What books have I recently enjoyed reading? What plays have I recently enjoyed seeing? This section offers recommendations of some of my current favourite literary and arts experiences. I look forward to frequently posting children’s literature book lists here.
This posting offers 10 diverse books presenting diverse characters experiencing a challenging world of change, hope and resilience.
ALONE: The Journey of Three Young Refugees by Paul Tom; illus. Melanie Bailarige; Arielle Aasronson (translator) (Non-Fiction)
Each year more tahn 400 minors arrive alone in Canada eeking refugee status. This documentary-style graphic novel is based on a true story of young asylum seekers who arrived in Canada without their parents. The storyies of 13 year old Afshin from Tehran Iran, 13 year old Alian from Bujumbura, Burundi and 16 year old Patricia from Kampala, Uganda are testimonies of sacrifice, hardships, obstacles and courage. The book is divided into 5 chapters, each featuring the journey of the three adolescents. (Chapter 1: ‘Leaving Everything Behind’; Chapter 2 ‘Saying Goodbye’; Chapter 3: ‘It Isn’t Over Yet; Chapter 4; ‘Mama, Where Are You?’: Chapter 5: ‘Hope for Tomorrow’. The artwork presented in limited palette of black, burgendy, green and beige is somewhat stylized, somewhat sketch-like and sometimes poetic well-servinge the mood of these biographies.
NOTE: The French version of this book (SEULS) is the recipient of the $50 000 TD Prix De Literature Jeunesse Canadienne. ALone is a fully illusgtrated adaptation of the critically aclaimed documentary Seuls, inpsired by the true stories of 3 refugees (directed by Paul Tom).
EB & FLOW by Kelly J. Baptist
Eb & Flow are in trouble. When Ebony ruined De’Kari (aka Flow), Flow struck back (literally) and the two 7th graders where suspended for 10 days where they provides them with time to think about their behaviours, their emotions and their family lives. Both tweens come from single-parent homes, money is scarce, and both have the responsibility of caring for siblings. It is the troubles in their lives that bind the two but neither is aware of the parallel circumstances. Both Eb and Flow angrily think about their responsibility inthe escapade that brought them to being suspended. The ten day suspension leads them to think not only their present circumstances but future possibilities and dreams. The free verse novel is presented in two alternating voices.
GREEN by Alex Gino
Opening: “Green’s life was pretty great, especially for a kid in a middle school. They were queer and nonbinary and had lots of queer and trans friends.” Green has a good relationship with their father and thier teachers and has good friends who belong to the Rainbow Spectrum club in this school. When the school is putting on the musical The Wizard of Oz Green and their friends take the opportunity to create a welcoming space for everyone by considering changing up the traditional roles of the characters. Even though Green doesn’t get the part that they wanted (the Tinperson), they become part of the crew, which appeals to Green because they have a crush on Ronnie who will also working as a crew member. Alex Gino presents some important issues confronting nonbinary students: infatuation, sexual preferences, conciuring traditional stereotypes getting the first period, decisions about taking hormone blockers. When Alex Gino wrote their first novel Melissa, there wasn’t a single middle grade book with a transgender main character released by a major character. Since that time, the author has written other titles about young people exploring gender identity (Rick, Alice Austen Lived Here, You Don’t Know Everything Jilly P!) and with Green we have another enlightening and engaging and important title to offer middle years readers. Hooray for Alex Gino.
MASCOT by Charles Waters and Traci Sorell
The school mascot is the image of an Indian head. When an eighth-grade teacher in Virginia assisgns a debate project to determine whether the mascot should stay or change, six students in the class choose sides and are determined to have their points of view heard. The two authors present a diverse cast of characters: Callie, A Black Cherokee citizen, Franklin, A Black football hero; Priay a budding journalist whos family is from India; Sean. a sixth-generation Irish stduent, Tessa, who is white and Luis who immigrated from El Savador. Diverse views and arguments are present in this free-verse novel helping readers to think about heritage, stereotypes, racism and taking a moral and ethical stance for what they believe is right.
SUNSHINE b y Jarrett J. Krosoczka
Jarrett J. Krosoczka is the author of many popular books ( e.g.,Lunch Lady sereis). His memoir Hey, Kiddo was a National Book Finalist. In this title, the author recounts his teenage experiences as a counsellor at Camp Sunshine to be part of a volunteer program to work with seriously ill kids and theirr families. Even though it was a one week experience, the opportunity was life-changing for Krosocska who learned about the captivity of illness but also the hope and determination that gets people through tough times. The author was assigned to work one on one with wheelchair-bound Diego who, although reluctant to participate in activities . developed a warm relationship with his buddy counsellor. The book recounts camp experiences (boating, crafts, a talent show, boating, fishing, and team-building activities. Each of the individuals that Jarrett J. Krosoczka and his 5 volunteer companions, offer sunshine even though most lived in the shadow of death. The subtitle of this memoir is ‘How Camp Taught me About LIfe, Death and Hope.’ It is an heartfelt story that will help teach readers about Life, Death and Hope. Inspiring with a capital “I”.
TREASURE ISLAND: Runaway Gold by Jewell Parker Rhodes
Zane is grieving the death of his father and worrying about the survival his family’s boarding house in Rocakaway Queens. One of the boarders, Captain Maddie is indeed quite mad. Zane enjoys listening to her stories and strange blathering of sailing the seven seas but upon her death, she implores Zane to “Honor th bones peole, whether buried in water or earth. Dead don’t stay dead. Homor the bones.” So Zane and his two best friends set off on a mission to Manhattan with their skateboards and a map in hand hoping to discover a treasure that would solve his family’s problems. Much adventure and danger ensues as Jack, Kiko, Zane and his ever-faithful dog, Hip-Hop set of on a wild search, hoping to find gold. A skateboard gang is ever-threatening. A meeting with John, another sailor hosts the trio into the environs of Manhattan and leads them to discover the buried history of Black New Yorkers of centuries past. Treasure Island is an exciting modern day adventure story of finding and solving clues that lead the protagonists through a church, a burial ground and tunnels. Updating Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel provided an intriguing tale of skateboarding pirates. Most of all the premise of the novel by Jewell Parker Rhodes (Ghost Boys) serves to present a rather unknown history of New York slavery in the 1700’s. and 1800’s. Enslaved Africans (which grew to well over a million) contributed to the development and economic engine of the city. Almost half of white households owned servants and laborers. The author also provides an important history of New York being an important stop for the Underground Railroad. “Historical fiction is a combination of accuracy and fictional lie. But always, the intent of fiction is to tell the emotional truth of characters journey through life.” (Afterward, page 317)
WATER WATER by Cary Fagan
Rafe wakes up to discover that he, and he dog, Buddy are floating in water? How did this happen? Where is Rafe’s family? How will the dog and boy survive? Is there land somewhere in the distance? Rafe is off quite an adventure a la James and the Giant Peach as he floats along and eventually encounters some surprises (a cello-playhing woman, a case of rubber ducks, plenty of canned goods, a storm, a parachute made out of a sail, a mean group of ‘pirates’ who want to steal his food). Fagan expertly shares Rafe’s resourcefulness to live calmly from day to day and to seek rescue. One day he meets up with a young girl sailing along on a small air mattress and the two develop a special friendship, even though they don’t speak the same language. Cary Fagan tells a wonderful story, ideal for reading aloud or enjoyed as an independent read. An adventure story that perhaps serves as a metaphor for climate change that causes flooding and the hope and survival of refugees seeking asylum. Jon McNaught’s black and white sky blue illustrations that appear throughout aptly depict story events.
WHAT YOU NEED TO BE WARM by Neil Gaiman; 13 illustrators (a poem of welcome)
In a time when there are so many citizens who seek shelter and warmth during the coldest seasons, this poem by Neil Gaiman, presented as a picture book, illustrated by 13 artists, answers the question, “What do you need to be warm?’. This moving poem is based on a film Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR ( The United Nations Refugee Agency) Goodwill Ambassador made about refugees and displaced persons seeking safety and shelter. The poet gathers images and memories that signify warmth and inspire thought about about those who have lost their homes, and even lost thier their countries and are hopeful about finding the warmth of family and friends and safety. Black and white and orange are the only colours used throughout. This poem was inspired by tens of thousands of people on Social Media, each shring a specific memory of being warm. Renowned author, Neil Gaiman, along with varied artists, has created a stellar literature artifact. This is a warm,omforting poem about hope and kindness that must be shared with young people. .
Excerpt
“A baked potato of a winter’s night to wrap your hands around/ or burn your mouth. A blanket kntted b your mother’s cunning fingers. Or your grandmother’s.
SHOUT OUT
REMEMBER US by Jacqueline Woodson
“Delving deeplly into life’s challenging questions about time and memory, Jacqueline Woodson’s evocative story speaks to the power of both letting go and holding on! “(book jacket)
Though fiction, this novel is based on a real time (1970’s, 1980’s) and place, Bushwick Brooklyn, which came to be known as “The Matchbox” because there so many fires were destroying people’s homes. Although the 12 year-old Sage’s home was not burned down, she lost her father in a tragic fire incident. Her mother is determined to move out from Bushwick, but the community was so an important place for Sage, especially for the opportunity to play basketball. It was a time when Sage tried to find her place in a circle of girls who seemed to abandon her becuase she preferred to spend time shooting hoops with the guys. Meeting Freddy gave Sage strength as the two friends tried to deal with the pain of the past, the good parts of the present and the uncertainty of the future. The novel is told from the point of view of the adult Sage looking back on her life. Jacqueline Woodson’s writing, as always, is exquisite. Short chapters and short paragraphing present an efficient style to engage readers. Woodson absolutely captures time and place, but moreover, readers come to care about this Black fictional character, understand her and sympathize with her as she deals with grief and loss and feelings of being an outsider. (“What kind of girl are you?”) Many young adolescent readers will identify and connect with Sage’s life as she questions her gender and sexual identity, her friendship circles and her family loyalties.
Remember Us is amongst the best of the best books of 2023 by the wonderful, wonderful Jacqueline Woodson. I wholeheartedly recommend this fantastic novel.
Excerpt
I AM WONDERING NOW: WHO else remembers that year of fires?
Who else remembers the Bushwick we once lived in?
Who else remembers us?
SHOUT OUT
A WORK IN PROGRESS by Jarrett Lerner (free verse novel)
When he was in fourth grade a mean kid tormented Nick Fisher by spitting out the words “Your FAT and Everyone knows it”. The words stuck inside his head for years and now that he’s in middle school, Nick is deeply angry and fully aware of his body and how others think about how he looks. His friends have abandoned him. He eats lunch alone outside the cafeteria. He overhears mean mean comments said by mean girls. Spoiler: Ast he title suggests: Progress is made (thanks to a new friendship, therapy and gradual self-acceptance). The novel is written in free verse style and is accompanied by graphic images illustrations that put Nick’s tormented feelings into art. Jarret Lerner dedicates this book “For anyone who has ever felt less than.” The author tells the story with full-out honesty and self-reaization and as a wit progressesit is a story of foregiveness, resileince and hope. This is a remarkable book, vital reading for middle age readers who feel ‘less than’ and essential reading for middle age students think about the progress needed to move forward by o accepting their identities as they move through the complexities of adolescenthood (and what middle age student doesn’t ask themselves about who they are and who they are becoming)? This is essential reading to think about body image and mental health issues.
Excerpt (pages 86-87)
I eat/ and eat/ and eat./ More/ and more/ and more. And chewing/ and swallowing/ and chewing/ some more more/ there are moments –
brief/ beautiful/ blissful moments/ – when I forget who I am/ what I am/ that I am / at all.
Ten novels, varied in mood and style with LOVE lost and LOVE found at the heart of each narratives.
THE ADVERSARY by Michael Crummey
In a nutshell: This is a dark story about brother and sister who were rivals in a small outpost in Newfoundland in the late 18th century. It is a novel of hate and poverty and violence and religion and revenge and abuse of power. Once again Crummey masterfully creates a vivid setting and striking characters but it is his style and language that astounds. This wasn’t always an easy read – I often re-read sentences and paragraphs and rewound to pages previously read to settle the narrative in my mind. But I persevered and was often gripped by startling events (murder, prostitution, weather, and a plague) that took place in the small fishing community. There’s many a page that readers encounter an unfamiliar or strange piece of vocabulary (e.g. loped in Bogland (p. 95); cheving the fores (p. 96); purblind shankers (p. 97); fundament (p. 98). This is what you expect from this fine author.
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF ABED SALAMA: Anatomy of a Jerusalem Tragedy by Nathan Thrall (nonfiction)
A catastrophic bus accident that left a school bus with Palestinian children on fire for over thirty minutes before emergency workers arrived serves as the foundation for a story of Palestinians striving to live under Israeli rule. The author of the book, Nathan Thrall is a Jerusalem-based journalist follows the journey of Abed Salama whose young son, Milad was burned in the crash. The chaos of the crash and the search for missing children (including Abed Salama’s nightmare quest) provide Thrall with the opportunity to investigate and report on the struggle of Israel/Palestine. The author cites over 20 pages of resources that have helped him to tell the story of bureaucratic obstacles, separation walls, ID passes, checkpoints that Abed Salama encountered and Palestinians struggle with day by day. It is also a story of husbands and wives, family members young and old, neighbours who depend on each other to survive in a complex brutal world. For sure, A Day in the Life is brilliant anatomy of a’s Jerusalem tragedy (In truth, the narrative and historical events and introduction of characters, often meander from the central narrative I was expecting from the title of the book.) Abed Salama’s story is nothing but heartwrenching and Nathan Thrall’s mammoth reporting goes inside and outside of the Jerusalem tragedy to help readers make sense of the politics and history of Palestine lives which is hard to make sense of. (Note: Interviews with the author and the father can be found on YouTube)
DIFFERENT FOR BOYS by Patrick Ness; illus. Tea Bendix (YA)
Patrick Ness is the author of a knockout novel entitled A Monster Calls and seeing his name on a book jacket appeals to me. The title of this book for Young Adolescents invited me to pick up this book about friendship, masculinity and sex, different for boys like Anthony Stevenson who has lots of questions about his sexual identity and the boys he keeps company with. This is an honest powerful story of loneliness and intimacy.7 pages) Two features that make this short novel (97 pages) is 1. redacted, black-0ut prose (avoiding swear words) and 2) captivating black and white drawings by Tea Blendix that enhance the mood and emotions of the characters. I highly recommend this title to support boys – and girls, and others – questioning their sexual identities and longings, loyalties and betrayals and the quest to find a place of comfort and satisfied heart when feeling ‘different’.
FARRELL COVINGTON AND THE LIMITS OF STYLE by Paul Rudnick
Paul Rudnick is very funny. As a playwright (Jeffrey; I Hate Hamlet) and screenwriter (Addam’s Family Values, In & Out; Sister Act) his snarky way with words and his witty dialogue are quite hilarious. In this gay novel, he introduces two main characters over the span of about 50 years. Farrell Convington is outrageously rich and deliciously handsome and we (and Nate Reminger)) first meet him at Yale university delving into the world of gay identity and gay lifestyles.. There is no doubt that Farrell and Nate quickly bond together and their devotion remains constant as their lives move from university in the 1970’s, to New York, To Hollywood and the Amalfi coast. Narratives take us into the world of theatre, movie making, sex clubs and into the late 20th century when the AIDS epidemic is destroying so many lives. For Farrell, money holds no bounds and we are immersed into the world of the superrich, even when he needs to combat a ferocious conservative and homophobic father. The story is a blend of Succession, Will & Grace, and The Normal Heart. Some narratives are certainly drawn from Rudnick’s own experiences in getting his work produced on Broadway and Hollywood. I’m certain the friendship circles created in this story are based on real-life characters. Even though there were times that I thought I’d put the book down because I found that the world of the rich wasn’t particularly accessible but I ended up being intrigued, entertained and engaged with this sprawling story. And I laughed.
THE IMPOSTERS by Tom Rachman
I picked up a copy of this book after listening to a radio interview with the author Also, I remember liking Rachman’s first novel, The Imperfectionists. I was intrigued by the multi-character approach to the book and the premise that this book is about a writer writing about writing. Dora Frenhofer is a once-successful author, who is willing to embark on one more project before he mind goes. Each of the narrataives that comprise The Imposters is centred on a person from Dora’s life (Chapter 2: The novelist’s missing brother; Chapter 3: The novelist’s estranged daughter; Chapter 4: The man who took the books away.) Each chapter reads like a short story and it was often an effort to find an explicit thread to Dora Frenhofer’s life and decide whether these were ‘real’ incidents or made-up ‘imposter’ characterizations. I hung in there and enjoyed the chapters as much as I would a short story collection (some better than others). Passages from Dora’s ‘diary’ introduce each chapter, giving this a sense of first-person authenticity of a fictional writer’s life. This was a hit and miss venture for me but intriguing to piece together the puzzles of stories that take place in New Delhi, New York, Australia, Syria and London.
THE LOVER’S DICTIONARY by David Levithan (2011)
I’m fond of David Levithan’s writing. His books are mostly for the YA age group (Boy Meets Boy, The Realm of Possibility, Every Day). I came across this title written n 2011 and was intrigued with the premise. Each page lists a dictionary word (definition not provided) and these words (e,g,,dispel, dissonance, doldrums, serve as titles for inside-the-head thoughts about falling in love and maintaining that relationship. Each word gets a separate page, some accompanied by only one or two sentences as the nameless narrator thinks about possibilities, arguments, compromises, confidences, passions, uncertainties, hugs and tears that are part of the territory of being a couple working their way through love. An intriguing premise, an honest confession.
Excerpt: ineffable, , adj. “Trying to write about love is ultimately like trying to hae a dictionary represent life. No matter now many words there are, there will never be enough.”
THE NEW YORK STORIES by John O’Hara (Short Stories)
Though he was a novelist (Appointment at Samarra, Butterfield 8). John O’Hara is credited for being the most prolific of short story writers who is credited for creating the short story style of the New Yorker magazine. I was scheduled to see a revival of the musical Pal Joey in NY and so I decided to read this 30+ story anthology which helped shape the musical and the movie. Interesting enough, the stories are presented in alphabetical order, rather than their date of publication from the 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s. I read the stories chronologically and as with most short story collections, enjoyed some pieces more than others (e.g., Pleasure’; ‘Late Late Show’: ‘The Portly Gentleman’). I enjoyed being in the world of the Big Apple and join in stories of class, theatre, bars, booze, sex, and partake in exploits of interesting, but flawed scoundrels that were/ are unique, I’d say, to New Yorkers. In most cases, the endings of these narratives, didn’t pack a punch for me but the details of clothing, food, drink and show-biz and snappy dialogue captivated me. (Note: I didn’t get to the production of Pal Joey)
THE POSTCARD by Anne Berest (translated from the French by Tina Kover) (fictionalized autobiography)
A postcard is delivered to the Berest family Parisian home in January 2003. . On the front, a photo of the Opera Garnier. On the back, the names of Anne Berests materanal great-grandparents Ephraim and Emma and their children, Noemie and Jacques – all killed in Auschwitz. . Learning about the mysterious postcard in 2018, Ann is determined to discover the mystery of the postcard. Who sent it? Why in 2003? What clues does it provide about the Rabinovitch family’s heritage in Russia, Latvia, Palestine and Paris. This is powerful story about a family devastated by the Holocaust and digging into the truths of what happened to the family members. Berest does a yeoman’s detective job of uncovering these truths through conversations with her mother, a private detective, a graphologist and people of the villages that her grandmother Myriam inhabited. The family stories and the Jewish History of citizens in Occupied France (both autobiographical and fictionalized) are moving and unsettling. As the author digs into mammoth research to help her reconnect with her past and her own Jewishness, The Postcard is ‘un roman vrai’ (a true novel) that is revelatory for both the author and the reader. Rich and details of names and places (maybe too many details?), this book is a indeed an engrossing reading experience.
THE SECRET SCRIPTURE by Sebastian Barry (2008)
Sebastian Barry is a playwright and novelist whose books have won many prizes. (He is the winner of the 2023 “Pleasure of Reading Prize’.) I was telling a colleague how much I fascinated I was reading Sebastian Barry’s 2023 release, Old God’s Time , and she recommended that I get The Secret Scripture by this renowned Irish writer. What a writer! Oh, those Irish. The wordsmithing is astonishing. The narrative events astound. The Irish setting and Irish characters are so very intriguing. In this novel we meet Roseanne McNulty, a patient in a Mental hospital who at 100 years of age has decided to record her life events. The manuscript of these stories are kept beneath the floorboards of her bedroom. The hospital that she is living in will be demolished in a few months and her caregiver, Dr. Grene has been asked to evaluate tha patient to determine if she can return to society. Meanwhile, Grene discovers a document by a local priest that tells a story different from the one that Roseanne recalls. Buried secrets, tragic family events, killings, lost loves, madness are woven throughout this unforgettable novel.
Excerpts
“I knew I had to leave school immediately on my father’s death, because my mother’s wits were now in an attic of her head which had neithe door nor stair, or at least none that I could find .”(p., 92)
“Unfathomable. Fathoms. I wonder is that the difficulty, that my memroies and my imaginings are lying deeply in the same place? Or on top of of the other like layers of shels and sad in a piece of limestone, sto that they have both become the same element, and I cannot distinguish one from the other wih any easy, unless it is from close, close looking?” (p. 219)
TOM LAKE by Ann Patchett
When Lara’s three daughters return to the familys cherry orchard in northern Michigan, they beg their mother to recount stories about being an actress, about falling in love with a famous actor, about meeting their father, Joe. The narrative moves from past to present as Lara tells her daughters about her acting in the play Our Town at a theatre company called Tom Lake. The revealed stories help Lara (and her daughters) think about happiness, regret, dreams and fate. The novel is a story of family dynamics and examination of relationships past and present. It is a novel of the stories we have to tell and choose to tell to help others understand who we are and how we became who we are. The novel intrigued me because of the summer stock theatre world (I’m quite fond of Our Town).
To help celebrate Canadian history week (November 20-27), the following 10 picture titles can be shared to have students learn about the people, places and events of Canadia.
1. A IS FOR ABORIGINAL by Joseph MacLean; illus. Brendan Heard
Each letter in this book represents a person, place or event part of Aboriginal history or culture. Information about the communities who first lived in Canada are highlighted in this book.
2. CANADA YEAR BY YEAR by Elizabeth MacLeod; illus. Sydney Smith
A sweeping history of our country from the founding in 1867 to the election of Justin Trudeau.
3. THE DAY I BECAME A CANADIAN: A Citizenship Scrapbook by Jo Bannatyne-Cugnet; illus. Song Nan Zhang
Young Xiao Ling Li decides to make a scrapbook for her future sibling, so they too can experience the day the family participated in a ceremony that made them Canadian citizens.
4. GOOD MORNING, CANADA by Andrea Lynn Beck (also, Goodnight Canada, Thank You, Canada)
The sights and sounds of a morning scenes as the seasons change across Canada. NOTE: this was the 2017 TD Grade One Book Giveaway distributed to every Grade One providing young readers a view of what makes Canada special.
5. I AM CANADA: A celebration (various artists)
13 Canadian illustrators contributed to this collection that shine a light on the special people places and things of our country.
6. M IS FOR MAPLE: A Canadian Alphabet by Michael Ulmer; illus. Melanie Rose
Information and inspiration of our nation’s symbols, history, people, and culture are presented in appealing rhymes.
7. MY CANADA: An illustrated atlas by Katherine Dearlove; illus. Lori Joy Smith
Provinces, capital cities, bodies of water and memorable landmarks are featured in this informative book of Canada’s geography.
8. O CANADA illustrated by Ted Harrison
Canadian painter Ted Harrison accompanies the text of our national anthem with beautiful coast to coast images of our home and native land.
9. OUR CANADIAN FLAG by Maxine Trottier; illus. Brian Deines
A heartfelt, prideful look at what the Canadian flag means to those who live in this country (and those who don’t)
10. WOW CANADA!: Exploring this land from coast to coast by Vivian Bowers; iilus. Dan Hobbs and Dianne Eastman
Guy and his family travel across Canada in this text that provides amazing facts, historical wonders, photos and illustrations of famous sights and hidden gems.
This posting features recent CANADIAN publications, each worthy of praise. What talented children’s authors and illustrators we have, eh?
Let’s hear it for “I READ CANADIAN DAY” (November 8th, 2023) .. and many days beyond!!!
CHAIWALA by Priti Birla Maheshwari; illus. Ashley Barron
In the introduction to this picture book, readers learn that Chaiwala ‘tells teh sweet and comforting story of a young girl and her mother bonding over an aromatic cup of chai at a train station in Jaipur, India. Delightfully caputreing the richness of Indian, culture, the story teachers young readers the importance of taking time to celebrate the pleasures of family, food, and tradtion.’ This publication is noteworthy for being the TD Grade One Book giveaway. Every grade one student across Canada will be given a copy of Chaiwala. Hip, Hip, Hooray! for TD bank. Hip, Hip, Hooray! to Priti Bilra Mahesawari and Ashley Barron. Hip, Hip,Hooray for chai!
DO YOU REMEMBER? by Sydney Smith
The striking cover image of a pensive boy caught my attention. The questioning title Do You Remember? caught my attention inferring that this would be a book of memories, stories and significant life events. Seeing the author’s name at the top of the cover was reason enough to grab this picture book for purchase. A boy and his mother are cozily tucked together in the bed of an apartment that they just moved into, trading memories of special times they had experienced in the past (a picnic with Dad, a fall from a bicycle, a rainstorm). The format of the book is intriguinng: memories are shared in mostly 1/4 page text which are surrounded by 6 illustrated panels illuminating the happy and sad memories – a scrapbook of sorts. This is a book to foster connections, to ignite stories and to ignite emotional connections. This is a book that deserves repeated visits. This is another masterful book by the masterful award winning author, illustrator Sydney Smith.
DO YOU WONDER? by Wallace Edwards
Thia book presents ponderances big and small that encourage about some world’s mysteries for readers to wonder about. A reptetious pattern appears page by page inviting young people to answer in their heads, with some friends, or alongside an adult. (‘Sometimes I wonder why some songs make me happy. ‘/ ‘Sometimes I wonder why it feels good to help a friend.’ / ‘Sometimes if I can finish what I’ve started.’ Wallace Edwards staggering art work featuring comical animal characters (e.g., elephant, flamingo, penguin, porcupine) are sure to delight as much as the Sometimes I wonder statements that give food for thought. This book is the definition of “Imagination” with a capital ” It is indeed WONDERful!!
DRAGON’S DILEMMA by Catherine Little; illus. Sae Kimura
This is an exquisite companion book to the author’s and illustrator’s picture book Twelve in a Race where the Chines Zodiac animals enter a competition to determine who is the mlst powerful runner. In this title, Dragon boasts, ‘I am by far the biggest, by far the fastest and I am the only one who can fly.” The race provides the opportunity for Dragon to see the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. When he passes over a village in peril of a drought, Dragon faces the dilemma of winning the race or helping a people in need. Catherine Little tells a great adventure story and artist Sae Kimura provides exquisite illustrations that fill the pages. This is a fantastic story to shine a light on dragons that are significant to Chinese culture. This is a great story to have student think about ethical deeds and kindness. Dragon’s Dilemma is a treasure!
IF YOU SEE A BLUEBIRD by Bahram Rahman, Gabrielle Grimard
Ali and his family are safe in their new home, but the young boy has strong wishes to go back to Afghanastan. Although his story has Ali recalling nightime flight, a crowded bus and a flight to immigration, Ali has fond memories of the home he once knew of. When Nana spot a bluebird, she suggests that Ali make a wish and though he wishes to return ‘home’ Ali realizes that a home is a place of where families live and love together. This is another great title from Pajama Press by award winning author of The Library Bus and A Sky-Blue Bench. Inspiring!
THE IMAGINARY ALPHABET by Sylvie Daigneault
I love alphabet books. I love books that celebrate words. I love books with illustrations that enrich curiosity, wonder and imagination. this is a triple crown winner for me. On one side of the page we see an alphabet letter adorned with visual images (‘C’ features cactus, ‘L’ features lemons) and each letter is accompanied with playful alliterative sentences. On the right hand page, Daigneault ‘illustrates’ the whimsical sentence in addition to a number of pictures that start with the same letter as the one featured in the large illustrations. At the conclusion of this book there is a sit of about 300 words that have been ‘hidden’ throughout. 26 letters. 26 whimsical alliteratuve descriptions to accompany the letters. 300 words and one glorious trip to an art gallery with Sylvia Daigneault’s exquisite, fantastical illustrations. This is a WOW! of a book (to be released in September 2023 from Pajama Press.
G = Grumpy Gorillas Guarding the Garden Gate. Can you spot the gargoyles, gerbils, giraffe, gravel ground and gold hidden in the picture?
IMAGINE A GARDENby Rina Singh; illus. Hoda Hadadi A tribute to everyday heroes who calm fears and foster hopes
This book is a collection of 7 stories (vignettes) of courage and changing the world. Each concise story is presented over two pages in free-verse style. Each story is based on a real life stories from across the globe (e.g., Rio di Janero, India, South Africa, Greece and Northern Ontario). The narratives of ordinary people doing extraordinary things (e.g., a mother plants gardens in the canistars of spent grenades; the children of migrant workers gather under a bridge to get an education; an artist dismantles illegal weapons to transform them into musical instruments; a ballet teacher encourages her students to dance in spite of the sounds of shooting guns). show a troubled world through the lens of love, courage, and compassion . The cut-paper art work is spectacular. I would love to have any one of these images hanging on my walls. Background information about each of the stories is provided as notes at the end of the book. This book was given as a gift from a friend. Imagine a Garden is a gift for any readers who encounter the poignant stories and exquisite art work I’ll cherish this book and hope it gets awards it deserves.
Author’s note: “Our world is not always an easy place to live in. There is war, poverty, and violence in many parts of our planet. The news mostly puts a spotlight on what is wrong with our world. But there is a lot that is right too. There are people who get out of bed every morning and spend their days thinking of others and making things better for their communities
EVERYONE IS WELCOME by Phuong Truong; illus. Christine Wein (2023)
I strongly believe that children’s literature can offer students significant insights into hate and discrimination. Everyone is Welcome is a story of an 8 year old girl (almost 9) who learns stories about her mother who was taunted with anti-asian racial slurs (“Ching chong”) when she was younger and a friend of her grandmother’s, Mrs. Lee, who was under attack and pushed onto the road. The girl’s brother has joined the Asian Student Association designed to bring Asians together but also have a goal to help accompany other who feel cared to walk to school. Finally, one of the girl’s friends tells her that he is forbidden to play with her any more since everything that’s happened in the world is the fault of Asians. This is an honest and brave story of Anti-Asian racism. Kudos to author Phuong Truong for a rich story that is centred on community, compassion and caring. This is a absolutely a worthy contribution to titles that invite readers to think about inclusion, where everyone is welcome. Note: Christine Wei’s colourful illustrations not only compliment the verbal text but present a window and mirror into Asian culture.
LOOK UP HIGH! THINGS THAT FLY by Victoria Allenby
“Look up high! Toy planes fly. How? Where? Look up there?” This is another terrific concept book by Author Victoria Allenby (Shape Up, Cosntruction Trucks, Listen Up! Train Song!). A repeated pattern of text invites young readers to “Look up high!” and gaze at balloons, helicopters, jet planes and other things that soar through the clouds. The information about things that fly and the vivid photographs make this a captivating title to share with toddlers. Wonderful!
MINA by Matthew Forsythe
Mina is a mouse. She lives happily in the woods with her father and looks forward to the random surprises he brings home to her from the outside world. Mina is concerned when father brings home a cat (he insists it’s a squirrel). This is a funny, whimsical ‘cat and mouse’ story with staggering, glowing, patterned artwork that fills the pages. Mina is the winner of the $20 000 2023, Marilyn Baillie prize for best picture book. Well deserved, I’d say.
MOLLY MISSES NAINAI by Emma Chan: illus. Sean Huang
Because her Visa is up., Molly’s grandmother must return to China. Molly misses Nanai terribly and remembers good times that they spent together. Despite the distant sepearation, a familiar lullaby, shared through screen time brings granddmother and granddaughter together. (“When Grandma starts to sing the lullaby, Molly closes her eyes. They sing softly togethr, and Molly feels warm in her heart and her eyes. Nainai is back.” A heartfelt story about immigration and family bonds. The glorious artwork Sean Huang is evocative beautifully capture time and place. This is a special picture book creation filled with song, warmth and heart.
PIGS CAN’T FLY by Wallace Edwards
The title of this book serves as a testimony to the whimsical and wonderful imaginative world of Wallace Edwards. Through rhyne and art Pigs Can’t Fly creates a world of possibilities With Wallace Edwards the impossible becomes possible: Who says worms don’t dance? Swans don’t wear shoes? Fish never sing? Frogs don’t play bagpipes? Alligators don’t like snow. I was lucky to have recently attended an art gallery showing of Edward’s illustrations, an event to honour the celebrated artist who passed away in 2022 . The author bio of the book states that ‘his art and words invite children to find wonder and delight all around them every day. Mission accomplished, Mr. E. Thank you for your talent, your book gifts.
They say that nothing lasts forever.
I don’t know if that’s true.
But I know, between now and never –
And I know this now, more than ever-
Love will see you through.
THE YELLOW LEAVES ARE COMING by James Gladstone; illus. by Francois Thisdale
A young boy dreams about the glorious leaves of autumn. As teh book – and the seasons – unfold – this young poet and his little sister engage in activites that celebrate nature, nighbourhoods and wonder. James Gladstone presents concise poetic text (“The yellow leaves are coming, though the last leaf just fell. I know the leaves will come again. But first, there is the rain and the chill wind that blow… while empty branches wait alone.” Illustrator, Francois Thisdale once again reveals himself to be a masterful illustrator.
WACI! DANCE! by Sage Speidel; illus. Leah Dorian
A mother shares Lakota cultural experiences with her daughter introduducing her (and readers) to ‘waci’ (dance) as a way to celebrate life. The ‘Wacipi’ (powwow) is the place where the dancing occurs, a setting for Indginous song, dance, food and crafts. Sage Spiedel, who comes from the Stadning Rock Hunkpapa Lakota nation, shares the joy of being together and caring as she passes along the teachings of Powwow from Kunsi (grandmother) to michunski (grandaughter. The verbal text is presente rhythmic language (“On the morning of. a hot summer day, ou heard the powwow drums over the hill Boom Boom Boom Boom” )and words are accompanied by brightly decorative full-page illustrations by Leah Dorion that ‘dance’ off the page. Beautiful!
WE BELONG HERE by Frieda Wishinsky; illus. Ruth Ohi
When author, Frieda Wishinski and illustrator, Ruth Ohi met one day in a cafe, they ended up sharing family stories. Frieda’s family died in Worl War Ii at the hands of the Nazis. Ruth told her friend about her gandfather who had difficulty as a Japanese Canadian finding employment and who was eventually hired as a caretaker by a Jewish man. This picture book grew out of that cafe conversation. In We Belong Here, Eva Bloom is taunted for being a newcomer and Mark Nakamura is taunted by others for being different. Eva and Mark become close friends and when Mark’s father is unemployed he his hired to fix up up the Bloom’s store. Mr. Nakamura can build anything and his carpentry talents are well used in the community. Set in the 1950’s, this is a story of both discrimination and acceptance. Frieda Wishinsky tells good stories and Ruth Ohi paints womderful clear illustrations that depict time, character and emotions. We Belong Here is an important contribution to help today’s young readers think about friendship, acceptance and belonging. Every primary classroom bookshelf needs this book!
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SHOUT OUT!!!
CANADIAN CHILDREN”S BOOK CENRE AWARDS 2023
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I’ve recently enjoyed reading some graphic memoirs and decided to shine a light on ten biographical, autobiographical and semi-autobiographical* stories of diversity, equity and social justice written in the graphic format. They’re terrific!
*NOTE: Some titles are not authentically ‘memoirs’ but are based on personal experiences and presented as fiction.
BUT I LIVE (ed. Charlotte Schallie) (2022)
This is a collection of three Stories of Child Survivors of the Holocaust. Through interviews the four child survivors share their memories and provide testimonies of their World War II experiences. Each piece elucidates the powerful stories and provides stark images in Holocaust recounting. The graphic novella format provides a vehicle that documents acts of resistance against forgetting, or denying, transforming memory into accessible, emotional narratives. This book invites readers to experience and understand personal accounts with deep empathy.
“A Kind of Resistance” by Miriam Liubiki and David Schaffer
“Thirteen Secrets” by Gilad Seliktar, Nico Kemp, and Rolf Kamp
“But I Live by Barabara Yelin and Emmie Arbel
DREAMERS byAkim Aliu with Greg Anderson Elysee; illus. Karen De la Vega (2023)
This is a powerful story of racism in the sports world. It is especially engrossing (and infuriating) since it recounts the true story of professional athlete Akim Aliu, a Ukranian Nigerian Canadian who experienced systemic racism at every turn. Presented in graphic format, this memoir tells Akim’s courageous story of being the only Black child in his Ukranian community and the determination of his struggling immigrant parents to build a better life for their two sons in Canada. Akim Aliu’s story is one of resilience, bravery and inspiration as the hockey player never stopped dreaming. A riveting read. Note: in 2020 Akim Aliu, along with six other former NHL players announce the formation of the Hockey Diversity Alliance whos mission strives to ‘create sustainable change on all levels of hockey.’
A FIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHING by Dan Santat (2023)
Award-winning Author-illustrator, Dan Satant, has written a number of amusing picture books (e.g., Beckle, After the Fall, Lift). In this memoir, Santat recounts the awkward life of a middle years student as and his friends embark on a class trip to Europe that changed his life. A First Time for Everything is a great coming-of-age memoir about a ‘good kid’ travelling France, Germany, Switzerland and England.
FLAMER by Mike Curato (2020) (YA)
This story takes place in a summer camp for Scoutw. Aiden Navarro, a chubby Filipo boy, is a stand in for the author who dealt with the turmoils of a young adolescent who navigates friendships, bullies, homophobia and infatuation and life in the closet. Much of the book is presented in black and white panels, but bright red, orange and yellow flames often ignite the pages throughout. This book is one of the most banned pieces of children’s literature in the past few years. The homophobic taunts are blunt, Aiden’s sexual thoughts are authentic. No, it should not be ‘banned’ but instead should be given to adolescent boys who question their gay identity and should also be shared with Eagle Scouts to consider inclusiveness of sexual orientation and gender. Navarro’s / Curato’s story will give them strength especially when overwhelmed by a culture of hatred.
Excerpt
“I know I’m not gay. Gay boys like other boys. I HATE boys. They’re mean and scary, and they’re always destroying something or saying something dumb or both. We learned at achool how bad sexuality is. It’s a sin. Gay people do bad things and I’m not a bad person. I try to do good. All the time. So I couldn’t be gay.” (p,. 125)
THE LIBRARIAN OF AUSCHWITZ: the Graphic novel, based on the book by Antonio Iturbe (ages 12+) (2023)
The bestselling novel by Antonio Iturbe tells the story of fourteen-year old Dita who was, along with her mother and father imprisoned in Auschwitz. For Dita, the horrors of the concentration camp were counterbalanced when she was asked to become the librarian of Auschwitz and take charge keep safe, the 8 books that were smuggled past the guards. The books along with real stories told by prisoners educated the children in the camp, even though they discovery of the books in Block 31, the children’s camp would prove to be dangerous, perhaps resulting in execution. Iturbe’s story is based on the true story of Dita Kraus, a Holocaust survivor. This graphic novel adaption synthesized the 400 pages of the original novel by presenting historical facts and powerful narratives. The strong images illustrated by Loreto Aroca along with the narrative captions and dialogue match the power of the original novel in presenting another haunting historical account of the Holocaust. Novel: Spanish author, Antonio Iturbe; adapted by Salva Rubio; translated by Lligt Zekulin Thwaites; illustrated by Loreto Aroca.
MEXIKID by Pedro Martin (2023)
A Mexikid is a kid born in the U.S. to parents from Mexico. There are 11 people in Pedro/Peter Marin’s family and when his Apa/ father announces that the whole family will be driving 2000 miles to Mexico with the purpose of bringing grandfather/ Abuelito to live with them in California. Pedro doesn’t know what adventures await on the long journey in the Winebago, nor is he aware of the history and mystery that will be uncovered about his Abuelito’s escapades during the Mexican-Revolution era. Martin recounts some unforgettable (and often hilarious) stories that include tough border patrol, recorded music (“Shipoopi”), Star Wars action figures, (including the Little Peepee Man), diarrhea, grave-digging, swindling, a bad haircut, Fonzi, fireworks, lots of food, and lots and lots of cousins. Mexikid is jam=packed filled narratives of travelling, culture, heritage and family. This is a great graphic memoir.
NEW KID by Jerry Craft (2019)
In this award-winning graphic story author-illustrator, Jerry Craft recounts his experiences through the character of Jordan Banks who loves nothing more than drawing cartoons about hsi life. More than anything, Jordan wants to go to an art school but his parents sent him to a prestigious private school where the seventh grader is one of the few kids of color in the entire grade. Jordan is forced to navigate his new school culture at the same time as keeping his Washington Heights neighbourhood friends. Craft already won a batch of awards for New Kid (Newbery Medal, Coretta Scott King Award, Kirkus Prize) but Jerry Craft gets an A+ Dr. Larry for this fantastic, engaging semi-autobiographical graphic story about a present-day African American experience.. (sequels: Class Act; School Trip)
PARACHUTE KIDS by Betty C. Tang (2023)
The term “Parachute Kids’ refers to children from Asia who have been ‘dropped off’ with friends or relatives in foreign countries while their parents are left behind. In this graphic novel, Feng-Li and her two older siblings are left on their own in California while their parents return to Taiwan. The three kids not only have to fend for themselves (and get along with each other) but must deal with being in a new school, bullying, learning a new language, earning money and Anti-Asian racism. Parachute Kids is not an actual memoir, but a mixture of fiction, Tang’s family’s first experiences in America and anecdotes of immigrant friends the author met along the way.
SUNSHINE b y Jarrett J. Krosoczka (2023)
Jarrett J. Krosoczka is the author of many popular graphic novel series. His memoir Hey, Kiddo was a National Book Finalist. In this title, the author recounts his teenage experiences as a counsellor at Camp Sunshine to be part of a volunteer program to work with seriously ill kids and theirr families. Even though it was a one week experience, the opportunity was life-changing for Krosocska who learned about the captivity of illness but also the hope and determination that gets people through tough times. The author was assigned to work one on one with wheelchair-bound Diego who, although reluctant to participate in activities . developed a warm relationship with his buddy counsellor. The book recounts camp experiences (boating, crafts, a talent show, boating, fishing, and team-building activities. Each of the individuals that Jarrett J. Krosoczka and his 5 volunteer companions, offer sunshine even though most lived in the shadow of death. The subtitle of this memoir is ‘How Camp Taught me About LIfe, Death and Hope.’ It is an heartfelt story that will help teach readers about Life, Death and Hope. Inspiring with a capital “I”.
TWO TRIBES by Emily Bowen Cohen (2023)
Emily Bowen Cohen is Muscogee (Creek) and Jewish. In this graphic novel, Cohen invents the fictitious character of Mia who, though living a Jewish life, is anxious to find more about her father and secretly sets off to Oklahoma to find out more about her her Muscogee side and to discover what she feels is a missing part of herself. In her short visit with her father and her family, Mia does learn about some Indigenous life including life, food, dancing, crafts as well as the history of American “Indians” (a term used within the community. Mia’s primary and secondary research provide insights into Anti-Indigenous racism (Her rabbi says “Without the Torah and Talmud we would just be running around like a bunch of wild Indians. Mia and Emily Bowen Cohen both come to terms with the love that can come from being part of two tribes. The graphic format offers readers an engaging, informative story about culture and identity.
WELCOME TO ST. HELL: My Trans Teen Adventure by Lewis Hancox (graphic memoir) YA (2023)
In this frank graphic autobiographic, Lewis Hancock tells the story of heartbreaking and often funny, journey as a trans male. We are given a first-hand account of what it means to hate your body and be be confused about what to wear, who to snog and how to convince family and friends about what it means to fight for the truth of your gender identity. This is an honest story, a hopeful one that will bring comfort to many who question who they are and who they need to become. In this book, Lewis has a conversation with his younger self (as Lois) surviving hellish years in high school and college trying to figure out what it means to be ‘normal’. Comic art work is presented in black and white graphic panels. Thank you for sharing your story Lewis.
WHEN STARS ARE SCATTERED by Victoria Jamison & Omar Mohamed (2020)
Omar Modhamed and his brother Hassan grew up in a refugee camp in Kenya. Victoria Jamisona has done a brilliant job to tell Omar’s story and his chance to go to school, even though it means leaving Hassan who needs medical care. A powerful story of family, and home , and hope in the most difficult of settings. Essential reading!
SHOUT OUT TO…
Attention must be paid to two noteworthy graphic authors whose books offer readers insights into friendships, identity and the trials and tribulation of growing up!
SHANNON HALE: REAL FRIENDS, BEST FRIENDS: FRIENDS FOREVER
RAINA TELGEMEER: SMILE; SISTERS; DRAMA; GUTS,;GHOSTS
YA (ages 12+) HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
AMERICAN BORN CHINESE by Gene Luen Yang
ANNE FRANK’S DIARY: THE GRAPHIC ADAPTATION by Ari Folman
DRAGON HOOPS by Gene Luen Yang
GENDER QUEER by Maia Kobabe
SKIM by Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki
It is that time or year when the colourful leaves are spectacular and when publishers release a bundle of spectacular new books, many by favourite children’s authors. This posting lists some recent releases by some of my(our) favourite authors which provided some very happy, very rich October reading. Some of these titles are sure to be on my end of the year list of favourites. Lets’ hear it for… KATHERINE APPLEGATE. PETER BROWN, GENNIFER CHOLDENKO, KATE DiCAMILLO, NIKKI GRIMES, JON KLASSEN, GRACE LIN, JERRY & BRIAN PINKNEY, JASON REYNOLDS, REBECCA STEAD, KELLY YANG.
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Recognition is also given to another rewarding fall tradition… the announcement of the winners of the best in CANADIAN children’s literature, presented by the Canadian Children’s Book Centre on October 23, 2001.
THE BIG BOOK OF DAD JOKES by John D. Moody (Jokes)
OK… John D. Moody may not be considered a favourite children’s author to be included in this posting, but I wanted to include this title because jokes and riddles are quite the favourite genre for many young readers. Can’t get kids in your class to read/ I suggest putting a copy of The Big Book of Dad Jokes (and other similar titles on display and you’ll have students grabbing for the book.. and laughing! Jokes are great for comprehension (kids either get it or they don’t), for vocabulary building and a sure way to have kids read print aloud. Note: I sent a package with a copy of this book to my 10 year old nephew who is a ‘reluctant’ reader and when he phoned me to thank me, he said, “At last a book, that I’m going to read from top to bottom!” (I also included a copy of Jason Reynolds book Miles Morales in the package).
“I don’t like vampire jokes. They suck!”
“I tried to catch some fog, but I mist.”
“I decided to sell our vacuum cleaner. It was gathering dust.”
“Those who believe in telekinesis, raise my hand.”
CHINESE MENU by Grace Lin (Nonfiction, Myths and Legends)
Award- winning author and illustrator, Grace Lin (A Big Mooncake for Little Star, Where The Mountain Meets the Moon, The Ling & Ting Series) has done a delicious job of telling stories behind popular American Chinese dishes we have come to know and love. Over 40 myths and legends that include such characters as squabbling dragons, hungry monks, vain emperors, kind peasants, magical fruit, rovide historical background and folklore connected to Chinese dishes. The book is arranged like a Chinese menu (e.g. Tea, Appetizers, Soup, Side Orders, Chef Specials and Desert) and readers can choose from the menu to learn about familiar offerings such as Dumplings, Wonton Soup, Hot and Sour Soup, Sweet and Sour Pork, General Tso’s Chicken, and Chop Suey and exotic items such as Bird’s Nest Soup, Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, Beggar’s Chicken, Buddhas Delight and White Hair Silver Needle Tea). And of course readers will learn about the background of chopsticks and fortune cookies. I read the book page by page in chronological story and was fascinated by the myths and legends of each item on the menu. Grace Lin also does a terrific job by providing conversation- like introductions to the food items presenting ingredients and personal anecdotes to each item. Thorough research went provide the ingredients for learning not only aboutfo the stories behind the names of American Chinese dishes, the recipes and ingredients of these items but also learn about the culture of Chinese people who lived in Asia or Immigrated to the United States. This book is a ‘feast of stories” and a culinary banquet of information and narrative.
This book is for anyone, young or old who has been to, or had take-away from, an American Chinese restaurant. This is a scrumptious nonfiction treasure. NOTE: Grace Lin provides information about some Chinese dishes by providing ‘One Minute Myths on YouTube (e.g., Peking Duck, Noodles, Rice, Fortune Cookies)
DOGTOWN by Katherine Applegate,and Gennifer Choldenko; illus. Wallace West
Dogtown is a dog shelter where canines large and small, young and old, real or mechanical (!) await their fates with the hopes of getting rescued. Chance (a real three-legged) and Metal Head (a robot dog) and Mouse (a mouse) are the residents of Dogtown, three friends who are eager to help each other out Chance and Metal Head find themselves outside the walls of Dogtown, they embark on a wild adventure with the hopes of finding forever homes. This is a novel filled with adventures (mean babysitters, being trapped in a car trunk, fun in a furniture store, cheese sandwiches, reading buddies, Green Eggs and Ham) and is sure to be enjoyed by dog lovers, adventure-seekers, anthropromorphic admirers, and book fiends written by two terrific authors. At 341 pages, the novel is presented in 131 chapters, each from 1 to 3 pages (occasionally 4). The large font, the inclusion of comical illustrations by Wallace West spread throughout help to make Dogtown an appealing, quick paced doggone great read for middle readers to enjoy. After all, “a dog’s superpower is LOVE.”
THE LOST LIBRARY by Rebecca Stead & Wendy Mass
The authors present the novel by presenting chapters with three different characters; Al (a ghost librarian), Mortimer (an aging orange cat) and Evan (a very likeable boy who experiences the last days of fifth grade before heading off to Middle School. This book should satisfy middle years’ readers who enjoy books with cat characters and / or mystery stories and/ or books about loving books. The book is centred on the mystery of the town library that was burned down. Who was responsible for this disaster and what part do a cat and a ghost and a borrow-a-book library play in what happened that day? I myself didn’t love this somewhat predictable, hard-to get going, novel but, to quote Evan, “I am not upset when others don’t love the books I love. We each have our own book spaces inside us, and they do not match up perfectly, nor should they.” (page 61
THE PUPPETS OF SPELHORST by Kate DiCamillo; illus. Julie Morstad (a fairy tale novella)
Need a great read aloud for your classroom? Look no further! Need a great drama lesson? Look no further (let’s dramatize a story about…). Need a master storyteller to engage, enrich, entertain your students? Look no further. Master storyteller Kate DiCamillo tells the story of five puppets trapped in a trunk: A king with a beard made of human hair, , a wolf with sharp teeth (of course), a boy, with arrows and a bow a girl with a green cloak, an owl with real feather. Turn on the narrative switch in your brain to discover what these puppets have in common. What is the purpose? dream? fate? of each character. Fate takes them to the home of two little girls who have their own story to tell and puppet play to present. In an article recently written in the New Yorker (Sept 18, 2023), the author says that reading aloud is an important process to creating her work. Listening to the words is important to her. Yes, this book is a treasure for gathering students around you, listening, feeling, and wondering to a a grand story. This is the first title in a projected trio by the author. Bring ’em on!
THE SKULL by Jon Klassen (illustrated folktale)
Award-winning author Jon Klassen (I Want My Hat Back, This is Not My Hat, The Rock from The Sky) presents his own version of a traditional folktale. Otilla is a runaway girl (we never really know this background story) and when she comes upon a house in the woods she meets up with a Skull and the two become friends. The Skull warns Otilla about a headless skeleton who is desperate to obtain the Skull. This adventurous tale is blends humour, creepiness and friendship to provide an entertaining retelling (told in five parts), accompanied by Klassen’s masterful, rather monochromatic visual interpretations of text. At 101 pages, this title is not presented in a traditional picture book format. Tbis is a terrific read aloud and as I read it, I thought of The Skull as a terrific resource for igniting lessons for a range of comprehension strategies. Just sayin’. (Note; Attended a terrific talk the author at the Lilian Smith Library which the author aptly titled, “Omission and Connection in Picture Books. Jon Klassen one terrific author!
TOP STORY by Kelly Yang
This is the fifth title in the Front Desk series (Front Desk, Three Keys, Room to Dream, Key Player). With a strong female Chinese protagonist, author Kelly Yang has written top-notch stories about the Asian Experience. Top Story is another top-notch novel. In this story, Mia, her mother and her best friend Lupe travel to San Francisco and learn about life in that city’s Chinatown. Mia is attending a journalism camp and hopes to have one of her stories published in the newspaper. Lupe, under the leadership of Mia’s mom, has entered the math championships. The two friends embark on many adventures that include taking tours of the important San Francisco sites, visiting a fortune cookie factory, acquiring a new pet dog, named Comma, presenting an unforgetable Christmas banquetbut most important learning about the people of Chinatown, their history and Anti-Asian racist events, past and presentt. And oh yes, Mia’s the big question of whether Mia will express her romantic interest with her best friend Jason. These novels can be stand-alone reads, but readers who have come to know and understand Mia Tang’s experiences as an immigrant will likely consider her to be a good friend. Kelly Yang’s books need to be read.
THE WILD ROBOT PROTECTS by Peter Brown
“The poison tide is here!” “The poison tide is here!” When Roz and her friends learn that their perfect island is in danger, they are forced to fight over dwindling resources. When she discovers that new body is impervious to the poison tide, she embarks on a mission across the ocean determined to find the source of the poison tide and put an end to it. Along the way she encounters some incredible creatures and when she learns that the toxic waters is causing devastation in the ocean she is fiercely moves forward until she comes upon the deep-sea mining operation that is creating huge clouds of toxic dust that travels through the ocean.
In the notes from the author, Peter Brown writes “I wanted to show the interconnectedness of life in the water and on land and in the air.” Mission accomplished. “I wanted to show a new cast of characters and how they sturggled in different ways with their changing environments.” Mission accomplished. “I wanted to show Roz methodically solving what seems to be an unsolvable problem.” Mission accomplished.” Above all, I wanted to make readers care deeply about everything that was happening, and to do that the story had to be believable.” In the third book in the trilogy (The Wild Robot Escapes;The Wild Robot Protects; Peter Brown brilliantly introduces us to beloved character The Wild Robot, Roz. She has many fans and readers learn of her quest to protect the world, they are sure to fall more in love with her. This novel is so so so so good. Peter Brown’s writing (short chapter help), and unfussy but staggering art work make this a standout 2023 publication. Bravo!
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SHOUT OUT! TWO SPECTACULAR PICTURE BOOKS
THERE WAS A PARTY FOR LANGSTON: KING OF LETTERS by Jason Reynolds, illus. Jerome Pumphrey & Jarrett Pumphrey
WOW! A new book by Jason Reynolds (his debut picture book). WOW! a book celebrating the brilliance of Langston Hughes, king of letters! WOW!a book celebrating African American writers. WOW A book celebrating Harlem and poetry and words, words words. In a note from the author, Reynolds tells us that the book was Inspired by a photograph of Maya Angelou and Amiri Baraka dancing at a party ‘in honor of word maker of all word makers, Langston Hughes”.
Jason Reynolds sends an invitation to readers to join the hoopla in Harlem, a party where everyone is welcome to “a blowout to celebrate th man who wrote wake-up stories and rise and shine rhythms.” This is a story that invites readers to a ‘fancy-foot, get-down, all out bash.” This is a story that should/must inspire readers to further investigate the work and the brilliance of Langston Hughes.
The cut-out letters and lively figures by the brothers Jerome and Jarrett Pumphrey groove, bebop, and boogie boogie wiggle wild with their boogie woogie wiggling wild dance partner, the brilliant Jason Reynolds.
A WALK IN THE WOODS by Nikki Grimes; illus. Jerry Pinkney & Brian Pinkney
A young black boy is grieving the death of his father. When he discovers an envelop that his dad had left behind he is surprised to find a map of the woods beyond the house, the woodsi whihc he and his father shared outings together. Reluctant to go on a hike alone (“Why would Dad ask me to go without him?’ the boy decides to take the joureny where he encounters the soft song of a Carolina Wren, the anxious brood of grouse, and an ancinet stone water storage house and ultimately discovers a rusted metal box hidden in a lonely brick fireplace. When he finds a key to open the box, he is surprised to find a sheaf of paper wrapped in plastic, each sheet containing portrait of wildlife left in the woods. A poem accompanies each sketch. A final page reads, “I leave you these drawings, these scribbles and mostly, this forest – the true treasure. Finish my stories, or not.”
In notes from the author we learn that Nikki Grimes and Jerry Pinkney had collaborated on this book during the pandemic (one of the first that feature African American characters engaging with nature) during the Pandemic. Jerry Pinkney died on October 20, 2021. He had prepared sketches for the book after his passing, his son, Brian Pinkney embarked on adding watercolour and gouache to the art work which resulted in expressionistic, abstract images of tone, hue and dancing lines. A son completes the scribble artwork of his father. Like, the boy in the story, Brian Pinkney knew he ‘needed the walk in the woods.” This is a stunning picture book production where words and imagery meld, where poetry and nature is celebrated, where love and legacy shine. It serves as a testimony to the artist Jerry Pinkney. Like Jane Yolen’s “Owl Moon’ (1987), A Walk in the Woods serves as heartwarming narrative of child, parent and nature. This is a stellar publication, that needs to be shared in libraries, in homes and in classrooms, admired, perhaps winning awards.
Children’s literature increasingly presents worlds that expose students to how people outside thier experience live and struggle. Multicultural literature not only focuses on matters of race and ethnicity, but also addresses such topics as sexual orientation, ableism, religion and immigration and refugee experiences. In my book, Stop the Hate for Goodness Sake, written with Andrew Campbell, consideration is given to how well fiction and picture book titles address social justice goals, such as belonging, acceptance, and equity and how well they foster a sense of inclusion and confront intolerance and hate.
The titles outlined listed below are some recent books, (some with 2023 publication date) that I’ve encountered and would augment the recommended titles that appear in Stop the Hate.
BLACK BROTHER, BLACK BROTHER by Jewell Parker Rhodes (2020) (ANTI-BLACK RACISM)
Dante is the only visible Black student at his private school, also attended by his light-skinner brother. Early in the novel decides is accused of something he didn’t do and gets suspended and arrested. Dante is framed and bullied by the captain of the fencing team and decides that he is going to take action and fight the injustice and begins training as a competitive fencer in order to take down the team captain. By doing so, Dante is determined to speak against the discrimination he faced at Middlefield Prep. Jewell Parker Rhodes, author of Ghost Boys, not only presents detailed and exciting information about the sport of fencing, but preents a sympathetic story about students of colour who are often unfairly suspended, arested by police and frequently charged with crimes.
Excerpt: Sitting, I stare at the black specks on the white linoleum . A metaphor? That’s what they’re teaching me in Englsih. Metaphor. Except I won’t believe I’m just a black spek. I’m bigger, more than that. Though sometimes I fell like I’m swimming in whiteness” (pages 3-4)
BUT I LIVE (ed. Charlotte Schallie) (2022) (ANTISEMITISM/ THE HOLOCAUST)
This is a collection of three Stories of Child Survivors of the Holocaust. Through interviews the four child survivors share their memories and provide testimonies of their World War II experiences. Each piece elucidates the powerful stories and provides stark images in Holocaust recounting. The graphic novella format provides a vehicle that documents acts of resistance against forgetting, or denying, transforming memory into accessible, emotional narratives. This book invites readers to experience and understand personal accounts with deep empathy.
“A Kind of Resistance” by Miriam Liubiki and David Schaffer
“Thirteen Secrets” by Gilad Seliktar, Nico Kemp, and Rolf Kamp
“But I Live by Barabara Yelin and Emmie Arbel
DREAMERS byAkim Aliu with Greg Anderson Elysee; illus. Karen De la Vega: A Graphic Novel Memoir (2023) (ANTI-BLACK RACISM)
This is a powerful story of racism in the sports world. It is especially engrossing (and infuriating) since it recounts the true story of professional athlete Akim Aliu, a Ukranian Nigerian Canadian who experienced systemic racism at every turn. Presented in graphic format, this memoir tells Akim’s courageous story of being the only Black child in his Ukranian community and the determination of his struggling immigrant parents to build a better life for their two sons in Canada. Akim Aliu’s story is one of resilience, bravery and inspiration as the hockey player never stopped dreaming. A riveting read. Note: in 2020 Akim Aliu, along with six other former NHL players announce the formation of the Hockey Diversity Alliance whos mission strives to ‘create sustainable change on all levels of hockey.’
HOW TO BE A GOLDFISH by Jane Baird Warren (2022) (HOMOPHOBIA)
This book, told in chapters that alternate the voices of the two main characters, is set in both small town Ontario and Toronto. Lizzie is assigned a class family tree project and the only people in her life are her unmarried mother and her grandmother. David learns that his mother is about to re-marry. When his grandfather dies and leaves a will that involves a farm in Scotch Gully, David thinks there’s a chance he can escape city and the school bullies who torment him. Most of all he hopes that his mother leaves her horrible new fiancee. (He really is horrible, a liar, a schemer and a bully). This is a story about learning about the past, uncovering secrets and finding a way to move forward – especially wih the help of a good friend. Warren is a fine storyteller and this is a brisk read, where readers care about the characters. The topic of homosexuality and unfolds tenderly in the later half of the book.
Shout out! LINKED by Gordon Korman (2021) (ANTISEMITISM)
I think this title needs to be shared with any classroom, grades 6 to 8. I am repeating an earlier posting of this novel, but the book is now in paperback. Hooray!!!
Chapter one of this book opens with the startling news that a swastika has been painted on the walls of a small town middle school. Who would do such a hateful thing? How will the tolerance programs help students understand that “THERE IS NO PLACE FOR HATE.” The chapters in Linked tell the story through the different viewpoints of a number of grade 7 students who are trying to figure out what is happening in their community when more and more swastikas appear. One character, Lincoln Rowley (Link) is determined to help his classmates get to the truth of what is happening and to past crimes of white supremacy . Learning about his Jewish past and planning to have his bar mitzvah makes Link a sympathetic character. The title of the book not only refers to Link but to a dedicated project to create a paper chain of 6 million links to represent the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust. Korman writes that the book was inspired by the famous 1998 Paper Clips Project from Whitewell Middle School in Whitwell Tennessee. Will the culprit(s) get caught? What will their punishment? Will the community work together to complete what seems a mammoth task? Where will the school get supplies and find space to display the chain? Will Link learn enough to have a proper Bar Mitzvah? How will news spread beyond the community? How will the appearance of a popular vlogger help to solve the problem? How do we conquer hate? Will a mission to find dinosaur bones be successful? Mr. Korman tells an important story about heritage, defamation, and respect. Mr. Korman you write great books!.
OBIE IS MAN ENOUGH by Schuyler Bailar (2021) (TRANSPHOBIA)
Obadiah / Obie, a Korean American middle school teenager has come to positively accept his transition (as does his family members). It is at school and in his swimming competitions that he us up against bullies who torment him for being transgender. He is passionate about doing his very best in a sport that that he is dedicated to even though he encounters a coach and former friends who taunt him for being true to himself. Although there are many people in Obie’s life (his first crush, his brother, his grandparents, a supportive teacher, ), he is up against some unsympathetic, transphobic people who make Obie’s life hell. Throughout the novel, Obie remains true to himself and knows that it is important live by his teacher’s advice to ‘stand tall and confident’ at all times.
Champion swimmer, Schuyler Bailar was the first transgender athlete to compet in any sport on an NCAA Division 1 Men’s Team. This novel, was written for “all kids who don’t know where or how to find themselves, either trans or not. It is scary to learn that books about LGBTQ2 identity are being removed from bookshelves in some states. Obie is Man Enough is a story of support, loving, and affirmation and is essential reading for transgender and cisgender (non transgender) readers offering understanding and acceptance that how we look upon people ‘should never depend on how we look or what pronouns we use”. (p. 328). Schuyler Bailar you are hero! (and so is Obadiah!)
ONE MORE MOUNTAIN by Deborah Ellis (2022) (AFGHANISTAN, 2021)
This is the fifth book in The Breadwinner Series (The Breadwinner, Parvana’s Journehy, Mud City, My Name is Parvana). We first met Parvana at eleven years of age in Kabul Afghanistan when we learn she is forbidden to earn money as a girl and disguies her self as a boy to become the breadwinner when her father is arrested This new title takes place in Afghanistan, and the year is 2021, and Parvana is now in her 30’s, a wife, and mother. Her sister, Maryam, a celebrated singer, and Rafi, her son, a talented dance are about to set off to the United States but the Taliban have taken over the airport and when a devastating explosion hits, their plans go awry. Parvana’s hard-fought battles for family, school, and country are challenged and put to the test (“I’ve spent my whole life dancing on the edge of a knife, trying to keep people safe.” (page 96). This is a powerful story of survival and resilience , reintroducing characters we have med in the book series who are part of an Afghan civilian community under Taliban threat. Deborah Ellis gets inside the world of violence and bombs, of justice and women’s equity. Parvana is a brave, strong, children’s literature heroine extraordinaire fighting for justice at all costs. Deborah Ellis is a giant Canadian author and activist and is deserved of any awards and accolades that come her way. All royalties from One More Mountain will be donatd to Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan.
Author’s note (page 189)
“We have seen Parvana grown from a child trying to feed her family, into a woman made of iron, like so many Afghan women, firece in their determination to protect, to build and to create.”
TOP STORY by Kelly Yang (2023) (ANTI-ASIAN RACISM)
This is the fifth title in the Front Desk series (Front Desk, Three Keys, Room to Dream, Key Player). With a strong female Chinese protagonist, author Kelly Yang has written top-notch stories about the Asian Experience. Top Story is another top-notch novel. In this story, Mia, her mother and her best friend Lupe travel to San Francisco and learn about life in that city’s Chinatown. Mia is attending a journalism camp and hopes to have one of her stories published in the newspaper. Lupe, under the leadership of Mia’s mom, has entered the math championships. The two friends embark on many adventures that include taking tours of the important San Francisco sites, visiting a fortune cookie factory, acquiring a new pet dog, named Comma, presenting an unforgetable Christmas banquetbut most important learning about the people of Chinatown, their history and Anti-Asian racist events, past and presentt. And oh yes, Mia’s the big question of whether Mia will express her romantic interest with her best friend Jason. These novels can be stand-alone reads, but readers who have come to know and understand Mia Tang’s experiences as an immigrant will likely consider her to be a good friend. Kelly Yang’s books need to be read.
TWO TRIBES by Emily Bowen Cohen (2023) (ANTI-INDIGENOUS RACISM)
Emily Bowen Cohen is Muscogee (Creek) and Jewish. In this graphic novel, Cohen invents the fictitious character of Mia who, though living a Jewish life, is anxious to find more about her father and secretly sets off to Oklahoma to find out more about her her Muscogee side and to discover what she feels is a missing part of herself. In her short visit with her father and her family, Mia does learn about some Indigenous life including life, food, dancing, crafts as well as the history of American “Indians” (a term used within the community. Mia’s primary and secondary research provide insights into Anti-Indigenous racism (Her rabbi says “Without the Torah and Talmud we would just be running around like a bunch of wild Indians. Mia and Emily Bowen Cohen both come to terms with the love that can come from being part of two tribes. The graphic format offers readers an engaging, informative story about culture and identity.
WEIRD RULES TO FOLLOW by Kim Spencer (2022) (ANTI-INDIGENOUS RACISM)
in this debut novel, Kim Spencer tells the story of an important friendship set in the 1990’s in Prince Rupert BC. Mia lives in a run-down house full of relatives including her binge-drinking mother, her churchgoing grandmother, and a number of aunts uncles and cousins who come and go. Her best friend, Lara, who is Mexican Hungarian, lives in a big house and enjoying many comforts. The book is presented in short chapters as a series of anecdotal events. The book is based on the author’s personal experiences of growing up in a coastal fishing town (note: the terms Native, Native Indian and Indian are used since it was the language used at the time.) It is one of the best recent fictional publications that explores the identity and culture, family and friends, of an Indigenous middle age girl. Highly recommended.
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SHOUT OUT: THREE PICTURE BOOKS
AN AMERICAN STORY by Kwame Alexander; art by Dare Coulter (ANTI+BLACK RACISM)
This is a picture book about slavery unlike any other written before. In 32 pages Kwame Alexander, a Newbery Medal-winning author, presents a narrative of the history of slavery in America told in staggering verse. Most pages have text that is less than 20 words. It is. a sory of struggle, strength, horror, hope and survival. Added to the brilliance of this book, are pages (yellow background) where a teacher questions her ability to tell the story to her students (“I don’t think I can continue./ It’s just too painful. I shouldn’t have read this to you/ I’m sorry children.”). The children’s voices spur the teacher on to speak the truth, even when it’s hard. Yes, this is an American story of slavery. It is a story of the past and of now that gives honour to Black Lives Matter. Astonishing!
The powerful illustrations by artist Dare Coulter that appear throughout the book are mixed media created with a combination of spray paint, acrylic paint, charcoal, graphite, ink and digital painting on wood panels, watercolour and Adobe Photoshop. The sculptures are both ceramic and polymer. I doubt there will be a picture book this year with dynamic and dramatic images that appear in this book. Hello Caldecott committee 2024!
How do you tell a story that starts in Africa and ends in horror?
… a story of struggle about bold men and women jumping into the sea?
.How do you tell a story about strenght and pride and refusing to be broken?
IMAGINE A GARDEN by Rina Singh; illus. Hoda Hadadi
A tribute to everyday heroes who calm fears and foster hopes
This book is a collection of 7 stories (vignettes) of courage and changing the world. Each concise story is presented over two pages in free-verse style. Each story is based on a real life stories from across the globe (e.g., Rio di Janero, India, South Africa, Greece and Northern Ontario). The narratives of ordinary people doing extraordinary things (e.g., a mother plants gardens in the canistars of spent grenades; the children of migrant workers gather under a bridge to get an education; an artist dismantles illegal weapons to transform them into musical instruments; a ballet teacher encourages her students to dance in spite of the sounds of shooting guns). show a troubled world through the lens of love, courage, and compassion . The cut-paper art work is spectacular. I would love to have any one of these images hanging on my walls. Background information about each of the stories is provided as notes at the end of the book. This book was given as a gift from a friend. Imagine a Garden is a gift for any readers who encounter the poignant stories and exquisite art work I’ll cherish this book and hope it gets awards it deserves.
Author’s note: “Our world is not always an easy place to live in. There is war, poverty, and violence in many parts of our planet. The news mostly puts a spotlight on what is wrong with our world. But there is a lot that is right too. There are people who get out of bed every morning and spend their days thinking of others and making things better for their communities
EVERYONE IS WELCOME by Phuong Truong; illus. Christine Wein (2023) (ANTI-ASIAN RACISM)
I strongly believe that children’s literature can offer students significant insights into hate and discrimination. Everyone is Welcome is a story of an 8 year old girl (almost 9) who learns stories about her mother who was taunted with anti-asian racial slurs (“Ching chong”) when she was younger and a friend of her grandmother’s, Mrs. Lee, who was under attack and pushed onto the road. The girl’s brother has joined the Asian Student Association designed to bring Asians together but also have a goal to help accompany other who feel cared to walk to school. Finally, one of the girl’s friends tells her that he is forbidden to play with her any more since everything that’s happened in the world is the fault of Asians. This is an honest and brave story of Anti-Asian racism. Kudos to author Phuong Truong for a rich story that is centred on community, compassion and caring. This is a absolutely a worthy contribution to titles that invite readers to think about inclusion, where everyone is welcome. Note: Christine Wei’s colourful illustrations not only compliment the verbal text but present a window and mirror into Asian culture.
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NOTEWORTHY: GRAPHIC MEMOIRS
FLAMER by Mike Curato (Homophobia)
NEW KID by Jerry Craft (sequles, Class Act; School Kid) (Anti-Black Racism)
PARACHUTE KIDS by Betty C. Tang (Anti-Asian Racism)
TWO TRIBES byEmily Bowen Cohen (Anti-Indigenous Racism)
WELCOME TO ST. HELL: My Trans Teen Adventure by Lewis Hancox (Transphobia)
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The following is one of the lists of recommended titles appears in the book Stop The Hate for Goodness Sake by Andrew Campbell and Larry Swartz
FICTION
Anti-Black Racism
Clean Getaway by Nic Stone
Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas (prequel: Concrete Rose YA)
Look Both Ways: a tale told in 10 blocks by Jason Reynolds
New Kid by Jerry Kraft (graphic text) (sequels: Class Act; School Trip) Troublemaker by John Cho
Anti-Asian Racism
Finally Seen by Kelly Yang (also. New From Here)
The Front Desk (series) by Kelly Yang
Maizy Chen’s Last Chance by Lisa Yee
The Many Meanings of Meilan by Andrea Wang New From Here by Kelly Yang
A Place to Belong by Cynthia Kadohata
Prairie Lotus by Linda Sue Park
When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller
Anti-Indigenous Racism
The Barren Grounds by David A. Robertson (The Misewa Saga) (also The Great Bear; The Stone Ground)
The Case of the Missing Auntie by Michael Hutchinson
Borders by Thomas King; illus. Natasha Donovan (graphic text)
Fatty Legs: A True Story by Christy Jordan-Fenton & Margaret-Olemaun Pokiak Fenton; illus. Liz Ami i-Holmes (biography) (sequel: A Stranger at Home)
Red Wolf by Jennifer Dance
The Secret Path by Gord Downie; illus. Jeff Lemire (graphic novel)
Antisemitism
The Good Fight by Ted Staunton; illus. Josh Rosen (graphic novel)
The Good War by Todd Strasser (YA)
How To Find What You’re Not Not Looking For by Veera Gurababdabu
Linked by Gordon Korman
Under the Iron Bridge by Kathy Kacer (also Broken Strings with Eric Walters)
What We’re Scared Of by Keren David
Homophobia
Answers in the Pages by David Levithan
A High Five for Glenn Bure by Phil Bildner
Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender (also King of the Dragonflies)
On the Line by Paul Coccia and Eric Walters
The Pants Project by Cat Clarke
Rick by Alex Gino (also Melissa: Alice Austen Lived Here)
Islamophobia
Count Me In by Varsha Bajaj
Everything Sad is Untrue (a true story) by Daniel Nayer (YA)
Flying Over Water by Shannon Hitchcock and N.H. Senzai Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga
Wishtree by Katherine Applegate
Yusuf Azeem is Not a Hero by Saadua Faruqi
STOP THE HATE FOR GOODNESS SAKE by Andrew B. Campbell and Larry Swartz (professinal resource)
In recent years, I’m particularly drawn to titles that address multicultural issues and inclusion. My book TEACHING TOUGH TOPICS has helped to frame the work I do with children’s literature in recent years. I so believe it’s important to introduce literature that helps address DiVERSITY, EQUITY and SOCIAL JUSTICE. The books listed ) in this posting provide some new resources of great books to teach tough topics. Most of these have been publisbhed in 2022/2023. I have included a chapter title from TTT for each of these ten recommended books.
> Race and Diverse Cultures (chapter 1)
DREAMERS byAkim Aliu with Greg Anderson Elysee; illus. Karen De la Vega: A Graphic Novel Memoir (2023)
This is a powerful story of racism in the sports world. It is especially engrossing (and infuriating) since it recounts the true story of professional athlete Akim Aliu, a Ukranian Nigerian Canadian who experienced systemic racism at every turn. Presented in graphic format, this memoir tells Akim’s courageous story of being the only Black child in his Ukranian community and the determination of his struggling immigrant parents to build a better life for their two sons in Canada. Akim Aliu’s story is one of resilience, bravery and inspiration as the hockey player never stopped dreaming. A riveting read. Note: in 2020 Akim Aliu, along with six other former NHL players announce thefromation of the Hockey Diversity Alliance whos mission strives to ‘create sustainable change on all levels of hockey.’
> The Immigrant and Refugee Experience (chapter 2)
WHEN CLOUDS TOUCH US by Thanhha Lai
After a dozen years, award-winning author, Thanbhha Lai preents a sequel to her beautiful story Inside Out and Back Again. Ha is a refugee from Vietnam and settles into a place of belonging in Alabama. One day her Mother announces that the family is moving to Texas and the young girl feels that she is starting all over again to find comfort at home and school. Her mother believes strongly that the sacrifices they nmake today will lead to an easier better future. The free verse format always appeals to me. This book however was somewhat disappointing. The poetry is beautiful but the narrative is somewhat elliptical and confusing and young adolescent readers might not easily grasp the somewhat stilted thoughts of the main character who likes to think in Vietnamese (based on the author’s own childhood experiences. In the author’s note, Lai writes: “I want to feel how words float through her mind.,,, because Vietamese still swirls inside Ha’s mind two years later (from the original book.?
>Indigenous Identities (chapter 3)
REZ DOGS by Joseph Bruchac (2021)
When the Covid strikes, Malian is forced to live with her grandparents on a Wabanaski reservation where granddaughter and grandparents protect each other. Like many young people forced to stay inside during the coronavirus pandemic, Malian fights boredom. It is generational and cultural stories of Indigenous nations and communities that engage the girl and connect her to family and to her Penacook heritage. Bruchac interweaves past and present stories and cleverly presents a loyal dog character named Malsum (which means ‘wolf’ who is sure to endear many readers. When I ordered this book, I didn’t realize it was in free verse, a format I’m very fond of. This is a terrific book, one of the best of recently published fictional titles that highlights the Indigenous culture and family experience. Author of over 150 books for adults and children, Joseph Bruchac is a great storyteller. I give Rez Dogs a four star out of four star rating. Highly recommended.
> The Holocaust (chapter 4)
BUT I LIVE (ed. Charlotte Schallie):(2022), Graphic memoir
This is a collection of three Stories of Child Survivors of the Holocaust. Through interviews the four child survivors share their memories and provide testimonies of their World War II experiences. Each piece elucidates the powerful stories and provides stark images in Holocaust recounting. The graphic novella format provides a vehicle that documents acts of resistance against forgetting, or denying, transforming memory into accessible, emotional narratives. This book invites readers to experience and understand personal accounts with deep empathy.
“A Kind of Resistance” by Miriam Liubiki and David Schaffer
“Thirteen Secrets” by Gilad Seliktar, Nico Kemp, and Rolf Kamp
“But I Live by Barabara Yelin and Emmie Arbel
Mental Challenges (chspter 5)
THANKS A LOT UNIVERSE, by Chad Lucas
Brian suffers from social anxiety which he secretly calls Super Awkward Weirdo Syndrome (SAWS for short). Early in the novel, we learn that his father is in trouble with the law and has left the family and his mother is hospitalized after overdosing on pills. When Brian and his brother are forced to live with a foster family, Brian’s mental health is further impacted which results in a plot to runaway. All Brian wants is to have things be normal again. We are introduced to another character named Ezra who proves to be a good friend to Brian, in fact we learn that he has a strong crush on Brian. The novel is written with chapters alternating the stories of these two basketball-loving, risk-taking, troubled grade 7 tweens. Chad Lucas presents an intruging cast of characters that includes a feisty younger brother, two elderly foster parents, a helpful policeman, a concerned social worker, a caring teacher, an empathetic high school student and yes, a school bully,
> Poverty (chapter 6)
CRENSHAW by Katherine Applegate (2015)
I am a Katherine Applegate fan and when this recently book fell off my bookshelf, I decided to re-read this compelling novel of a family that has fallen on hard times. Jackson is an endearing character who knows that it is a struggle for his family to pay rent, to acquire food and to survive from day to day, even when being forced to live in their minivan. Applegate cleverly introduces the character of Crenshaw, a large black and white cat, an imaginary cat who supports Jackson as troubles unfold. Applegate cleverly convinces readers and Jackson that Crenshaw is real. An admirable, compassionate, honest story, one of the best novels for middle age readers about the working poor. I’m sure I will revisit this book again.
> Death Loss and Remembrance (chapter 7)
MIXED UP by Gordon Korman (2023)
Reef Moody lost his mother to Covid and is now living with his mother’s best friend. Like any young person would, he struggles to cope with grief and tries to remember the good times the two spent together. Theo Metzinger lives on the other side of town and enjoys gardening but does not enjoy living up to his father’s expections. The novel is presented in alternating chapters between Reef and Moody. Here’s the thing – hang on to your hat – the two boys are trapped in the world of each other’s memories. The memories are real, but they just don’t belong to the ‘right person’. Gordon Korman is oh-so-clever at giving readers plots that only can be explained in the world of fiction. As the novel unfolds the two boys try to rationalize the phenomenon (it had something to do on the day they were both born). We can rely on Korman to set the characters off on wild adventures and to return to sanity, the two boys plot get things back to normal. This involves a rubber tire, a building cupola and targeting the right moment that lightning strikes (sort of channelling a Back to the Future storyline. Alone the way we meet a cast of characters: a bully, a teenage delinquent, a popular girl that everyone loves, a high-heeled lady principal, a retired nurse and a gareden-eating rabbit named Jaws. In a way, this is a story about death, loss and remembrance (or lack of remembrance). This is another funny, nutty, preposterous, poignant, relatable, believable/unbelievable, remarkable story from the unbelievable, remarkable, Gordon Korman.
> Gender Identity and Homophobia (chapter 8)
DIFFERENT FOR BOYS by Patrick Ness; illus. Tea Bendix (ages 12+) (2023)
Patrick Ness is the author of a knockout novel entitled A Monster Calls and seeing his name on a book jacket appeals to me. The title of this book for Young Adolescents invited me to pick up this book about friendship, masculinity and sex, different for boys like Anthony Stevenson who has lots of questions about his sexual identity and the boys he keeps company with. This is an honest powerful story of loneliness and intimacy.7 pages) Two features that make this short novel (97 pages) is 1. redacted, black-0ut prose (avoiding swear words) and 2) captivating black and white drawings by Tea Blendix that enhance the mood and emotions of the characters. I highly recommend this title to support boys – and girls, and others – questioning their sexual identities and longings, loyalties and betrayals and the quest to find a place of comfort and satisfied heart when feeling ‘different’.
> Bullying (chapter 9)
Many many recent publications of realistic fiction include one or more characters who are bullies. Some of the titles in this posting include:
DIFFERENT FOR BOYS by Patrick Ness – homophobic bullying
DREAMERS byAkim Aliu – racist slurs in hockey leagues
MIXED UP by Gordon Korman – boy torments his foster brother
THANKS A LOT UNIVERSE by Chad Lucas – “Bullies are sharks, kiddo. You act all quiet and fragile, they smell it on you,” (p. 79)
> Ripples of Kindness (Chapter 10)
THE MOON IS A BALL by Ed Franck; illus. The Tjong-Khing, translated from the Dutch by David Colmer
These nine stories of two endearing characters, Panda & Squirrel provide young readers with insights into the joys of friendship. Panda & Squirrel stand on the shoulders of Arnold Lobel’s beloved Frog and Toad. What a great friendship those four would make! Each story in The Moon is a Ball invites readers to think about interdependence (‘I’m never bored when I’m with you’), curiosity (‘I’d like to know where the sun goes to sleep’) play (‘We’ve been thinking together for ages. That’s a fun game, isn’t it?), adventure (‘You just put one paw in front of the other. Then you put the other paw in front of the first one, and so on.’), and loyalty (‘Will you come and sleep in my den, Squirrel? Nice and warm together). This is a great story collection to read aloud to young people For readers ages 8 to 11, reading these stories independently, should inspire thoughts the bonds of friendship and spreading ripples of kindness.
SHOUT OUT: FICTION
CLIMATE CHANGE: Another Tough Topic
MISSING MIKE by Shari Green (free verse novel) (2018)
Mike is an eleven-year old rescue mutt, missing an eye. When Cara and her family are forced to evacuate thier home which is in the path of a wildfire, Mike runs off, and the family is forced to leave him behind. A devastating story of families who are forced to flee as they enounter the nighmare of burning debris. Besides reconnecting wth her loving dog, Mike, how does Cara and her family face up to loss caused by fire disasters. Will they reconnect with their home and with their loving dog, Mike. Though written in 2018, this book is a WOW! – NOW! – story.
TWO DEGREES by Alan Gratz (fiction, ages 10-14) (2022)
Author, Alan Gratz has done it again. He’s written another thrilling adventure story – make that THREE amazing stories – in this novel about characters entrapped in three climate disasters. The book is divided into six parts, plus epilogue. Each part presents a narrative about different characters. This alternating has worked successfully for Gratz before (Refugee; Ground Zero) and in this novel, the author presents grab-your-throat adventures that moves the readers along (I suppose, one could choose to focus on one story at a time). Akira is caught in the wildfires of California; Own and George are threatened by hungry polar bears in Churchill, Manitoba and Natalie is dragged into a massive hurricane which comes crashing through Miami. Each of these characters are swept in the devastating effect of climate change and it is more than their stories of survival that connects them. This is a powerful important novel of our times, helping readers thing about the urgency of the climate crisis and what individuals can do to make a difference. This book, like other Gratz titles, will be widely read. This book should be read. Fasten your seat belts, this is an amazing work of fiction. Amazing!
WE THE SEA TURTLES: A collection of Island Stories by Michelle Kadarusman (2023)
Michelle Kadarusaman has written some important novels that showcase her knowledge and remarkable talent for writing about the natural world (e.g., The Theory of Hummingbirds; Music for Tigers; Berani). This anthology explores relevant themes like eco-anxiety, natural disaster, and the change people are forced to make when they are uprooted. Kadarusman expertly presents scientific information guided by the sincere environmental concerns that many young people reflect upon. The author takes readers around the world (e.g.,Georgian Bay, Canada; Manhattan, NY; New South Wales, Australia; Komodo Island Indonesia) and describes ‘hot off the press’ narratives of such global issues as flood, fires, pollution and extinction. This is a wonderful blend of fiction and nonfiction writing. This is an ideal read-aloud source for grade 4 to 6 classrooms. Great stories is how geography and science should be taught. In the story, Lost on Komodo one character says “Humans need stories to make sense of life.” (p. 62) Today’s readers need stories like the one’s that are featured in We the Sea Turtles and to think hard about Michelle’s message to readers: “we live in a beautiful world and together we can take good care of it.” (author interview, p. 201) Hooray for sea turtles! Hooray for Michelle Kadarusman! Hooray to Pajama Press for this stellar short story collection. I loved it.
Description by the publisher
“In a collection of nine short stories, children on islands around the world make connections to nature while facing life-changing events. Each child experiences a significant emotional turning point at the same time they encounter a turtle – real or imagined. A prologue tells of a sea turtle that was tracked making an extraordinarily long journey, while an epilogue is written from the turtle’s point of view. Back matter shares information about sea turtles and snapping turtles.”
This posting highlights 15 picture book, diverse in theme and topics.
Most have been published in 2023
DEAR STREET by Lindsay Zier-Vogel; illus Caroline Bonne-Miller
Alice loves the street she lives on but not everyone in the neighbourhood is happy with the construction, the crowds, the falling leaves, and the snow piles. Although neighbours ‘grumble, grumble, grumble’. Alice choose to write secret “Dear Street…” love notes which she hides for others to find. This is a terrific picture book that celebrates community (and the passing seasons), and shines a bright light on gratitude. The story inspires a response activity where students can write their own letters, hide them and hide it for someone to find and help spread the love about the place where they live.
THE ENDGAME: The Secret Force of 136 by Catherine Little; illus. Sean Huang
I was very pleased to receive an advanced reading copy of this fine example of Historical Fiction. The synopsis of this title reads as follows: Alex’s imagination takes him to medieval Chinese battlefields as he learns to play Xiangqi (Chinese chess) with his great-grandfather, Tai Gong. In the months that they spend over the chessboard, Alex comes to understand the important strategies that guided Tai Gong and his decisions as he navigated life as a Chinese Canadian in an anti-Asian era in Canada. In the process, Alex learns about the mysterious Force 136 and the sacrifices its members made to show their loyalty to a country that had utterly disregarded them.
While fictional, The Endgame is based on the true story of a little-known group of Chinese men who fought for Canada during WW2 – a time when they weren’t even allowed to be citizens and the Chinese Exclusion Act, preventing people of Chinese ancestry to enter Canada, was still in effect. This title is due to be released in the fall of 2023. Highly recommended.
FINNA LIT by Sean Lewis
Dell wants to start his own business one day. The idea of being an entrepreneur excites him. But first, he must learn the basic rules of financial literacy. Using his day-to-day experiences with his family, he tries to explain to his friend Link what he knows about being financially literate. His journey takes him on a series of unique events. This publication helps teachers to unpack the topics of Financial Literacy (Finna Lit); budgeting and entrepreneurship. Hats off to Sean Lewis for this publication. (Sean was a candidate in my Children’s Literature course and this title is a good example of how good books can be used across the curriculum.
JAO BY A THREAD by Roger Mello; translated by Daniel Hahn
A compact book by award-winning Brazilian illustrator Roger Mello with exquisite art work with finely detailed lace-like images presented on full-page spreads a limited palette of black, white and red. The opening sentence reads: “Before he falls asleep, the boy pulls up his blanket: “So it’s just me now,” the thinks, “Alone with myself?” This is a story of a nighttime journey inspired by the thread of a blanket leading to midnight kisses, a lullaby, a mountain range, a fishing net, a giant and dreams. This is beautiful picture book creation, that inspires wondering – and repeated reading.
IF YOU SEE A BLUEBIRD by Bahram Rahman, Gabrielle Grimard
Ali and his family are safe in their new home, but the young boy has strong wishes to go back to Afghanastan. Although his story has Ali recalling nightime flight, a crowded bus and a flight to immigration, Ali has fond memories of the home he once knew of. When Nana spot a bluebird, she suggests that Ali make a wish and though he wishes to return ‘home’ Ali realizes that a home is a place of where families live and love together. This is another great title from Pajama Press by award winning author of The Library Bus and A Sky-Blue Bench. Inspiring!
MNOOMIN MAAN’GOWING: THE GIFT OF MNOOMIN by Brittany Luby; illus. Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley; Translated by Mary Ann Corbiere.
In the notes written in the afterward we learn that many Anishinabeg agree that ‘wild rice’ is the accurate term for ‘mnoomin’ and that the Anishinabeg might translate the word as ‘spirit berry’. Mnoomin provides shelter to young creatures like fish and ducklings which in turn, feed other creatures like herons and humans. The story is centred on a young girl’s imaginings that a animals and the environment all had a part to play in bringing the seed into being. The Gift of Mnoomin is presented as a dual language text (Anishinaabemowin and English) accompnaied by vivid images of animals (Pike, Muskrat, Eagle, and Moose as well as Indigenous men and women. This title is another treasure from the picture book creators of This is How I Know (Mil maanda ezhi-gkendmaanh).
THE MOON IS A BALL by Ed Franck; illus. The Tjong-Khing, translated from the Dutch by David Colmer
These nine stories of two endearing characters, Panda & Squirrel provide young readers with insights into the joys of friendship. Panda & Squirrel stand on the shoulders of Arnold Lobel’s beloved Frog and Toad. What a great friendship those four would make! Each story in The Moon is a Ball is ideal for reading aloud inviting young readers to think about interdependence (‘I’m never bored when I’m with you’), curiosity (‘I’d like to know where the sun goes to sleep’) play (‘We’ve been thinking together for ages. That’s a fun game, isn’t it?), adventure (‘You just put one paw in front of the other. Then you put the other paw in front of the first one, and so on.’), and loyalty (‘Will you come and sleep in my den, Squirrel. Nice and warm together). High praise for this warm, witty, collection about the bonds of two friends who cant live without each other.
MY MOTHER WAS NANNY by Laura James
The narrator of this story pays tribute to her mother who was a nanny. Mummy was also a , a baker, a maker, a teacher, and a cleaner, a sister and a friend to many. The young girl fondly remembers outings to the Caribbean greengrocer and her mother’s workplaces as well as the conversations. We learn that the book is Laura James’s homage to her childhood in Brooklyn and her admiration of her mummy’s busy busy life in the community -and especially the cherished time she spent with her daughters. A wonderful story of family.
ROBOT, UNICORN, QUEEN: Poems for you and me by Shannon Bramer; illus. Irene Luxbacher (poetry)
Poetry collections by Canadian poets have been hard to come by in recent years. Hooray for Groundwood Press for publishing Shannon Bramer’s, (author of Climbing Shadows) newest anthology with poems that are drawn from the imagination, playfulness and observations of childhood. Such topics as practicing piano, sandwiches, sprinklers, swimming, a robot and even lice (yes. a Lice Hotel on my head) will remind many readers of events from their own lives. Hats off to Irene Luxbacher’s colourful ‘poetic’ illustrations presented in magic realism style.
I’m sewing a speckled starling
in a tree. this is my new
embroidery.
SEE IT, DREAM IT, DO IT by Colleen Nelson & Kathie MacIsaac; illus. Scott Ritchie (nonfiction)
The authors provide information about how 25 people found their dream jobs. Each person is given a full-page spread, describing their job, outlining ‘spin-off’ jobs and pro tips. Some examples include Jeannette Menzies (Ambassador of Canada to Iceland): Lenna Charlie (Heavy equipment technician; Tiago Catarino (youTube Content Creator and Yue Shi (Ballet dancer). Noteworthy is consideration given to people from diverse cultures and diverse genders do dreamsoning all sorts of jobs, helping readers to consider cool career paths and give some consideration of their own dream jobs. This is an informative and engaging nonfiction compilation.
THE SKULL by Jon Klassen (illustrated folktale)
Award-winning author Jon Klassen (I Want My Hat Back, This is Not My Hat, The Rock from The Sky) presents his own version of a traditional folktale. Otilla is a runaway girl (we never really know this background story) and when she comes upon a house in the woods she meets up with a Skull and the two become friends. The Skull warns Otilla about a headless skeleton who is desperate to obtain the Skull. This adventurous tale is blends humour, creepiness and friendship to provide an entertaining retelling (told in five parts), accompanied by Klassen’s masterful, rather monochromatic visual interpretations of text. At 101 pages, this title is not presented in a traditional picture book format. Tbis is a terrific read aloud and as I read it, I thought of The Skull as a terrific resource for igniting lessons for a range of comprehension strategies.
TWENTY QUESTIONS by Mac Barnett; illus. Christian Robinson
This title features 20 questions that inspire wonder and speculation to find endless answers (e.g., What is this boy hiding behind his back?; What is on the other side of the door? What did the lion give the lamb for her birthday?Questions (some work better than others for me) are presented on full page spreads with vivid, playful artwork by award-winning illustrator, Christian Robinson. A great title to inspire curiosity – and discussion.
ZANDER STAYS by Maureen Fergus; illus. Scott Ritchie
Zander is a goose who has decided that he isn’t going to fly south for the winter and with this decision he is forced to learn how to survive the harsh winter climate. Encounters with bears, squirrels and bats provide some suggestions but Zander will have to learn on his teach him to survive the cold and the snow.
SHOUT OUT
Second Story Press publishes literature that is centred on issues of diversity, equity and social justice. Two recent picture book publications are wonderful examples of stories that celebrate multiculturalism and belonging.
EVERYONE IS WELCOME by Phuong Truong; illus. Christine Wein (2023)
I strongly believe that children’s literature can offer students significant insights into hate and discrimination. Everyone is Welcome is a story of an 8 year old girl (almost 9) who learns stories about her mother who was taunted with anti-asian racial slurs (“Ching chong”) when she was younger and a friend of her grandmother’s, Mrs. Lee, who was under attack and pushed onto the road. The girl’s brother has joined the Asian Student Association designed to bring Asians together but also have a goal to help accompany other who feel cared to walk to school. Finally, one of the girl’s friends tells her that he is forbidden to play with her any more since everything that’s happened in the world is the fault of Asians. This is an honest and brave story of Anti-Asian racism. Kudos to author Phuong Truong for a rich story that is centred on community, compassion and caring. This is a absolutely a worthy contribution to titles that invite readers to think about inclusion, where everyone is welcome. Note: Christine Wei’s colourful illustrations not only compliment the verbal text but present a window and mirror into Asian culture.
PHOENIX GETS GREATER by Marty Wilson-Trudeau with Phoenix Wilson; illus. Megan Kyak Monteith (2022)
Phoenix knows that he is different from other boys. He loves pretty fabrics, playing with dolls and dancing around the house – especially shawl dancing like a beautiful butterfly. Although he is taunted by others, his mother and brother are proud of him and give him love and support as Phoenix works towards acceptance of who he is as he learns about Two Spirit/ Niizh Manidoowag people in Anishinaabe culture. The book is based on the childhood experiences that the author and her son experienced. This is a very special picture book to bring understanding of Gender identity especially of Indigenous and/or queer youth. It is a very special picture book about acceptance and love.
When I was a kid, I have fond memories of going to the Wychwood library and checking out biographies , usually bound in orange cloth covers (e.g. Alexander Graham Bell). To this day, I continue to be interested in reading about the lives of others. This posting highlights 15 autobiographies, biographies and memoirs from the world of the famous, from authors and some unknown heroes. that I’ve recently enjoyed.
ALL THE RAGE by Brad Fraser
The subtitle of this book reads: “A Partial Memoir in Two Acts and a Prologue” which provides readers with a structure that Fraser uses to tell the story of his life from birth to 2000. Brad Fraser is one of Canada’s most important playwrights (Wolfboy, Unidentified Human Remains; Poor Super Man). In the Prologue readers learn about Fraser’s impoverished abusive childhood but in the final two acts of the memoir, we learn about the challenges of getting a play produced, the often critical reception to his work, and coming to terms with financial survival and with living a life of drinking, drugs and sex and love. There is lots of bouts with drinking. There is lots of sexual escapades. There are many travels across the globe. There are many addresses he has lived in. There are many ups and downs of finding love. Because much of the playwright’s creative work takes place in the 80’s and 90’s , the AIDS epidemic filters through his life and those whom Fraser worked closely with. As a queer man, a queer artist, Brad Fraser is a champion for taking on the establishment and unapologetic about fighting for rights “I will not be disappeared. (p. 338). He may be considered to be a polarizing playwright as his work is staged throughout the world. Like every artist, he has had his ups and downs, but Brad Fraser fights through ‘all the rage’ his life as writer, director, activist shine on the wings of tenacity and talent. In this book Fraser proves himself to be a hero. This memoir ends in 2000. (There are surely more more struggles and triumphs that continue his story in the 21st Century.)
Excerpt
“I make no apologies for my appetites and I make no apologies for the techniques, conscious nor not, I’ve developed for coping with being queer in a straight world and being a truth-teller in a world of liars…. I may not always succeed, but I have never stopped trying.” (p. 337)
GETTING BETTER by Michael Rosen
Michael Rosen was appointed Children’s Laureate (2007-2009) in the UK and is a renowned poet, performer, and broadcaster. Loss has been a part of Michael Rosen’s life. He has lived with a chronic hypothyroid illness grieved over the loss of his mother and over the sudden death of his son due to meningitis (meningococcal septicaemia). During the Pandemic, Rosen was in a coma for 40 days and 40 nights, facing death in intensive care for 48 days in a London hospital and then recovering in rehab for three weeks. Getting Better provides essays of how Michael Rosen, struggled to recover from trauma and grief and helps readers understand how we can find it within ourselves to live well again, during and after dark times. The subtitle of this book is Life Lessons on Going Under, Getting Over it and Getting Through It. What a brilliant writer, Michael Rosen is!. What a courageous soul. Michael Rosen is so grateful for his writing, so grateful for getting through life’s shit that came his way. so grateful for the loving care of family and friends. He may consider himself to be lucky. We are lucky to have him and his writing, especially for helping us take a journey on the path to being better, getting better.
IM by Isaac Mizrahi, a memoir
I bought this book when it was first published in 2019 but it was sitting on my shelf. On a recent trip to New York, I found myself sitting in a restaurant at a table opposite where Isaac Mizrahi was sitting. I didn’t approach him but this incident prompted me to take the book off my shelf and get to it. I’m glad I did. I loved it. It was one of my most enjoyable reads this summer. Isaac Mizrahi, fashion designer and celebrity is a force. The recounts of his life growing up in Brooklyn, attending the Yishiva, worried about being fat and knowing that he was gay held my interest. His journey in NY’s performing arts high school, Parson’s school of Design and his entry into the world of fashion by working with the Perry Ellis and Chanel make for a good story of tenacity, resilience, chance and dreams. Along the way we learn of connections to Audrey Hepburn, Barbra Streisand, Meryl Streep, Oprah Winfrey and Anna Wintour. Mizrahi also shares his connections to family with his mother being a major influence and cheerleader for his talents. When Mr. M tells us about a the people in his life he often writes that they were ‘good friends’. Lucky him to have many friends he could count on. Descriptions of the good life in New York – theatre, restaurants, clubs – hooked me (a bit of envy?). He also discusses his escapades and encounters with gay dudes until he meets the love of his life. Isaac Mizrahi decided to change directions as a fashion star and follows his dreams to be a cabaret performer (he recently was on stage at 54 Below). I was always fascinated by Isaac Mizrahi’s stories that he shares with honesty. I wonder what I would have said to him if I were able to join him at his restaurant table in NY. Do we have anything in common?
I’M GLAD MY MOM DIED by Jennette McCurdy
I wasn’t familiar with celebrity Jennette McCurdy (I never watched the TV show iCarly) but there’s been lots of buzz around this book and the title sure is captivating. The book recount her entry into stardom under the mighty force of her mother, who makes Mama Rose in the musical Gypsy seem like Mary Poppins. Her mother had dream to make her daughter a tar, no matter the cost (i.e., harassing her for her calorie restricted diets, taking showers with her even when she was a teenager). No wonder McCurdy is glad her mom died (of cancer). But in part two of the book, we read more about the anxiety, shame and self-loathing. She embarks on eating disorders (bulimia) and unhealthy relationships. This was a heartbreaking, tough read (told with humour at times about dealing with the past and embarking on a journey to grow out of being a celebrity, having a tormented youth and moving forward. Fascinating!
MANY DIFFERENT KINDS OF LOVE: A story of Life, Death and the NHS by Michael Rosen
Shout out to Chris Ridell’s illustrations that introduce each of the 8 sections.
Stricken by coronavirus, British writer Michael Rosen hospitalized with an induced coma for six weeks and weeks then spent weeks of rehab and recovery. This is the story of that time period. How does he get to tell remember his experiences, when in a coma? The first part of the book presents transcripts of emails that his devoted wife Emma had written to friends and family reporting her husband’s progress. Also, a notebook was kept by his bedside where the nurses who provided him with care wrote letters of hope, support and love. h of the book is presented as remarkable prose poems, where Rosen writes about his near-death experience and he many different kinds of love that spurred him on to survival. This is a beautiful beautiful book about the that life might send our way, the trauma of death hanging over our heads and the indomitable spirit and care of the National Health Service and especially the important people in our lives that carry us through dark times. This is a book of Health, Hope and Heart. each with a capital ‘H’. It is a sobering read that should be put in time capsule paying tribute to the resilience of those who suffered through Covid-19. This poetry memoir (published in 2021) is absolutely at the top of the list favourite reads this year. You are a hero, Michael Rosen. From the back cover:
A doctor is standing by my bed
asking me if I would sign a piece of paper
which would allow them to put me to sleep pump air into my lungs.
‘Will I wake up?’
“There’s a 50:50 chance.’
‘If I say no?’: I say.
‘Zero.’
And I sign.
THE LIBRARIAN OF AUSCHWITZ: the Graphic novel, based on the book by Antonio Iturbe (ages 12+)
The bestselling novel by Antonio Iturbe tells the story of fourteen-year old Dita who was, along with her mother and father imprisoned in Auschwitz. For Dita, the horrors of the concentration camp were counterbalanced when she was asked to become the librarian of Auschwitz and take charge keep safe, the 8 books that were smuggled past the guards. The books along with real stories told by prisoners educated the children in the camp, even though they discovery of the books in Block 31, the children’s camp would prove to be dangerous, perhaps resulting in execution. Iturbe’s story is based on the true story of Dita Kraus, a Holocaust survivor. This graphic novel adaption synthesized the 400 pages of the original novel by presenting historical facts and powerful narratives. The strong images illustrated by Loreto Aroca along with the narrative captions and dialogue match the power of the original novel in presenting another haunting historical account of the Holocaust. Novel: Spanish author, Antonio Iturbe; adapted by Salva Rubio; translated by Lligt Zekulin Thwaites; illustrated by Loreto Aroca.
PAGEBOY by Elliot Page
Elliot Page has a powerful story to tell about being a celebrity about coming out and about transitioning. This memoir takes readers on Page’s journey of discovering himself. His dreams, desires, anxieties, and pressures are revealed through deep honest reflections. Each chapter seems to be like a therapy session in which Elliot page confronts his family and romantic relationships, as he struggles to conquer the expectations of others and of himself. This is a brave, intimate, story of a tenacious, talented queer person. Pageboy is not told as a linear autobiography but readers will cheer Page on and worry about his suffocations and celebrate his successes, both personal and professional. Note: at times, paragraphs seem to blend into each other with meandering thoughts and narratives and I would have liked a stronger edit.
PAUL NEWMAN: The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man: A memoir
In 1986, Paul Newman and his close friend Stewart Stern, embarked on a project to compile an oral history about the famous actor’s life. Throughout the book, transcripts of anecdotes from family and friends provide an additional perspective of how he lived his life. This book is an honest account of a five year project documenting Newman’s early family life, his initiation into the theatre world and his rise to fame as a Hollywood actor (e.g., Hud, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Cool Hand Luke, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Verdict). He had two main loves in his life, but it is his marriage to actress Joanne Woodward was a deep relationship that lasted until his death in 2008 at the age of 83. Reading about his traumatic childhood, the many jobs he had, his insecurities, his rise to stardom, his drinking and his passion for race car driving is candid and enlightening. Particularly poignant his the way he describes his relationship with his six children. This is a fascinating and revelatory memoir of a sexy, talented, driven celebrity – and philanthropist.
RUN TOWARDS THE DANGER: Confrontations with a Body of Memory by Sarah Polley (essays)
Let me start by quoting Margaret Atwood who reviewed this book by writing “Fascinating, harrowing, courageous, and deeply felt.” “Absolutely”, says I. Run Towards The Danger is a collection of six essays written by the oh-so-talented actor, screenwriter and director, Sarah Polley. Polley digs into her past and bravely attempts to capture memories and their meanings of those relationships as they appeared in the past and helped to frame the person she has become. The first story of stage fright while playing Alice in Wonderland at the Stratford Festival was a punch in the gut. Other stories of sexual assault, a troubled childbirth, of being. child actor working under a domineering director, of the aftermath of concussion each punch the gut and hit the heart. When dealing with her traumatic injury, Sarah Polley was advised by a specialist to ‘run towards the danger’. “In order for my brain to recover from a traumatic injury, I had to retain it to strength by charging towards the very activities that triggered my symptoms. This was a paradigm shift for me – to greet and welcome the things I had previously voided.” (page 2)
WOW! WOW! WOW! This astonishing book is certain to be at the top of my year end list of favourites. This is a special read. Thank you, Ms. Polley for your storytelling, bravery and courage. ‘Harrowing and courageous’ indeed.
SHY: The Alarmingly Outspoken Memoirs of Mary Rodgers by Mary Rodgers and Jesse Green
Mary Rodgers was the daughter of the celebrated songwriter, Richard Rogers. She was also the daughter of a domineering mother. Father and mother were not forthcoming in their love for their daughter. Talented in her own right, Mary worked hard to move out of the shadow of her father’s talents and decided to become a composer herself. Her musical Once Upon a Mattress, starring Carol Burnett as the ‘shy’ princess in a musical based on the story The Princess and the Pea. Although she is acknowledged for her unique talents as a woman composer, she never (could never) achieve the success that her father had., particularly with his work with Oscar Hammerstein (i.e., Oklahoma, Carousel, South Pacific, The King and I, The Sound of Music.). Mary Rodgers never gave up and would embark on whatever projects came her way. Fame did come when she authored the children’s book Freaky Friday. in this memoir, Mary Rodgers works alongside theatre critic, Jesse Green and pours out stories of family, fame, philanthropy, failed relationships and motherhood. Shy is a fascinating report of the golden age of musical theatre. It is a dynamo account of a dynamo figure respected by many from New York’s entertainment world. (including Stephen Sondheim). Stories are funny, wise, gossipy, candid and delicious making for a remarkable read from “the alarmingly outspoken”, Mary Rodgers.
SPARE by Prince Harry
When you tell people that you are reading Spare, they (many) tend to roll their eyes. But Daniel Pennac, author of the Readers Bill of Rights claims that we have ‘the right to not defend our tastes’. Why do feel I need to defend my reading of this autobiography? Why do folks make such strong judgements about Harry’s book without having read it? Why argue with 3 million+ purchases of this book which the Guinness World Book of Records claims was the fastest nonfiction title ever? All that being said, I liked the book. I was intrigued. I respected that the Prince now had the chance to tell his story. Granted, kudos must go to the ghostwriter J. R. Moehringer who listened carefully and then shaped and presented the anecdotes and ‘in-the-head’ thoughts of Prince Harry with clarity. We are definitely given an inside glimpse of the royal family. We absolutely come to recognize that Prince Harry was /is haunted by the death of his mother. We absolutely believe that he is strongly devoted to his wife, Meghan and his children. And there was no doubt (for me) that media and the paps (Paparazzi) haunted the members of the Royal Family and especially interfered with Harry’s happiness. There’s trouble in the Harry’s relationship with father, brother, sister-in-law and many of the Royal staff but this is Harry’s story to tell and I believe his truths and understand why he needed to rebel and remove himself from what was expected of him. Spoiled? Rebellious? Contentious? Brave? Loyal? Get into groups and discuss.
WE SHOULD NOT BE FRIENDS: The story of a friendship by Will Schwalbe
I very much enjoyed reading two recent publications by Will Schwalbe. In this memoir, the author examines the friendship between two improbable friends. Will, a literate gay student, first met Chris Maxey, a fairly boisterous jock while enrolled in Yale University. The seeds of a friendship were planted in secret society that had been established at the school. Though different in demeanour and interests there was some connection. The story of this friendship is presented over the decades as Schwalbe and Maxey phoned each other and occasionally met up. As the two reached their fifties and sixties, the friendship seemed to strengthen as they discussed ambitions, relationships, and health. Maxey’s commitment to establishing an independent school in Eleuthra thra is very much part of the narrative in the final half of the book. This is a story that helps us think about our friendships, the truths we share, the secrets we withhold (“You didn’t ask me!”) and the devotion that can emerge through commitment and trust story also helps readers to think about encountering possibilities and the need to find strengths to meet challenges and dreams through our work and our family – and our friendships.
WELCOME TO ST. HELL: My Trans Teen Adventure by Lewis Hancox (graphic memoir) YA
In this frank graphic autobiographic, Lewis Hancock tells the story of heartbreaking and often funny, journey as a trans male. We are given a first-hand account of what it means to hate your body and be be confused about what to wear, who to snog and how to convince family and friends about what it means to fight for the truth of your gender identity. This is an honest story, a hopeful one that will bring comfort to many who question who they are and who they need to become. In this book, Lewis has a conversation with his younger self (as Lois) surviving hellish years in high school and college trying to figure out what it means to be ‘normal’. Comic art work is presented in black and white graphic panels. Thank you for sharing your story Lewis.
YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT WAR IS by Yeva Skalietska (Ages 12+)
This diary by a twelve year old Ukrainian girl documents the horrors that she and her grandmother encountered when the city of Kharkiv was suddenly under attacked. The journal begins on February 24, 2022 and records the journey she and her grandmother from sheltering underground, escaping the Ukraine, passing through Hungary and finally settling in Ireland. Her entries are straightforward tellings of what Skalietska, her neighbours and friends encountered as bombs destroyed her city. Readers learn about the realities of the conflict of the war raging around innocent people. The journal describes long train rides, the experience of in an overcrowded refugee centre as well as the kindness of strangers and the media who helped Yeva and her family forge a new life and dream of returning HOME.
Prologue
Every knows the word war. But very few people understand what it truly means. You might say that it’s horrible and frightening, but you don’t know the scale of fearit brings. And so, when you suddenly find you have to face it, you feel totally lost, walled in by fright and despair. All of your plans are suddenly interrupted by destruction. Until you’ve been there, you don’t know what war is.
SHOUT OUT
WHY FATHERS CRY AT NIGHT by Kwame Alexander
This is a memoir presented as a series of love [oems, letters, recipes and remembrances. I am a Kwame Alexander fan and am always eager to buy a new publication by this celebrated Black author of children’s literature. He has received the Caldecott (The Undefeated) and the Newbery awards (The Crossover). (I have a hunch that his new title An American Story is destined for 2023 awards.).He is a poet extraordinaire and with this new book, Alexander presents a non-traditional memoir, sharing the journey of his parents as newlyweds, the ups and downs of his own two marriages, and his relationship with his daughters. He also provides insights into his writing journey. His connection to the poet (and professor) Nikki Giovanni, is a powerful story. This is a multi-genre presentation of the author’s life and it is one filled with an honest, open heart. The book jacket blurb announces that the book defines ‘the whirlwind woes and wonders of love.” In the epilogue to this book, Kwame Alexander informs readers that writing Why Fathers Cry at Night provided him with an artifact that forced hime to have ALL of those hard talks (with father, wife, children). It is obvious that the memoir sparked “difficult and necessary conversations that ultimately make us much better. With our loved ones and with ourselves”. A stellar publication that will be at the top of my list for 2023.
Excerpt from the poem ‘How to Read This Book’ (p. 10)
Let these humble meditations and musings
carry you close, permanent, abreast – a wave.
Go, raise a toast.
Sip
Swallow
all the words
that hold you
hopefully inspiring
a sea of new ones.
Now trust your heart
and the ocean of sweet possibility
brewing inside.
