Ten Great Novels for Readers ages 9 -12, each deserved of a shout out. Some titles are sure to appear on my top ten list of books at year’s end. 

SHOUT OUT

KEY PLAYER: A Front Desk novel by Kelly Yang

We first met Mia Tang in the terrific novel, Front Desk and once again we encounter the adventures he spirit,  the talent and activist nature of this Asian American character. This is the 4th book in the series Front Desk, Three Keys and Room to Dream and readers who have joined in her experiences along the way will not be disappointed as Mia, her friends and family fight for social justice. (note: The books are self-contained. You do not really have to read them in chronological order). Readers come to admire Mia as much as they did in book one and over the years, we get to know Mia deeper, like a good trusted friend. In Key Player, the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup comes to Pasadena. Team China was playing against Team USA. This competition is a strong step for women in sports and for Mia as a Chinese American girl she is conflicted about who she should root for.  As a budding journalist, Mia is determined to meet with the Chinese players and for Mia, where there’s a will there’s a way,  as she battles, sexism and classism and racism. (“You want to rout for China? Then go back to China?” / “I knew you guys were going to be difficult. My colleague warned me. He said, “Don’t take on new immigrants. They’re going to be a lot of work.”‘”Where are you guys from? he asked. “Right here in Anaheim!” I said. But where are you really from?”. Woven into the plot is Mia’s family’s wish to find a house of their own to live in, a Math competition which her best friend Lupe enters (and Mia’s mom coaches), and the return of the tough, Mr. Yao, co-owner of the motel and the tough control he has over his son Jason who is a talented chef. 

As with the other titles in the series, events for this novel are drawn from Kelly Yang’s own past. In the author’s note she writes: I wondered if the stadium – and the United States – had room for both the Chinese and American parts or me. My greatest hope in writing Key Player is for kids to understand that there is room. There’s room for all parts or you. All your history, and hopes and dreams, and shins you’re still figuring out too.”

Kelly Yang writes great books, filled with heart, adventure and humour. Moreover, the Front Desk series guides readers to think about discrimination and the quest for immigrants to find a place where dreams can be realized as they find a place to belong. Kelly Yang’s books must be read. 

P.S  Yang dedicates her book “To everyone who has ever struggled in P.E., like me.

MY LIFE BEGINS by Patricia MacLachan

Patricia MacLachlan is a beloved author (Sarah, Plain and Tall, Word after Word after Word, The Poet’s Dog, Baby) who’s tender stories have  filled the hearts of young readers ages 8-11 for many years. The celebrated author passed away in 2022 and My Life Begins is her first novel published after her death. MacLachlan tells the story of nine-year old Jacob who more than anything would like a puppy but when his mother gives birth to triplets, dreams of getting a new pet need to be put on the side. He gives his three sisters a name: The Trips and through a school research project, Jacob observes and document the growth and charm of his three new sisters. This is an unfussy, rather gentle story about sibling relationships and a  warm portrait of  babies and a boy and change. Thank you for your wonderful wonderful books, Patricia MacLachlan. 

OMAR RISING by Aisha Saeed

We first met Omar in Aisha Saeed’s fine novel Amal Unbound. In this story, Omar is enrolled in the Ghalib Academy a prestigious school in Pakistan that will give Omar, the son of a servant, opportunities for a better future. Upon his arrival, Omar learns that scholarship students cannot join clubs, or teams (he is keen to play soccer) and is obligated to complete 5 hours of extra  chores. each week. Omar invests himself heart and soul into his studies  but when he learns that the school ‘weeds out’. scholarship students like him he is devastated and is moved to take action to change the school rules.  A strong portrayal of school life, academic achievement, friendships and class discrimination. It is an engaging story of a equity and one determined boy’s ‘rising’ and fight for justice. 

THE SECRET BATTLE OF EVAN PAO by Wendy Wan-Long Shang

After their father disappears (a bad business venture), Evan Pao (Pow) moves with his mother and sister from California to Haddington Virginia. Evan discovers that he is the only Chinese American student enrolled in the school, and even though Evan hopes to make the best of it, he and his family encounter Anti-Asian racism. The school name is Battleford and Evan’s teacher is proud to organize Battlefield Day when students dress up like it’s the Civil War and live like people did back then. The project inspires Evan to learn about Chinese soldiers who may have been involved in the War from 18612 to 1865 in the fight between the north and south over slavery.  Evan needs to figure out how his   culture fits into the past, deals hate crimes in the present and move to a future where neighbours accept each other for who they are. Each chapter is centred on. different novel character narrated in the third person.

THE TRYOUT by Christina Soontornvat; illus. Joanna Cacao (graphic autobiography)

The author recounts her experiences of trying out for cheerleader in seventh grade which for her was an ‘exhilarating, horrifying, empowering, and nauseating all at once.’ Soont is Thai/Chinese and her family owned a restaurant in a small town in Texas. When she enthusiastically decides to join the try-outs for the school cheerleading squad (the grade 7 students vote for the winners), she discovers more about competition, loyalty, popularity and especially racism. A boy in her class calls her “Rice Girl” and gets away with it. Christina Soontornvat’s story can resonate with many students today who feel that they are outsiders because of their skin colour or religion.  Three cheers for this terrific, honest story about cheerleading – and fitting in. 

WOLFSTONGUE by Sam Thompson

The story takes place in an underground city, deep in the forest, in a world built by wolves, a world where the foxes live. Silas, a boy who is continuously bullied at school because he is unable to speak out loud helps an injured wolf and is then invited into the secret Forest world dominated by the leader Reynard the fox. A gripping adventure unfolds where Silas (Wolfstongue) is on a mission to help rescue the stolen baby wolves and fight for the last remaining wolves to survive. I’m rather fond of books with  anthropomorphic animal characters (Abel’s Island by William Steig;The Tale of Desperaux by Kate DiCamillo; The One and Only Ivan by  Katherine Applegate, and much preferred a different story about a fox named Pax  by Sara Pennypacker but I wasn’t as gripped by this book as I’m sure many readers ages 8 to 12 will be. Cover reviews : “The best animated adventure since Watership Down “(The Times); “A hugely original tale” (The Irish Times); “Gripping and profound” (New Statesman); “One of the most extraordinary children’s books I’ve ever read”. Wolfstongue is Irish writer Sam Thompson’s first book for children (, with black and white illustrations by Anna Tromop that show vivid images of story events)  and is certain to be enjoyed by young readers who like to delve into ‘animated’ ‘original’ ‘gripping’ ‘extraordinary’ animal adventures. (spoiler: A sequel The Fox’s Tower will be forthcoming in 2023). (I don’t think I’ll be reading it!!)

THE WORLD’S WORST PETS by David Walliams’; illus. Adam Stower (short stories)

Another wild and funny, ridiculous  and joyous,  collection of ten stories of naughty characters such as Picasso The Pony, Monty The Musical Dog, Furp the Fish and Zoom the Supersonic Tortoise. For millions of readers who have laughed at The World’s Worst Children, The World’s Worst Teachers, The World’s Worst Parents by bestselling author David Walliams, welcome to another whacky reading adventure. To those who haven’t enjoyed a Walliams title, and the brilliant graphic formatting of words and pictures, what have you been waiting for? Shout out to illustrator Adam Stower for cartoon-like drawings that hop, skip and jump off the page, (from page to page).

WORSER by Jennifer Ziegler

Things are going from bad to worser for 12-year-old William Wyatt Orser / W. Orser / Worser. His father died when he was four years old. His mother has had a stroke and is recovering slowly. Artistic, Aunt Iris, has moved into his house and seems to be taking over as surrogate parent (She calls him ‘Potato’). When he enters grade 7, he is  summoned to the principal’s office and they don’t see eye to eye. The school library, a place of refuge for Orser is now closed after school hours. He pines for a girl named Donya who doesn’t seem to feel the same about him.  When the school Literary Club is about to dissolve, Orser saves the day by arranging to have them meet at a local bookstore where he’s made an arrangement with the owner by offering to clean up the storage room. Worser is also a word fanatic and keeps a list of strange words, delicious words, word patterns collected in his lexicon collection he calls ‘Masterwork’. Worser laments that things can’t be the way they always were, especially with the warm relationship he had with his mother, and he struggles to overcome authority, grief and loneliness. This is a wonderful, amusing and heartfelt novel about activism, friendships, family, middle years changes and, yes, word power. 

SHOUT OUT

THE FORT by Gordon Korman

This novel is Gordon Korman’s hundreth book.  Mazel Tov!

In the aftermath of a hurricane, four middle school friends discover an underground bomb shelter. Actually, Ricky, an outsider to the group, is the one who found the trapdoor that lead to the well-equipped underground fort which the five boys vow to keep a secret.  Korman presents each of the chapters  the point of view of one of the characters, each with his own story.  After his presents are forced into rehab, Evan lives with his grandparents, Jason is the pingpong ball in a divorce settlement, Mitchell has a compulsive disorder and lives with his mother who is doing her best as a single mother and CJ who is consistently bruised and battered because of what he says are careless accidents.  The plot thickens when Evan’s older brother and his loathsome friend are out to threaten the boys until they confess where they suddenly are getting money to spend (i.e., expensive silverware left by the shelter’s owner). The Fort is an engaging story about boys sharing secrets and adventures but beyond the terrific plot, is a story that sensitively and realistically deals with such issues as divorce, OCD and abuse. Gordon Korman is a genius at telling appealing stories that appeal to middle-age readers, stories that ring true in discussing friendships, stories that have an out-of-the box inventive narrative that is the stuff of novels.  Mr. Korman deserves a huge shout out for his 100th publication and the multitudes of fans around the world will surely join  along in the shout out, and thank, this terrific author for providing terrific books. 

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ODDER by Katherine Applegate

Wow! a new book by Katherine Appelgate. I’m a fan and was thrilled to see that she has written another free verse novel (I’m so fond of Home of the Brave) and another story honouring the world of animals (I’m so fond of The One and Only Ivan). Odder is an otter. Life is grand for Odder the brave curious sea otter as she enjoys frolicking off the coast of Central California. One day, Odder is attacked by a great white shark and when she is rescued by humans she learns about the possible dangers of swimming freely in the ocean and humans who care and protect for endangered animals. The story is inspied by the true story of a Monterey Bay Aquarium program that paired surrogate orphaned pups with surrogate pups. Katherine Applegate has – of course done extensive research about sea otters and presents a rich hybrid of novel, non-fiction and poetry in this wonderful wonderful book. 

Humans envy the way

otters sleep on the water, 

paws linked,

untroubled as lily pads.

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CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK AWARDS  WERE ANNOUNCED AT AN EVENT ON SEPTEMBER 29th.

Eight prizes in total were awarded \t:

• On the Trapline, written by David A. Robertson and illustrated by Julie Flett (Tundra Books), won the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award ($50,000)
• Time is a Flower, written and illustrated by Julie Morstad (Tundra Books), won the Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award ($20,000)
• The Power of Style: How Fashion and Beauty Are Being Used to Reclaim Cultures, written by Christian Allaire and illustrated by Jacqueline Li (Annick Press), won the Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non‐Fiction ($10,000)
• Second Chances, written by Harriet Zaidman (Red Deer Press), won the Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People ($5,000)
• Iron Widow, written by Xiran Jay Zhao (Penguin Teen Canada), won the Amy Mathers Teen Book Award ($5,000)
• Elvis, Me, and the Lemonade Stand Summer, written by Leslie Gentile (DCB Young Readers), won the Jean Little First-Novel Award ($5,000)
• Iron Widow, written by Xiran Jay Zhao (Penguin Teen Canada), won the Arlene Barlin Award for Science Fiction and Fantasy ($5,000)
• Summer Feet, written by Sheree Fitch and illustrated by Carolyn Fisher (Nimbus Publishing), won the David Booth Children’s and Youth Poetry Award ($3,500)

The fourteen picture books featured in this posting came my way this summer. A great celebration of art and text with titles that vary in theme (gender identity, dream worlds, war time, bears and pizza!)

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by Michael Morpurgo; illus. Michael Foreman

This book, by two British  children’s literature masters ,Michael Morpurgro (author ) and Michael Foreman (llustrator) to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee.  This treasured book is a celebration of Britain’s longest reigning monarch and beloved world figure. With her passing September 8, 2022, This is A Queen further serves as a tribute to the history and monumental life of a monarch devoted to crown, country and family.  This is an exquisite keepsake for past, present and future generations, young and old. 

“There once is a Queen ever constant to her people…”

ALL THE COLORS OF LIFE by Lisa Aisato

A richly illustrated collection of wondrous images by one of Norway’s celebrated illustrators. Simple text accompanies lively, atmospheric and cartoon-like characters in rather dramatic full-page pictures that inspire puzzlements and story-making. 

Remember being curious?
And how we discovered new worlds…

AND TANGO MAKES THREE by  Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell; illus. Henry Cole

An important true story about two penguins in Central Park who made history because they were boy penguins who did everything together, fell in love, and made a home where they slept together.  This version is accompanied by a compact disc with the story narrated by Neil Patrick Harris. Written in 2005, And Tango Makes Three is a warm story of same sex relationships, which has been challenged and has been on the top ten list of banned literature in some schools and libraries, since it was deemed inappropriate for children.  In the book, You Can’t Say That, Justin Richardson tells interviewer Leonard Marcus’ “Abstinence-only education, for example, is the only form of education I can think of that is based on the premise that withholding knowledge is what’s helpful for a child. It obviously makes no sense. But that’s the fear.” (page 158)  And Tango Makes Three is a story about family and a story about trying to get something you want – and then getting it.

Tango was the very first penguin in the zoo to have two daddies. 

BEAR HAS A BELLY by Jane Whittingham

A great picture book for toddlers with crisp, colourful photographs featuring children and animals in a recognition and celebration of body parts. The simple four line rhymes and repetitive syntax adds to the appeal of this book. Also by the author: Animals on the Move. 

Fox has a nose
A black , shiny nose.
Fox has a nose.
I do too!

DINOS DRIVING by Lynn Leitch; illus. Scot Ritchie

Kids who love cars + Kids who love dinosaurs will enjoy this book where each dinosaur (Tricertops, Diplodocus, Carnotaurus) in this book drives a different vehicle (e.g., limousine, motorcycle, bus).

Velocirapator drives a mini car.
Iguanodon drives electric.

GOODNIGHT RACISM by Ibram X. Kendi; Cbabi Bayoc

Ibram X. Kendi, author of bestselling book, Antiracist Baby has written a bedtime book for children heading off to sleep, and dreams and the watching moon.  There is a message of justice and antiracism in an imagined world where we can say Good night to injustice, inequality, hate and hurt. 

Dream, my child; create my child.

A new world – a new future – awaits. 

HEATHER HAS TWO MOMMIES by Leslea Newman; illus. Laura Cornell

This iconic picture book was first published in 1989 (originally  illustrated b Diana Souza) and was one of the first (the first?) to introduce Heather, who is the only girl in her class who doesn’t have a daddy, but has two mommies. This picture book was one of the most frequently challenged books of the 1990’s. In the book You Can’t Say That! Newman was interviewed by Leonard Marcus shares her view about censorship: “I am sorry that any child has to grow up knowing that for no reason on earth their family is looked down upon as worthy of scorn or as immoral. It makes me sad and furious and determined to write more books about LGBTQ families, despite some people wishing I would not do so? (page 102)

Each family is special. The most important thing about a family is that all the people in it love each other.

SHOUT OUT

A MODERN PARENTS GUIDE TO NURSERY RHYMES by Jennifer Griffin

This is not ‘officially’ a picture book but I purchased this little collection of nursery rhymes because it helps to remind parents and teachers about the importance of introducing young people to poetry. I one read a piece of research that suggested that if children had 8 rhymes learned in their head at a young age, it can help lead to literary success. I believe it. The subtitle of this book is “Because its two o’clock in the morning and you can’t remember ‘Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star’. This collection of over 70 classic rhymes (some translated into French and Spanish) is a wonderful collection, accompanied with tidbits of information and reading tips and spot illustrations)  reminding us of  verses, finger rhymes, songs that you might have learned from Mother Goose and will  you to others you might not be familiar These poems are worth sharing OUT LOUD one on one or with groups of kiddies. A gem!

If all the raindrops were lemon drops and gumdrops

Oh what a rain that would be!

IF YOU DREAM IT YOU CAN DO IT! Colleen Nelson & Kathie MacIsaac;iIllus. Scott Ritchie (nonfiction)

How 25 inspiring individuals found their dream jobs (e.g., Wedad Amiri; clothing designer / David A. Robertson, author / Ismail Ferdous documentary photographer / Dr. Raphael Malbrue, veterinarian/ Stephanie Harvey, gaming expert).

Some people discover their job by accident. For others, the job is a goal they are determined to achieve.

 SHOUT OUT

PIZZA: A Slice of History by Greg Pizzoli

A terrific non-fiction picture book that celebrates the delight of eating pizza of any kind. The possibilities abound for integrative activities (art, math, research) as readers learn about the history of Pizza (was it the Greeks? the Persians? the Italians?) and Raffaele Esposito who made ‘legendary pies’ for all.  This is a yummy yummy book? Grazie a mille, Mr. Pizzoli.

All over the world people love pizza.

But where did it start? 

When did it happen?

Who made the first pizza?

ROOM IN YOUR HEART by Hunzang Choden; illus.Pema Tshering

A dear friend gave me two books that she purchased in Buhtan. A little old woman lives in a little house in the mountains. She is alone except for a cat, a dog and a hen.  One by one, strangers come to visit (A monk, a courtier, a woman, two men and a donkey and each time, the woman welcomes her guest, squeezing them into the small space and providing them with nourishment. A lovely tale of generosity of spirit. Also by the author: Aunty Mouse. 

There will always be room in your home,

as long as there is room in your heart.

THE SUITCASE by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros

A beautiful allegory of the immigrant experience that tells the story of a weary stranger who is met with questions from animal citizens who want to learn about the newcomer’s story – especially what is hidden in that suitcase.  In the end, a story about acceptance and kindness. This is a book that is worth digging deeper to what may seem like simple storytelling. Wonderful!

A strange animal arrived one day,
looking dusty, tired, sad and frightened.
He was pulling a big suitcase.

WHILE YOU SLEEP by Jennifer Murano; illus. Miki Sato

In lyrical, soothing couplets, author Jennifer Murano offers young children  a comforting bedtime book to send them off to dreamland while the natural world prepares for a new day. Miki Satos colourful textured collage art is both simple and rich – and that’s a good thing. 

Clouds are stuffed, sewn and mended,

Paints for flowers and feathers blended.

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PLEASE WRITE SOON by Michael Rosen and Michael Foreman

A young boy named Bernie, living in London, exchanges letters with his cousin Bernie, a teenager living in Poland. Solly is evacuated and adjusts to life in English countryside. Bernie, is fleeing from the danger Jews faced in Warsaw and is sent to labour camp in Russia. The book is presented as an exchange of letters exchanges information, observations and worries about World War II. Readers learn of historical events such as “Anders’ Army”, the battle of Monte Cassino and the of concentration camps.  In this moving picture, inspired by Michael Rosen’s family history, questions about the meaning of war and concerns for survival, freedom and hope are given a heartfelt portrait through epistolary narratives. Michael Rosens’ evocative black and white illustrations (often accented with red) are, as always, remarkable. A beautiful picture book creation. 

I remember your mum say, People have to have hope. If we don’t have hope, we have nothing.

PROFESSIONAL RESOURCES x5

ESSAYS x2

STORIES x2

FICTION x1

ABOVE AND BEYOND THE WRITING THE WRITING WORKSHOP by Shelley Harwayne (professional resource)

Shelley Harwayne work has always remained centred in the teaching of writing,, Her experiences in the past two decades learning from her grandchildren, volunteering in schools and as a consultant has provided her with the opportunity to re-examine and re-consider the writing workshop by helping teachers who are faced with new obstacles, mandates and scripted programs, thus sacrifice the original principles of writing workshop. The 24 chapters in this resource are  is filled with student samples,  and practical lessons and a wealth of recommended book lists including titles to enrich our teaching. Shelley invites teachers to take back their writing workshops, find time for professional conversations, try out new ideas with colleagues.”Shelley believes children who write what matter to them – their experiences, their beliefs, their observations – will find their lives enhanced. She seeks to raise activists who, by becoming more aware of the world and asking why things are the way they are, will be empowered to make it better. (“from the back cover).

FINDING A PLACE FOR EVERY STUDENT: Inclusive practices, Social Belonging, and Differentiated Instruction in Elementary Classrooms by Cheryll Duquette (professional resource)

A comprehensive guide that provides information and strategies  and case studies to work with students with such exceptionalities  as autism, mental health issues, learning disabilities, behaviour challenges, intellectual disabilities, Spectrum Disorder, giftedness . The organization of the book into three main themes: Inclusive Practices, Social Belonging and Differentiated Instruction, encourages   classroom teachers to consider programming where that every student grows, feels successful and finds a place in the classroom, in their world. 

FROG AND TOAD ARE DOING THEIR BEST: Bedtime Stories for Trying Times: A Parody by Jennie Egerdie; illus. Ellie Hajdu (stories /parody)

I bought this book to see how my Arnold Lobel’s beloved characters might fit into the here and now. As stated in the front matter ‘this parody has ot been prepared, approved, or authorized by the author of the Frog and Toad books or his heirs or representatives.”   Alas, a I did not find this book particularly amusing or satirical. Time means nothing” said Toad. “Time is just the thing that happens between snacks. “My new Year’s Resolution, ‘ said Toad as he flopped down in his seat, “is to get really muscular this year.” / “I smile because I need everyone to like me.”  An attempt is made to update the tales e.g., Fitbit, Bank Account, The Lottery,  Camping) but alas Jennie’s efforts and Hajdu’s feeble sketch illustrations didn’t work for me. For heart and punch, it’s back to Arnold Lobel I go.  Treasured children’s literature heroes, they are. 

SHOUT OUT

THE BEST OF ME by David Sedaris (fiction/ nonfiction)

Any writing by David Sedaris gets a loud shout out from me. He is a favourite author and I’ve read all his books. The Best of Me is a collection of 40 autobiographical and fictional pieces that have appeared in his previous published collections. I have read all these stories previously but  it was a fantastic treat to revisit these titles and a curiosity to discover which of the selections Sedaris (and editors) could be considered ‘the best’ from such collections as Calypso, Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls, When You Are Engulfed in Flames, Dress your Family in Corduroy and Denim and Me Talk Pretty One Day. I would gladly re-read all these books and try and come up with a list of Larry favourites.  (I would hard time narrowing down ‘the best 18 stories in his most recent book Happy-Go-Lucky).  Sedaris always makes me laugh and always makes me wish that I could had the ability to write live like he does and write like he does.  The following words that appear on the back book cover of The Best of Me sort of capture the thrill of reading this oh-so-funny, oh so-wise genius: hilarious, elegant, glorious, poignant, jollity, deliciousness, honest, reflective, tender, scathing, sardonic, wry, moving outrageous, 

#I WISH MY TEACHER KNEW: How one question can change everything for our kids by Kyle Schwartz (professional resource)

One day, third grade teacher Kyle Schwartz asked her students to fill in the blank in this sentence: “I WISH MY TEACHER KNEW_____”. Some of the results were humorous, some heartbreaking. Many answers were moving, all were enlightening. The student answers opened Schwartz’s eyes to the need for educators to understand the unique realities their students face in order to create an open, safe, and supporting classroom environment. When the author shared her experiences online, teachers around the globe began sharing their own contributions to #IWishMyTeacherKnew. The book provides a look at systemic problems that affect students nationwide (e.g., poverty, mobility, trauma, relationships). Kyle Schwartz’s experiences as an educator provides her with significant insights and research into how we can reach and teach every student. Reading these stories from the classroom can help educators, family members and students consider how we can help students to tackle challenges have ourschools be places where they “can produce resilient, creative and passionate learners who will improve our world.” (p. 219)

MAKING LOVE WITH THE LAND by Joshua Whitehead (essays)

It’s interesting the books we choose to read. I came to read Joshua Whitehead’s wild and wonderful Jonny Appleseed (2018) when it won Canada Reads (and other awards. And so I was intrigued, after reading a strong review, to read the new publication by the Oji-Cree/nehiyas, Two=Spirit Indigiqueer celebrated author, a collection of essays which had mostly been previously published in earlier forms. Essays? Even Whitehead comments on this writing: “As for this new work of storying, the work of this book: Do I call it biographical, Autofiction? Autobiograpical? I lean towards the categorization … of “biostory”.  Joshua’s writing is astounding.  He has an extraordinary way to express his views about body and land and pain and writing and personal history.  Make no mistake, his writing is poetry.  Disclaimer; I was quite intimidated as I read through the ten essays, sometimes reading sentences two or three times. In the opening piece I read the following:“Sometimes I tell myself I’d slice a skyscraper in half and swallow it whole – vats of magnesium breaking down the highways in my gut that block the transmission of neurons that calm and hold me when I need this.” (Page 12). Usually, I’d give up but I decided to persevere and read each essay, I felt that I only got a fraction of Joshua Whitehead’s intellectualism.  Brilliant but not accessible. Not sure who I could recommend this book to. 

Excerpts. 

“My belly is full of quantum physics, elements making love to one another – metal plate organs, earth meet water, and at the atomic level, I am a kind of biotech.” (Page 12)

“Is autobiography a treaty-making, if the treatise is the narrator as subject? Is the treatise of such treaty the desire to petrify and archive? What forms of colonial violence do I underpin when I mark myself with form and genre as glyph and brand?” (Page 77)

“I imagine that in that moment when dairy  meets my flora, I too will spew out life from all this pain, my excrement a type of exorcism, a universe posited in my esophagus, wretched me retching terra.” (Page 139)

MY POLICEMAN by Bethan Roberts (fiction)

I decided to rad this novel in advance of the movie release this fall. My Policeman, published in 2012 is by British author Bethan Roberts who has written an intriguing, captivating love story set in Bristol England.  It is the 1950’s and Marion is smitten and marries Tom, a policeman.  Patrick who works in the Brighton Museum would also say that Tom is ‘My Policeman’. The narrative switches from the 1957 to 1999 and is presented both as Marion’s confessional and as Patrick’s story of passion for the handsome policeman. Two lovers share one man in a time when lives were destroyed by intolerance. It was great to read a great love story. I look forward to seeing  the movie, starring Harry Styles (and perhaps weeping). 

PEOPLE LOVE DEAD JEWS: Reports from a Haunted Present by Dara Horn (essays)

Dara Horn is the author of five novels, but in this collection, she presents a series of essays related to Jewish culture both ancient and contemporary. When she realized that her writing assignments were always about dead Jews, not living ones.  The author presents extensive research drawn from her own religious studies, her family life, her travels, and interviews with others.  Some titles include ‘Frozen Jews’, ‘Executed Jews’, ‘Legends of Dead Jews’, ‘Fictional Dead Jews’, ‘Dead Jews of the Desert’ uncovering such subjects as the veneration of Anne Frank, family name changes at Ellis Island, Jewish history in Harbin China, the tragedy of Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Synagogue and Auschwitz, a well-received traveling exhibition. In ‘Commuting with Shylock’ Horn tries to explain the meaning of Shakespeare’s character to her wise, curious ten-year old son.  Each of the essays helps to illuminate and the complexity of modern-day antisemtism. Horn’s views may at times seem to be provocative but always informative, challenging our assumptions about Jewish people living and dead.

SHIFTING THE BALANCE: 6 ways to bring the Science of Reading into the Balanced Literacy Program by Jan Burkins and Kari Yates (professional resource)

This best-selling, informative, resource has exploded  the world of Reading Instruction and is an important book for confirming, stretching and challenging our assumptions about the teaching of reading in the early grade. Though there are always some tensions about approaches to teaching phonics and guiding learners into meaning-making, the two authors provide extensive research to help us literacy educators to re-evaluate – perhaps shift – their practice. The book is  divided into 6 chapters each illuminating thoughts about embracing and balance. The framework for each chapter is extremely helpful: Clearing Up Some Confusion/ Misunderstanding/ A Short Summary of the Science, Recommendations for Making the Shift and Questions for Reflection. The charts, coloured headings and lists are all helpful. I read this book page by page with pencil in hand and I have many underlined statements, passages with asterisks, question marks in the margin for me to consider. In the afterward, the authors admit that the topic is “enormous and controversial and complex” send in an invitation to readers about what educators will next do to teach the readers in front of them tomorrow  They invite you to pick one of the shifts and roll up your sleeves. It’s complex!

YOU CAN’T SAY THAT! compiled and edited by Leonard S. Marcus (professional resource)

Writers for young people talk about censorship, free expression, and the stories they have to tell (voices include Matt de la Pena, David Levithan, Katherine Paterson, Dav Pilkey, R.L. Stine, Angie Thomas. Leonard S. Marcus, one of the world’s leading voices about children’s books interviews the authors who each offer stories about having one or more of their books banned  banned, each frankly sharing their thoughts about the freedom of expression.  Censorship has for decades been a challenge on individual, and society an now more than ever where books are being removed in some states, particularly because of race as well as sexuality. You Can’t Say That! helps parents, educators, librarians, politicians and young people come to understand the impact of combatting First Amendment challenges. I found this to be a very inspiring read, prompting me to revisit several titles by the authors to consider what the ‘problems’ might be. (e.g. Bridge to Terabithia and The Great Gilly Hopkins (Katherine Paterson); Boy Meets Boy (David Levithan): The Hate U Give (Angie Thomas) and Heather has Two Mommies (Leslea Newman).different 9

“People disagree about what protecting the young means as it relates to books. In fact, one of the most basic changes in books for young readers over the past half century has been a rethinking of this questions, with most authors turning away from the goal of sheltering young people from a knowledge of the world’s dangers and toward the very different (not not less caring) goal of preparing the young to live in the world in which they find themselves by forthrightly providing them with critical information and understanding.” (Leonard S. Marcus, Introduction, p xviii)

Five of the ten novels listed below have been published in 2022. I dug into some other titles written not too long ago and revisited an award-winning classic from 1983. Three of the novels deal with queer identity. One novel takes place in Indonesia. One takes place on another planet. One book is a short story collection. Two of the novels are designated as YA fiction. Five titles are by Canadian authors. All ten novels have kept me good company in the heat of July. 

ALICE AUSTEN LIVED HERE by Alex Gino (2022)

The setting of this story is Staten Island New York, When their grade seven history teacher assigns a class project to report on historical figures who contributed to the history of the borough of Staten Island, Sam and their friend, TJ who both identify as nonbinary, embark on a research project uncovering the story of photographer Alice Austin who lived with a female partner for decades. The project is part of a contest for a new statue to be erected to celebrate the history of a signifcant historical figure. The two friends conduct top-notch research including  online reaearch, a visit to a nearby museum, and discussions with a lesbian neighbour. Sam and TJ not only discover much about local queer history but learn much about their own friendships and identities. Alex Gino, author of Melissa, writes enlightening stories – important stories –  about young LGBTQ+ young people and Alice Austin Lived Here is an important story about the past informing the present and for taking action for what you believe in. 

SHOUT OUT

BERANI by Michelle Kararusman (2022)

This fine novel, set in Indonesia is a story of activism and animal rights, choices and consequences. The story is told through the eyes of three characters in chapters with alternating voices: Malia lives a privliged life despite the death of her indonesian father. Her Canadian mother plans to return to her homeland, news that is upsetting to Malia since she is passionate about fighting for the preservation of her countries rainforests. Ari has been luck enough to be sent to a school and even though he is away from his family who work the farms, his academic success and prowess playing chess is encouraging. Still, Ari worries about the orangutan, that his uncle won in a bet and now keeps in a cage.  Ginger Juice, the orangutan tells her story, remembering time with her mother but the tragedy of  of being taken way from the rainforest, a place that was once a happy home, but  is now a palm oil plantation.  The three perspectives are woven together as readers enter the worlds of three conflicted, fearful  characters and become compassionate about the choices they are forced to make. Readers will be  introduced to a setting that may be unfamiliar to them. Moreover, the author builds readers’ compassion as they learn about the circumstances and choices of each character who bravely confront the odds of class, culture and climate change. This is a wonderful novel and my guess it will be on several Canadian award lists in the year ahead. 

BLACK BOTTLE MAN:  A fable by Craig Russell (YA)

Rembrandt is the central character of this novel who, as a young child in small rural community,  learns of the arrival of  a man wearing a black top-coat carrying a magic bottle the sets’ a deal with the devil’ plot’ in motion. In Young Rembrandt, his Pa and his Uncle Thompson set out on a journey determined to undo the wager made with the stranger They move from around a lot since the Pact with the Black Bottle Man means that they cannot stay in one place for more than twelve days. If they do, terrible things could happen until they find a champion to defeat the devil. Russell is a talented writer who composes sentences with vivid detail and fine wordsmithing (e.g., “There is a quality to pain that attracts attention: the attention of those who wish to help, and the attention of those who enjoy the distress of others.” (p. 79) / “They were people cast from the same metal, him and her. Not fancy like gold or silver, but something more common like brass. Long used in the world and stronger for being all mixed up.” (p. 106). Russell also creates episodes that arouse great cinematic-like images in the mind (e.g., the eager arrival of a postal package, the stink of a homeless shelter, a first kiss, the selling of a horse). I am fond of fiction that presents different voices and different time periods and the headings for each of the rather short chapters, indicate who, where and when the action is taking place.  Teenagers who rely on linear narratives for their reading pleasure might be somewhat perplexed with the back and forth chapters settings that take place in different decades (mostly during the depression era and the unfolding of events in the year 2007). A backstory about a character named Gail interrupts the main storytelling as does anecdotes about Rembrandt’s family and his spontaneous wanderings over eighty long years. Many questions and puzzlements popped into my head as I read this unique novel over two days  This book is promoted as a fable, with a target audience of Young Adult readers.An intriguing read indeed. 

DEAR MR. HENSHAW by Beverly Cleary; illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky

I’m very fond of this Newbery Medal winning novel, written in 1983 by the remarkable, favoured author Beverly Cleary. Ever since he read books by Boyd Henshaw when he was in grade two, Leigh Botts has become a devoted fan. Now Leigh is in sixth grade and decides to write letters to the author sharing his school troubles (stolen lunchbags) and his yearning to be reunited with his father who is a cross-country trucker.  Mr Henshaw does write back to  Leigh offering advice and support. The Dear Mr. Henshaw letters are balanced by Leigh’s personal diary entries to ‘Dear Mr. Pretend Henshaw’  an important forum  for Leigh confide and reflect. I love this book!!!!

HARVEY TAKES THE LEAD by Colleen Nelson (2022)

Harvey, the loveable West Highland Terrier returns in the third book (Harvey Comes Home; Harvey Holds His Own) be award-winning author, Colleen Nelson. The story once again take place in a retirement villa where the hiring of new Assistant Director means enforcing new rules, making  visits by Harvey rather difficult. Mr. Kowalski, a resident at Brayside shares his worries about his wife who is hospitalized and his stories about life during World War II. Characters Magie and Austin reappear, each having problems at school. Harvey Takes The Lead is an engaging story with adventure, warmth and personal connections. 

HEARTSTOPPER by Alice Oseman (Graphic novel) (YA)

Boy meets boy. Boys become friends. Boys fall in love. For a graphic novel, I’d say that the amount of verbal text is somewhat limited but the story of adolescent  relationships and mixed-up emotions comes through beautifully. This is the first of four graphic novels in a series made into a Netflix TV Series.  The book does the series proud, the series does the book proud.

IN THE KEY OF US by Mariama J. Lockington (2022)

This novel is centred on two thirteen-year-old girls, Andi and Zora, the only black girls attending the Harmony Music Camp one summer. Each girl has special music talents (Andi=trumpet: Zora=flute). Each girl brings baggage from the past. Andi’s mother was killed in a car accident and the young girl now lives with her Aunt and Uncle who are expecting a baby. Zora is burdened with the high expectations her parents have for her future. The book is divided into four sections (four weeks in summer camp), alternating voices. The camp adventures are well-described, as is the lesbian relationship between the two girls. In fact, coming-out doesn’t seem to be an issue that the author digs into.Andi and Zora’s friendship and romance seem to blossom naturally, as they learn about each other – and themselves. Lockington weaves in episodes from the past lives of the two girls to help us understand the turmoil they have gone through in dealing with grief (Andi) and fighting with friends (Zora).  

THE LION OF MARS Jennifer L. Holm 

In the world of fiction, there is indeed life on Mars. The protagonist of this science fiction story is eleven-year old Bell with family members and other adults on this mission seem to live an ‘ordinary’ in different circumstances (algae is the primary food ingredient). There are rules that need to be followed and when a virus breaks out in the settlement, with the grown-ups getting sick, the young people are desperate to break the rules (Do not go outside without a buddy/ Keep a glow-stick in your pocket / Do not go beyond the flag) and head out to other foreign settlements that they have been forbidden to visit. (Settlement Rule: No contact with foreign countries, ever). This Barnes and Noble summer choice book will appeal to middle-years people  who enjoy reading about space adventures  

RESTART by Gordon Korman

Gordon Korman writes good books, entertaining, funny, adventures about  kids who get into problems, mostly in school settings. Middle Age readers can certainly identify with the plot, setting and characters that Korman presents. The premise of Restart is intriguing. When Chase has an accident falling off the roof, he looses his memory and needs to restart his life when he returns to school. The issue is that Chase, football hero, was also known as the uber school bully. Chase now has the opportunity to restart his life and show kindness to others, despite the scepticism of those he has harmed and his partners in bully crime.  Chapters are presented as multi-voiced narrativesAs with most of his novels, Korman presents some farcical , sit-com-like episodes which delights his reading audience, I’m sure, but is somewhat of a distraction for me. (e.g., a character covered in shoe polish gets stuck in a tuba; a bully episode that involves a fire extinguisher; a mad chase in a senior’s home). 

WAR AT THE SNOW WHITE MOTEL by Tim Wynne-Jones (short stories)

Master storyteller Tim Wynne-Jones has written a number of short story collections (Some of the Kinder Planets; The Book of Changes; Lord of the Fries) along with some fine novels. In this 2020 collection, captures moments in character’s life that centre on such issues as bullying, dementia, anxiety, activism. Setting (a motel, a forest, a rural community) are important characters within Wynne-Jones stories. The book is introduced with the Zen saying “When you get to the top of the mountain, keep climbing.” which serves as a significant mantra for characters who are courageous, resilient and hopeful for better life now and in the future. 

SHORT STORIES x2

POETRY x3

FICTION x4

NONFICTION x2

 SHOUT OUT

HAPPY-GO-LUCKY by David Sedaris

The newest collection of short stories that are,very very funny and yes, quite moving. This will be at the top of my list of favourites for 2022. I wish I could write like Sedaris. Happy and lucky to be able to read him. 

LEARNING TO TALK by Hilary Mantel

Hilary Mantel, two-time winner of the Booker Prize, author of the Wolf Hall trilogy has written short stories about childhood and youth, drawn from her early years growing up in the 1950’s in a village in the north of England. Stories of loss and identity and identity, the 7 soulful short stories are part memoir, part imagination, originally published between 1987 and 2002 and have now been published for release in  North America. Even though slim at 157 pages, some stories (‘Learning to Talk’ and ‘Third Floor Rising’) are better than others. 

NEW YORK CITY HAIKU from the readers of the New York Times

In celebration of National Poetry month (2014), the New York Times put out a call for citizens to write about the Big Apple by submitting snapshots of the sites and people written as  three-line HAIKU (five, seven, five syllables). Poems were created under such themes as ‘strangers’, ‘solitude’, ‘commuting’, 6 a.m.,’ and ‘kindness’. This book is a collection of 150 entries and was a fun way to read poetry and an inspiring way to be a part of it, New York, York. 

I see all of you

And you see me sitting here

We all stare ahead.

TIME IS A MOTHER by Ocean Vuong

I rather enjoyed the award-winning author’s novel On Earth We Are Briefly Gorgeous so decided to delve into this poetry collection of poems of tribute, memory and grief as Vuong searches for meaning following the death of his mother. Truth be told. I didn’t ‘get’ most of the poems and found myself working too hard (or not). Too oblique for me. My  poetry-reading brain just didn’t click in . Oh well!

the tub is a red world save for the silent

    island of fur flickering

in my fugitive words guys I say

   just wait for me alright

THE WAR POEMS by Siegfried Sassoon

After seeing the marvelous movie BENEDICTION directed by Terence Davies I wanted to read the War Poems by Siegfried Sassoon who served on the Western Front in the first world war, and later was charged for speaking out against the war. This collection of 60+, fairly short poems, presents stark image of the ugly truths of the trenches, the soldier’s dreams and those left behind. Astonishing.

“The battle winks and thuds in blundering strife.
And I must lead them nearer, day by day,
To the foul beast of war that bludgeons life”
(excerpt from ‘The Dream’)

NIGHTCRAWLING by Leila Mottley

That this novel was selected by Oprah Winfrey intrigued me. That this debut novel was published when the author was 19 years of age intrigued me. It is 2015 and Keira Johnson is months behind in the rent. Her father, a former Black Panther died of cancer after being released from prison. Her mother is in prison after drowning her baby daughter. Her older brother Marcus with dreams of becoming a famous rapper, refuses to get a job and he too ends up in jail. Keira is desperate to get work to support herself and her crack addicted neighbour’s son. Things spiral downwards when 17 year old Keira is at the centre of sex-trafficking where the johns are police. The story is set in Oakland California which has the reputation of being at the top of the list of criminal cities in the United States.  Mottley was inspired to write this story in response to a 2015 court case in which the Oakland Police Department was accused of sexually exploiting a teenager. Nightcrawling’s readers accompany Kiera through the streets of Oakland and  come to the desperation of black citizens living poverty and tragedy.  The book opens with description of a swimming pool filled with dog poop. A grim metaphor of a grim story. 

MOONSTONE: THE BOY WHO NEVER WAS by Sjon

On a recent trip to Reykjavik I stepped into a book store to investigate titles written by Iceland writers and an employee recommended this title by  one of Iceland’s award-winning authors. The story is set early in the 20th Century when the Katia volcano erupted, the Spanish flu comes ashore killing hundreds. The protagonist of this short (142 pages) novel is Mani Stein, an orphan,  a film fanatic, a male hustler who like the citizens of the time struggles to survive, find love as the capital city of Iceland transforms. An often poetic narrative that blends imagination and reality in a unique setting.

SCHOOL DAYS by Jonathan Galassi

Sam Brandt teaches English at an uber-preppy boarding school and one day in the year  in the year 2007, he is called in to investigate an allegation of a sexual assault that may or may not have happened decades ago. Readers are transported back to 1964 where stories of privileged, bright boys abound with friendships, crushes, yearning, and sexual adventures. My oh my there was a lot of gayness merrily going on (a bit too ‘accepted’ and abundant/confusing for me).. Sam, as others did, contemplate their sexual identity, often drawn from their admiration of a charismatic (closeted) teacher. In the last third of the book, the narrative returns to 2007 (and eventually 2017) where Sam and his former classmates question their past struggle to understand what happened all those years ago and what impact it had on their adult selves.

THIS IS HOW IT ALWAYS IS by Laurie Frankel

At five years old, Claude loves wearing a dress, dreams of being a princess and knows that when he grows up he wants to be a girl. Claude ‘becomes’ Poppy and even though he has strong support from mother and father, problems in Poppy’s life emerge with his family (Poppy is the youngest of five brothers), his friendships (with girls), the world outside his home. but mostly within Poppy herself. This is a powerful story about parent and sibling relationships and a powerful story about being true to self as a transgender young person, uncertain of what the future will bring.  I was intrigued and sometimes challenged by the family’s discussions, arguments and decisions to both protect and prepare Claude/Poppy.  I would highly recommend this Reese’s Book Club novel, even though the last third of the novel lessoned my emotional response to the story.  

THE GIFT OF STORY  by John Schu

John Schu is a popular conference speaker and school presenter who is on a mission to help everyone find the books that their hearts need. This book provides the author with a chance to explore the affective side of the reading life by considering story as healer, story as inspiration, story as clarifier, story as compassion, story as connector. The book includes voices from teachers, librarians and authors. Throughout the book, a number of authors define what story means to them and of there is a wealth of Mr. Schu book suggestions that includes book cover images, synopsis and applications. John Schu’s passion, enthusiasm and inspiration leap off every page of this celebration of story and worship of children’s literature.  He is children’s book lover extraordinaire. 

“Story connects us. It gives us calm in the storms of life. It rejuvenates us. It helps us feel safe. Reading someone else’s story can inspire us to tell our own stories and live an authentic life. Stories contain the healing power to make our hearts calmer and more compassionate, comfortable and roomy.” (p. 131)

NEW YORKERS: A CITY AND ITS PEOPLE IN OUR TIME by Craig Taylor

Journalist CraigTaylor interviewed hundreds of New Yorkers about their experiences about living in New York and this book documents 75 conversations that provide a remarkable testament to living, surviving, and dreaming a range of experiences.  A window cleaner, an elevator repairman, a lice consultant, a private cook,  a meditation teacher, a subway conductor, a retired 911 dispatcher, a security guard at the Statue of Liberty are some of Taylor’s subjects.  Everyone has a story, everyone is a story and this book is a fascinating portrait of a the people and in a city that never sleeps.

The following is a list of ten picture books that came across my desk in the past few weeks. Most are recent 2020-2022 publications. 

BALLEWIENA by Rebecca Bender

Dolly the daschund feels that shw was born to dance ballet. Despite attempts to discipline Dolly at the Canine School of Obedience,  the dog just can’t seem to learn. Will he learn to dance the dance of her dreams? Perhaps daily meetings with Louis-Pierre, a rather peculiar squirrel will teacher the proper way to jete, fouette, arabesque.

“It was no use. Dotty wasn’t cut to sit and stay and roll over. After class she ran off in tears. “All I want to do is dance,” she whimpered. 

BEAR WANTS TO SING by Cary Fagan; illus. Dena Sieferling

When bear finds a ukelele in the forest he is delighted to burst out in song. He soon discovers that he is not the only musician as other animals (crow (tambourine); snake (drum) and tortoise (horn) join in to join the wildlife band.  Glorious monochromatic full-page illustrations and  rhyming chorus poems work together to make this a picture book treasure.

I’ma bear. I’m a bear. I’m a bear. I’m a bear,

I’m a bear. I’m a bear, I’m a bear, I’m a bear.

I’m a bear, I’ma bear, I’m a bear…

I’m a BEAR!

COME READ WITH ME by Margriet Ruurs; illus. Christine Wei

A reading journey through pages where readers meet iconic characters from classic stories (gnomes and dragons and pirates and whales, a jungle, a castle and Neverland) Simple rhyming texts, vibrant drawings helping young readers to make connections to stories in their head.

“Come, let’s read.
Cuddle closer, open your eyes.
Let’s look at the pictures and fly through the skies”

GIBBERISH by Young Vo

During Dat’s first day of school in a new country and every time he hears someone speak it sounds like gibberish – until a friendly girl helps Dat with there are different ways of communicating.

“Back in the classroom, Dat tried to read, but his words broke.”

HARLEY THE HERO by Peggy Collins

Harley, the service dog to ensure that every day Ms. Prichard feels safe so she can be the best teacher she can be,.All the children love Harley but they aren’t allowed to play with him when he’s wearing his work vest. So they write letters to him. Inspired by a true story and winner of OLA Blue Spruce Award book prize by children who voted this their favourite picture book of 2021.

“Our class is the quietest, most amazing class in the whole school. That’s because Harley is always on the job.”

I AM NOT A LABEL by Cerrie Burnell; illus. Laurel Baldo

This is a nonfiction picture book that is a collection of 34 biographies that highlight the lives of disabled artists, thinkers, athlete and activists from past to present. Biographical information is presented in a single page accompanied by a full page illustration. Some familiar names include Beethoven, Helen Keller, Steve Wonder, Terry Fox and Lady Gaga. 

“We all have the power to shine our own light. Everyone deserves to live in an inclusive and accessible world and feel like they belong, A world that embraces differences rather than tries to hide it, and a world where every person’s story” valid. ” (Cerrei Burnell, intoduction)

LULI AND THE LANGUAGE OF TEA by Andrea Wang; illus. Hyewon Yum

Because no one knew how to speak English, the children in the playroom, played alone until one day, Lily pulls out a pot of tea and called out ‘Cha!’ in her native Chinese. Suddenly, the children all perked up and joined in enjoying a cup of tea, each asking for tea in their own language. (“Cay?” asked Kerem in Turkish; “Chah-ee” Nikou said in Persian; “Shay?” asked Hakim in Arabic; 

“Now everyone had a share. Hands curled around warm cups. Mouths curved into shy smiles.”

A QUIET GIRL by Peter Carnavas

Mary is a quite girl, so quiet that her family doesn’t  seem to pay any attention to her – until they go searching for her in the neighbourhood and started to pay attention to the quiet of wind chimes clinking, bees humming, and a gray bird resting at the window. A book that celebrates QUIET and considers MINDFULNESS as a way of helping our minds and bodies to take time to be still and pay attention. 

“Mary was a quiet girl. She thought quiet thoughts, stepped quiet steps, and whispered quiet words. Because Mary was quiet, she heard things nobody else heard.”

ROOM FOR MORE by Michelle Kadarusman; illus. Maggie Zeng

When a fire sweeps through the Australian bush, two wombats find safety and eventually are joined by other animals seeking shelter (wallabies, koalas, tiger snakes) and even though it is rather crowded, there is always room for more. A close-up look at Australian wildlife, devastating fires and generosity of spirit. 

“Dig and Scratch hunkered down in their wombat home, grateful for the cool, damp chamber that kept them safe from the smoke and flames.”

SUMMER FUN by Sheree Fitch; illus. Carolyn Fisher

A rhythmic joyful frolic through summer days sure to make you want to take off your shoes and let your tootsie friends shout, flutter, screech, splash, kick, somersault, hide and seek, dance and soak up the season.` Ms Fit-ch, you are a poem-genius who delights in the fun of words – and feet!

“We race faster than fast/ through pastures of grass/ over freshly mown fields to a strawberry patch/ past barnyards/ to backyards/ then a sprinkler-spray dash!/ in our twinkle toe”d /inky-green-stinky/so very red-berry/ bare-naked/ summer feet.

Am in the middle of teaching a course entitled CHILDREN’S LITERATURE WITH A MULTICULTURAL CONTEXT and lo and behold the books that I’ve recently chosen help to unpack issues that deal with diversity, equity and social justice. Each of these titles corresponds to at least one tough topic outlined in my book TEACHING TOUGH TOPICS (e.g. homophobia, racism, bullying, physical challenges, mental health, and yes, kindness).  Many of these titles were short in length (less than 225 pages).

SHOUT OUT

ANSWERS IN THE PAGES by David Levithan (HOMOPHOBIA; CENSORSHIP) (163 pages)

Children’s literature, as author Jason Reynolds says, are ‘time capsules’. It’s amazing how children’s authors can capture the pulse of what is happening in the world.  Kelly Wang tells the story of the pandemic and anti-Asian racism (New From Here); Eric Walters writes about the pandemic lockdown (Don’t Stand So Close to Me); Jewell Parker Rhodes tells a story of police brutality and Black Lives Matter (Ghost Boys);   Gordon Korman exposes the impact of Anti-semitic  hatred (Linked);  exposes the impact of Isamophobia  (Yusuf Azeem is Not a Hero) and John Cho presents a story about riots and gun possession (Troublemaker (see below).  Censorship of children’s literature has forever been an issue of rights and freedoms. Most recently there has been huge movement in some U.S. states to have books have been banned because of content that SOME parents find are objectionable and feel that their kids aren’t ready to be exposed to (George by Alex Gino, Stamped by Jason Reynolds,   The Watsons Go To Burningham, Captain Underpants, A Wrinkle in Time, Drama, All American Boys, Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone, Roll of Thunder, Here My Cry and yes, even Where the Wild Things Are and Harriet The Spy). Lo and behold, David Levithan, author of many fine books with queer content,  has now written a novel for middle –age readers+  that is a now story about those who want to attack books,  and those that know that we need to defend books in their communities (particularly titles with LGBTQIA+ content that contradict the “Don’t Say Gay” beliefs).

This rather short novel (163 pages) is presented as three alternating narrative: 1) an adventure story about two boys who are trying to prevent an evil genius from acquiring The Doomsday Code that will destroy life; 2) a relationship story about two young boys  who come to realize that their might be falling in love; 3) 2) a ‘now’ story, where Donovan’s mother protests the teaching of The Adventurers because the two characters (as we learn on the last page realize they deeply love each other .When out gay teacher, Mr. Howe  brings the novel The Adventurers into the classroom for all his students to read, troubles erupt in Donovan’s life  and the life of the school. Moreover,  learning unfolds as students, educators and families fight to stand up for their beliefs and fight for what’s right.  Kids might have many questions about , but they are sure to find some ‘answers to their questions, in the pages’ of David Levithan’s  important new book, worthy of a shout-out.  

excerpt from Answers on the Pages

“There is nothing about being queer that deserves censorship rather than expression. Nothing. This should not be a matter of debate because a person’s humanity should never be a matter of debate. Instead it is a matter of the highest principal we can aspire to, which is equality.”Years ago i attended a session Book Censorship in Children’s literature and Katherine Paterson was on a panel discussing the banning of her very special title Bridge to Terabithia.  Her concluding message has stayed with me: Do we want to prepare our children or protect our children. Now, more than ever, with complexities of racism, immigration, sexual identity, bullying etc. we need books that help students learn about themselves, learn about others, be compassionate of differences and take action to uphold tolerance. 

Further Reading: You Can’t Say That!: Writers for young people talk about censorship, free expression, and the stories they have to tell, compiled by Leonard S. Marcus. 

THE GOOD FIGHT by Ted Staunton; illus. Josh Rosen (graphic story) (CULTURAL DIVERSITY; ANTISEMITISM) (217 pages)

It is the blazing summer of Toronto in 1933 and times are tough, as the result of the depression, especially for immigrants who strive to make ends meet. Thirteen-year-old Sid (Jewish) and his friend Plug (Italian) try to get away with pickpocketing. But racial tensions mount and ultimately, Taunton takes his protagonists and his readers to the four hour Antisemitic Riot of Christie Pits on August 16, 1933, where people gathered to watch a baseball game of mostly Jewish players. but the Pit Gang unfurled swastikas to show their hatred and fear of ‘foreigners’. In Germany, Hitler was leading his Nazi Party to victory. Immigration, trade unions and everyday survival at home and on the streets played an important part of of turbulent times. Though facts and events are rather episodic and the narrative a somewhat confusing in graphic format to clearly explain what was happening, author and illustrator brings those times to life and provide readers entry into history, a connection to and to a time of immigrant pride and solidarity and to the blast that riots had – and continue to have – in society.

THE GREAT BEAR: Book Two of the Misewa Saga by David A. Robertson (INDIGENOUS IDENTITY) (225 pages)

Fans of The Barren Grounds by Cree author will not be disappointed in this sequel by Cree author, David A. Robertson. They will be pleased up to meet with foster kids Morgan and Eli and their adventure as they travel through a portal to reunite with their animal friend. This time, they journey to the past, and are challenged to help save the village from destruction and to save the animals of Misewa from the threat of The Great Bear. Morgan and Eli have troubles of their own: Eli is being harassed by bullies, mostly because of his long hair and Morgan is worried about reconnecting with her mother who once abandoned her. In this adventure series, the author has created a great blend of fantasy and reality, past and present, and human and animal connections.

JENNIFER CHAN IS NOT ALONE by Tae Keller (BULLYING) (265 pages)

Jennifer Chan is the new girl in school. Jennifer Chan is believes that Alien Creatures are real. When Jennifer Chan is ridiculed and mocked for her convictions  and for not trying hard to ‘fit in’, (‘Who do you think you are?) she runs away.  Mallory, the girl who lives across the street feels that she and her friends are to blame for Jennifer’s disappearance. They were, after all, responsible for a cruel bullying incident after trapping Jennifer in the washroom in the basement of the school. How do mean girls become so mean? Why would someone be so hateful to another? Can we ever right our wrongs? This is one of the strongest books about the drama of girl friendships and the turmoil of bullying – for both victim and bully.  The narrative alternates between NOW (the disappearance) and THEN (incidents that led up to the disappearance.)  Tae Keller, winner of the Newbery medal for her novel When You Trap a Tiger has written Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone because, like Jennifer, had been tormented by bullies in schools and as an adult author wants to help teenager readers come to an understanding. ‘What makes a bully?’ ‘What makes a person?’  Moreover, as Keller writes in the afterword, she hopes that readers come to acknowledge that truama’s happened and that they hurt and scare and  shatter beliefs taht ‘the world was safe and simple.’ 

THE PUFFIN KEEPER by Michael Morpurgo; illus. Benji Davies (KINDNESS) (91 pages)

Ever since seeing the play and reading the book War Horse by renowned British author, Michael Morpurgo, I have been collecting his books.  In this book, Allen relates the time a special relationship was built with Benjamin Postlethwaite, lighthouse keeper and artist. Allen and his mother were aboard a schooner when it crashed into rocks during a storm. Postlethwaite  too it upon himself to rescue all the passengers.  Allen leaves the island and ends (with a painting of a schooner signed ‘BEN’) and ends up living with mean grandparents, going to a boarding school with mean teachers, and going off to war. He never forgot Postlethwaite’s kindness and returns to visit him where the two develop a strong friendship and a commitment to saving the life of an injured puffin. The chapters are short, the illustrations add to the story and illuminate  the setting and the characters.  The Puffin Keeper is another fine example of Morpurgo’s remarkable storytelling engages readers with honouring nature and  describing warm relationships. 

THE SECRETS OF CRICKET KARLSSON by Kristina Sigunsdotter; illus. Ester Eriksson (MENTAL HEALTH) (106 pages)

There is a certain edge,  a certain fearlessness and feistiness to eleven-year old Cricket Karlsson, an only child,  who is dealing with the fact that her best friend, Noa,  has chosen to be with the ‘horse girls’ and coping with the mental breakdown of her favourite aunt.  Much of contemporary fiction  for middle-age readers deal are stories of fitting in and trying to understand the world of grown-ups but the author presents an original portrait of a pre-adolescent girl trying to figure things out whether she’s making lists (Cricket and Noa’s Ugliest Words: dude, prune, wife, puberty, furuncle, regurgitate, broth, moist meatloaf), hiding in the school washroom, avoiding flirtations from a boy named Mitten, or creating art sculptures out of bubblegum. This book, translated from Swedish, is the winner of the August Prize for children’s literature (2020). Black and white illustrations by Ester Eriksson take up as much territory as the verbal text in this slim (106 page b00k)  these drawings seem to authentically bring to  life the pages of a quirky teen.I love Cricket Karlsson for sharing her secrets and her truths and  for dealing with broken friendships and for thoughtfully dealing with mental health issues. I love her for her wisdom, humour and heart. I love this book. 

Cricket Karlsson tries to deal with her emotions: (3 excerpts)

“When I reached my locker it was as if I’d turned into an aquarium full of tears. I had to rush to the bathroom to empty out a bit.”

“I got such a pain in my heart I had to clutch a pinecone hard to make my hand hurt so I could forget my heart for a moment.”

“When I think of that contract it feels as if my heart is crushed to mashed potato.”

SINGING WITH ELEPHANTS by Margarita Engle (KINDNESS) (207 pages)

A novel in verse about the beauty of poetry and about taking care of elephants. Oriol is an 11 year old Cuban girl who is having troubles fitting in at school. What makes her happy is helping her parents who run a veterinary clinic with the care of injured animals. When an elephant gives birth to twins, Oriol is eager to ensure their safety, even when someone is threatening the life of one of the babies. The young girl befriends Gabriela Mistral, the first Latin American winner of  a Nobel Prize in literature, who inspires Oriol to see the power of poems. “I wonder / if every person/ has a sound / a poem/ inside them too.” This book will particularly appeal to young readers who enjoy poems and are in-tune with the free verse fiction style Margarita Engle is a wonderful  wordsmith – and a fine storyteller. 

SUNNY DAYS INSIDE: And other Stories by Caroline Adderson/short stories (KINDNESS) (pages 166)

The setting: An apartment building, neighbour to the community hospital.  2020.2021, a time when families were forced into lockdown. Each of the  short stories deals with a family who must cope with new rules and forced time at home with parents and siblings It is significant to know that this book was published in 2021, in the midst of the Pandemic. In her author’s note,  Adderson writes: “I wrote this book early in the pandemic inspired by the stories I read in the newspaper or on social mdiea about the ingenuity and resilience of children during those frightening months. There are, and will be many examples of children’s literature that dig into the events of COVID-19 (Outside In by Deborah Underwood (picture book), Don’t Stand So Close to Me by Eric Walters, New From Here by Kelly Yang. (fiction). Sunny Days Inside with its linked short stories is a special collection that many students will identify with. Bravo!

TROUBLEMAKER by John Cho (CULTURAL DIVERSITY; RACISM) (2o4 pages)

It is and Los Angeles, 1992 is in a crisis in the wake of the acquittal of the police officers who beat Rodney King as well as the shooting of a young black teen, Latasha Harlins by a Korean store owner. When Jordon learns that his father has headed out to board up the Korean liquor store that they own, the young boy heads out to pass on a gun that so that his father could be protect himself. Even though Jordon and Appa had a huge argument (Jordon is failing in school and hanging out with what his father thinks is the wrong crowd) Jordon is determined to help out in any way he can and prove to his father that he can be responsible. With the background of protests and riots, Jordon and his friend Mike are off on a dangerous journey. The narrative takes over the adventurous night that involves a break in, hitchhiking, an interaction with the police, an injured ankle, a karaoke bar, and perils of rising smoke from burning businesses during the protests in South Los Angeles.  This is a story of the immigrant experience, of racism, of family, of protests and guns. Hats off to actor John Cho for writing a fast-paced, action-packed story that helps young readers learn about a stark event of racism in American history and one that one that students can likely relate to in today’s turmoils.

TURTLE BOY by M. Evan Wolkenstein (PHYSICAL CHALLENGES, DEATH LOSS AND REMEMBRANCE, KINDNESS) (386)

Seventh-grader Will Levine has problems: He is teased by bullies because of his receding chin (he is called Turtle Boy); his best friend Shira is drifting away from him; his pet turtles need to be released back into the wild,his Bar Mitzvah is approaching and he is afraid of speaking in public; he is fearful of approaching surgery date for jaw reconstruction; his father died when Will was a youngster and Will felt that he never had a chance to grieve this loss.  The heart of this novel is centred on a community project where he is required to complete a community service project by paying visits to RH, an older boy struggling with an incurable disease. When RJ shares his bucket list with Will, he is afraid of tackling the requests (riding a roller coaster, attending a concert, and a school dance and going for a swim in the ocean. Like the turtle he collects, Will is satisfied with life lived in a shell, but his relationship with RJ forces Will to experience life outside his comfort zone.  Wolkenstein tells  a story told with heart and humour likely igniting compassion and empathy for many middle age readers. Jewish readers will likely identify with the rituals and customs that Will and his friends encounter. Non-Jewish readers will learn about the faith and customs of others. Those who rooted for August Pullman in RJ Palacio’s Wonder will find a new friend to cheer on in Turtle Boy. 

THE U-NIQUE LOU FOX by Jodi Carmichael (SPECIAL NEEDS: Dyslexia; ADHD) (230 pages)

Louisa Elizabeth Fitzhenry-O’Shaugnessy (LOU FOX) is unique. She is a talented artist. She dreams of being a playwright. She has dyslexia. She has ADHD. She has two very good friend and two loving parents.  She also has an annoying teacher, Mrs .Snyder (aka Shadow Phantom who Lou feels is out to ‘get her.’  Her teacher, however doesn’t have any strategies or enough information to deal with the uniqueness of Lou Fox, which causes the grade five girl a lot of stress. This is an engaging story with much for many  middle age readers to connect to .. and learn from.

WHAT CAN I SAY? by Catherine Newman; illustrated by Debbie Fong (graphic ‘How To..’) (KINDNESS) (159 pages)

This is a “Kids Guide to Super-Useful Social Skills to Help You Get Along and Express Yourself”. The subtitle of this book is an invitation for readers, tweens in particular, to pick up a book that offers advice on how to cope with the ups and downs of maintaining healthy relationships. Chapter Titles include: ‘How to Have a Conversation’; ‘How to Deal with Hard Things’; ‘How to be Supportive’; ‘How to Be an Ally’ and ‘How to Care for Your Community’. An example of how well this books answers questions that many readers will have about ‘How to Get Along With People’ (Chapter 3) is outlined in chapter topics: Compromise, Give Someone  the Benefit of the Doubt, Be Wrong,Be Right,Argue,Persuade Someone, Be Grateful.  This is an excellent resource that dips into the minds and concerns that many 11-13 year olds field as they think about their identities, their place of belonging, their friendships and wanna be friendships.  This “great guide to social skills” will be enjoyed and appreciated as an independent read. It inspires reflection (i.e., What Should You Do? What Would You Do? What Could You Do?) but moreover it should inspire conversations with friends – and adults – who can help validate and consider ways of getting along.  Definitely, a worthwhile purchase, an important guide. Also by the authors: How to Be A Person

SHORT STORIES x 3

AUTOBIOGRAPHY/BIOGRAPHY x 3

FICTION x 3

ANIMAL PERSON by Alexander MacLeod

8 shorts stories, each about 30 pages by Canadian writer. The overriding theme seems to how our past , for better or worse infiltrates our current and future lives. MacLeod has an extraordinary eye for detail and paints vivid pictures characters caught in fraught situations (a young boy being seduced, a murderer in a hotel, the dismantling of a chandelier, the unexpected arrival of a shark, a funeral where not everyone is welcome, and a rabbit who knows a divorced man oh so well. Compelling!

THE BEST OF ME by David Sedaris

I am a huge David Sedaris fan and would have read these great stories in previous anthologies or in the New Yorker Magazine. It’s terrific to have ‘the best of Sedaris’s writing from the past twenty-five years. Absurd! Moving!  Funny! Funny! Funny! Readers will have to decide for themselves which stories they think are the best of the best from  anthologies: Calypso, Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls, Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk, When You Are Engulfed in Flames, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, Me Talk Pretty One Day, Naked and Barrel Fever.  I own all these books and of course  can’t wait  to reading new stories in his spring release Happy-Go-Lucky. 

LIFE WITHOUT CHILDREN by Roddy Doyle

Irish author Roddy Doyle has written ten stories set in Dublin in the time of ‘the Corona’.  These aren’t particularly stories of illnesses but  the author unpacks the relationships and loneliness of husbands and wives and of lives with (and without) children.  A  man walks the streets of Dublin, in search of his son whom he hasn’t seen in 4 years, a son is barred from his mother’s funeral, a woman chooses to walk out on her husband the day before the lockdown, The characters are ordinary folk, mostly in their sixties who are forced, through the pandemic,  to think about living and loving,  regrets and  interconnectedness. 

I WAS BETTER LAST NIGHT: A Memoir by Harvey Fierstein

Tony Award-winning author, stage, television and movie actor, voice-over character, drag-artist, picture book author, gay activist, Harvey Fierstein (Fire-steen)has had a rich career in the arts starting with appearances avant-garde off-off-Broadways and winning awards for appearing in and writing great successes such as Torch Song Trilogy La Cage Aux Folles, Kinky Boots, Hairspray, Newsies. I’ve been lucky enough to have seen many of his performance including the original production of Torch Song Trilogy, Gently Down The Stream, Bella Bella. Fiddler on the Roof, Hairspray.  And yes, I even own his CD recording, This is Not Going to Be Pretty. Mr. Fierstein is a force to be reckoned with, a huge talent who has experienced the range of hit and misses that show-biz offers and a loud – and important – voice for gay rights.  He has had a life full of interesting stuff to write about including his school days at an Arts and Design High School, promiscuity,  love affairs, weight control,  trappings with drugs and alcohol,  family,  friendships. Mr Fierstein is famous for his raspy, scratchy, deep voice (due to damaged vocal cords)  and I am a fan. As I read this book I was fascinated by his life and often found myself just wanting to give this guy a big hug. “An actor can’t know too many words. An actor can’t access too many emotions. And there’s no such thing as having lived too much.” (p. 363). 

LEN & CUB: A Queer History by Meredith J. Batt and Dusty Green (biography)

Hats off to archivists  Meredith, J. Batt and Dusty Green for a thoroughly researched document of life in rural New Brunswick in the early  Century. When coming across a photographic album from the period, the two authors embarked on an investigation of Len and Cub, two queer citizens of Havelock, New Brunswick. It is the photographs that serve as evidence for their a homosexual relationship. The researchers were able to uncover as much information about the two men, their families, their work endeavours, their service in World War I and their estrangement (After being outed, Len moved to the United States, Cub got married). The book is abundant with photographs, mostly taken by Len and though the black and white images aren’t always crisp and clear they provide contemporary readers insights into lives of two Canadian gay men. Moreover, this book serves as an important piece of queer historiography that today’s youth – urban and rural – can wonder about. 

PERMANENT ASTONISHMENT by Tomson Highway

Cree Playwright, author, musician Tomson Highway has written a beautiful memoir, recounting the first 15 years of his life in the subarctic, land of ten thousand lake and islands. The 11th of 12 children, Highway was loved my mother and father and so loving of his younger brother Rene. Much of the book is centred on the atuhor’s experiences in Guy Hill Indian Residential School, a place that gave the author a place of learning, a place to which he writes “I give thanks from the bottom of my heart for all they have given me all these years – companionship, laughter and yes, love in all its richness.” (p. 279).  Each chapter in this book reads like a short story, particularly the remarkable scenes with far-north nature and animals: loons, arctic terns, garter snakes, sled dogs and trout  and uplifting school scenes: learning English, practicing the piano, Christmas concerts, playing hockey, a plague, and escapes to the washroom to read, read, read. What a remarkable life. What stunning portraits of Indigenous culture and family. This title, winner of the Hilary Weston Writers’ Trust Prize for Nonfiction is the the first of several titles of Tomson’s life as an artist, a life of permanent astonishments. 

THE BUDDHA IN THE ATTIC by Julie Otsuka

What a beautiful book, original in style and poignantly presented in clear narrative vignettes.  The book is arranged in eight sections, tracing the lives of young women brought to San Francisco from Japan at the turn of the 20th century.  The stories of are told in the collective first person plural voice ‘we’ to convey a rich tapestry of countless narratives that includes a tough boat journey, arrival in the new land, their first nights as new wives, aduous labour, the experience of raising children, to the arrival of war.  A sto. ry of fate, survival and hope. Otsuka’s research is astounding weaving a chorus of stories, illuminated in sharp, rather short sentences often using a repetitious pattern that creates a continuous list poem of sorts. Thanks to my friend Debbie for highly recommending this short book (129 pages) with countless narratives of Japanese immigrants: 

Excerpt

“One of us collapsed before before she had even finished weeding her first row. Some of us wept while we worked. Some of us cursed while we worked. All of us ached while we worked – our hands blistered and bld, our knees burned, our backs would never recover. One of us us was distracted by the handsome Hindu man cutting asparagus in the next furrow.” (p. 28)

THE MAGICIAN by Colm Toibin

Toibin has written a fictionalized biography of Thomas Mann, German author, philosopher Thomas Mann. The first World War has broken out and Mann is charged with Patriotism and a world of literature and music. He is a man filled with contradictions, a loyalty to  his country as Hitler comes to power, a devotion to his wife and six children and his secret homosexual desires. The author has undoubtedly done extensive research in fictionalizing the life of this Nobel Prize winner.  I admired the first 1/3 of the novel describing Mann’s growing up and marriage, but alas got less interested when it came to political arguments. Disclaimer: I didn’t finish the reading the bo0k.    Recent iwinner of the recent British Rathbones Folio Prize which recognizes the best English-language literary work of the year. 

SHOUT OUT

YOUNG MUNGO by Douglas Stuart

Douglas Stuart won the 2020 Booker Prize for his novel Shuggie Bain which was at the top of the list of Larry’s reading favourites last year. Young Mungo, his sophomore title will for sure be at the top of the list of 2022 favourites. What a writer, Mr. Stuart. is! What a great book Young Mungo is, raw, gutsy, heart-wrenching book. Once again, Stuart sets his book in the world of Glasgow housing estates. It is the 1990’s and Young (16 year-old Mungo) is trapped in a life of poverty, smothered by an alcoholic mother, Mo-Maw who has taken a leave from her family. Mungo’s wise sister, Jodie,  is determined to get a better life for herself, and an Mungo’s older brother, Hamish/ Ha-ha, dangerous gang leader  determined to make a man of his brother.  The narrative is interwoven with episodes set in a loch in western Scotland where two of Mo-Maw’ss drunken acquaintances take Mungo on a fishing trip and teach Mungo more than fishing and camping where, reader beware, violence and danger unfolds. At the heart of the novel, Protestant Mungo meets Catholic James  who finds sanctuary in a place where  built for his prize racing pigeons. The two boys fall in love and dream of escaping the darkness of the  city. On nearly each page of the book, I encountered words and dialect that were unfamiliar to me (e.g., lollop, smirr, gansey, doocot, stovies). On each page I found myself re-reading at least one sentence for its vivid images of character or setting. (“Mrs Campbell sucked thoughtfully at her dentures. She took her cracked hands and put them on his narrow ribs.” “They had wandered from timid tenderness to affection wrapped in insults. It was a lovely place for two boys to be: honest, exciting, immature.” “There had been a late frost and now the ploughed rows looked like stitched panels on a quilt each channel picked out by snow-white thread.”  I can’t wait for another Douglas Stuart novel. In the meanwhile, I have Shuggie Bain and Young Mungo to re-read and fill my reading soul with intense emotion. 

Twelve very appealing novels for Middle School Readers each with a focus on identity and culture, family and friendships.  Several titles could be considered appropriate text to text connections: Willodeen/Cress Watercress; Cress Watercress/Every Leaf a Hallelujah; Evert Leaf Hallelujah/Willodeen; New From Here/No Vacancy; No Vacancy/Hiding on the High Wire; New From Here/Iggie’s House; The Little Prince/Willodeen; Willowdeen/Beatghrice Croc Harry; Those Kids From Fawn Creek/A Song Called Home.

BEATRICE AND CROC HARRY by Lawrence Hill

Award-winning author, Lawrence Hill, (The Book of Negroes) has written a book for middle-age readers that is sure to appeal to those who join in the adventures of a fictional character. We first meet Beatrice in a forest-tree house and as it turns out she is the only human in the forest.  How did she get there? Who can she talk to? Will she be staying in the magical forest or Argilia and coexist with other animals who seem able to communicate with others. A wise lemur, a loyal tarantula, a feisty rabbit and especially  King Crocodile (Croc Harry) become Beatrice’s allies as she is on a quest to learn about her past and a  discover the truth about her family Lawrence Hill is a great storyteller and Beatrice and Croc Harry is filled with magical and dangerous adventures (maybe too many events). Beatrice and Croc Harry is a book about friendship, loyalty, courage and vocabulary. Moreover, Beatrice and Croc Harry turns out to be a story about a Black girl discovering the truth about her family as well as racial violence.  A wonder of a book!

COINKEEPER: THE AVERY CHRONICLES (4 books) Teresa Schapansky

Teresa Schapansky has met her goal of writing books that will appeal to readers, particularly reluctant readers, who are keen to read not-to-long books with fine story power. Avery has a strong bond with his grandpa and grandpa has great stories to tell about travelling into the past and taken part or being witness to legendary tales. Cleverly, the author presents the Coinkeeper narrative in short paragraphs with generous white space dividing each paragraph. Clever too, is the presentation of each story in four books, each no more than 32 pages. (Each book provides Extra Reading information connected to story components.) . This short length should motivate middle years readers. Moreover, the stories that Grandpa tells have great folklore appeal (the Ogopogo Monster, The Selkies, Billy the Kid, the legendary camel knows as the Red Ghost). Highly recommended.

CRESS WATERCRESS by Gregory Maguire; illus. David Litchfield

Cress’s father has disappeared from his family. Cress, her mother and brother are forced to move into a cramped basement apartment. Cress is a rather feisty girl, easy to anger (especially with her mother).  She has made some new friends, each with a quirky personality. More than anything, Cress wants to be reunited with her father and return to a happy family life. But dangers abound. Cress is a rabbit,  I’m often fond of anthropomorphic narratives and Gregory Maguire (Wicked; Egg & Spoon) is a terrific storyteller with a great sense of humour and a great inventor of characters. Here we have a nosy mouse superintendent, a rowdy family of squirrels, gossipy songbirds, a snooty skunk, a wise hen, a dangerous bear and the threat of the snake (Final Drainpipe). A book about adventure, grief, loyalty, kindness, family, the woods, honey-gathering, moth gathering and the cycle of the moon. David Litchfield’s paints with a vivid palette of stain-glass colours and create images where light shines brightly.   I loved this book. Highly recommend it as a read-aloud. 

EVERY LEAF A HALLELUJAH by Ben Okri; illus. Diana Ejaita

Mangoshi,  a young girl in Africa needs to head off into the woods to find a special flower that will save her mother’s life, as well as the village. Mangoshi encounters a magical world of trees, each with its own story and personality,  that speak to her. When the great baobab takes the young girl into a dream travel of trees around the world, knowing that she might be the one to protect the trees from vanishing.  Glorious illustrations that dance, float and crawl on the pages (with Henri Matisse smiling down on Ejaita). Novella?  picture book? short story? Every Leaf a Hallelujah (sublime title) is highly recommended as a classroom read aloud. “Once read we will know never to take trees or leaves for granted again.” (Michael Morpurgo)

HIDING ON THE HIGH WIRE by Kathy Kacer

I was given an advanced reading copy by Kathy Kacer, the most important author of children’s literature to help young people understand the importance of the Holocaust and keeping its memory alive. Once again, Kathy has found a particular story to engage and inform readers building compassion for a young Jewish person trapped by the power of Adolf Hitler’s Nazis. Irene Lorch’s family has run a family circles for many years until one day a hateful boo is shouted as Irene performs daring feats on the high wire. The circus is forced to shut down when Irene’s father (not Jewish) is sent off to serve in Hitler’s army. Irene and her mother are terrified of being taken away to a concentration camp but a sympathetic circus owner, Adolf Althoff, helps mother and daughter find refuge and a place of belonging in his circus family where their talents are put on display.  Thank you Kathy Kacer for another a powerful story that has readers walking a high wire, along with Irene as she fights antisemitism and the horrors the Holocaust. 

IGGIE’s HOUSE by Judy Blume (1970)

Winnie is desolate when her friend Iggie Garber has moved away to Tokyo. When a new family with three kids moves into Iggie’s house, Winnie is optimistic that she can make new friends but the Garber family is black and the Grove Street neighbourhood has always been white. When a petition is sent around by a domineering street resident to get rid of the Garber family because they don’t belong, Winnie, her family and the Garber’s learn about prejudice and racism. Judy Blume wrote this book in 1970 and it obviously resonates with Black Lives Matter issues and the need for tolerance and acceptance in every neighbourhood.  This title was recently given a shout out by Jason Reynolds in a New York Times interview. Thank you Mr. Reynolds for re-acquainting me with this wonderful – and important – story.  Thank you, Judy Blume, or your books that engage and resonate with millions of young readers.  Thank you, too, for Iggie’s House. 

THE LITTLE PRINCE by Antoine De Saint-Exupery (1943)

I can’t go on an airplane without a book in hand and empty-handed I went into the small airport book stall and chose The Little Prince, a book I’ve read quite a few times (not as a kid).  I’m scheduled to see a performance of this later in the spring in New York so I decided that I’d re-read this iconic classic.  Sometimes it’s  good to re-read books we’ve encountered earlier in life.  I have to say, I didn’t love it then and I don’t love it now.  Every little paragraph seem to take my reading brain into a non-narrative, esoteric direction. Even with illustrations spread throughout, the writing does seem to inspire visualization..  But I guess i’ll still have to guess at the meaning of a boa constrictor digesting an elephant, the curiosity of yawning,  a king, a drunkard who drinks to forget that he’s ashamed, a street lamp and a lamplighter on a planet without any people, an ephemeral flower, an untamed fox, sunsets, stars and the mysterious radiance of the sands. Mystifying. (Perhaps I’ll find a child to talk to who cherished this book. 

NEW FROM HERE by Kelly Yang

In January 2020, author Kelley Yang packed up her three children  to leave Hong Kong and move to San Francisco trying to escape the coronavirus.. Her husband who had to stay for work, stayed behind. and leaving her husband behind in Hong Kong. In  New From Here, a mother packs up her three children and moves from Hong Kong to San Francisco when COVID-19 hits, leaving Dad behind because he has to stay for work. The central character of this novel is ten-year-old Knox, who settles into his new school even though Anti-Asian racism abounds (Coronavirus tag is played on the playground; his best friend’s family is losing business because people are afraid to go to a Chinese restaurant).  Life is full of struggles as Knox’s mother strives to get a job and the children desperately try to find ways reunite with their father. Yang’s story takes readers through the early stages of the pandemic when victims of the disease and deaths were quickly on the rise. Kelly Yang is a terrific author, particularly for capturing Asian American life (The Front Desk; Three Keys; Room to Dream).  Drawing on her own lived experiences, Kelly Yang’s writes stories of courage, and resilience  where “ultimately, love is the only vaccine for hate. Its love that gets us through the hard times. And it’s love that will bind us back together as a community, nation and world”. (Author’s notes, page 357)

NO VACANCY by Tziporah Cohen

Miriam, an eleven-year-old Jewish  has moved with her mother and father and little brother Sammy to the Town of Greenvale, population 510. Life will be very different for Miriam from what she is used to in New York, especially with the challenge of making a worthwhile living with the Jewel Motel which her father just purchased. It is summertime and Miriam makes friends with the maid, with Kate and with the owners of the diner next to the hotel. It is the summer of helping out her family, of taking care of overcoming a fear of swimming, of making grape pies.  Miriam and Kate devise a plot to bring people to the community and when they create a vision of the Virgin Mary in the abandoned community drive-in, motel business does indeed boom. Problems arise, however, when the motel is vandalized with a hate message against the Jewish family. Eventually comes to learn that religion can bring out the good in all of us and as the rabbi in the story says “It’s not what happens to us, it’s what we do with what happens to us.” Winner of the CCBC Jean Little First Novel Award, 2021.

A SONG CALLED HOME by Sara Zarr

11 year-old Lou (Louisa, Lu, Belle)’s family is going through changes. Her mother is about to remarry and Lou and her sister, Casey are now being forced to move into a new home in an area different from the one that they grew up in.  For Lu, life is a ‘catalog of bad things floating around her and bumping into her, and if she could figure out how they were her fault, she could organize them and put them away.” Lu is slow to warm up to her new family situation, but Casey is even more reluctant to settle into new changes. There is a cloud of guilt hanging over Lu’s head, for stealing things, for not treating her stepdad better and  particularly for the fact that her birth father is a drunk and maybe it’s her fault. When Lu discovers a surprise gift of a guitar which she assumes is her father, she is determined to learn how to play it and enter the talent show at her new school.  Zarr has written a moving novel about broken families and about working towards a place of healing. Many middle years readers will identify with this story about loyalty to friends and family. A wonderful book!

THOSE KIDS FROM FAWN CREEK by Erin Entrada Kelly

Fawn Creek, Louisana is a small town, like many small towns that many young people live in. Every day seems the exact same. Those kids from Fawn Creek have been together throughout their school years and when the spirited Orchid Mason becomes a new member of the seventh grade class, things are about to change, or are they?  Erin Entrada Kelly’s creates terrific characterizations in all her novels. The relationships amongst her characters are easily recognizable for many pre-teen readers.  Orchid’s arrival into the community and the stories she shares of having exciting adventures in New York and Paris capture the attention (and envy) of those kids from Fawn Creek. (Assumptions: Those kids are all white kids.. racial is not an issue)  Most of all, Orchid’s story shifts the balance of friendships and personalities, particularly for shy Dorothy (Didi ) Doucet and outsider Greyson Broussard who dreams of being a part of a world of fashion design and a living the life beyond the confines of a small town. 

WILLODEEN by Katherine Applegate

The setting: The village of Perchance. The heroine, Willodeen who adores creatures of all kinds. Willodeen’s friends: strange beasts known as screechers (detested by the villagers, not least because they really really stink). The problem: a village has a) been cursed with fires and mudslides, and suffered from the decline of the annual migration of the hummingbears (their shimmering bubble nests would draw tourists from far and wide. Perchance, screechers, hummingbears and a clever eleven-year-old Willodeen combine to make this novel another magical, fantasy gem from Katherine Applegate that ultimately offers a message that everything in nature has a role and is connected (and that humans need to take responsibility for destruction of animals).  Applegate’s dedication is “For Mother Earth. Thanks for putting up with us.”  

The  ten picture book titles featured here are, for the most part, published in 2022. The Shout-Out titles deserve ‘shout-out’ recognition even though publication dates are not from this year.  Before each brief annotation, I’ve included the opening words of the picture book, each providing a bridge to a fine story journey. 

BEAR WANTS TO SING by Cary Fagan; Dena Seiferling (2021)

When bear finds a ukulele, he picks it up. When he discovers the nice sounds it makes, he is excited about composing songs and is soon learns that he is not the only musician in the forest. Crow, Snake, Tortoise, Fox,  let their own songs burst forth, each accompanying an instrument. 

“A bear was taking a walk. He saw something in the grass. He sniffed it. He licked it.” 

FINDING MOOSE by Sue Farell Holler; illus. Jennifer Faria

A little boy and his grandfather tred “quiet as mice and rabbits and deer” in the forest until they come upon moose droppings. They both become determined to find the moose. In this discovery story, Grandpa introduces forest plants and animals in English and Ojibwemowin.

“We must be quiet, quiet when we go into the woods.”

MARTIN AND THE RIVER by Jon-Erik Lappano; illus. Josee Bisaillon

Martin is so enamoured and caring about the river that flows past his house. One day, Martin’s  parents tell their son  that they will be moving from the country to the city. It is time for Martin to say goodbye to his herons and crayfish and otters and other river friends. It is time to learn about nature within a city environment.

“Martin loved to play by the river that ran through the fields behind his house.”

RAINY DAYS by Deborah Kerbel; illus. Miki Sato

Deborah Kerbel has written a series of books celebrating the joys of weather (Windy Days; Sunny Days; Snow Days). In this new title young children discover the joys of a rainy day through bouncy rhyming couplets and bright collage illustrations. 

“Steady rain, garden swamp

Rubber boots, puddle stomp!”

THIS IS A SCHOOL By John Schu; Illus. Veronica Miller Jamison

Through simple poetic text, John Schu helps readers to think about a place called school,  which is more than just a building. It is a place of students, and teachers and staff and librarians coming together.  School is a place of discovery.  School is a community, a place for sharing and helping.  School is a place for creating and cheering,healing and growing, changing. and failing and trying;  trusting. Veronica Miller Jamison (All Are Welcome) shines a light on scenes of young people working and playing and learning together. (Bonus: The book jacket becomes a poster (“Happy Happy Reading” sure to be displayed in classrooms everywhere.

“This is a kid.  This is a kid in a class. This is a class in a hall. This is a hall in a school – WELCOME!”

TUG: A Log Boom’s Journey by Scot Ritchie

A father and child join together on a workday on. West Coast tug. This is a fine example of narrative nonfiction helping readers to learn about log books, sawmills, deadheads, river travel and encounters with stormy weather. 

“I’m helping Dad on the tugboat. We’re going to tow a log boom to the sawmill on the river.”

 
WHISTLING FOR ANGELA by Robin Heald: Peggy Collins

A young boy is excited about meeting his newly adopted sister, Angela. What is the perfect gift he can offer? e and He decides that sharing his love of birds is the perfect tribute and is determined to learn how to whistle, like a chickadee for her. 

“I’m going to learn to whistle for the new baby,” said Daniel.

“It’ll be my present to her. I’ll whistle like a bird.”

SHOUT OUT

I was working on a little project investigating children’s literature from Australia to support the teaching of tough topics. The Feather and The Mediterranean are two titles that I wanted for my collection and now own. These are two astonishing titles of picture hooks that I need to share with students. 

THE FEATHER by Margaret Wild; illus. Fraya Blackwood (2018)

When a soft and silky feather arrives in the backyard of two young girls, they decide that it needs to taken to the village so it won’t get dirty. What will the people do to preserve the treasure? What is the feather’s fate when a muddy stain creeps along the feather discolouring little by little and becomes dull and dingy? A minimal text accompanied by evocative art images The Feather give readers  something to think about as they contemplate the symbol of this fragile artifact. 

“In the darkness of the day, the feather falls. It used to be part of a wing that was serene and joyous.” 

T

THE MEDITERRANEAN by Armin Greder (2017)

Australian author and illustrator (The Island; The City) offers a powerful picture book to help us consider our  feelings and understandings about to the plight of refugees. This story is representative or the thousands who were forced to flee war, torture and persecution. It is also the story of those, hoping to seek refuge who became part or the mass grave of the sea, The Mediterranean. It is also a political story of those who remain as silent witnesses. This is a wordless picture book with staggering monochromatic illustrations which ignite in-the-head narrative and questioning and moral understanding. It warrants repeated visits to its pages. It demands ‘turn and talk’ responses to learn what others think and feel. There are only 17 words that serve as preface to this story.

“After he had finished drowning, his body sank slowly to the bottom where the fish were waiting.” 

SHOUT OUT

THE DOLL by Nhung N. Tran-Davies (2021); illus. Ravy Puth

A young girl and her family have travelled across the world to find safety. Greeted by strangers, one of them presents the young girl in the family with the gift of a doll. Decades pass and the little girl, now grown up welcomes a group of newly arrived refugees. Knowing it will make her feel welcome, the woman passes the doll that was once given to her over to the youngest girl in the migrant family. This story is based on the author’s experience of arriving in Edmonton after travelling at sea with 300 ‘boat people’.  Watching today’s news of Ukrainian refugees forced to flee their country I was reminded of The Doll story especially when seeing young children carrying dolls,  stuffed animals, even live pets to given them some comfort in times of war. NOTE: Nhung’s doll is now on display at the Canadian Museum of Immigration in Halifax. 

“Long ago, in a nearby land, there was a young girl whose eyes were deep ocean-blue, whose dimples twinkled like bright mischievous stars. She was waiting.” 

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SPECIAL SHOUT OUT

THE GROUNDWOOD NEWSLETTERS: New book resource

Any resource that encourages 

the use of Canadian children’s books 

by educators and librarians is good. 

 

Most publishers provide teaching resources based on their books 

(do check out their websites) 

but Groundwood Books is setting up something a little different 

and I wanted to share that here.

 

Groundwood Books

has teamed up with 

educator, author and children’s book advocate

Larry Swartz

 

 

for a series of newsletters for teachers and librarians

The Groundwood Newsletters are designed to provide educators, librarians and parents with strategies, tips and information about their fiction and non-fiction books. Each newsletter centres on a single topic, theme or genre with a list of recommended titles to encourage young readers to explore. The series will include lots of great resources such as reading, writing, arts and media responses; a spotlight feature on a Groundwood author/illustrator; a curated book list with annotations; and additional links to the website for more book information and/or teacher guides.

 

Sign up here 

for the Groundwood Newsletters