 pages)  Two features that make this short novel (97 pages) is 1. redacted, black-0ut prose (avoiding swear words) and 2) captivating black and white drawings by Tea Blendix that enhance the mood and emotions of the characters.  I highly recommend this title to support boys – and girls, and others – questioning their sexual identities and longings, loyalties and betrayals and the quest to find a place of comfort and satisfied heart when feeling ‘different’.

 

> Bullying (chapter 9)

Many many recent publications of realistic fiction include one or more characters who are bullies. Some of the titles in this posting include: 

DIFFERENT FOR BOYS by Patrick Ness – homophobic bullying

DREAMERS byAkim Aliu – racist slurs in hockey leagues

MIXED UP by Gordon Korman – boy torments his foster brother 

THANKS A LOT UNIVERSE by Chad Lucas – “Bullies are sharks, kiddo. You act all quiet and fragile, they smell it on you,” (p. 79)

 

> Ripples of Kindness (Chapter 10)

THE MOON IS A BALL by Ed Franck; illus. The Tjong-Khing, translated from the Dutch by David Colmer

These nine stories of two  endearing characters, Panda & Squirrel provide young readers with insights into the joys of friendship. Panda & Squirrel stand on the shoulders of Arnold Lobel’s beloved Frog and Toad. What a great friendship those four would make! Each story in The Moon is a Ball invites readers to think about interdependence  (‘I’m never bored when I’m with you’), curiosity (‘I’d like to know where the sun goes to sleep’) play (‘We’ve been thinking together for ages. That’s a fun game, isn’t it?), adventure (‘You just put one paw in front of the other. Then you put the other paw in front of the first one, and so on.’), and loyalty (‘Will you come and sleep in my den, Squirrel? Nice and warm together).  This is a great story collection to read aloud to young people For readers ages 8 to 11, reading these stories  independently, should inspire thoughts  the bonds of friendship and spreading ripples of kindness. 

 

SHOUT OUT: FICTION

CLIMATE CHANGE: Another Tough Topic

MISSING MIKE by Shari Green (free verse novel) (2018)

Mike is an eleven-year old rescue mutt, missing an eye. When Cara and her family are forced to evacuate thier home which is in the path of a wildfire, Mike runs off, and the family is forced to leave him behind. A devastating  story of families who are forced to flee as they enounter the nighmare of burning debris. Besides reconnecting wth her loving dog, Mike, how does Cara and her family face up to loss caused by fire disasters. Will they reconnect with their home and with their loving dog, Mike. Though written in 2018, this book is a WOW! – NOW! – story. 

TWO DEGREES by Alan Gratz (fiction, ages 10-14) (2022)

Author, Alan Gratz has done it again. He’s written another thrilling adventure story – make that THREE amazing stories  – in this novel about characters entrapped in three climate disasters. The book is divided into six parts, plus epilogue. Each part presents a narrative about different characters. This alternating has worked successfully for Gratz before (Refugee; Ground Zero) and in this novel, the author presents grab-your-throat adventures that moves the readers along (I suppose, one could choose to focus on one story at a time). Akira is caught in the wildfires of California; Own and George are threatened by hungry polar bears in Churchill, Manitoba and Natalie is dragged into a massive hurricane which comes crashing through Miami. Each of these characters are swept in the devastating effect of climate change and it is more than their stories of survival that connects them. This is a powerful important novel of our times, helping readers thing about the urgency of the climate crisis and what individuals can do to make a difference. This book, like other Gratz titles, will be widely read. This book should be read. Fasten your seat belts, this is an amazing work of fiction. Amazing! 

WE THE SEA TURTLES: A collection of Island Stories by Michelle Kadarusman (2023)

Michelle Kadarusaman has written some important novels that showcase her knowledge and remarkable talent for writing about the natural world (e.g., The Theory of Hummingbirds; Music for Tigers; Berani). This anthology explores relevant themes like eco-anxiety, natural disaster, and the change people are forced to make when they are uprooted. Kadarusman expertly presents scientific information guided by the sincere environmental concerns that many young people reflect upon. The author takes readers around the world (e.g.,Georgian Bay, Canada; Manhattan, NY; New South Wales, Australia; Komodo Island Indonesia) and describes ‘hot off the press’ narratives of such global issues as flood, fires, pollution and extinction. This is a wonderful blend of fiction and nonfiction writing.  This is an ideal read-aloud source for grade 4 to 6 classrooms.  Great stories is how geography and science should be taught. In the story, Lost on Komodo one character says “Humans need stories to make sense of life.” (p. 62) Today’s readers need stories like the one’s that are featured in We the Sea Turtles and to think hard about Michelle’s message to readers: “we live in a beautiful world and together we can take good care of it.” (author interview, p. 201) Hooray for sea turtles! Hooray for Michelle Kadarusman! Hooray to Pajama Press for this stellar short story collection. I loved it. 

Description by the publisher

“In a collection of nine short stories, children on islands around the world make connections to nature while facing life-changing events. Each child experiences a significant emotional turning point at the same time they encounter a turtle – real or imagined. A prologue tells of a sea turtle that was tracked making an extraordinarily long journey, while an epilogue is written from the turtle’s point of view. Back matter shares information about sea turtles and snapping turtles.”

 

This posting highlights 15 picture book, diverse in theme and topics.

Most have been published in 2023

 

DEAR STREET by Lindsay Zier-Vogel; illus Caroline Bonne-Miller

Alice loves the street she lives on but not everyone in the neighbourhood is happy with the construction, the crowds, the falling leaves, and the snow piles. Although neighbours ‘grumble, grumble, grumble’. Alice choose to write secret “Dear Street…” love notes which she hides for others to find. This is a terrific picture book that celebrates community (and the passing seasons), and shines a bright light on gratitude. The story inspires a response activity where students can write their own letters, hide them and hide it for someone to find and help spread the love about the place where they live. 

THE ENDGAME: The Secret Force of 136 by Catherine Little; illus. Sean Huang

I was very pleased to receive an advanced reading copy of this fine example of Historical Fiction. The synopsis of this title reads as follows: Alex’s imagination takes him to medieval Chinese battlefields as he learns to play Xiangqi (Chinese chess) with his great-grandfather, Tai Gong. In the months that they spend over the chessboard, Alex comes to understand the important strategies that guided Tai Gong and his decisions as he navigated life as a Chinese Canadian in an anti-Asian era in Canada. In the process, Alex learns about the mysterious Force 136 and the sacrifices its members made to show their loyalty to a country that had utterly disregarded them.

While fictional, The Endgame  is based on the true story of a little-known group of Chinese men who fought for Canada during WW2 – a time when they weren’t even allowed to be citizens and the Chinese Exclusion Act, preventing people of Chinese ancestry to enter Canada, was still in effect. This title is  due to be released in the fall of 2023. Highly recommended. 

FINNA LIT by Sean Lewis

Dell wants to start his own business one day. The idea of being an entrepreneur excites him. But first, he must learn the basic rules of financial literacy. Using his day-to-day experiences with his family, he tries to explain to his friend Link what he knows about being financially literate. His journey takes him on a series of unique events. This publication helps teachers to unpack the topics of Financial Literacy (Finna Lit); budgeting and entrepreneurship. Hats off to Sean Lewis for this publication. (Sean was a candidate in my Children’s Literature course and this title is a good example of how good books can be used across the curriculum. 

JAO BY A THREAD by Roger Mello; translated by Daniel Hahn

A compact book by award-winning Brazilian illustrator Roger Mello with exquisite art work with finely detailed lace-like images  presented on full-page spreads a limited palette of black, white and red. The opening sentence reads:  “Before he falls asleep, the boy pulls up his blanket: “So it’s just me now,” the thinks, “Alone with myself?”   This is a story of a nighttime journey inspired by the thread of a blanket leading to  midnight kisses, a lullaby, a mountain range, a fishing net, a giant and dreams.  This is beautiful picture book creation, that inspires wondering – and repeated reading. 

IF YOU SEE A BLUEBIRD by Bahram Rahman, Gabrielle Grimard

Ali and his family are safe in their new home, but the young boy has strong wishes to go back to Afghanastan. Although his story has Ali recalling nightime flight, a crowded bus and a flight to immigration, Ali has fond memories of the home he once knew of.  When  Nana spot a bluebird, she suggests that Ali make a wish and though he wishes to return ‘home’ Ali realizes that a home is a place of where families live and love together. This is another great title from Pajama Press by award winning author of The Library Bus and A Sky-Blue Bench.  Inspiring!

MNOOMIN MAAN’GOWING: THE GIFT OF MNOOMIN by Brittany Luby;  illus. Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley; Translated by Mary Ann Corbiere.

In the notes written in the afterward we learn that many Anishinabeg agree that ‘wild rice’ is the accurate term for ‘mnoomin’  and that the Anishinabeg might translate the word as ‘spirit berry’. Mnoomin provides shelter to young creatures like fish and ducklings which in turn, feed other creatures like herons and humans.  The story is centred on a young girl’s imaginings that a animals and the environment all had a part to play in bringing the seed into being. The Gift of Mnoomin is presented as a dual language text (Anishinaabemowin and English) accompnaied by vivid images of animals (Pike, Muskrat, Eagle, and Moose as well as  Indigenous men and women. This title is another treasure from  the picture book creators of This is How I Know (Mil maanda ezhi-gkendmaanh).

THE MOON IS A BALL by Ed Franck; illus. The Tjong-Khing, translated from the Dutch by David Colmer

These nine stories of two  endearing characters, Panda & Squirrel provide young readers with insights into the joys of friendship. Panda & Squirrel stand on the shoulders of Arnold Lobel’s beloved Frog and Toad. What a great friendship those four would make! Each story in The Moon is a Ball is ideal for reading aloud inviting young readers to think about interdependence  (‘I’m never bored when I’m with you’), curiosity (‘I’d like to know where the sun goes to sleep’) play (‘We’ve been thinking together for ages. That’s a fun game, isn’t it?), adventure (‘You just put one paw in front of the other. Then you put the other paw in front of the first one, and so on.’), and loyalty (‘Will you come and sleep in my den, Squirrel. Nice and warm together).  High praise for this warm, witty, collection about the bonds of two friends who cant live without each other.

MY MOTHER WAS NANNY by Laura James

The narrator of this story pays tribute to her mother who was a nanny. Mummy was also a , a baker, a maker, a teacher, and a cleaner, a sister and a friend to many. The young girl fondly remembers outings to the Caribbean greengrocer and her mother’s workplaces as well as the conversations. We learn that the book is Laura James’s homage to her childhood in Brooklyn and her admiration of her mummy’s busy busy life in the community -and especially the cherished time she spent with her daughters.  A wonderful  story of family.

ROBOT, UNICORN, QUEEN: Poems for you and me by Shannon Bramer; illus. Irene Luxbacher (poetry)

Poetry collections by Canadian poets have been hard to come by in recent years. Hooray for Groundwood Press for publishing Shannon Bramer’s, (author of Climbing Shadows) newest anthology with poems that are drawn from the imagination, playfulness and observations of childhood. Such topics as practicing piano, sandwiches, sprinklers, swimming, a robot and even lice (yes. a Lice Hotel on my head) will remind many readers of events from their own lives. Hats off to Irene Luxbacher’s colourful ‘poetic’ illustrations presented in magic realism style.

I’m sewing a speckled starling 

in a tree.   this is my new

embroidery. 

SEE IT, DREAM IT, DO IT by Colleen Nelson & Kathie MacIsaac; illus. Scott Ritchie (nonfiction)

The authors provide information about how 25 people found their dream jobs. Each person is given a full-page spread, describing their job, outlining ‘spin-off’ jobs and pro tips.  Some examples include Jeannette Menzies (Ambassador of Canada to Iceland): Lenna Charlie (Heavy equipment technician; Tiago Catarino (youTube Content Creator and Yue Shi (Ballet dancer). Noteworthy is consideration given to people from diverse cultures and diverse genders do dreamsoning all sorts of jobs, helping readers to consider cool career paths and give some consideration of their own dream jobs. This is an informative and engaging nonfiction compilation.

THE SKULL by Jon Klassen (illustrated folktale)

Award-winning author Jon Klassen (I Want My Hat Back, This is Not My Hat, The Rock from The Sky) presents his own version of a traditional folktale. Otilla is a runaway girl (we never really know this background story) and when she comes upon a house in the woods she meets up with a Skull and the two become friends. The Skull warns Otilla about a headless skeleton who is desperate to obtain the Skull.  This adventurous tale is blends humour, creepiness and friendship to provide an entertaining retelling (told in five  parts), accompanied by Klassen’s masterful, rather monochromatic visual interpretations of text. At 101 pages, this title is not presented in a traditional picture book format. Tbis is a terrific read aloud and as I read it, I thought of The Skull as a terrific resource for igniting lessons for a range of comprehension strategies. 

TWENTY QUESTIONS by Mac Barnett; illus. Christian Robinson

This title features 20 questions that inspire wonder and  speculation to find endless answers (e.g., What is this boy hiding behind his back?; What is on the other side of the door? What did the lion give the lamb for her birthday?Questions (some work better than others for me) are presented on full page spreads with vivid, playful artwork by award-winning illustrator, Christian Robinson. A great title to inspire curiosity – and discussion. 

ZANDER STAYS by Maureen Fergus; illus. Scott Ritchie

Zander is a goose who has decided that he isn’t going to fly south for the winter and with this decision he is forced to learn how to survive the harsh winter climate. Encounters with bears, squirrels and bats provide some suggestions but Zander will have to learn on his  teach him to survive the cold and the snow. 

 

SHOUT OUT

Second Story Press publishes literature that is centred on issues of diversity, equity and social justice. Two recent picture book publications are wonderful examples of stories that celebrate multiculturalism and belonging.   

EVERYONE IS WELCOME by Phuong Truong; illus. Christine Wein (2023)

I strongly believe that children’s literature can offer students significant insights into hate and discrimination. Everyone is Welcome is a story of an 8 year old girl (almost 9) who learns stories about her mother who was taunted with anti-asian racial slurs (“Ching chong”) when she was younger and a friend of her grandmother’s, Mrs. Lee,  who was  under attack and pushed onto the road. The girl’s brother has joined the Asian Student Association designed to bring Asians together but also have a goal to help accompany other who feel cared to walk to school. Finally, one of the girl’s friends tells her that he is forbidden to play with her any more since everything that’s happened in the world is the fault of Asians. This is an honest and brave story of Anti-Asian racism. Kudos to author Phuong Truong for a rich story that is centred on community, compassion and caring. This is a absolutely a worthy contribution to titles that invite readers to think about inclusion, where everyone is welcome. Note: Christine Wei’s   colourful illustrations not only compliment the verbal text but present a window and mirror into Asian culture. 

 PHOENIX GETS GREATER by Marty Wilson-Trudeau with Phoenix Wilson; illus. Megan Kyak Monteith (2022)

Phoenix knows that he is different from other boys. He loves pretty fabrics, playing with dolls and dancing around the house – especially shawl dancing like a beautiful butterfly. Although he is taunted by others, his mother and brother are proud of him and give him love and support as Phoenix works towards acceptance of who he is as he learns about Two Spirit/ Niizh Manidoowag people in Anishinaabe culture.  The book is based on the childhood experiences that the author and her son experienced.  This is a very special picture book to bring understanding of Gender identity especially of Indigenous and/or queer youth. It is a very special picture book about acceptance and love. 

When I was a kid, I have fond memories of going to the Wychwood library and checking out biographies , usually bound in orange cloth covers (e.g. Alexander Graham Bell). To this day, I continue to be interested in reading about the lives of others. This posting highlights 15 autobiographies, biographies and memoirs  from the world of the famous, from authors and some unknown heroes. that I’ve recently enjoyed.

 

ALL THE RAGE by Brad Fraser

The subtitle of this book reads: “A Partial Memoir in Two Acts and a Prologue” which provides readers with a structure that Fraser uses to tell the story of his life from birth to 2000.  Brad Fraser is one of Canada’s most important playwrights (Wolfboy, Unidentified Human Remains; Poor Super Man). In the Prologue readers learn about Fraser’s impoverished abusive childhood but in the final two acts of the memoir, we learn about the challenges of getting a play produced, the often critical reception to his work, and coming to terms with financial survival and with living a life of drinking, drugs and sex and love. There is lots of bouts with drinking. There is lots of sexual escapades. There are many travels across the globe. There are many addresses he has lived in. There are many ups and downs of finding love.  Because much of the playwright’s creative work takes place in the 80’s and 90’s , the AIDS epidemic filters through his life and those whom Fraser worked closely with. As a queer man, a queer artist, Brad Fraser is a champion for taking on the establishment and unapologetic about fighting for rights “I will not be disappeared. (p. 338). He may be considered to be a polarizing playwright as his work is staged throughout the world. Like every artist, he has had his ups and downs, but Brad Fraser fights through ‘all the rage’   his life as writer, director, activist shine on the wings of tenacity and talent. In this book Fraser proves himself to be a hero. This memoir ends in 2000. (There are surely more  more struggles and triumphs that continue his story  in the 21st Century.) 

Excerpt

“I make no apologies for my appetites and I make no apologies for the techniques, conscious nor not, I’ve developed for coping with being queer in a straight world and being a truth-teller in a world of liars…. I may not always succeed, but I have never stopped trying.” (p. 337)

GETTING BETTER by Michael Rosen 

Michael Rosen was appointed Children’s Laureate (2007-2009) in the UK and is a renowned poet, performer, and broadcaster. Loss has been a part of Michael Rosen’s life. He has lived with a chronic hypothyroid  illness grieved over the loss of his mother and over the sudden death of his son due to meningitis (meningococcal septicaemia). During the Pandemic, Rosen was in a coma for 40 days and 40 nights, facing death in intensive care for 48 days in a London hospital and then recovering in rehab for three weeks.  Getting Better provides essays of how Michael Rosen, struggled to recover from trauma and grief and helps readers understand how we can find it within ourselves to live well again, during and after dark times.  The subtitle of this book is Life Lessons on Going Under, Getting Over it and Getting Through It.  What a brilliant writer, Michael Rosen is!. What a courageous soul. Michael Rosen  is so grateful for his writing, so grateful for getting through life’s shit that came his way. so grateful for the loving care of family and friends.  He may consider himself to be lucky. We are lucky to have him and his writing, especially for helping us  take a journey on the path to being better, getting better.

IM by Isaac Mizrahi, a memoir

I bought this book when it was first published in 2019 but it was sitting on my shelf. On a recent trip to New York, I found myself sitting in a restaurant at a table opposite where Isaac Mizrahi was sitting. I didn’t approach him but this incident prompted me to take the book off my shelf and get to it. I’m glad I did. I loved it. It was one of my most enjoyable reads this summer. Isaac Mizrahi, fashion designer and celebrity is a force. The recounts of his life growing up in Brooklyn, attending the Yishiva, worried about being fat and knowing that he was gay held my interest. His journey in NY’s performing arts high school, Parson’s school of Design and his entry into the world of fashion by working with the Perry Ellis and Chanel make for a good story of tenacity, resilience, chance and dreams. Along the way we learn of connections to Audrey Hepburn, Barbra Streisand, Meryl Streep, Oprah Winfrey and Anna Wintour. Mizrahi also shares his connections to family with his mother being a major influence and cheerleader for his talents.  When Mr. M tells us about a the people in his life he often writes that they were ‘good friends’. Lucky him to have many friends he could count on. Descriptions of the good life in New York – theatre, restaurants, clubs – hooked me (a bit of envy?). He also discusses his escapades and encounters with gay dudes until he meets the love of his life. Isaac Mizrahi decided to change directions as a fashion star and follows his dreams to be a cabaret performer (he recently was on stage at 54 Below). I was always fascinated by Isaac Mizrahi’s stories that he shares with honesty. I wonder what I would have said to him if I were able to join him at his restaurant table in NY. Do we have anything in common? 

I’M GLAD MY MOM DIED by Jennette McCurdy

I wasn’t familiar with  celebrity Jennette McCurdy (I never watched  the TV show iCarly) but there’s been lots of buzz around this book and the title sure is captivating.  The book recount her entry into stardom under the mighty force of her mother, who makes Mama Rose in the musical Gypsy seem like Mary Poppins. Her mother had dream to make her daughter a tar, no matter the cost (i.e., harassing her for her calorie restricted diets, taking showers with her even when she was a teenager). No wonder McCurdy is glad her mom died (of cancer). But in part two of the book, we read more about the anxiety, shame and self-loathing. She embarks on eating disorders (bulimia) and unhealthy relationships. This was a heartbreaking, tough read (told with humour at times about dealing with the past and embarking on a journey to grow out of being a celebrity, having a tormented youth  and moving forward. Fascinating!

MANY DIFFERENT KINDS OF LOVE: A story of Life, Death and the NHS by Michael Rosen

Shout out to Chris Ridell’s illustrations that introduce each of the 8 sections.

Stricken by coronavirus, British writer Michael Rosen hospitalized with an induced coma for six weeks and weeks then spent weeks of rehab and recovery. This is the story of that time period. How does he get to tell remember his experiences, when in a coma? The first part of the book presents transcripts of emails that his devoted wife Emma had written to friends and family reporting her husband’s progress.  Also, a notebook was kept by his bedside where the nurses who provided him with care wrote letters of hope, support and love. h of the book is presented as remarkable prose poems, where Rosen writes about his near-death experience and he many different kinds of love that spurred him on to survival. This is a beautiful beautiful book about the  that life might send our way, the trauma  of death hanging over our heads and the indomitable spirit and care of the National Health Service and especially the important people in our lives that carry us through dark times. This is a book of Health, Hope and Heart.  each with a capital ‘H’.  It is a sobering read that should be put in time capsule paying tribute to the resilience of those who suffered through Covid-19. This poetry memoir (published in 2021) is absolutely at the top of the list favourite reads this year.  You are a hero, Michael Rosen. From the back cover:

A doctor is standing by my bed

asking me if I would sign a piece of paper

which would allow them to put me to sleep pump air into my lungs.

‘Will I wake up?’

“There’s a 50:50 chance.’

‘If I say no?’: I say.

‘Zero.’

And I sign.

THE LIBRARIAN OF AUSCHWITZ: the Graphic novel, based on the book by Antonio Iturbe (ages 12+)

The bestselling novel by Antonio Iturbe tells the story of fourteen-year old Dita who was, along with her mother and father imprisoned in Auschwitz. For Dita, the horrors of the concentration camp were counterbalanced when she was asked to become the librarian of Auschwitz and take charge keep safe, the 8 books that were smuggled past the guards. The books along with real stories told by prisoners educated the children in the camp, even though they discovery of the books in Block 31, the children’s camp would prove to be dangerous, perhaps resulting in execution. Iturbe’s story is based on the true story of Dita Kraus, a Holocaust survivor. This graphic novel adaption synthesized the 400 pages of the original novel by presenting historical facts and  powerful narratives. The strong images  illustrated by Loreto Aroca along with the narrative captions and dialogue match the power of the original novel in presenting another haunting historical account of the Holocaust. Novel: Spanish author, Antonio Iturbe; adapted by Salva Rubio; translated by Lligt Zekulin Thwaites; illustrated by Loreto Aroca.

PAGEBOY by Elliot Page

Elliot Page has a powerful story to tell about being a celebrity about coming out and about transitioning. This memoir takes readers on Page’s journey of discovering himself.  His dreams, desires, anxieties, and pressures are revealed through deep honest reflections. Each chapter seems to be like a therapy session in which Elliot page confronts his family and romantic relationships, as he struggles to conquer the expectations of others and of himself. This is a brave, intimate, story of a tenacious, talented queer person.  Pageboy is not told as a linear autobiography but readers will cheer Page on and worry about his suffocations and celebrate his successes, both personal and professional. Note: at times, paragraphs seem to blend into each other with meandering thoughts and narratives and I would have liked a stronger edit. 

PAUL NEWMAN: The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man: A memoir

In 1986, Paul Newman and his close friend Stewart Stern, embarked on a project to compile an oral history about the famous actor’s life. Throughout the book, transcripts of anecdotes from family and friends provide an additional perspective of how he lived his life. This book is an honest account of a five year project documenting Newman’s early family life, his initiation into the theatre world and his rise to fame as a Hollywood actor (e.g., Hud, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Cool Hand Luke, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Verdict).  He had two main loves in his life, but it is his marriage to actress Joanne Woodward was a deep relationship that lasted  until his death in 2008 at the age of 83. Reading about his traumatic childhood, the many jobs he had, his insecurities,  his rise to stardom, his drinking and his passion for race car driving is candid and enlightening. Particularly poignant his the way he describes his relationship with his six children. This is a fascinating and revelatory memoir of a sexy, talented, driven celebrity – and philanthropist. 

RUN TOWARDS THE DANGER: Confrontations with a Body of Memory by Sarah Polley (essays)

Let me start by quoting Margaret Atwood who reviewed this book by writing “Fascinating, harrowing, courageous, and deeply felt.”  “Absolutely”, says I.  Run Towards The Danger is a collection of six essays written by the oh-so-talented actor, screenwriter and director, Sarah Polley. Polley digs into her past and  bravely attempts to capture memories and their meanings of those relationships as they appeared in the past and helped to frame the person she has become. The first story of stage fright while playing Alice in Wonderland at the Stratford Festival was a punch in the gut. Other stories of sexual assault,  a troubled childbirth, of being. child actor working under a domineering director, of the aftermath of concussion each punch the gut and hit  the heart. When dealing with her traumatic injury, Sarah Polley was advised by a specialist to ‘run towards the danger’. “In order for my brain to recover from a traumatic injury, I had to retain it to strength by charging towards the very activities that triggered my symptoms. This was  a paradigm shift for me – to greet and welcome the things I had previously voided.” (page 2)

WOW! WOW! WOW! This astonishing book is certain to be at the top of my year end list of favourites. This is a special read. Thank you, Ms. Polley for your storytelling, bravery and courage. ‘Harrowing and courageous’ indeed.

SHY: The Alarmingly Outspoken Memoirs of Mary Rodgers by Mary Rodgers and Jesse Green

Mary Rodgers was the daughter of the celebrated songwriter, Richard Rogers. She was also the daughter of a domineering mother. Father and mother were not forthcoming in their love for their daughter. Talented in her own right, Mary worked hard to move out of the shadow of her father’s talents and decided to become a composer herself.  Her musical Once Upon a Mattress, starring Carol Burnett as the ‘shy’ princess in a musical based on the story The Princess and the Pea. Although she is acknowledged for her unique talents as a woman composer, she never (could never) achieve the success that her father had., particularly with his work with Oscar Hammerstein (i.e., Oklahoma, Carousel, South Pacific, The King and I, The Sound of Music.). Mary Rodgers never gave up and would embark on whatever projects came her way.  Fame did come when she authored the children’s book Freaky Friday.  in this memoir, Mary Rodgers works alongside theatre critic, Jesse Green and pours out stories of family, fame, philanthropy, failed relationships and motherhood. Shy is a fascinating report of the golden age of musical theatre. It is a dynamo account of a dynamo figure respected by many from New York’s entertainment world. (including Stephen Sondheim). Stories are funny, wise, gossipy, candid and delicious making for a remarkable read from “the alarmingly outspoken”, Mary Rodgers.

SPARE by Prince Harry

When you tell people that you are reading Spare, they (many) tend to roll their eyes. But Daniel Pennac, author of the Readers Bill of Rights claims that we have ‘the right to not defend our tastes’. Why do feel I need to defend my reading of this autobiography? Why do folks make such strong judgements about Harry’s book without having read it? Why argue with 3 million+ purchases of this book which the Guinness World Book of Records claims was the fastest nonfiction title ever?  All that being said, I liked the book. I was intrigued. I respected that the Prince now had the chance to tell his story. Granted, kudos must go to the ghostwriter  J. R. Moehringer who listened carefully and then shaped and presented the anecdotes and ‘in-the-head’ thoughts of Prince Harry with clarity. We are definitely given an inside glimpse of the royal family. We absolutely come to recognize that Prince Harry was /is haunted by the death of his mother. We absolutely believe that he is strongly devoted to his wife, Meghan and his children. And there was no doubt (for me) that media and the paps (Paparazzi) haunted the members of the Royal Family and especially interfered with Harry’s happiness. There’s trouble in the Harry’s relationship with father, brother, sister-in-law and many of the Royal staff but this is Harry’s story to tell and I believe his truths and understand why he needed to rebel and remove himself from what was expected of him.  Spoiled? Rebellious? Contentious?  Brave? Loyal? Get into groups and discuss. 

WE SHOULD NOT BE FRIENDS: The story of a friendship by Will Schwalbe

I very much enjoyed reading two recent publications by Will Schwalbe. In this memoir, the author examines the friendship between two improbable friends. Will, a literate gay student,  first met Chris Maxey, a fairly boisterous jock while enrolled in Yale University. The seeds of a friendship were planted in secret society that had been established at the school. Though different in demeanour and interests there was some connection.  The story of this friendship is presented over the decades as Schwalbe and Maxey phoned each other and occasionally met up.  As the two reached their fifties and sixties, the friendship seemed to strengthen as they discussed ambitions, relationships, and health. Maxey’s commitment to establishing an independent school in Eleuthra thra is very much part of the narrative in the final half of the book. This is a story that helps us think about our friendships, the truths we share, the secrets we withhold (“You didn’t ask me!”) and the devotion that can emerge through commitment and trust story also helps readers to think about  encountering possibilities and the need to find  strengths to meet challenges and dreams through our work and our family – and our friendships.

WELCOME TO ST. HELL: My Trans Teen Adventure by Lewis Hancox (graphic memoir) YA 

In this frank graphic autobiographic, Lewis Hancock tells the story of heartbreaking and often funny, journey as a trans male. We are given a first-hand account of what it means to hate your body and be be confused about what to wear, who to snog and how to convince family and friends about what it means to fight for the truth of your gender identity. This is an honest story, a hopeful one that will bring comfort to many who question who they are and who they need to become. In this book, Lewis has a conversation with his younger self (as Lois) surviving hellish years in high school  and college trying to figure out what it means to be ‘normal’. Comic art work is presented in black and white graphic panels. Thank you for sharing your story Lewis. 

YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT WAR IS by Yeva Skalietska (Ages 12+)

This diary by a twelve year old Ukrainian girl documents the horrors that she and her grandmother encountered when the city of Kharkiv was suddenly under attacked. The journal begins on February 24, 2022 and records the journey she and her grandmother from sheltering underground, escaping the  Ukraine, passing through Hungary and finally settling in Ireland. Her entries are straightforward tellings of what Skalietska, her neighbours and friends encountered as bombs destroyed her city. Readers learn about the realities of the conflict of the war raging around innocent people. The journal describes long train rides, the experience of in an overcrowded refugee centre as well as the kindness of strangers and the media who helped Yeva and her family forge a new life and dream of returning HOME. 

Prologue

Every knows the word war. But very few people understand what it truly means. You might say that it’s horrible and frightening, but you don’t know the scale of fearit brings. And so, when you suddenly find you have to face it, you feel totally lost, walled in by fright and despair. All of your plans are suddenly interrupted by destruction. Until you’ve been there, you don’t know what war is. 

SHOUT OUT

WHY FATHERS CRY AT NIGHT by Kwame Alexander

This is a memoir presented as a series of love [oems, letters, recipes and remembrances. I am a Kwame Alexander fan and am always eager to buy a new publication by this celebrated Black author of children’s literature. He has received the Caldecott (The Undefeated) and the Newbery awards (The Crossover). (I have a hunch that his new title An American Story is destined for 2023 awards.).He is a poet extraordinaire and with this new book, Alexander presents a non-traditional memoir, sharing the journey of his parents as newlyweds, the ups and downs of his own two marriages, and his relationship with his daughters.  He also provides insights into his writing journey. His connection to the poet (and professor) Nikki Giovanni, is a powerful story. This is a multi-genre presentation of the author’s life and it is one filled with an honest, open heart.  The book jacket blurb announces that the book defines ‘the whirlwind woes and wonders of love.”  In the epilogue to this book, Kwame Alexander informs readers that writing Why Fathers Cry at Night provided him with an artifact that forced hime to have ALL of those hard talks (with father, wife, children). It is obvious that the memoir sparked “difficult and necessary conversations that ultimately make us much better. With our loved ones and with ourselves”. A stellar publication that will be at the top of my list for 2023.

Excerpt from the poem ‘How to Read This Book’ (p. 10)

Let these humble meditations and musings

carry you close, permanent, abreast – a wave.

Go, raise a toast.

Sip

Swallow 

all the words

that hold you

hopefully inspiring

a sea of new ones.

Now trust your heart

and the ocean of sweet possibility

brewing inside. 

 

This posting is a varied collection of grown-up and children literature books that I read throughout July. The eleven titles are a mixed bag of poetry, essays, memoir. fantasy adventure, graphic text, folktale and fiction – and an iconic classic.

 

July 3

 SHOUT OUT!!!! 

THE RED COURT: Shattered Skies, Volume I,  by Matthew Hastie (YA)

This novel was given to me in manuscript edition. It is not yet published but, crossing fingers, it will be released someday so that lovers of fantasy adventures can enjoy this thrilling book. The author is a great storyteller and expertly creates other world characters and plots of good and evil. He cleverly alternates the narratives between chapters featuring 1. Grayson 2. Violet and keeps readers guessing, ‘What happens next?’

Kudos to Matthew Hastie for presenting a wild ride of a book. His ease with language, his invention of contemporary and other worldly characters and his use of sharp dialogue, (and his wit) contribute to mighty fine read.  Rick Riordan must be sitting on Hastie’s  shoulders (Matthew read all is books) and there is no doubt that the twists and turns of Marvel comics (Matthew is addicted to these) have helped shape the action of The Red Court. Matthew Hastie pours his imagination onto the page and offers readers  exciting cinematic events (particularly the many battle scenes), sure to engage readers who love entering a world of  doors that transport to other universes, magical deeds,  bloody combats,  powerful swords, premonitions, dreamscapes, tyrants, elves, dwarves, dragons, minotaurs,  evil parents, friendships – and yes,  romantic relationships!!!

The Red Court is a remarkable accomplishment! 

Here is the back cover synopsis:

When a group of estranged friends reunite five years after the disappearance of one of thei own, they each find themselves on separate paths.

Burdened with guilt, Grayson will stop at nothing to find their lost friend. While Gray finds himself in an otherworldly conflict, Violet and the others uncover a conspiracy that dates back to their towns foundling

As connections form between these two disparate conflicts, it becomes clear that they’re fighting on two sides of the same war. But with their enemies consolidating power, time is running out, and the fate of two worlds hangs in balance. 

DISCLAIMER #1: Fantasy Adventure is not my genre of choice. Also, I’m not usually fond of books that are more than 600 pages. But I really enjoyed this one and I was given honoured to be given the chance read it

DISCLAIMER #2: The author of this book is 23 years old. He is my nephew. How proud I am for the mammoth effort Matthew put into writing this debut title. Amazing! 

Here is the dedication to the book, (which made me weep!)…
“Dedicated to my Uncle Larry, who never let me stop reading!”

July 5

BANNED BOOKS: The World’s Most Controversial Books, Past and Present / DK Penguin Random House

Page by page, this book provides a document of controversial, provocative, and revolutionary literature whose publication has been been curtailed at some point in history. An overview and description of titles that have been  is provided in 1-3 pages, with illustration. Some titles include The Canterbury tales, Frankenstein, Ulysses, 1984, The Catcher in the Rye, To Kill a Mockingbird, I Know Why the Caged Bird sings, The Handmaid’s Tale, and more recently The Kite Runner, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian and Stamped: Racism, Antiracism. Fascinating (and frustrating) that so many  are banned (the majority of banning occurs in school boards) for obscenities, religion, sexuality, race, politics etc. etc. 

“Restricting access to a book serves only to create. best seller, because everyone wants to read a book that is forbidden.” (Mark Twain, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn)

 

July 8

SHOUT OUT

CATCHER IN THE RYE by J.D. Salinger

“What really knocks me out is a book that, when you’re all done reading it, you wish the author that write it was a terrific friend of your and you cold call him up on the phone whenever you felt like it.” (page 18)

Catcher In the Rye is one of my all-time favourite reads and if stuck on a desert island this would certainly be on of my novels of choice to keep me company. I try to read this book every ten years or so and I admire it as much in my 70’s, as I did when I first read it in my 20’s. I think I love it more now.  J.D. Salinger’s iconic title is not without harsh critics, but for me Holden Caulfield is a hero who examines his inner world and the world around him with acute scrutiny. Judgemental, vulgar at times, alienated, adventurous, Caulfield is filled with angst, rejecting  the superficiality of the ‘phony’ adult world. The book was first published as a novel in 1951 and has been on many lists for best books of the century. Though written for an adult audience, Catcher in the Rye was one of the most popular titles used in schools across North America and ironically one of the most banned/challenged books in school districts (swearing, sexual adventures, drinking, disrespect of adults etc.).  Even though it was written 70 years ago, I would say every generation of adolescents can identify and learn from Holden Caulfield’s funny, observant, critical, anxious, uniqueness as he embarks on a two day episodic adventure in New York city.  Holden’s dream is to protect youth from the fall of innocence (to catch them in the rye). It is a book that inspires ‘getting into groups and discuss’.  There are a multitude of YA novel characters that stand on the shoulders of Holden Caufield and though rich, privileged and white, there is no doubt he is an iconic literary character. I will read this book again. And again. 

 

July 11

THE COVID DIARIES: Spoken word poems & visuals by Robert Pomerhn

Released in 2023 (Highest Hurdle Press), this publication, in magazine-sized format provides,  a “study to postmodern poetry and contemporary art” according to in a letter written by the author. The majority of this collection features collages  in which the juxtaposition of visual images can be considered humourous, strange, mysterious, dark, or filled with pain. These illustrations, after all, represent a diary of a time when the world was confused, fearful, strange, mysterious, dark or  filled with pain.  Viewers can make of these images what they will just as they might when they read Pomerhn’s spoken word poems about a time when the “silent killer” forced the world to wear masks. The poet conjurs up feelings, confusions and realities of a time when we were “spinning out of control on a carousel”(p.71).  Yes, Spoken word poems need to be heard through the ear but reading these poems independently, invites a reader to lift the words off the page and hear the voice of this gifted poet. (“And like the devil  / Tempting Jesus / This upper respiratory disease is Free to come and go as it pleases” p. 46). Pomerhn deserves his personal claim that he is an ‘artistic innovator’.

Note: I was also given a copy of LETTERHEAD, Volume #1 (2007)  a collection of works by poets from across the United States. One section of this volume of selections from  deceased poet Harvey Goldner and visual collage images and rap poems byRobert Pomerhn and a third section includes work by Buffalo Poets. The 131 page volume is an engaging read for poetry lovers  of diverse poetry styles with diverse themes  with such poem titles as ‘The Revenge of Poets’ by Arnold Skemer; ‘Screamo’ byErin Thomas; ‘Suddenly Death Won’t Kill’ and Saran Wrap’  by Robert Pomerhn.  

for further information contact the author: pomerhn.robert@gmail.com

 

July 16

SPARE by Prince Harry

When you tell people that you are reading Spare, they (many) tend to roll their eyes. But Daniel Pennac, author of the Readers Bill of Rights claims that we have ‘the right to not defend our tastes’. Why do feel I need to defend my reading of this autobiography? Why do folks make such strong judgements about Harry’s book without having read it? Why argue with 3 million+ purchases of this book which the Guinness World Book of Records claims was the fastest nonfiction title ever?  All that being said, I liked the book. I was intrigued. I respected that the Prince now had the chance to tell his story. Granted, kudos must go to the ghostwriter  J. R. Moehringer who listened carefully and then shaped and presented the anecdotes and ‘in-the-head’ thoughts of Prince Harry with clarity. We are definitely given an inside glimpse of the royal family. We absolutely come to recognize that Prince Harry was /is haunted by the death of his mother. We absolutely believe that he is strongly devoted to his wife, Meghan and his children. And there was no doubt (for me) that media and the paps (Paparazzi) haunted the members of the Royal Family and especially interfered with Harry’s happiness. There’s trouble in the Harry’s relationship with father, brother, sister-in-law and many of the Royal staff but this is Harry’s story to tell and I believe his truths and understand why he needed to rebel and remove himself from what was expected of him.  Spoiled? Rebellious? Contentious?  Brave? Loyal? Get into groups and discuss. 

 

July 23

OLD GOD’S TIME by Sebastian Barry

Tom Kettle, a recently retired  policeman, has settled into a lean-t0 attached to a castle overlooking the Irish sea. Living alone, seems satisfied to only catch glimpses of his eccentric landlord and a young mother who lives next door. Fond memories of his wife and two children help to pass the days and lift Tom’s soul, until the day two former colleagues tun up hoping that he wil help them solve a decades-old unsolved case.  Tom makes the decision to revisit his life as a detective  and help solve the mysterious killing of a priest. Old God’s Time is more than a detective story. The ghosts of Tom Kettle’s past haunt him and the dark narratives of child abuse, suicide, and murder unfold in dreamlike memory. Sebastian Barry’s writing is exquisite with crafted sentences,  poetic images and disturbing events that stagger the reader*. I found myself reading this novel rather slowly, often pausing to reflect on the protagonist’s mental health and stream of consciousness where things may or not be quite what they seem.. This is the first novel I’ve read by the Irish novelist I’m sure I’ll check out some other of his honoured  titles including  Days Without End, The Secret Scripture and A Long Long Way. 

*Excerpts

“The eternal fight of the solar system between night and day was being waged above him, he supposed, and it was dark as dark could be now, night was winning, but still, it was ridiculously early to be abed.” (p. 142)

“Who will read the liturgy of the dead? God posts you your fate, the envelope is opened and the page blank but everything is written there. He supposed that was true.” (p. 191)

“Never entered her mind to tell the truth. That her brain was boiled cabbage with grief.” (p. 234)

 

July 24

THE SKULL by Jon Klassen (folktale)

Award-winning author Jon Klassen (I Want My Hat Back, This is Not My Hat, The Rock from The Sky) presents his own version of a traditional folktale. Otilla is a runaway girl (we never really know this background story) and when she comes upon a house in the woods she meets up with a Skull and the two become friends. The Skull warns Otilla about a headless skeleton who is desperate to obtain the Skull.  This adventurous tale is blends humour, creepiness and friendship to provide an entertaining retelling (told in five  parts), accompanied by Klassen’s masterful, rather monochromatic visual interpretations of text. A terrific read aloud and as I read it, I thought of The Skull as a terrific resource for igniting lessons for a range of comprehension strategies. 

 

July 25

WELCOME TO ST. HELL: My Trans Teen Adventure by Lewis Hancox (graphic autobiography) YA 

In this frank graphic autobiographic, Lewis Hancock tells the story of heartbreaking and often funny, journey as a trans male. We are given a first-hand account of what it means to hate your body and be be confused about what to wear, who to snog and how to convince family and friends about what it means to fight for the truth of your gender identity. This is an honest story, a hopeful one that will bring comfort to many who question who they are and who they need to become. In this book, Lewis has a conversation with his younger self (as Lois) surviving hellish years in high school  and college trying to figure out what it means to be ‘normal’. Comic art work is presented in black and white graphic panels. Thank you for sharing your story Lewis. 

 

July 26

YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT WAR IS by Yeva Skalietska (Ages 12+)

This diary by a twelve year old Ukranian girldocuments the horrors that she and her grandmother encountered when the city of Kharkiv was suddenly under attacked. The journal begins on February 24, 2022 and records the journey she and her grandmother from sheltering underground, escaping the  Ukraine, passing through Hungary and finally settling in Ireland. Her entries are straightforward tellings of what Skalietska, her neighbours and friends encountered as bombs destroyed her city. Readers learn about the realities of the conflict of the war raging around innocent people. The journal describes long train rides, the experience of in an overcrowded refugee centre as well as the kindness of strangers and the media who helped Yeva and her family forge a new life and dream of returning HOME. 

Prologue

Every knows the word war. But very few people understand what it truly means. You might say that it’s horrible and frightening, but you don’t know the scale of fearit brings. And so, when you suddenly find you have to face it, you feel totally lost, walled in by fright and despair. All of your plans are suddenly interrupted by destruction. Until you’ve been there, you don’t know what war is. 

 

July 28

UNCLE OF THE YEAR & Other Debatable Triumphs by Andrew Rannells

Andrew Rannells, is a musical theatre star, a television actor and a writer (Too Much is Not Enough). The 20 personal essays in this collection are drawn from his life as a struggling and successful actor, as a sometimes shaky and sometimes successful boyfriend, as a friend, son, and uncle.  He is a great storyteller letting readers partake in his experiences attending award-shows, going to many auditions, working with therapists,  dating, and going through the process of ‘adulting’. Now at 44 years of age, Rannells tries to make sense of his personal and professional life and reflect on milestones and expectations of what it means to be an adult. Readers are likely to be charmed and entertained by the humour and honesty of this celebrity.  He seems to be a guy you’d want for a best friend – and fun uncle!

 

July 31 

SHOUT OUT

WHY FATHERS CRY AT NIGHT by Kwame Alexander

This is a memoir presented as a series of love [oems, letters, recipes and remembrances. I am a Kwame Alexander fan and am always eager to buy a new publication by this celebrated Black author of children’s literature. He has received the Caldecott (The Undefeated) and the Newbery awards (The Crossover). (I have a hunch that his new title An American Story is destined for 2023 awards.).He is a poet extraordinaire and with this new book, Alexander presents a non-traditional memoir, sharing the journey of his parents as newlyweds, the ups and downs of his own two marriages, and his relationship with his daughters.  He also provides insights into his writing journey. His connection to the poet (and professor) Nikki Giovanni, is a powerful story. This is a multi-genre presentation of the author’s life and it is one filled with an honest, open heart.  The book jacket blurb announces that the book defines ‘the whirlwind woes and wonders of love.”  In the epilogue to this book, Kwame Alexander informs readers that writing Why Fathers Cry at Night provided him with an artifact that forced hime to have ALL of those hard talks (with father, wife, children). It is obvious that the memoir sparked “difficult and necessary conversations that ultimately make us much better. With our loved ones and with ourselves”. A stellar publication that will be at the top of my list for 2023.

Excerpt: How to Read This Book (p. 10)

Let these humble meditations and musings

carry you close, permanent, abreast – a wave.

Go, raise a toast.

Sip

Swallow 

all the words

that hold you

hopefully inspiring

a sea of new ones.

Now trust your heart

and the ocean of sweet possibility

brewing inside. 

This posting highlights TEN TERRIFIC TITLES (most published in 2023) , varied in topics (e.g., surviving war, mental health, coming out, neighbourhood activism, the menstrual cycle, school shootings) varied in settings (e.g., an urban park, farmyards, an elephant sanctuary, a remote island, an urban NY community, a concentration camp) and varied in genre (narrative fiction {middle years and YA} graphic biography, short story),

 

BARNEY THE HORSE: and other tales from the farm by Michael Morpurgo(3 short stories) (ages 7-9)

This book presents three short stories by master storyteller, Michael Morpurgo, who founded a charity, Farms for City Children  that offers urban British young people the opportunity to live and work on a real farm. The story of a missing sheep (and a missing boy), the story of a boy, obsessed with birds, who is in paradise when visits a farm and saves the life a baby swallow, and the story of a young girl who is enamoured with horses and is thrilled when she has the chance take care of a farm horse named Barney are great read-aloud narratives (or ideal for independent readers ages, 7-9). Hooray for ‘Farms for City Children’. Hooray for Mr. Morpurgo!

 

CALLING THE MOON: 16 Period Stories from 16 BIPOC authors by Aida Salazar & Yamile Saied Mendez (Editors) / Short Stories

This is a collection of 16 short stories, each featuring a young adolescent girl’s first experience getting her period. Each of the stories is written by a BIPOC author, thus giving the stories a range of narratives – and celebrations – centred on different cultures (e.g. Cuban, Indigenous, Pakistani, African). For sure,  young girl readers will identify – and learn – from the menstrual experiences of the fictitious characters in these stories. They will likely connect to the physical and emotional self-discovery experiences of these girls whether they are prepared or left in the dark about this important passage into womanhood.  The stories, about 20 pages in length offer engaging narratives of family and friends. Three stories are told in free-verse.

 

JULIA AND THE SHARK by Kiran Millwood Hargrave; illus. Tom de Freston

Julia and her family are spending the summer on a remote island.  Her father is doing work on a lighthouse and her mother, a marine biologist is searching for the Greenland shark, an elusive rare creature that might be older than the trees. At first, Julia isn’t thrilled with this trip but she develops, friendships on the island and finds that it is a place to her love of nature and her  knowledge of the sea. When her mother becomes disappointed and despondent of her quest, Julia is determined to prove that the shark is real. This is a story of family ties, the environment, bullying and mental health.  First perusal of this book with text and illustrations reminded me of the A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness; illus. Jim Kay. The tone of Julia and the Shark is indeed similar to A Monster Calls as a pre-teen deals with the a parent’s failing health. The black and white illustrations (with splashes of yellow) that appear throughout add to the atmosphere and the poetic telling of Julia’s tale. A moving, heartfelt story.

 

THE LIBRARIAN OF AUSCHWITZ: the Graphic novel, based on the book b Antonio Iturbe (ages 12+)

The bestselling novel by Antonio Iturbe tells the storof fourteen-year old Dita who was, along with her mother and father imprisoned in Auschwitz. For Dita, the horrors of the concentration camp were counterbalanced when she was asked to become the librarian of Auschwitz and take charge keep safe, the 8 books that were smuggled past the guards. The books along with real stories told by prisoners educated the children in the camp, even though they discovery of the books in Block 31, the children’s camp would prove to be dangerous, perhaps resulting in execution. Iturbe’s story is based on the true story of Dita Kraus, a Holocaust survivor. This graphic novel adaption synthesized the 400 pages of the original novel by presenting historical facts and  powerful narratives. The strong images  illustrated by Loreto Aroca along with the narrative captions and dialogue match the power of the original novel in presenting another haunting historical account of the Holocaust. Novel: Spanish author, Antonio Iturbe; adapted by Salva Rubio; translated by Lligt Zekulin Thwaites; illustrated by Loreto Aroca.

 

THE ONE AND ONLY RUBY by Katherine Applegate

We first met Ruby, the young elephant and her friends Ivan, the silverback gorilla and Bob the mutt and now she is part of an elephant herd at the  sanctuary.  Ruby’s tusks are starting to sprout and there will be a celebration, called ‘Tuskday’ to mark this right of passage.  Ruby is not happy about the event, knowing that elephant tusks can bring . For a large portion of this novel, Applegate has has Ruby  recount  her early story of live on the  African savanna and her separation from family.   Not only does the award-winning author weave in information about elephant populations, (“An elephant alone is not an elephant”, but she offers another brilliant anthropomorphic narrative that invites readers to reflect on the questions: “What gifts did the world give you today?” “What gifts did you give the world?”  The format of the book is presented with generous white space paragraphing and appealing black and white illustrations helping to make this another  ‘winner’ from the one and only Katherine Applegate.  I loved this book!

 

TIME OUT by Sean Hayes, Todd Milliner with Carlyn Greenwald (ages 12+)

Barclay Elliot, basketball hero,  wakes up on his 16th birthday and is excited about his decision to announce that he is gay during the school pep rally. A brave thing indeed. But coming out sets off a challenging journey for Barclay, particularly when forces him to quit his school basketball team. Homophobia abounds from teammates and within the community of Chitwood, Georgia. Barclay struggles with family and friendships as well as the loss of his grandfather who was so much a part of his life. Barclay’s life gets purpose when  participates in a mission to join his good friend, Amy, in a voting rights group. He also meets up with handsome Christopher who is writing a news report of Barclay, uncovering some truths that Barclay keeps hidden.  Barclay must always make choices about being faithful to himself, his community, his friends and his team. But basketball is part of his soul and one of his strongest decisions is whether to re-join the team despite the antagonism (homophobia) from bully players. Time Out is absolutely a worthwhile contribution to titles that deal with the complexities of coming out which will support teenagers to make decisions about their announcing to the world of being a game. It is also a strong story of  being a part of a team. A great YA read!

 

THE UMBRELLA HOUSE by Colleen Nelson

This is a story for middle age readers about gentrification. The setting is the East Village in New York. A real estate mogul wants to tear down the six-story apartment building known as Umbrella House. It was once the residence of squatters who needed a place to live and a group of dedicated individuals turned the building into a home of eighteen units. Roxy and Scout, best friends, now reside in the building and when they learn what is going to happen they take action to save the building. When they hear of a contest inviting young people to create a documentary for a local news station, they work together to gather stories from residents, neighbours, and artists who can help them with their mission. Roxy is one determined activist who  bravely voices her opinion at a City Council meeting and Scout is a talented photographer who can bring artful vision to the cause. Yes, The Umbrella House is a story about gentrification, but it is a mighty story of community (note; the word UNITY is in community), of  a strong friendship and an account how young people can take action for what they believe in. It is also a story about the power of art. Nelson presents a fast-paced narrative with strong caring characters.

 

SIMON SORT OF SAYS by Erin Bow

Simon O’Keefe is dealing with trauma – he was the only survivor in a school shooting. His mother (an undertaker) and his father (a Catholic deacon) have moved the family to Grin and Bear It Nebraska, a place where the Internet is banned, a place where Simon hopes to keep his past a secret (which is more or less kept hidden for the first 100 or so pages of the novel).  Filtered throughout the book, the author presents funny incidents which counterbalance the horrific story that Simon hides. A screaming peacock, chaos with alpacas,  goats giving birth, a drunken dog, a tornado, a Jesus squirrel, a loving service dog, a lost cadaver and a plot to listen for signs of life from alien creatures in space all add to the comedy this intriguing story. Award-winning (Plain Kate) author Erin Bow is a great storyteller, with  sharp insights into science, relationships and the heart.

 

WHO OWNS THE CLOUDS? by Mario Brassard; illus. Gerard Dubois (ages 12+)

This book when published in French, was the winner of the Governor Generals’ Literary Award. This fairly short graphic memoir has now been translated into English. It is the heart-squeezing story of  young girl named Lisa who’s childhood memories of being caught in the web of war have overcome her. The dreams that Lina has blur the lines of the reality of imminent war. Clouds serve as metaphors for her painful remembrances as well as dreams for a better future. This is a story of trauma, healing and hope. The monochromatic illustrations add to the sombre mood of the narrative. Spots of scarlet red and robin-egg blue skies occasionally interrupt Gerard Dubois’s evocative black and tan art work. Who Owns the Clouds? is a special Canadian publication, worthy of its award recognition.

 

SHOUT OUT

THE EYES & THE IMPOSSIBLE by Dave Eggers

In this novel, readers accompany Johannes, a free dog, a fast  (very fast) dog, a brave, philosophical, loyal dog,  on his day to day adventures in an enormous urban park by the sea.  Johanne is ‘the eyes’ that sees all around him.. He is entranced (and enters) the mysterious new building the humans have built; he has rescued an infant from drowning, he is captured by a group of scheming humans (he escapes). He is dedicated to his bird, raccoon and squirrel friends (i.e., ‘The Assistant Eyes’) who join in his escapades. When the dog encounters a herd of ever-hungry goats, he is enamoured with the friendship of a female goat who is different from the others. Johannes is especially worried about the three ancient bison who are fenced in and along with his companions, he embarks on a scheme to set the bisons free on a  journey to the main-land beyond the park. Shout out to the richly coloured landscape paintings that appear throughout the book, each a classic work of art in which illustrator Shawn Harris added Johannes to each scene. This is a mighty fine publication for readers young and old, destined to be a classic sitting alongside other titles of animal heroes. A gem!

 

 

 

The ten titles listed in this posting include FICTION (4) and NONFICTION (4), a graphic biography (1)  and SHORT STORIES (1) and a shout out to my new professional release, Stop the Hate for Goodness Sake. from Pembroke Publishers. Most of these titles were published in 2023.

 

NONFICTION

 

THE BEST STRANGERS IN THE WORLD by Ari Shapiro

Because i don’t listen to NPR, I wasn’t familiar with Ari Shapiro, who is the host of the flagship news program All Things Considered. I recently attended a concert entitled Och and Oy where Shapiro and his buddy Alan Cumming and was entertained by his singing talent, his stories and his joyous connection with Mr. Cumming and with the audience. This book of essays intrigues as Mr. Shapiro recounts stories of coming out as a gay man, of his marriage to his partner, of his singing with Pink Martini. Much of the book is centred on his investigation of international news stories travelling around the world to dig into stories of war-torn countries, political protests, the plight of refugees etc.  The subtitle of this book is “Stories from a Life Spent Listening’.  What a life Ari Shapiro has lead/ leads! What a treasure he is for listening and for patiently and bravely discovering and sharing truths.  Reading this book provides readers entry into the world of activism, humanity, and healthy relationships.

WE SHOULD NOT BE FRIENDS: The story of a friendship by Will Schwalbe

I very much enjoyed reading two recent publications by Will Schwalbe. In this memoir, the author examines the friendship between two improbable friends. Will, a literate gay student,  first met Chris Maxey, a fairly boisterous jock while enrolled in Yale University. The seeds of a friendship were planted in secret society that had been established at the school. Though different in demeanour and interests there was some connection.  The story of this friendship is presented over the decades as Schwalbe and Maxey phoned each other and occasionally met up.  As the two reached their fifties and sixties, the friendship seemed to strengthen as they discussed ambitions, relationships, and health. Maxey’s commitment to establishing an independent school in Eleuthra thra is very much part of the narrative in the final half of the book. This is a story that helps us think about our friendships, the truths we share, the secrets we withhold (“You didn’t ask me!”) and the devotion that can emerge through commitment and trust story also helps readers to think about  encountering possibilities and the need to find  strengths to meet challenges and dreams through our work and our family – and our friendships.

 

Two stellar biographical titles by Michael Rosen (see SHOUT OUT)

MANY DIFFERENT KINDS OF LOVE: A story of Life, Death and the NHS by Michael Rosen

GETTING BETTER by Michael Rosen (2023)

 

FICTION

IN MEMORIAM by Alice Wynn

The first part of this book is set in an idyllic boarding English boarding school. We learn of  the close friendship between Henry Gaunt and Sidney Ellwood.  When Gaunt becomes overwhelmed with his infatuation with the poetic Ellwood, he enlists in the army. The novel immerses readers in the horrific events of World War I. Ellwood eventually follows and the two men find solace with each other even though they are surrounded by death and fear that they could be next.  Alice Wynn has done a remarkable job of researching and vividly and cinematically portraying wartime. Moreover, she takes us deep into the hearts of two men in love with each other. For its story of forbidden love, the novel reminded me of John Boyne’s wonderful book The Absolutist and for its wretching images of combat, I was reminded of the recent  German film All Quiet on The Western Front. There have been many stories about the First World War (Michael Morpurgo’s books are treasured narratives for young people (e.g., War Horse; Private Peaceful). In Memoriam is gut-wretching, heartbreaking, brutal and poetic. In Memoriam is a  stellar contribution of wartime sagas.

THE LIBRARIAN OF AUSCHWITZ: the Graphic novel, based on the book by Antonio Iturbe (ages 12+)

The Librarian of Auschwitz is a bestselling novel by Spanish author, Antonio Iturbe, and for those who admired this book, a new graphic novel verson has been created. Iturbe tells the y fourteen-year0old Dita who was, along with her mother and father imprisoned in Auschwitz. For Dita, the horrors of the concentration camp were counterbalanced when she was asked to become the librarian of Auschwitz and take charge keep safe, the 8 books that were smuggled past the guards. The books along with real stories told by prisoners educated the children in the camp, even though they discovery of the books in Block 31, the children’s camp would prove to be dangerous, perhaps resulting in execution. Iturbe’s story is based on the true story of Dita Kraus, a Holocaust survivor. This graphic novel adaption synthesized the 400 pages of the original novel by presenting historical facts and  powerful narratives. The strong images  illustrated by Loreto Aroca along with the narrative captions and dialogue match the power of the original novel in presenting another haunting historical account of the Holocaust. Novel: An

LOVE LIDA by Mark Hyatt

Poor Leda. He is so unhappy with life. He relies on the kindness of strangers (older gay men, divorced women)  who feed and cloth him, helping him  to escape from complete homelessness.  And he is unfortunately obsessed with Daniel, who as a man of the Lord, will never love Leda. The setting is 1960’s London. Coffee houses, house parties, and outdoor trysts abound. This book is a curiosity. I feel that the story , thought set in Soho (pre-dating the Sexual Offences of Act of 1967) could have been written by any generation of gay men in the past 60 years. It was written in 1988 but only now published to give readers insights into queer London and the vagabond life of one working class chap who seems to get through life day by day but has little hope for what life has dealt him. (“I turn my head for dreams and lost sunsets and my own fears.” / “My head is beating like a clock, going around in continuous circles.” / “I live sheerly for myself, and not for other people’s thoughts.” The novel likely autobiographical. The author, Mark Hyatt committed suicide in 1972.

OPEN THROAT by Henry Hoke

Here is the opening line of book blurb: “A queer and dangerously hungry mountain lion lives in the drought-devastated land under the Hollywood sign. Opening line of the novel “I’ve never eaten a person  but today I might.”.   Readers who embark on the journey with this rather short (156 pages) novel are in for a strange, poetic novel told from the point of view of yes, a queer mountain lion who overhears hiker conversations, protects those in a homeless encampment, who early in the narrative observes an S&M encounter and later witnesses two men having sex.  in lion. Mountain lion craftily observes ‘ellay’ (L.A.) life, with citizens who complain of  therapy, gender identity and the spreading of fire. Having read many children’s novels, I am ‘in tune’ with – and very much admire -novels with anthrapromorphic voices (Charlotte’s Web (E.B. White),  Abel’s Island William Steig, The One and Only Ivan trilogy (Katherine Applegate) and the wonderful 2023 release, The Eyes for the Impossible by David Eggers.  I was prepared and intrigued to read this new  highly praised review . However, I can’t seem to join in the rave comments received for Hoke’s book (‘unwilling to put down’, ‘my favourite book of the century so far’, ‘an instant class classic’, ‘a bloody masterpiece’, ‘fantastical’. But there’s no doubt that Open Throat is inventive and animal witness to the behaviour of humans. I loved the free verse style.  (practically every sentence gets a stand alone stanza). I loved the brevity of chapters. I was intrigued with the atmosphere, the feral views of life. At the same time, I was sometimes puzzled by events and not completely in tune with the observations and commentary of ‘ellay’ life, even if it was from the point of view of a gay mountain lion.

THE PERSONAL LIBRARIAN by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray

Early in the 20th century Belle de Costa Greene is hired by JP Morgan to curate a collection of rare manuscripts and artwork to by displayed in the Pierpont Morgan Library. Her talents and wisdom have taken her to galleries and auctions in New York, Paris and Italy  as she builds a remarkable worLd-class collection for the remarkable, powerful JP Morgan. Belle quickly becomes immersed in New York City Society and her journey over the years shows her impeccable taste and negotiating skills as the decades unfold. However, Belle’s secret as a Black American women who was forced to hide her true identity and passer  as a white woman is fascinating. At all times, through her encounters with family, friends and ‘the rich’ as well as an impassioned love story with a married man. Belle remains steadfast and faithful as Morgan’s personal librariaN. This is a wonderful, compelling  piece of historical nonfiction. It has inspired me to make a visit to the Morgan library on my next trip to New York.

SEVEN EMPTY HOUSES by Samanta Schweblin (short stories)

Translated from the Spanish version, Seven Empty Houses,  issmall collection of short stories. Actually 6 of the stories are fairly short (10-20 pages) One story, “Breath from the Depths” is 82 pages, is about a cantankerous senior citizen named Lola who is difficulty breathing and severe back problems. Dealing with grief, and a pesky neighbour, Lola patiently preparing for and, and awaiting death). In “It Happens All the Time in This House” a woman tosses her dead son’s clothing into her neighbour’s yard and sends her husband to retrieve them. One character says ‘the whole things is ‘nutso’. ‘Nutso’ can be used to describe elements in each of Schweblin’s stories. In None of That a woman drives around her neighbourhood, rearranging furniture and plants at her whim (“None of That”). In “Parents and Children” a woman brings her children and new love interest to visit her ex-husband’s grandparents who enjoy frolicking around nude in their backyard.  Nutso. Cukoo. Strange. Each story presents a slanted sense of reality whether it involves a fight, a vision, trespassing, a death plan, when in truth, nearly everyone has a story about the bizarre behaviours of others. The world is nutso. I found these stories to be both weird and believable, humourous but sad. Seven Empty Houses is an anthology about belonging and the strange connections we have with others. A gem!

 

SHOUT OUT

MANY DIFFERENT KINDS OF LOVE: A story of Life, Death and the NHS by Michael Rosen

Shout out to Chris Ridell’s illustrations that introduce each of the 8 sections.

Stricken by coronavirus, British writer Michael Rosen hospitalized with an induced coma for six weeks and weeks then spent weeks of rehab and recovery. This is the story of that time period. How does he get to tell remember his experiences, when in a coma? The first part of the book presents transcripts of emails that his devoted wife Emma had written to friends and family reporting her husband’s progress.  Also, a notebook was kept by his bedside where the nurses who provided him with care wrote letters of hope, support and love. h of the book is presented as remarkable prose poems, where Rosen writes about his near-death experience and he many different kinds of love that spurred him on to survival. This is a beautiful beautiful book about the  that life might send our way, the trauma  of death hanging over our heads and the indomitable spirit and care of the National Health Service and especially the important people in our lives that carry us through dark times. This is a book of Health, Hope and Heart.  each with a capital ‘H’.  It is a sobering read that should be put in time capsule paying tribute to the resilience of those who suffered through Covid-19. This poetry memoir (published in 2021) is absolutely at the top of the list favourite reads this year.  You are a hero, Michael Rosen. From the back cover:

A doctor is standing by my bed

asking me if I would sign a piece of paper

which would allow them to put me to sleep pump air into my lungs.

‘Will I wake up?’

“There’s a 50:50 chance.’

‘If I say no?’: I say.

‘Zero.’

And I sign.

GETTING BETTER by Michael Rosen 

Michael Rosen was appointed Children’s Laureate (2007-2009) in the UK and is a renowned poet, performer, and broadcaster. Loss has been a part of Michael Rosen’s life. He has lived with a chronic hypothyroid  illness grieved over the loss of his mother and over the sudden death of his son due to meningitis (meningococcal septicaemia). During the Pandemic, Rosen was in a coma for 40 days and 40 nights, facing death in intensive care for 48 days in a London hospital and then recovering in rehab for three weeks.  Getting Better provides essays of how Michael Rosen, struggled to recover from trauma and grief and helps readers understand how we can find it within ourselves to live well again, during and after dark times.  The subtitle of this book is Life Lessons on Going Under, Getting Over it and Getting Through It.  What a brilliant writer, Michael Rosen is!. What a courageous soul. Michael Rosen  is so grateful for his writing, so grateful for getting through life’s shit that came his way. so grateful for the loving care of family and friends.  He may consider himself to be lucky. We are lucky to have him and his writing, especially for helping us  take a journey on the path to being better, getting better.

 

SHOUT OUT! SHOUT OUT!

STOP THE HATE FOR GOODNESS SAKE by Andrew B. Campbell and Larry Swartz (professinal resource)