Editor’s Comments Resource Links Hello Everyone French titles reviewed in this issue growth of the school library learn- P. O. Box 9 which will be of great use to our ing commons in Canada and to Pouch Cove, NL Welcome to volume 22 of French first language and French developing a national network of Resource Links. I hope everyone immersion clientele. school library practitioners and A0A 3L0 had an enjoyable and relaxing I want to welcome Gail Sidonie supporters. For more information Tel: 709-335-2394 summer with lots of time to read Sobat to this issue. Gail is the new check out the website at http:// some of the great books which our editor of our October feature col- www.canadianschoollibraries.ca/ Fax: 709-335-2978 Canadian authors and publishers umn 2016 Contemporary Adult Also replacing the CLA we have E-mail:resourcelinks@nl. are bringing to our children and Titles for Strong Readers. She has the new Canadian Federation of rogers.com young adults. taken over from Margaret Mackey Library Associations which is be- This issue is full of new titles who started the column many years ing established to provide a united which our reviewers have been ago, and is bringing us the same voice for Canadian libraries. For busy reading and reviewing over quality reviews of these adult titles more information on this group Volume 22, Number 1 the summer months. We have which we have grown to expect. check out their website at https:// quite a number of books for the Thanks to Gail and her committee librarianship.ca/news/cfla-fcab- youngest readers and pre-readers of reviewers. 2016-07/ as well as many books with con- Now that the Canadian Library As we settle into the fall and October 2016 temporary topics - bullying, Association has disbanded we have winter months, I hope you have a LGBTQ, eating disorders, sexual a new school library association chance to take a look a some of the abuse, self-esteem, etc. - for the being established. Canadian titles reviewed in this issue and more mature audience. There are School Libraries is a new organi- share them with your readers. also quite a large number of zation dedicated to fostering the Vicki Inside this issue: Picture Books Picture Books 1 ALLENBY, Victoria rhymes are made to be read aloud Grandma - Anaanatsiaq - is always Rhino Rumpus E and the illustrations are equally as a fun treat for Jeela and her older Fiction: Grades 3-6 13 Illustrated by Tara exciting and expressive. Preschool- brother. The siblings are thrilled Anderson. Pajama Press, ers with siblings (or parents with when Anaanatsiaq tells them she is Awards & 2016. 24p. Gr. Preschool. 978-1- rambunctious little rhinos of their going to teach them the art of ice Announcements 16 927485-96-5. Hdbk. $16.95 own) will relate to this story and fishing. She instructs them on how have a lot of fun reading together. to dress, how to prepare the ice Non-Fiction : Three holes with a special chisel, and how Preschool – Grade 6 23 little rhi- Thematic Links: Rhinos; Siblings; to use the traditional Inuit jigging nos just Misbehaving stick. Fiction: Grades 7-12 27 can’t Since they have an extremely seem to Alice Albarda successful fishing session - catch- Non-Fiction: behave. ing more Arctic char than they Grades 7-12 40 Whether AVINGAQ, Susan and could possibly eat - Anaanatsiaq they’re at Maren Vsetula G tells the children about another im- Professional 41 the dinner table or in the tub, the Fishing with Grandma portant Inuit lesson. She brings three little rhinos keep pushing, Inhabit them around the town to deliver the Audio-Visual 42 fighting, tussling, and butting Media, fish to the many people who are French 42 heads until it turns into a full- 2016. 29p. unable to go fishing for themselves. blown RHINO RIOT! Mama Illus. Gr. 1 - Then, with pride at their success Reviewers 53 Rhino is getting tired. Will the 3. 978-1- and feeling grateful that they could three little rhinos ever get along? share with so many others, the chil- 772270846. Feature Column: 2016 Thanks to its bubbly rhythm, Pbk. $10.95 dren return home to prepare a feast Rhino Rumpus is a great candi- for themselves of the remaining Contemporary Adult date for story time with toddlers. Visiting fish. Titles for Strong The energetic language and with Sharing and passing down their Readers 59 traditions is an important part of Inuit culture, foundland. It would be a great asset to families Also available in French. See p. 43. and this book is a wonderful example of a fam- visiting the province and wondering where ily taking joy in doing just that. The book’s il- they should visit. It is also a great resource to Thematic Links: Dogs (Pugs and lustrations and writing style are somewhat less use with primary children when learning about Dachshunds); Winning and Losing; Competi- traditional than other recent picture books about their province or country in social studies cur- tion; Poor Sportsmanship; Friends the Inuit culture. This doesn’t take away from ricula. the story at all, and since the illustrations are Tanya Boudreau fun, animated, and colourful, it will actually Thematic Links: Newfoundland - Tourism; have a much broader appeal while still showcas- Art BLABEY, Aaron ing the cultural traditions in an exemplary fash- Thelma the Unicorn E ion. Victoria Pennell Scholastic Canada, 2016. 32p. Illus. Gr. Preschool - 1. 978-1-4431-4810-8. Hdbk. Thematic Links: Ice Fishing; Inuit People; BLABEY, Aaron $14.99 Grandmothers; Traditions Pig the Winner (Pig the Pug Series) Scholastic Canada, 2016. 32p. Illus. E Thelma the pony has Nicole Rowlinson Gr. Preschool - 1. 978-1-4431-4891-7. short legs, bland fur, and a Hdbk. $14.99 round belly. She longs to BAKER, Dawn look like a beautiful uni- Around Newfoundland G Blabey contrasts the corn even though her Pennywell Books/Flanker Press, 2016. good (Trevor the loyal friend Otis likes her as she Unp. Illus. Gr. K-3. 978-1-77117-530-2. Pbk. dachshund) with the bad is. When she finds a carrot $12.95 (Pig the selfish Pug) in his on the ground, her trans- hilarious rhyming picture formation begins. She In her latest book Dawn books. In this third story, coats herself in pink paint and glitter and en- Baker takes us on a tour of poor sportsmanship is the joys all the attention she receives when she Newfoundland. Beginning quality Pig exhibits when- becomes a celebrity. She poses for the media with the ferry ride across ever he and Trevor are and travels aboard yachts. For the first time, the Gulf of St. Lawrence, running, playing, or eating. Pig kicks Trevor in the acrylic, pen and pencil illustrations show Gary and Peter and their the face to slow him down during a race. He Thelma smiling and standing confidently. But families continue up the throws a temper tantrum when he loses to when she loses her privacy and her sense of northern peninsula and Trevor, and he brags when he wins a game self by spending all her time pleasing people across the island portion of the province stop- Trevor didn’t even want to play. On the day he who love her only because she looks like a ping at many of the tourist areas along the way. yells “GO!” at mealtime, Pig swallows all his unicorn, she gets rid of everything but the car- They visit places such as Gros Morne National food, and his over-sized bowl. “Lucky for Pig, rot because that is for her and Otis to eat; to- Park, L’Anse aux Meadows, the Newfoundland Trevor knew what to do. He squeezed out the gether, as horses. Insectarium at Deer Lake, the Salmonid Inter- bowl before Pig could turn blue.” Does Pig This rhyming picture book features a pretation Centre in Grand Fall-Windsor, the thank his friend? No. He says, “I win!” Pig sparkly cover and a clear, simple message Miawpukek Powwow at Conne River, Twillin- will never learn to be good, but his bad behav- about the importance of being kind to yourself gate, the Bonavista Lighthouse, and the Rooms, iour momentarily slows down by the end of and others. Fans of Blabey’s Pig the Pug Se- the Johnson Geo Centre and Signal Hill in St. each book because of injuries that result in ries of picture books will recognize his rhyth- John’s. All of these places are portrayed in the him looking like a mummy. mic humour and his wide-open eyed charac- wonderful full-page colour illustrations by Children and adults have enjoyed these ters. Dawn Baker, renowned Newfoundland artist. books when I read them aloud at story time. This book gives a great introduction to many One teacher I know even went out and bought Thematic Links: Horses; Unicorn; Identity; of the tourist attractions in the island of New- the books because they remind her of her pug. Self-Acceptance; Friends; Appearances Tanya Boudreau

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Resource Links Promoting an awareness of the availability Resource Links is published 5 times per P. O. Box 9, and use of Canadian learning resources, in year - October, December, February, April, Pouch Cove, NL A0A 3L0 print, electronic and other media, in schools June - for the Council for Canadian Learning Tel: 709-335-2394; Fax: 709-335-2978 and libraries, to sustain and enhance Canada’s Resources. All rights reserved. No part of E-mail: [email protected] unique cultural heritage and perspective. this publication may be reproduced without the publisher’s written permission, Not re- Resource Links EDITOR Victoria Pennell sponsible for unsolicited materials. Contents © 2016 Subscriptions $45.00 + 5% GST per year for Society for Canadian Educational Resources non-members. Bulk subscription rates ISSN – 1201-7647 Canadian Publications Mail Product available upon request. Agreement No. 40018146

Page 2 Resource Links BLAND, Nick ers young and old should enjoy the clever in- of the Inuit. This book Some Mums tertextual references, but a few of the poems' briefly introduces Scholastic Canada, 2016. Unp. Illus. Gr. E concepts may be too sophisticated for a pre- twenty mysterious and Preschool. 978-1-4431-4835-1. Bdbk. literate audience. scary creatures from $9.99 There's much to like in this book. It could be Inuit mythology. In read by a new independent reader (although the introduction, the When anthropomor- some of the words will be challenging) or read author lets us know phism is central to a to an eager listener. The author also encourages that the stories have book's success, it some- readers to create their own tanka poetry and to come from elders, hunters, and the journals of times works brilliantly and extend their engagement with the illustrations - explorers. The scare factor is ramped up with sometimes it doesn't. In in fact, some readers may be inclined to colour the knowledge that though many of the crea- this delightful board book in the black-and-white art. Alpha Bones Candy tures are long extinct, some are perhaps still of animal mothers with all is a good basic introduction to tanka poetry and roaming the land in the North. Some live in too human characteristics, poetic appreciation. ponds and rivers, others inhabit the sea, and it works both beautifully and delightfully. With some reside on ice and islands. Most are cruel less than sixty-five words - a few of them rhym- Thematic Links: Poetry; Alphabet Books; and mischievous, and all of the creatures cause ing - Australian author and illustrator Nick Young Readers; Pre-Readers fear. Bland has produced a lovely lap book for the Each mythological being has a two-page very young. His gentle illustrations are both Leslie Vermeer spread with a detailed illustration and short witty and wise and cover a wide notion of what description. I was left wanting to know more a mother is to a child. CHABBERT, Ingrid about each creature and would have liked Some Mums is highly recommended for pur- The Day I Became a Bird G some more details. There is a helpful pronun- chase but probably does not belong in the aver- Illustrated by Raul Nieto Guridi. Kids ciation guide at the end of this fun book. age primary or elementary school collection. It Can Press, 2016. 40p. 978-1-77138- should be bought for nursery schools and day 621-0. Hdbk. $17.95 Thematic Links: Folklore; Mythology; care centers, and for any mother or grandmother Canada; North; Inuit on Mother’s Day! It could be a secondary pur- When a young boy starts E chase in a parenting collection. school he falls in love with Erin Hansen It is a gift for mothers of all ages and any a girl named Sylvia. She small children they adore. does not notice him and CLANTON, Ben Also available in French. See p. 43. only thinks of the birds she Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea! E loves. Finally the boy de- Tundra Books, 2016. 64p. Gr. 1-3. Thematic Links: Mothers and Children cides to get her attention 978-1-101-91871-5. Pbk. $10.99 by dressing up as a bird. Anne Letain Carefully he creates a life Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea! is a delight- size costume that covers ful graphic novel for young readers about silly, CAMOZZI, Lp his body. Even though the other children in imaginative Narwhal and Alpha Bones Candy: ABC Tanka A/G school laugh at him, he does not care. He even his friend Jelly. The book Poetry for Tots wears his costume while playing soccer or contains three stories. In Illustrated by Zach Camozzi. LP Creative, climbing trees. Then one day Sylvia actually “Narwhal is Really Awe- 2016. Unp. Gr. Preschool - 3. 978-0-9737367- sees him in his slightly bedraggled bird suit. some,” Narwhal and Jelly 2-4. Pbk. $14.95 She removes his costume and hugs him. meet for the first time and This gentle tale of love mingled with touches try to decide if they are real Alpha Bones Candy, a of humour demonstrates how love can some- or imaginary. In collection of Lp Camozzi's times conquer all. The simple and occasionally “Narwhal’s Pod of Awe- modern tanka, is presented complex drawings are done with pencil and someness,” Narwhal as an ABC book but also a Photoshop. They ably echo the humour and the concept book. Each poem longing of our young hero. features one letter of the alphabet, and the accompa- Thematic Links: Love; Birds; Persistence; Excellent, enduring, everyone nying illustration invites the Humour E should see it! reader or listener to examine the picture for hidden objects whose names be- Isobel Lang gin with the same letter. Some of these objects Good, even great at times, are unusual and may be unfamiliar to young CHRISTOPHER, Neil G generally useful! readers, so help may be required. Those That Cause Fear Tanka poems, if you haven't explored the Illustrated by Germaine Arnaktauyok. G form, are similar to haiku but differ in that they Inhabit Media, 2016. 40p Illus. Gr. 3-6. Average, all right, has its contain more syllables and more lines. As the 978-1-77227-085-3. Hdbk. $16.95 A author explains, his tanka are modern tanka, in applications which the syllable count doesn't matter as much Those That Cause Fear is a collaboration as the idea and the music of the poem. between Nunavut author Neil Christopher and Camozzi has a good sense of the world from Inuit artist and illustrator Germaine Arnak- Problematic, puzzling, poorly a child's point of view and creates some lovely, tauyok. The duo’s picture book Way Back Then P presented unexpected connections in his brief lines. Read- (2015) also focussed on the traditional stories

Volume 22, Number 1 Page 3 decides that he needs to start his own pod with described in the story. Back material contains venturous day. The girl and her grandfather all of his ocean friends. Finally, in “Narwhal two puzzle pages that ask the reader to put chase frogs, watch an osprey catch fish, and and the Best Book Ever,” Narwhal and Jelly use scenes in order and to match dialogue with paddle past several water ecosystems, among their imaginations to come up with, well, the characters. This book, which is one of over many other events. best book ever. A page of fun facts and a nar- twenty titles in the series, will delight children This would be a perfect story to read before whal song are included between the stories. familiar with the original stories, and intrigue bedtime or a quiet time with its rhythmic, The fast-paced format of the book, with its those children who are hearing them for the soothing language. It concludes with the girl three short stories and the “bonus” content be- first time. falling asleep under the stars on the glassy tween them, is reminiscent of a children’s ani- lake. The illustration and description made me mated television show and is sure to capture the Thematic Links: Fractured Fairy Tales; Pan- feel as if I was there with them in the canoe. attention of readers. The book is well-designed cakes; Rescue; Chase; Giant; Nursery Rhyme This story clearly depicts Canadian lake life and is a good introduction to comics for and would be an excellent addition to a school younger readers. Narwhal and Jelly are two Tanya Boudreau library and for a read-aloud. colourful and extremely cute characters and the three stories are full of the type of silly humour DALRYMPLE, Lisa Thematic Links: Nature; Grandparents; that will have children giggling. Double Trouble at the Rooms G Rhyme; Lake; Animals; Cabin Hopefully this book is only the beginning of Illustrated by Elizabeth Pratt-Wheeler. a series of stories about these bright and funny Tuckamore Books/Creative Publishing, 2016. Erin Hansen characters. 32p. Illus. Gr. Preschool - 1. 978-1-77103- 079-3. Pbk. $12.95 DUBUC, Marianne Thematic Links: Narwhals; Jellyfish; Sea Lucy & Company E Creatures; Friendship; Imagination; Graphic When Nat goes on a Kids Can Press, 2016. Unp. Illus. Gr. Novels; Comics class trip to “The K-1. 978-1-77138-662-3. Hdbk. $17.95 Rooms” in St. John’s Alice Albarda Newfoundland, she A collection of decides to bring her three stories about a DALE, Katie polar bear along. Her small girl and her Rub-A-Dub-Dub: Three Men and a E mother warns her that three friends, turtle, Pancake (Tadpoles Fairytale Twists they may not let her hare and mouse. The Series) bear in because he is themes are gentle and Illustrated by Steve Stone. Crabtree Publishing, so large. To her utter delight they let Bear in. represent situations 2016. 32p. Illus. Gr. Preschool - 2. 978-0-7787- Bear immediately makes a friend with a black that are age appropriate for young readers; 2463-6. Hdbk. $20.76 bear named Peter who is one of the displays. sharing snacks, hunting for treasure and caring Nat has a wild adventure escorting two ener- for baby birds are all common experiences in Dale’s latest book com- getic large bears throughout the museum. life or literature. bines nursery rhymes with They get into lots of mischief together and The illustrations are particularly appealing, fairytales. The runaway pan- have so much fun, Bear decides to stay with and mirror the mood of the stories with the use cake in this story is un- Peter in the museum and make it his new of pastel shades and uncluttered, clearly under- cooked and happy to be free. home. The rhyming text is rollicking and full stood images, which leave the reader open to He can’t roll up hills, but he of fun and good humour. The illustrations re- discuss the story. For example the buried can roll down hills, and be- flect the atmosphere of St. John’s and the play- treasure is a beautifully wrapped birthday pre- cause he’s so sticky he fulness of the story as well as the antics of two sent for Henry but what is in the box, or who catches everything he rolls very silly bears. the donor might be are not mentioned in the over, which in this version text. Each of the stories contain a “surprise” of the story are the three men who are chasing Thematic Links: St. John’s, Newfoundland; which could be used as a theme for sharing the him; the Butcher, the Baker, and the Candle- Polar Bears; Black Bears; Bears; Class Trips; book. stick Maker. They don’t mind though because The Rooms; Museums this protects them from the hungry giant who Thematic Links: Friendship; Surprises likes “MANcakes”. After they escape down the Isobel Lang river in their pancake shaped boat, the men Mavis Holder scoop him up in a wheelbarrow and thank him DAVIDSON, Leslie A. by patching him up with small pancakes that the In The Red Canoe E DUPUIS, Jenny Kay whole town helps cook. The pancake rolls past Illustrated by Laura Biafano. Orca I Am Not a Number E picturesque scenery which includes mountains, Book Publishers, 2016. 32p. Illus. Gr. Second Story Press, 2016. Unp. Illus. castles, cobblestone streets, and pastures of Preschool - 2. 978-1-459809734. Hdbk. Gr. 2-5. 978-1-927583944. Hdbk. $18.95 sheep. References to other fairytales and nurs- $19.95 ery rhymes include the giant’s words “Fee-fi- Based on a true story fo-fum”, characters that resemble Humpty A young girl goes on a of the author’s grand- Dumpty, Hansel and Gretel, and the dog from canoe ride with her mother, I Am Not a Hey Diddle Diddle. grandpa and explores the Number is an essential I would read this story at preschool story- nature around her on a lake retelling of a year in a time, or suggest it to children who are begin- near their cabin. The rich young girl’s life in an ning to read on their own because there are only illustrations and rhyming Ontario residential one or two sentences on each double page quatrains move the story school. spread, and the illustrations match the actions along throughout the ad- In 1928, Irene and two of her brothers were

Page 4 Resource Links taken from their family, and forced to move to has nothing to be afraid of - and in fact - comes baby acting like a baby but Earl’s dialogue a residential school run by nuns, where they to love the moon as much as the sun. adds humour to the pale coloured pages. When would be shamed into renouncing everything Feder’s gentle story uses nature as a lovely Meredith’s two pets see the baby putting her about their Ojibway heritage. As she was leav- tool to sooth children’s fears of darkness. Like dad’s shoe in the toilet, Earl says, “Now, go ing, Irene’s parents pleaded with her not to Ella, children who read this book will under- find something else for the baby to wash. We forget who she is and where she came from. stand that night time is beautiful and entirely need to keep him busy until help arrives.” Although she suffered from neglect and abuse non-threatening. Feder describes the natural Splashes of red connect the scenes together as at the hands of the nuns, Irene’s spirit perse- world in poignantly simple terms, highlighting the characters wander throughout the house. vered and she was able to keep her promise to all five senses as Ella listens and watches the This book may help alleviate concerns chil- remember her truth. She was fortunate enough, evening world unfold around her. Sicuro’s illus- dren may have about encountering a baby for as few were, to have a family who were will- trations vividly bring this world to life. Ren- the first time because Earl makes comparisons ing to fight to keep her out of the school, hid- dered in mixed media, gouache and ink, Sicuro and draws conclusions that would make sense ing the children away when it was time to re- depicts the night with warmth and in great de- to young children, or make older children turn for their second year. However, the mem- tail. Different shades of yellow appear on every laugh. ory of her single year in the school was haunt- page, lending visual cohesion to the story. Also, ing enough to stay with Irene, and be passed the stars, the moon, plants and many different Thematic Links: Dog; Hedgehog; Baby; down to her granddaughter, who very elo- animals surround Ella throughout the book, Comparisons; Friends; Pets quently wove it into this remarkable story. showcasing to young readers the array of inter- Of special note is the author’s ability to por- esting things they can observe outside at night Tanya Boudreau tray the devastating environment that Irene time. In this way, the illustrations help demys- lived in, in a heartfelt and authentic way that is tify darkness. FIELDING, L.A. very much appropriate for the intended age. This gentle book is as a wonderful tool to The X-Tails Series: Ski at Spider A Children will no doubt have questions, and help children overcome their fear of darkness, Ride (2014. 978-0-993713590); Surf may struggle to comprehend the horror of the and is highly recommended as a visually ap- at Shark Bay (2015, 978-1- system, but most will not find the story too pealing read aloud title for librarians and teach- 928199038); BMX at Thunder Track (2015, disturbing to get through. ers to add to their collections. 978-1-928199007) As an important, albeit tragic, part of Cana- Illustrated by Victor Guiza. X-Tails Enter- dian history, this story will resonate with Thematic Links: Daytime; Night Time; Bed- prises. 40p. Illus. Gr. K-1. Pbk. $15.00 ea. teachers and students in a school setting as time; Sun; Moon; Emotions; Feelings; Dreams well. Few stories exist about the residential The X-Tails are a group of friendly animals school system that are aimed at a younger age Chloe Humphreys who play sports. They promote play and group, and this one is an absolute must for sportsmanship in their six high-energy stories. classrooms and libraries. An afterword about FERGUS, Maureen Each book in this self-published series begins the system as well as one about Irene are in- Buddy and Earl and the Great Big G with the same four page introduction to the cluded and, along with the story itself, will Baby (Buddy and Earl Series # 3) animals, and ends with a four page Trick- provide children and classrooms with a lot to Illustrated by Carey Sookocheff. tionary that explains the sport stunts per- think about. Groundwood Books, 2016. 32p. Illus. Gr. Pre- formed in that story. Their names hint at their Highly recommended. school - 1. 978-1-55498-716-0. Hdbk. $16.95 personalities (Wisdom the lion is good at solv- ing problems and fixing things), and they Thematic Links: Residential Schools; First Earl is a hedgehog travel from adventure to adventure in their Nations People; Ojibway; Abuse; Family; who doesn’t know much black, sporty X-Van. When they are excited, Canadian History about babies but he they let out their natural animal sounds and thinks he will like them made-up words that begin with Nicole Rowlinson because hedgehogs and “zoober” (zoobertubalar, zoober-rocking, zoo- babies have two things ber-radical). FEDER, Sandra V. in common; they both In BMX at Thunder The Moon Inside E like to eat things off the Track, Charm the kangaroo Illustrated by Aimée Sicuro. floor, and they both is injured right before the Groundwood Books, 2016. 32p. Illus. smell interesting. But big Thunder Track BMX Gr. Preschool - K. 978-1-55498-823-5. Hdbk. when Earl sees the visiting baby tear Meredith’s race. Although she loses her $17.95 favourite doll, and take Buddy’s chew toy, he confidence because of lost thinks babies are big, horrible things that should practice time, her friends As the sun sets every live in cages. Earl changes his mind though encourage her to do her best night, Ella starts to when the baby blows him a kiss and gives him and they help her compete worry because she is “a great, gummy smile” between the bars of the for a chance to win the golden bike prize. She afraid of the dark. She playpen. does not win the bike, but she finishes the race much prefers the day- This third picture book in the Buddy and Earl and wins something far time because yellow is Series highlights Earl’s imagination (he sees greater than a prize. her favourite colour lava in the red clothes and snakes under the In Surf at Shark Bay, the and she loves the sun. bed) and his loyalty to his best friend Buddy (a friends have to swim with One evening, as Ella dog) and the family they live with. They keep sharks. Known as the Razors, starts to become afraid, her mother leads her the baby safe when he escapes from his play- the shark bullies knock Dazzle outside. Together, they observe the moon, pen, and they behave as friends do when they the bear and Wisdom the lion search for fireflies, and listen to the quiet realize something about one another. The acryl off their surfboards. When the sounds of night time. Ella discovers that she gouache and Photoshop illustrations show the friends ignore the name

Volume 22, Number 1 Page 5 calling, all the bullies, except one, leave them ture of a pug in a red and black shirt, red and In Hat On, Hat Off, alone. And that shark, named Skulk, needs black balloons and surrounded by flying red and a little toddler plays their help when he becomes stuck in the sand. black lady bugs is a keeper! Babies, Toddlers the universally loved When the animals talk amongst themselves and all dog lovers will enjoy both story and game of taking pieces about if he could be their new friend, they illustrations. of clothing on and off scream in unison, “Fur Sure!” while getting ready to When the six friends Thematic Links: Dogs; Animal Rescue; go outside with his big travel into the mountains in Puppies sister. With a large the book Ski at Spider basket of different Ridge, they decide to ski Isobel Lang hats to choose from, the toddler happily down Tarantula, “the hairi- switches hats between putting his shoes on, est ski run in the world”. GRETZKY, Glen Gretzky and Lauri buttoning up his jacket, picking up a pail and While on the slopes, they Holomis G shovel, and going potty. Once the siblings are learn to sit-ski and they meet Great ready, the two finally go outside to play in the a talented skier who’s in a Illustrated by Kevin Sylvester. Puffin autumn sunshine. wheelchair. Books, 2016. 32p. Illus. Gr. Preschool - 2. 978- Theo Heras writes in simple, short sentences The bright illustrations, which look digital, 0-670069903. Hdbk. $21.99 that are geared perfectly towards a toddler highlight some of the fun that girls and boys audience (Hats in basket / Red hat, green hat, can have outside on skis, on a surfboard, or on Coach Wally has cho- striped hat / Which hat?). In addition to the a BMX bike. They are safety conscious, but sen Taylor to be on “the clear writing style, the storyline is wonderfully they do perform tricks that many readers may best team in the world”. relatable for most toddlers who have experi- dream about emulating. The stories contain He’s excited and full of enced getting dressed and undressed daily with word art and sound effects that appear in dif- confidence but he plays the help of a family member. Renné Benoit’s ferent colours and font sizes. Children will badly in practice because soft, pastel illustrations draw readers further enjoy seeing the same characters in each story, he’s nervous to be playing into the story, as cozy scenes of knitted cloth- but I found the stories too predictable and di- with a young Wayne ing and toys exude warmth and comfort, visu- dactic because the messages about inclusion, Gretzky. He’s already ally soothing young readers. The illustrations self-confidence, and teamwork are very overt. been nicknamed the Great also feature a number of important household When a shark’s teeth grow back one of the X- One. Although his coach and his dad encourage objects like a potty and a stroller which will be tails says, “That must be what happens when him to practice he does it in anger. His focus recognizable to toddlers. you’re kind, not snarky!” These books may and confidence are off especially during the Hat On, Hat Off is a wonderful read-a-loud appeal to children who love sport themed pic- games. He misses passes and stops skating. title for young children that should be incorpo- ture books because the covers are quite eye- When his focus shifts from being the star to rated into library and classroom collections catching in design. being a part of the team, his playing and attitude without hesitation. improve. The coach compliments him and his Thematic Links: Skiing; Surfing; BMX team-mates congratulate him for stealing a puck Thematic Links: Hats; Clothes; Getting Racing; Animals; Friends; Adventure that helped the team win the game. The boys Dressed; Getting Undressed; Colours and girls on the hockey team have the letter O Tanya Boudreau on the front of their red and white jerseys. Chloe Humphreys Wayne is easy to spot because his hair is long GHIGNA, Charles and blonde and he wears the number 99. HICKS, Bonnie Jean A Parade of Puppies G Most of the story takes place on the ice in an Rhymes From the Rock Illustrated by Kristi Bridgeman. Orca indoor arena, but the first couple of illustrations Illustrated by Leanna Carbage. James G Book Publishers, 2016. 26p. Illus. Gr. include scenes from a hockey family. There are Lane Publishing, 2016. 32p. Illus. Gr. Preschool - 1. 978-1-4598-0963-5. Bdbk. the early morning practices, drives to and from Preschool - 1. 978-1-895109-85-6. Pbk. $9.95 $9.95 the rink, and a hockey themed bedroom. The foreword by Wayne Gretzky includes his signa- Georgie Porgie, peas pudding, pie A small boy goes to ture and a summary of why we should encour- greens with Jiggs dinner, oh my! an Animal Rescue Shel- age children to be Great. This is a hockey book Carrots, turnip, spuds and salt meat, ter to get a new dog. He but the message about what it takes to be lots of gravy, what a treat! views several different ‘Great’ can be extended to other activities in a In this book of rhymes breeds. The reader gets child’s life. Bonnie Jean Hicks has to guess what breed of given a Newfoundland dog he is looking at Thematic Links: Children’s Hockey; Wayne and Labrador flavour to with a partial view of Gretzky; Practice; Sportsmanship; Teamwork; some of the traditional each dog only to have the whole dog revealed Confidence Building; Coaching Mother Goose rhymes. on the next page. In the end he adopts a mixed She presents twelve po- breed dog Tanya Boudreau ems which young chil- The simple rhyming text is perfect for the dren will enjoy as they compare these new story. Who can resist a parade of different HERAS, Theo rhymes with the originals. While the rhyme is equally adorable puppies. The illustrations are Hat On, Hat Off a little stilted at times, Hicks has done a good skilfully done in sepia ink, watercolour and Illustrated by Renné Benoit. Pajama E job of portraying the Newfoundland landscape wax resist on paper. The colours are rich and Press, 2016. 24p. Illus. Gr. Preschool. and culture. This is further enhanced by the the pictures rendered with great flare and hu- 978-1-92748-534-7. Hdbk. $15.95 bold, colourful full-page illustrations of mour. The book has excellent design. The pic- Leanna Carbage which accompany the text.

Page 6 Resource Links Young children will enjoy this new approach to the traditional rhymes they already know and hopefully will also learn some new things about the traditional Newfoundland and Labrador way of life. While the appeal my be somewhat local- ized I would recommend it to all Canadians so that they can experience some of our east coast culture.

Thematic Links: Nursery Rhymes - Newfoundland and Labrador

Victoria Pennell

HODGE, Deborah Bear’s Winter Party G Illustrated by Lisa Cinar. Groundwood Books, 2016. 40p. Illus. Gr. Preschool - 1. 978- 1-55498-853-2. Hdbk. $18.95

Bear has given him- self a deadline. Make friends before hiberna- tion season or endure another unbearable year of loneliness. Bear never gets to talk with the other forest animals because they run away in fear when they see his sharp teeth and long claws, so he strategically places party invita- tions where they are sure to see them, (but not him) and proceeds to make his home welcom- ing with a warm fire, homemade food and col- ourful decorations of holly and berries. The bravest animal in this story is also the smallest. Chickadee is the first to go to the party, then In a modest, gentle format, Alison Hughes Littering; Making a Difference Squirrel, Hare, Fox and Beaver follow. Small and Holly Hatam have created an impactful talk segues into dancing and singing and gift- look at the ripple effects of one small, thought- Nicole Rowlinson giving. The animals say good night to bear and ful action. When a young boy, almost without promise to visit in the spring. thought, picks up a soda can lying on the HUGHES, Susan The watercolour, coloured pencil, and Photo- ground and happily deposits it in a recycle bin, Maggie McGillicuddy’s Eye for E shop illustrations appear against a backdrop of he unknowingly sets in motion a string of Trouble trees and snow covered mountains. Bear’s lone- natural consequences that make a large impact Illustrated by Brooke Kerrigan. Kids Can someness is obvious because he doesn’t smile on the environment around him. Press, 2016. 32p. Illus. Gr. Preschool - 2. 978- and mixed in with his brown fur is the colour Because of his good deed, the boy has made 1-77138-291-5. Hdbk. $18.95. blue. When he finally falls asleep at the end of a difference in the world, from seemingly the book he’s smiling and the stars are shining small effects such as improving the quality of Maggie McGil- in the sky and on his blanket. life of the little ants running around, to helping licuddy has a talent Hodge’s latest picture book, which equates a cute pup whose inquisitive nature may have for seeing trouble bravery with happiness, ends with an illustrated gotten him in trouble, to aiding a free-running on her street. She Honey-Ginger cookie recipe. stream to flow to a river, and eventually an easily banishes the ocean. trouble with a Thematic Links: Bear; Forest; Loneliness; The prose flows very nicely, and the pro- “Tickety, tickety, Friends; Neighbours; Party; Cookies gression of the far-reaching positive conse- tack!” of her knit- quences of the boy’s actions will be easy for ting needles or a Tanya Boudreau even the youngest of children to follow. Illus- “Whickety, whickety, whack!” of her walking trations are mixed media, presented in calming stick. HUGHES, blues and greens, and incorporating an eclectic She is able to see a hungry tiger or a huge Alison G mix of watercolours, ink, and photographic snake or a soaring mailman chasing an eagle. What Matters elements. However, nothing is too difficult for Maggie Orca Book “Picking up that crumpled can was only a to banish. Publishers, 2016. Unp. little thing. A small, small thing. But it mat- Then a new neighbour child, named Charlie Illus. Gr. K-3. 978-1- tered. More than the boy ever knew.” gets into real trouble. He runs towards the 459809109. Hdbk. street into the path of a car. Maggie shouts out $19.95 Thematic Links: Environment; Recycling; a warning and Charlie stops in time. Nature; Natural Consequences; Conservation; From that day on, Charlie visits Maggie

Volume 22, Number 1 Page 7 every day and both share their ability to see what can be gained from living in the moment LARSEN, Andrew trouble, whether it is from a herd of elephants and appreciating the world around us. A small The Not-so-Faraway Adventure or a hungry crocodile. The rollicking tale de- patch of flowers transforms into a colourful jun- Illustrated by Irene Luxbacher. Kids E scribes how much fun the imagination can be. gle of purple, pink and green when seen through Can Press, 2016. Unp. Illus. Gr. K-3. It is a warm story of intergenerational friend- Henry’s eyes. In addition to enjoying the beauti- 978-1-771380973. Hdbk. $18.95 ship. The wonderful detailed and delightful ful colours, children will adore searching for a illustrations are in watercolour, pencil crayon, comical caterpillar on certain pages. Finally, Andrew Larsen gouache and collage. They reveal more details Malenfant’s illustrations depict a diverse ethnic and Irene Luxbacher of the story if you look closely. The author and array of characters, ensuring that children from have collaborated illustrator are both award winning in their re- many backgrounds will connect to Hurry Up, before on an earlier spective fields. Great fun for everyone. Henry. adventure of Theo This beautiful book is a welcome addition to and her Poppa called Thematic Links: Imagination; Friendship; any library or classroom collection. It stands as The Imaginary Gar- Intergenerational Friendship; Neighbours a wonderful story that validates the experiences den. In this new trip of all quiet, introverted children. the pair take a journey to the lake to celebrate Isobel Lang Poppa’s birthday where they explore the beach Thematic Links: Moving Fast; Moving Slow; together, and have lunch out. The memories of LANTHIER, Jennifer Family; Imagination; Nature; Appreciation the day are recorded with photographs, a map Hurry Up, Henry E that Theo draws and a special stone from the Illustrated by Isabelle Malenfant. Chloe Humphreys beach. All of these are carefully stored in Penguin Random House, 2016. 32p. Poppa’s trunk and Theo’s memory, before the Illus. Gr. Preschool - 2. 978-0-670-06837-1. LARSEN, Andrew family party. Hdbk. $21.99 A Squiggly Story G The full page coloured illustrations are de- Illustrated by Mike Lowery. Kids Can lightful and extend the text. The language and People are constantly Press, 2016. 32p. Illus. Gr. 1-2. 978-1- pace of the text is matched so well with the telling Henry to hurry 77138-016-4. Hdbk. $18.95 pictures, I think this will be a much loved up. His family is always book. saying, “we’re going to When a young boy sees Also available in French. See p. 49. be late,” or “we don’t his sister reading and writ- have time for this, ing, he wishes that he Thematic Links: Grandparents; Birthday Henry.” All Henry could do the same. Like Celebrations wants is to snatch a few any good creative writing moments throughout his coach, she encourages his Mavis Holder hectic day to observe the interest and leads him world around him, and to let his imagination through the steps to writ- MACAM, Acree Graham wander. To Henry’s delight, his wish is ing his own story. The King of the Birds granted in honour of his birthday, and Henry’s The children in the book Illustrated by Natalie Nelson. E entire family spends a blissful morning explor- are unnamed but obviously not white, attend a Groundwood Books, 2016. 40p. Illus. ing the small joys of stopping to smell the multi racial school with a Mrs Singh as the kin- Gr. K-2. 978-1-55498-851-8. Hdbk. $17.95 flowers, playing with a dog or two, and creat- dergarten teacher, and grow up in a home sur- ing art with side-walk-chalk. This new experi- rounded by books. Perhaps this book will en- This story, inspired by the life and writing ence brings them closer together. courage immigrant children to write their own of Flannery O’Connor, begins on a note of Using simple, poetic language, Lanthier stories. pure intrigue, as readers captures Henry’s gentle soul in a way that will My only small criticism is that much of the discover: “It all started speak to quiet and contemplative children eve- text is written in a spidery upper case, a habit with a chicken who rywhere. Henry sees the beauty in everything, many Grade One teachers have to spend time could walk backwards.” and his keen eye for detail is celebrated. As a breaking. The book goes on to result, Lanthier succeeds in championing ac- introduce Flannery, a ceptance for everyone’s unique approach to Thematic Links: Creative Writing young girl with a par- life, be it fast or slow. Isabelle Malenfant’s ticularly strong interest pastel illustrations lend a soft and dreamy at- Mavis Holder in birds, and who hates mosphere to the text; visually emphasizing when life gets “a little

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Page 8 Resource Links too quiet.” To remedy this problem, Flannery clues and solves the mystery. allergic to water,” “Aliens might attack while buys one of every type of bird she can find, What’s That Smell? is a funny take on a I’m in the bath,” and “I can’t take a bath on including a magnificent peacock she dubs the mystery because the clues are very obvious to an empty stomach. I need a cupcake.” Finally, king of the birds. However, to Flannery’s dis- the reader. Very young readers may enjoy figur- when excuses and griping are exhausted, the may, the peacock refuses to fan his beautiful ing out the mystery before Mitzi, or helping little boy ends up having a change of heart tail. She puzzles and puzzles over how to mo- Mitzi solve the case. once in the bath tub. With toys and bubbles, tivate him; until she brainstorms the perfect maybe baths aren’t so bad after all! solution. The peacock king needs a peahen Thematic Links: Mysteries; Family; Birthdays What child hasn’t made an excuse or two to queen! avoid taking a bath? Stacy McAnulty under- With a great deal of spunk, Macam cele- Alice Albarda stands the universality of her protagonist’s brates the life of a great American writer and predicament, and plays up the humour to great essayist, introducing Flannery O’Connor to a MACLEAR, Kyo effect. The little boy energetically makes his new generation of young readers. Macam’s The Liszts E case by offering excuses that are smart and writing style is simple and uncluttered. Also, Illustrated by Julia Sarda. Tundra Books, often delightfully unexpected. Young readers she peppers the text with wry humour that 2016. 40p. Gr. 1-adult. 978-1-77049-496-1. will be kept on their toes. To match the boy’s highlights Flannery’s positive and no- Hdbk. $21.99 passion and vigour, Joy Ang’s illustrations are nonsense approach that will win the hearts of teaming with colour and movement, as he runs both children and adult readers. Nelson’s col- The Liszt family is very around the colourful neighbourhood trying to ourful illustrations are rendered using hand- unusual. Like their name win the battle against bath time. The boy’s painted paper, drawings and found photogra- they spend all their time facial expressions are also priceless, rendering phy, compiled into vibrant collage. This making lists. Among their his predicament even more dramatic and unique mix-media approach is visually engag- favourite lists are Mama’s laugh-worthy. ing, contrasting bright colours with black and lists of ghastly illnesses, This book is fun read-a-loud title that will white photographs. As a result, the illustra- Papa’s lists of dreaded surely make children giggle. It is a recom- tions lend the book a fun comic book feel. chores, Frederick’s lists of mended addition to both library and classroom Children will enjoy combing through the illus- fun things to do and so on. collections. trations and looking at Flannery’s menagerie We never learn what the of birds that include yellow ducks, blue quails, cat’s favourite lists are just Thematic Links: Humour; Baths; Dirt; and large pink and green chickens. The pea- that he is busying doing them along with his Excuses; Procrastinating cock himself is striking, as he struts across family. Then one day something new and dif- each page with plenty of attitude. ferent happens. A visitor arrives and some Chloe Humphreys This unique title is highly recommended for things change. all library and classroom collections as a won- A very unusual look at a family of eccentrics MESSIER, Mireille derful introduction to the work and life of and how the middle child opens his mind to the The Branch Flannery O’Connor. It also stands as a fun, world of imagination and the possibilities of the Illustrated by Pierre Pratt. Kids Can G engaging and interesting read. unexpected rather than the expected. The illus- Press, 2016. 32p. Gr. Preschool - 2. trations are rendered digitally. They are utterly 978-1-77138-564-0. Hdbk. $18.95 Thematic Links: Flannery O’Connor; Birds; fascinating and clever, evoking the style of the Peacocks; Pets; Collecting 1920’s. The lists are humorous, whimsical and A terrible ice storm Chloe Humphreys ridiculous. The illustrations perfectly reflect the covers the city in sheets text. Children will enjoy the strange lists and of ice. One little girl is MCLAUGHLIN, Lauren adults will enjoy the pictorial jokes sprinkled both intrigued and fright- Mitzi Tulane, Preschool Detective throughout every page. ened by the storm until in What’s That Smell? A she learns that her fa- Illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi. Thematic Links: Imagination; Middle Child; vourite branch from her Random House, 2016. 24p. Gr. Preschool-K. Family tree has broken and fallen 978-0-449-81915-9. Hdbk. $21.99 to the ground. This was Isobel Lang the very branch she This is the first would sit on and pretend book about Mitzi MCNULTY, Stacy was her castle or her spy base etc. She decides Tulane, Preschool 101 Reasons Why I’m Not Taking that she has to keep her branch and guards it. Detective, a three- a Bath E All around her, the neighbours are carrying year-old girl who Illustrated by Joy Ang. Random House, broken branches to the curb. Then her next solves mysteries. 2016. 40p. Illus. Gr. Preschool - 2. 978-0-385- door neighbour Mr. Frank tells her, “That In What’s That 39189-4. Hdbk. $23.99 branch is full of potential”. From that moment Smell?, Mitzi on, she is comforted. Together, she and Mr. finds lots of clues With humour and a bit Frank go on to make her branch into some- around her house that tell her that there is of mischief, readers are thing new. something strange going on. First of all, introduced to a little boy The text makes the aftermath of ice storms Mommy is up to something unusual in the with a vendetta against in the city very real, reflecting the beauty and kitchen. Next, Daddy is getting oddly dressed baths. Throughout the destruction produced by such storms. The vi- up for a Sunday. What could be going on? book, he shares a hundred brantly coloured illustrations complement the When all of her aunts, uncles, and cousins ar- and one emphatic reasons story and the warm friendship that grows be- rive at her house and start singing “Happy why taking a bath is not for tween the grandfatherly Mr. Frank and the girl. Birthday,” Mitzi starts to piece together the him. These include: “I’m A positive approach to helping children

Volume 22, Number 1 Page 9 cope with loss and change. five other wild animals. When he sees the wal- O’LEARY, Sara rus in the water, he dives in the pool with two A Family is a Family is a Family Thematic Links: Ice Storm; Friendship; Trees; banana tusks sticking out of his mouth. He tries Illustrated by Qin Leng. Groundwood E Cities; Intergenerational Friendship to be a billy goat and a lion but no matter his Books, 2016. 32p. Illus. Gr. Pre- disguise (a leafy mane) or his behaviour school - 2. 978-55498-794-8. Hdbk. $18.95 Isobel Lang (butting heads) he is “Still a gorilla”, except now he has a sore head. After failing to be a It’s easy to define family MIKE, Nadia kangaroo and an alligator, Willy discovers he after reading O’Leary’s Leah’s Mustache Party E likes being a monkey because he can be silly. (You are One) latest picture Illustrated by Charlene Chua. Inhabit A double page spread shows Willy re- book. When an elementary Media, 2016. 32p. Illus. Gr. Preschool- enacting scenes from the previous pages. The school teacher asks her K. 978-1-77227-081-5. Hdbk. $16.95 rhymes and alliteration in sentences such as thirteen students what “Willy thumps and jumps over plum-tree makes their family special, Ever since dressing stumps,” and “Willy creeps and chomps in she gets thirteen different up as a pirate for Hal- slimy swamps” will make this a fun read aloud. answers revolving around loween, Leah has The large, uncluttered illustrations in this love and acceptance. The child from a di- loved nothing more story will appeal to toddlers and preschoolers vorced family says, “One week Moms gets me. than mustaches. because they include humorous falls and spills, The next week Dad does. Fair’s fair”. The Whenever she feels and characters with just as much energy as child with two fathers says, “One of my dads like it, Leah asks her them. is tall and one is short. They both give good mother to draw a big hugs”, and an only child recalls how her par- colourful mustache on her face. When it is Thematic Links: Gorillas; Identity; Zoo ents met, “My mom and dad have been best time for Leah’s birthday, of course she Animals; Disguises friends since first grade. They really like each chooses to have a mustache-themed birthday other. It’s kind of gross”. party instead of a princess-themed one like her Tanya Boudreau The ink and digital painting illustrations friends usually have! This story is inspired by show the families doing fun indoor and out- Nadia Mike’s own daughter Leah, who is NORTH, Rebecca door activities together. There is a family who shown wearing her own teal mustache in the A Picnic at the Lighthouse A utilizes a clothesline for a soccer net, and an- back of the book. Illustrated by Nancy Keating. other who eats out in fancy dining establish- Leah’s Mustache Party is a light-hearted Tuckamore Books/Creative Book ments. A large blended family enjoy a picnic and endearing story about a kid expressing her Publishing, 2016. 32p. Illus. Gr. Preschool - 2. in the park and a family of four enjoys riding individuality. Charlene Chua’s illustrations 978-1-77103-082-3. Pbk. $12.95 their bikes in the countryside. The shy student match the cheerfulness and uniqueness of the who wasn’t able to answer the question at the story perfectly, right down to all the silly and This book about the beginning of the book is able to share her an- colourful mustaches that Leah wears. An depth of a parent’s love swer with the class after she hears about eve- added bonus to this book is the suggestion of a describes the special mo- ryone else’s family. Her answer, and the dou- northern Canadian setting. Mike is from Nuna- ments shared between a ble page spread of all the students’ family art- vut, and northern readers will appreciate the small boy and his father on work will help young readers realize all fami- snowy backdrops and bundled-up Halloween an outing to a local light- lies are unique, especially those with concerns costumes! house. I really wanted to about their own family. Overall this book is a lovely story about love this book, but the The drawings that children could produce individuality which many children will giggle heart-warming story suffers after this story is read could be used in discus- at and many parents will appreciate. This is a from poor graphic design decisions. I was put sions about self, family and love. book that will appeal to readers while deliver- off by the 1950’s reading primer-inspired illus- ing a positive message. trations and awkwardly placed text (way at the Thematic Links: Families; Sharing; bottom of the pages and stretched across the Differences; Love; Acceptance Thematic Links: Birthdays; Mustaches; whole page rather than in an easy-to read Parties; Individuality block). Given the large size of the pages (8x10 Tanya Boudreau portrait style), the font could have been bigger Alice Albarda to better catch the eye. I found that the text was PIGNATARO, Anna too wordy in places, and at times, redundant. Mama Loves Me NORMAN, Kim On the whole, it does convey a very positive Scholastic Canada, 2016. 96p. Illus. G Still a Gorilla message about the importance of spending qual- Gr. Preschool - K. 978-1-4431-4833- Illustrated by Chad Geran. Orchard G ity time with children and the deep love that 7. Hdbk. $12.99 Books/Scholastic Canada, 2016. 32p. parents have for their kids. It might be a good Gr. Preschool - 1. 978-0-545757911. story to use when trying to discuss the difficult Pignataro’s previ- Hdbk. $21.99 topic of divorce and children not getting to ously published sto- spend as much time as they would like with a ries, Always (2006), After reading a red significant adult - the importance of making the Together (2009), and book entitled Zoo while most of the time we do have together with loved Forever (2012), have hanging upside down, a ones. been re-released un- young gorilla decides he der new titles in this wants to be another ani- Thematic Links: Parent/Child Relationships; one picture book enti- mal. He goes into several Lighthouse tled, Mama Loves zoo enclosures to mimic Erin Hansen Me. In the first story,

Page 10 Resource Links Mama, How Long Will You Love Me? a all over. Family’s Journey mother bear compares her love for her son She ends her tale by saying that just as he has Illustrated by Nizar Ali Badr. Orca Book Sammy to giant trees, magical nights, and grown so has her love for him. The story’s mes- Publishers, 2016. Unp. Illus. Gr. K-6. 979-1- deep seas. Reliable as day and night, her love sage answers a common question that pre- 4598-1490-5. Hdbk. $20.00 will always be there making her son happy. As schoolers have who are anxious to grow bigger they walk through the forest, they gather flow- as soon as possible and at the same time pre- What a won- ers and berries and daydream about activities sents the second reassuring revelation that a derful book! Mar- they can enjoy together such as fishing and mother’s love only grows stronger as time goes griet Ruurs has watching falling stars. In Mama, Will You by. brought us a won- Hold My Hand?, Sammy and his mom walk The gentle rhyming tale is set in lovely pas- derful view of the through the same forest, but they are seen toral scenes of pine and bamboo forests with refugee crisis holding hands throughout the story. Neither snow and on a lake complete with a boat & lan- which is currently lets go of the other, even when they are in a tern surrounded by majestic mountains. It is a happening in the hot air balloon or flying a kite. Sometimes she perfect bedtime story of love and reassurance. Middle East. In is holding him for comfort; other times for The illustrations are charming and evocative free verse style, a child tells of the experience support. The last story, Mama Will I Be Yours of the beauty of nature. The pandas charm the of having lived a free life and then having to Forever?, shows the same two bears enjoying reader and listener just as their real life counter- flee her homeland due to the war which was the changes they see happening around them. parts do. happening and causing so much despair. The Butterflies emerge, the sun comes up, and story is very simply told in both English and flowers blossom. Sammy ventures out on a Thematic Links: Pandas; Mothers; Growing Up Arabic, yet it has a lasting impact as it follows boat by himself and leaves his mother when he the family on their journey out of what is fa- chases after a butterfly. But no matter how Isobel Lang miliar and into a strange land. Accompanying much he changes, he finds comfort knowing the story line are the wonderful illustrations all he will be his mom’s “little bear forever”. REYNOLDS, Peter H. created in stone by Syrian artist Nizar Ali The illustrations in all three stories are Playing From the Heart E Badr. Actually it was when Ruurs first saw his heart-warming. The bears look cuddly and at Candlewick Press, 2016. 32p. Illus. Gr. artistic creations on Facebook that she knew times, their clothes match. Time passes with Preschool - 2. 978-0-7636-7892-0. she had to contact this man and have him illus- the changing of the seasons, and because the Hdbk. $20.00 trate a book she wanted to write about current stories are set entirely outside, the scenes in- day refugees. The illustrations are amazing, clude raindrops and puddles, falling leaves, When Raj is very created totally from stones which Nizar Ali insects and birds and big, fluffy snowflakes. young he discovers Badr collects on the beach. They poignantly This book benefits readers and listeners. the family piano. He display the plight of this family as they leave Reading this book to a child will help the child loves plunking on all they have known behind to seek a new life. feel loved, especially during times when there the keys. As he Rurrs includes an extensive introduction in is separation or change happening in their life, grows older and his the book which conveys how the book came and reading this book aloud to a child helps legs are able to reach about and the inspiration she found in Nizar shy parents express their love to their child the pedals, he begins Ali Badr’s illustrations. too. to make beautiful This book would be a wonderful way to music without any lessons. His very proud fa- introduce young children to the refugee crisis Thematic Links: Bears; Mothers and Sons; ther hires a piano teacher. Raj learns to play that is happening in other parts of the world. Love; Reassurance; Comforting Words better and better but with practice comes a loss Especially now when we have some of these of joy. He becomes tired and stops playing. refugee children in our own classrooms Tanya Boudreau Long after, when Raj has grown up and moved throughout the country, the book might inspire away, he learns that his father is ill. He goes some of these children to share their experi- PIGNATARO, Anna home and asks his father what he can do for ences. Our Love Grows E him. His father tells him the only thing he wants I would highly recommend this book for Scholastic Canada., 2016. 24p. Illus. is for him to play the song he used to play be- every primary and elementary school in the Gr. Preschool - K. 978-1-4431-4811-5. Hdbk. fore he took lessons. Raj begins to play that country. $14.99 long ago song and the joy returns to his playing Partial proceeds from the sale of this book and he plays from the heart. will be donated to resettlement agencies by the Pip asks his panda This tale is about how creativity should be publisher and the author will be donating her mother “Mama, when joyous not perfect. It is so easy for creativity to royalties to help settle more refugees. will I be big?” She ex- be stifled. The moving illustrations are done in plains in very simple ink, pen, watercolour, gouache and tea. They Thematic Links: Refugees; Middle East and clear terms that he are charming and evoke the innocence of child- has been growing all hood. Anyone who has taken piano lessons can Victoria Pennell along just as a tree be- relate to this fable. gins small and grows SHARFE, into a large tree. She Thematic Links: Music; Piano; Fathers; Sons; Elaine E continues to illustrate Creativity My Good how he is growing by using imagery that is Friend, transparent such as how his paw print was Isobel Lang Grandpa once tiny in the snow and every step was far to Illustrated by Karen go. She describes how his toy owl was once RUURS, Margriet Sim. Your Nickel’s new and his small blankly once covered him Stepping Stones: A Refugee E Worth Publishing,

Volume 22, Number 1 Page 11 2016. 24p. Illus. Gr. Preschool - 3. 978-1- The boy wears his new, bright yellow bindi uses to cope with his situation. Most signifi- 927756-71-3. Pbk. $9.95 to school and, despite being questioned by his cantly, children are reminded that they should peers, allows it to fill him with an intense peace not automatically trust strangers, but that seek- This touching book begins by introducing and sense of freedom. With conviction, he de- ing help can be a positive thing. The story also young Noah and Grandpa Ed who have “been cides he is going to wear the bindi regularly, as champions ingenuity, emphasizing that it is good friends” from the day Noah was born. to him it represents bringing beauty into his important to be creative when faced with a Together, they goof around at Grandpa Ed’s world by allowing him to express everything he problem. In support of the gentle tone of the car dealership, garden side-by-side at the cot- feels he is. text, Padrón’s soft, pastel illustrations convey a tage, build sand castles at the beach, and eat This is a remarkable tale not only of having sense of warmth and safety despite Little Fox’s junk food at football games. Grandpa Ed even the strength of spirit to be yourself, but also of predicament. As a result, young readers will not takes a day off work to accompany Noah to the importance of being supported in that ex- become afraid, but instead, will come away his first day of kindergarten. The two are in- pression by the core people around you. Not from the story feeling reassured and empow- separable. Until, to Noah’s dismay, Grandpa once is this boy chastised or even questioned ered. Ed gets sick. Undaunted, Noah continues to over the appropriateness of his desire, in spite Little Fox, Lost is an effective and compas- visit his grandpa, supporting him throughout of it being very contrary to his culture’s norms. sionate way to begin a discussion about strang- his illness by offering love and companion- His Ammi is not only accepting, but encourag- ers with young children, making it a recom- ship. ing. His choice is not simply tolerated - it is mended addition to classroom and library col- Author Elaine Sharfe effortlessly captures celebrated. lections. the close bond between a grandfather and his Without appearing naïve or overly-simplistic, grandson, while Karen Sim’s colourful illus- this offering successfully illustrates the strength Thematic Links: Winter; Foxes; Mother; Child; trations vibrantly depict both happy and sad of a child’s need for self-expression, in spite of Being Lost; Being Found; Strangers; Emotions moments shared throughout their relationship. it being at odds with both his gender and his Readers quickly understand that, for Noah and culture, and the power of being supported in Chloe Humphreys Grandpa Ed, being a “good friend” involves a that choice. great deal of love and an unspoken promise to SWINBURNE, Stephen R. be there for one another no matter the circum- Thematic Links: Self-expression; Diversity; Safe in a Storm stances. In this gentle way, the book champi- Acceptance; Gender Roles; Cultural Illustrated by Jennifer A. Bell. E ons strong intergenerational relationships as Normativity; Hinduism; South Asian Culture Cartwheel Books/Scholastic, 2016. 32p. integral guiding forces throughout the process Illus. Gr. Preschool - 1. 978-0-545-86792-4. of growing up. For young readers without Nicole Rowlinson Hdbk. $13.99 grandparents, the book’s themes can easily resonate in the context of other important fa- SNITSELAAR, Nicole While a storm rages, milial relationships. Little Fox, Lost animal mothers reassure My Good Friend, Grandpa is a welcome Illustrated by Alicia Padrón. Pajama G their babies that every- addition to any library or classroom collection. Press, 2016. 32p. Illus. Gr. Preschool - thing will be all right and 1. 978-1-77278-004-8. Hdbk. $16.95 that they will be safe. Thematic Links: Grandfathers; Grandsons; Every scene is a cozy Friendship; Family; Sickness; Love; Support While Mama Fox and vignette of reassurance Little Fox are out walking and mother love. Each Chloe Humphreys together on a crisp winter animal mother keeps her morning, Little Fox gets baby or babies secure and SHRAYA, Vivek bored. To liven things up, warm despite the storm. The Boy & the Bindi he decides “to find some The text is comforting from start to finish. Arsenal Pulp Press, 2016. Unp. Illus. G fun of his own.” Excited The illustrations are quite wonderful whether Gr. K - 3. 978-1-551526683. Hdbk. by his paw prints in the they depict moles, giraffes, sloths, sheep, chim- $17.95 snow, Little Fox hops through the trees with panzees or brown bears. This tale is consoling great joy, not realizing he is running further and to any child who has ever been frightened by a In this beautiful further away from his mother. Suddenly, Little storm or by anything else for that matter. and inspiring treas- Fox discovers that he is lost. Scared and disori- ure, a young boy ented, he is tempted to seek help from several Thematic Links: Storms; Mothers; Fear; finds himself fasci- kind strangers, but remembers Mama Fox’s Animals nated and mesmer- instructions to stay still and wait patiently until ized by his she can locate him. To aid Mama Fox in her Isobel Lang mother’s bindi, the search, Little Fox creatively decides to sing so dot often worn his mother can hear him. With the help of other TEKAVEC, Heather above the nose of South Asian women. He is forest animals, his plan works, and a relieved Manners are not for Monkeys E so enamoured of its beauty, and the way his Mama Fox finds her child. Illustrated Ammi wears it in all different hues, that he Originally published in French, this non- by David Huyck. decides he very much wants one of his own. threatening story acts as an important conversa- Kids Can Press, He learns that the bindi instills in its wearer a tion starter for children about strangers and get- 2016. Unp. Illus. Gr. sense of one’s self, one’s culture, and one’s ting lost. Snitselaar’s text explores negative K-3. 978-1- truth. His mother welcomes his desire to ex- emotions like fear, anxiety and uncertainty that 771380515. Hdbk. press himself and his culture in the same way children may associate with being separated $18.95 she has chosen to do, and allows him to wear a from a caregiver. As such, caregivers are bindi of his own. prompted to discuss the strategies Little Fox (cont’d on p. 55)

Page 12 Resource Links Fiction: Grades 3-6 AGNEW, Sheila of Edie’s adventures in New York! interesting person she has ever met. The fact Evie Brooks In Central Park G that his name is Queen makes him “different” Showdown Thematic Links: Veterinary Medicine; Family and the butt of jokes by the class bullies. This Pajama Press, 2016. 236p. Gr. 4-7. Relationships; Ccaring for Animals; Drugs; does not bother Queen one bit and that too 978-1-927485-94-.1 Pbk. $12.95 Child Custody Hearings; Friendship; Dating; makes Evelyn respect him. The friendship that Central Park develops between these two makes for inter- Twelve-year old Evie esting reading and a starting point for discus- Brooks is starting a new life Myra Junyk sions about first impressions and friendship. in Manhattan. After her This is a good book to read aloud to elemen- mother’s death in Dublin,G BAUER, Michael Gerard tary classes, or to talk about at the dinner table. Evie must cross the ocean to Eric Vale Super Male G live with her veterinarian Scholastic Canada, 2015. 201p. Illus. Thematic Links: Friendship; Bullying; School uncle Scott in Manhattan. Gr. 3-5. 978-1-4431-3935-9. Pbk. $7.99 Stories; Grade 5 She soon makes two friends, Greg and Kylie, who both In the style of the Diary Mavis Holder attend her new school, St. of a Wimpy Kid and Timmy Sebastian’s. On the first day of school, Evie Failure Series, this novel CURRIE, Susan meets Lorcan, another student from Ireland, will appeal to reluctant The Mask that Sang A and they immediately become friends. How- readers and readers looking Second Story Press, 2016. 190p. Gr. ever, Evie’s life is now complicated by the fact for quick humorous stories. 5-7. 978-1-77260-013-1. Pbk. $9.95 that Michael Carey, her biological father, has Eric Vale is an underdog turned up wanting to see her. He ran off before in his school, and along Cass’s life is complicated Evie was born, so she has never met him. How with his sidekick best friend by many things: she lives in will this change her life? Chewie, is obsessed with superheroes. His near-poverty with her single Evie is a delightful heroine who enjoys get- imagination is rife with stories about his alter mother, she is bullied at ting involved in the lives of her friends and ego - Secret Agent Derek Dale, and he defi- school, she has imbibed her family. She loves to help her uncle and his nitely uses this to his advantage when his mother’s distrust of author- partner Joanna in their veterinary clinic. Since teacher assigns a superhero week. ity, and she feels herself to Evie and her uncle live upstairs, she is con- Eric’s life is consumed with problems with be a nobody. Cass’s mother, stantly involved with the animals in the clinic. bullies and annoying girls at school, as well as Denise, has “been in over Evie is aware that Joanna and her uncle Scott his bothersome little sister, and he clearly uses twenty foster homes” since she was given up share a connection which is much more than his imagination to escape from these un- by her young mother at birth (p.10); as a teen just professional. However, their constant pleasantries. There’s not a lot here to differenti- mother herself, Denise chose not to make that bickering prevents any kind of romance from ate this novel from other popular series using decision and has raised Cass in an emotional developing despite Evie’s efforts. Evie loves the multi-font, doodles-on-each-page style, par- security that transcends their poverty. When reading novels like The Golden Compass and ticularly since it features a down-on-his-luck, her dead mother’s lawyers track Denise down, enjoys riding horses competitively. Her social underdog boy with an odd best friend, an exas- she is adamant that she will have nothing to do life takes a turn for the better when she starts perating sibling, and trouble at school. How- with the house and money she has been left. dating Lorcan, but she also has strong feelings ever, if these types of stories are impossible to Cass, however, does not carry the same emo- for Greg’s older brother Finn. keep on the shelf, this one will fit the bill tional baggage, and talks her mother into ac- This is the second novel in Sheila Agnew’s equally well. cepting the legacy. Wrapped in tissue in one of Evie Series. The first book introduced Evie, the drawers in her new home, Cass finds an her uncle Scott, and the vibrant Manhattan Thematic Links: Humorous Stories; Super Iroquios false-face mask, the source of the soft setting. In this second novel, there are several Heroes voices Cass has been hearing, humming with a new characters including Evie’s biological “mischievous purr,” (p. 22) telling her how father, Lorcan, and her teachers at St. Sebas- Nicole Rowlinson happy she will be in the house. tian’s. The mask sings to her; it hums in approval This novel will definitely appeal to young CASSIDY, Sara when she stands up for a Native classmate, female readers who love animals. They will be A Boy Named Queen G Degan Hill; it “vibrated with regret, with sor- able to relate to Evie’s everyday issues at Groundwood Books, 2016. 80p. Gr. 3-5. row” (p.56) when she inadvertently hurts him; school and at the veterinary clinic, as well as 978-1-554989058. Hdbk. $14.95 it gives her strength to stand up for what she her complicated relationships. The Manhattan knows is right. Befriending Degan brings Cass location and Central Park play an important Everything about Evelyn into the lives of his Native family, where she role in the storyline. Agnew’s novel also deals is ordered and organized. learns the stories of false-face masks, and their with different kinds of families. Evie lives Being an only child of kind power. When her mother unknowingly sells it with her uncle Scott, but her biological father but strict parents, her life is with other unwanted household items, Cass is suing to get custody. Greg and Finn go back routine and regulated. When and Degan struggle to retrieve it, first from a and forth between their divorced parents. Lor- a new student arrives in her pawn shop, then from its purchaser, and ulti- can has two dads. As the novel ends, Evie grade five class she is in- mately from the school bully, Ellis, who turns looks forward to her future. “Being fourteen trigued by this boy who out (stereotypically) to be dealing with issues could be very interesting.” (p. 236). Readers seems to be exactly the op- of his own. will definitely look forward to the next edition posite but quite the most Despite the trope of the privileged-yet-

Volume 22, Number 1 Page 13 bullied bully, the ingenuity of Cass and Degan, It’s the beginning of sum- ing, seasickness, even sharks! Hannah’s not and their strength in standing up to Ellis’s fa- mer vacation, and twins Lark sure this is her ideal summer job, and Piper is ther’s racism and illogical position vis-à-vis and Conner Ba are anxiously determined to prove her right, whatever it the mask, gives readers a sense both of the awaiting their trip to the li- takes. powerlessness of the child against unreason- brary with their halmoni - Although it’s the third book in a series, In able adults and the need to stand for what you grandmother. Upon arriving Over Her Head stands alone just fine. The believe in, regardless. In a rather simplistic at the library, however, they Hannah Smart books are a gentle, positively and idealized dénouement, their strength gives are dismayed to find that toned series intended to provide accessible, the abused Ellis strength; he returns the mask Mrs. Robinson, the librarian, realistic lessons for girls struggling with the to its rightful home, and “generations of voices has lost her key and cannot multiple and sometimes conflicting messages sang that it was home at last” (p.185). open the library for the day. Lark, being a self- they receive from peers, family, and media. Its rightful home, of course, is with some- declared rookie detective, is immediately deter- Friendship, loyalty, bullying, boyfriends, one from the Cayuga Nation, where it was mined to track down the missing key and save money, and responsibility are some of the created. That the mask sings to Cass is the first the day. themes the series has explored so far, and this obvious clue. The method of delivery of the During the hunt, Lark comes across her class- volume continues this exploration. Hannah is a truth of Cass’s heritage, rather like Denise’s mate Sophie, who is usually up to no good, and very young teen, someone elementary-age fortuitous inheritance, though, feels contrived. realizes that she is an eyewitness to the mystery, readers can easily read up to, but she has ma- A letter that had been left to Denise tells the as Mrs. Robinson had stopped to help her on tured since her first adventure. She’s a little story of Denise’s mother, a Cayuga girl ne- her way to the library. Lark wisely decides to less impetuous and a little more reflective. glected by her widowed father and sent to re-enact Mrs. Robinson’s day in order to deter- Still, she isn’t a substantial character, nor are Residential school. The letter reads more like mine what could have possibly happened to the her friends or her frenemy, Piper. an outline from a history lesson about Native key. After all, that is what all good Private In- Everything that happens in this book is lar- abuses than a letter from a caring nurse. Incon- vestigators would do. ger than life. The adult characters, for in- gruently, despite being raised in poverty and There are enough clues in this engaging stance, are exaggerated figures: the Captain is abuse, Denise’s mother “traveled in search of novel to allow readers to solve the mystery on untenably fierce; Massimo, the chef, is im- answers, working as she went … she visited their own, and astute detectives will be able to plausibly meek; Piper’s mother is an Olympic other countries and sought out quiet, holy figure it out even before Lark does. Lark is a coach; and so on. Hannah’s slip-ups veer close places. She learned to meditate. She studied very likable and relatable character, with some to physical comedy and her successes are too about great religions, and explored what it felt quirkiness about her that children will find hu- good to believe. Such plots are common fod- like to practice them. When she finally came morous. Deen uses Lark’s vocabulary to create der in movies and TV for tweens, so will sat- home, she was ready to look at her own tradi- teachable moments in a way that children won’t isfy readers familiar with those conventions, as tions…” (p. 174). This passage, especially, even realize they are learning, and the spelling well as those looking for simple happy endings rang false for me, “working as she went” not- and word-use mistakes that Lark makes in the and an easy read. Only some girls will see withstanding. story are amusing. A dash of Korean vocabu- themselves reflected in Hannah’s happy-go- What I find troubling is that the Turtle Is- lary is included as well. lucky, middle-class world, though. land Healing Centre that Denise’s fictional There are a perfect amount of illustrations, There’s certainly nothing wrong with this mother founded could possibly exist. There is which are extremely appealing and perfectly book; it’s high gloss and happy, and even the a Turtle Island Healing Center in Flagstaff, enhance the story. This offering in the Orca unhappy families and messed-up characters Arizona, and Turtle Island Healing and Well- Echoes Series of beginning chapter books is one are easily redeemed. However, despite how ness, part of the Turtle Island Native Network that most libraries will see circulate, and other strongly the author’s intentions appeal to my online, (http://turtleisland.org/) is a Canadian books will be forthcoming in the Lark Ba De- girl-positive values, the book’s sugary sweet- organization. As “Turtle Island” is a term for tective Series. ness just doesn’t satisfy. the world in some First Nations’ creation myths, though, it is possible that the author has Thematic Links: Detective Stories; Libraries; Thematic Links: Friendship; Rivalry; created a generic title for a Native healing cen- Twins; Early Chapter Books; Summer Vacation Families; Boating; Summer Jobs tre. If the story of Denise’s mother is based on the founder of the Canadian program, on the Nicole Rowlinson Leslie Vermeer other hand, a more careful description of her past - and perhaps an afterword explaining the FITZPATRICK, Melody GARDNER, Lyn, and Ros Asquith historical reality - would be greatly helpful. As In Over Her Head (Hannah Smart: A Fright in the Night (The Ghastly G it stands, the lecturing tone of the historical Book 3) McNastys Series) aspects overshadows the delightful story of Dundurn, 2016. 183p. Gr. 4 - 6. 978-1- Kids Can Press, 2016. 148p. Gr. 2 - 5. Csss’s life, and we are left wanting. 45973-160-8. Pbk. $12.99 978-1-77138-130-7. Hdbk. $16.95

Thematic Links: Bullying; Turtle Island; False Plucky teen protagonist The Ghastly McNastys begin their third Face Masks; Orenda Hannah Smart is back. This adventure deep inside the time she’s aboard a massive unfortunate shark that swal- Karyn Huenemann boat, taking part in a reality lowed them at the end of TV series about searching Raiders of the Lost Shark, DEEN, Natasha for sunken treasure. On but readers know they won't Lark Holds the Key (Orca Echoes G board with her is Piper, a be there for long. Sure Series) girl with a perfect life, and enough, Gruesome and Orca Book Publishers, 2016. 74p. Illus. Gr. 2- A.J., Hannah’s current Grisly are soon back on 4. 978-1-459807273. Pbk. $6.95 crush. Of course, exploring land and up to their terribly the ocean means scuba div- piratical tricks once more.

Page 14 Resource Links They're determined to find treasure in Little Snoring and prepared to do away with our he- roes Tat and Hetty, who put them in the shark's way in the first place. Of course, before the McNastys can claim the treasure, they will have to evade Inspector Haddock, the ghostly Captain Syd, and some highly irritable sea creatures. Only an absurd imagination could guess what happens next. Fright in the Night is a funny, accessible book well suited to readers gaining confidence with independent reading. It will also appeal to readers fascinated by gross-out standbys: slime, snot, sweat, vomit, and other bodily functions. It's all good-natured, over-the-top fun. Writer and illustrator both invite readers to join the silliness with a great big wink. The snarky editorial asides and lively illustrations add to the comedy - and someone's pet terrapin has quite an attitude! Have Tat and Hetty finally outsmarted the McNastys? You'll have to read the book to find out.

Thematic Links: Comedy; Pirates; Friendship

Leslie Vermeer

GREEN, Shari Root Beer Candy and Other Miracles E Pajama Press, 2016. 240p. Gr. 3 -6. 978-1-77278-007-9. Pbk. $11.95

Root Beer Candy and Other Miracles is a gentle verse novel for middle- grade readers. Bailey, the sensitive, perceptive nar- rator, is living on a West Coast island with her little brother and her estranged grandmother for the sum- mer while her parents try to repair their marriage. She soon meets Jas- per, a man who was once a village leader but is now an outsider, and Daniel, a boy with a camera and a secret. One day Jasper locks eyes with Bailey as he utters one of his prophecies. His words set the villagers gossiping and push Bailey to search for miracles. Root Beer Candy and Other Miracles tack- les some serious problems common among kids today. Its resolution is gentle and hopeful, but also realistic. When Bailey asks for help, classroom library. It's also a fine complement to HUGHES, Susan people - even people she believes dislike her - the verse novels of K.A. Holt, and a stepping come to her aid. From the climactic event Bai- Houdini’s stone to the work of authors like Sonya Sones, Escape (The G ley discovers personal resilience and the value Virginia Euwer Wolff, and Martine Leavitt. of expressing her feelings and her fears. Not Puppy everything can be fixed, but sharing a problem Root Beer Candy and Other Miracles is also a Collection) physically beautiful book, generously designed Scholastic Canada, 2015. with someone who loves us makes it easier to and appealing in the hand. Watch for this one! 88p. Illus. Gr. 2-4. 978-1- bear. This is a message middle-graders cannot 443146500. Pbk. $5.99 hear too often.

I really enjoyed this book. It's an excellent Thematic Links: Poetry; Families; Friendship; Emotions; Faith; Serious Illness; Imagination The Puppy Collection choice for thoughtful middle-grade readers and Series by Susan Hughes would make a valuable addition to a school or Leslie Vermeer features not only adorable

Volume 22, Number 1 Page 15 Awards and Announcements

R. Ross Annett Award illustrated by François Thisdale by Karen Bass (Pajama) for Children’s Literature Winner (Clockwise Press) Mad Miss Mimic The Nest by Sara Henstra (Razorbill Canada) written by Kenneth Oppel The Farmerettes Winterkill illustrated by Jon Klassen by Gisela Tobien Sherman by Kate Boorman (Abrams/Amulet Press) (HarperCollins Canada) (Second Story Press) Avis Dolphin written by Frieda Wishinsky Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award illustrated by Willow Dawson (Groundwood) Sunburst Awards - YA Fiction Shortlist

Winner Sometimes I Feel Like a Fox John Spray Mystery Award Shortlist by Danielle Daniel (Groundwood Books) An Inheritance of Ashes The WolfBirds by Leah Bobet (Scholastic Canada) by Willow Dawson (Owlkids) Delusion Road InvisiBill by Don Aker (HarperTrophy) Other Nominees written by Maureen Fergus The Masked Truth illustrated by Dusan Petricic (Tundra Books) by Kelley Armstrong (Doubleday Canada) Masterminds Sight Unseen A Cloud of Dust by Gordon Korman (HarperCollins) by David Carroll (Scholastic) written by Alma Fullerton The Blackthorn Key The Unquiet illustrated by Brian Deines (Pajama Press) by Kevin Sands (Aladdin) by Mikaela Everett (HarperCollins Canada) Sidewalk Flowers The Case of the Missing Moonstone The Nest written by JonArno Lawson by Jordan Stratford (Alfred A. Knopf) by Kenneth Oppel (S&S) illustrated by Sydney Smith (Groundwood)

Boo

by Neil Smith (Knopf Canada)

Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Monica Hughes Award for Children’s Non-Fiction Shortlist Science-Fiction and Fantasy Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Shortlist Children’s Book Awards Winners Foodprints: The Story of What We Eat by Paula Ayer (Annick Press) The Scorpion Rules by Erin Bow (Margaret K. McElderry Books) Children’s Picture Books Category Beginner’s Guide to Immortality: From Alchemy to Avatars The Unquiet by Mikaela Everett (Greenwillow Books) Mr. Postmouse’s Rounds written by Maria Birmingham illustrated by Josh Holinaty (Owlkids) Clover’s Luck: The Magical Animal by Marianne Dubuc, (Kids Can Press) Soldier: When Boys and Girls Adoption Agency (Book One) Are Used in War by Kallie George (HarperCollins) Young Adult Category written by Jessica Dee Humphreys and A Thousand Nights by E.K. Johnston (Disney-Hyperion) Michel Chikwanine The Nest We Are All Made of Molecules illustrated by Claudia Dávila (Kids Can Press) written by Kenneth Oppel by Susin Nielsen (Tundra Books) Art of the Possible: An Everyday illustrated by Jon Klassen (HarperCollins) Guide to Politics

written by Edward Keenan

illustrated by Julie McLaughlin (Owlkids)

TD Canadian Children’s Literature X is a Funny Word: A Book About Bodies‚ Feelings‚ and You Amy Mathers Teen Book Award Award Shortlist written by Cory Silverberg Shortlist illustrated by Fiona Smyth Year of Borrowed Men (Seven Stories Press) written by Michelle Barker 5 to 1 illustrated by Renné Benoit (Pajama Press) by Holly Bodger (Alfred A. Knopf) That Squeak The Scorpion Rules written by Carolyn Beck Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical by Erin Bow (Margaret K. McElderry) The Truth Commission illustrated by François Thisdale Fiction for Young People Shortlist (Fitzhenry & Whiteside) by Susan Juby (Razorbill) The Wolf-Birds Young Man With Camera by Willow Dawson (Owlkids Books) The Unquiet Past (Secrets Series) by Emil Sher (Arthur A. Levine Books) Missing Nimama by Kelley Armstrong (Orca Book Publishers) Trouble is a Friend of Mine written by Melanie Florence Uncertain Soldier by Stephanie Tromly (Kathy Dawson Books)

Page 16 Resource Links Awards and Announcements

Lane Anderson Award Shortlist by Cybèle Young (Kids Can Press) Joanne Fitzgerald Illustrator in Residence Program

Young Readers Category IBBY Canada and the Edmonton Public 2016 Burt Award for First Nations Library are pleased to announce that Foodprints: The Story of What We Eat children’s book creator by Paula Ayer (Annick Press) Finalists Dianna Bonder Head Lice: The Disgusting Critters Series is the by Elise Gravel (Tundra Books) The Education of Augie Merasty 2016 Joanne Fitzgerald What’s the Buzz? Keeping Bees in Flight by Joseph Auguste (Augie) Merasty and David Illustrator in Residence by Merrie-Ellen Wilcox Carpenter (University of Regina Press) Dianna Bonder’s residency will be at the (Orca Book Publishers) The Outside Circle Stanley A. Milner Branch The Queen’s Shadow: A Story About by Patti LaBoucane-Benson and Kelly from October 17 to November 10, 2016 How Animals See Mellings (Groundwood Books)

stories about a variety of dog breeds, but also a life instead of just playing video games all day. lesson from this novel. “Sooner or later, strong, inclusive friendship between three dog- Cameron and his two friends (Pavel and something comes along that shows you what crazy girls, Kat, Maya, and Grace. Chuck) come up with a brilliant idea to create a matters.” (p. 137) In this 7th instalment, the three girls meet a “virtual” club. Pavel hacks into the school’s beagle called Houdini, who comes to board at website, and Cameron becomes a school leader Thematic Links: Video Gaming; School Kat’s aunt’s grooming and boarding house, in his parent’s eyes - without actually doing Clubs; Volunteering; Family Relationships; Tail’s Up. Houdini proves himself to be as anything at all! He is now the president of the Peaceful Protest; Animal Habitats; Friendship great an escape artist as his namesake. Positive Action Group (P.A.G.) which is dedi- While the girls manage to curtail his first cated to doing good deeds in the community Myra Junyk two attempts to run off, they have a harder according to the school’s website. Cameron’s time when they attend a puppy birthday party, idea of participation is to keep on playing video KRISHNASWAMI, Uma and Houdini manages to sneak away. As it games while his parents believe he is contribut- Book Uncle and Me E turns out, however, it is a good thing that Hou- ing to society. Illustrated by Julianna Swaney. dini vanished, because he ultimately ends up a Unfortunately, obnoxious do-gooder Daphne Groundwood Books, 2016. 152p. Gr. hero who leads a lost little girl to safety. notices the new club on the school’s website 3-6. 978-1-55498-808-2. Hdbk. $14.95 This series is a good choice for introducing and decides to join it to save Elvis, an orphan independent reading, for children interested in beaver. Daphne soon spreads the word, P.A.G. Ever since she turned feel-good dog stories. membership grows, and even gets a faculty ad- eight, Yasmin has read one Also available in French. See p. 48. visor, Mr. Fanshaw. Cameron is forced to start book every day. Now she doing good deeds with his fellow P.A.G mem- has read over four hundred Thematic Links: Puppies; Dog Grooming; bers. Their first good deed is cleaning up a sen- books. Her reading habit is Friendships ior citizens’ garden where Cameron acciden- supported greatly by Book tally saves an elderly woman from a serious Uncle’s Lending Library, a Nicole Rowlinson injury. The club’s popularity grows, and Cam- small corner lending library eron becomes the focus of several newspaper with a sign that says “Books. KORMAN, Gordon articles. This brings him to the attention of a Free. Give One. Take One. Slacker G rival high school club leader, who will do any- Read-read-read.” Book Uncle always has the Scholastic Press, 2016. 230p. Gr. 4-6. thing to prevent Cameron’s P.A.G. from being right book for the right person, and Yasmin is 978-0-545-82315-0. Hdbk. $21.99 in the spotlight. Will Cameron’s club survive? his best patron. Out of the blue, the mayor Will he ever get back to his video games? decides that Book Uncle needs a permit, which Eighth-grader Cameron Gordon Korman has written another amusing he can’t afford to pay for. This injustice in- Boxer is having a streak of novel about a reluctant hero who saves the day. spires Yasmin to work with her friends Reeny bad luck. First, he almost Korman’s novel has dozens of two dimensional and Anil to spread the word and make Book burns down his home characters, numerous narrators, and several plot Uncle’s Lending Library a political issue in when he becomes so in- lines. His hero, video virtuoso Cameron Boxer, the upcoming local elections. Can Yasmin and volved in his video game is forced to become a community leader be- her friends make a difference in their commu- that he forgets to turn off cause of a series of ridiculous and amusing cir- nity, even though they are just kids? Will ei- the ziti reheating in the cumstances. Cameron’s club, the P.A.G, be- ther of the candidates for mayor even listen to oven! He has become the comes a strong force in the community. It pro- them? consummate slacker. “A motes good will, community building and vol- Book Uncle and Me introduces readers to lot of words had been used unteerism. It also changes people’s lives. Al- the topics of community activism and local to describe Cameron Boxer over the years – though the club is the opposite of what Cam- politics through Yasmin’s adventure. The In- goof-off, loafer, shiftless, slouch, lazy blob of eron thinks he wants from his life, it eventually dian setting, the inclusion of some words in protoplasm.” (p. 14) After the fire, his parents becomes his primary focus and even saves his Hindi, and the unique voice of Yasmin con- order him to do something worthwhile with his community! The reader will learn a positive tribute to this well-written story. This book

Volume 22, Number 1 Page 17 will hopefully encourage readers to stand up Blinded by his crush on Annie, Rennie immedi- clever read. for what they believe in and recognize that ately dislikes Derek but is even more suspicious Ever since Abby and Jonah returned from even though they are too young to vote, they of Annie’s uncle Raj who appears from India their last adventure through their magic mir- can still make a difference in their communi- demanding that Annie return there as her grand- ror, Jonah has been plagued with memories ties. mother is ill. A call to her grandmother con- belonging to the fairy who lives in the mirror, firms that she is not sick at all, so Annie refuses Maryrose. It’s becoming such a problem that Thematic Links: Lending Libraries; Reading; his demands as she knows her trust fund will Jonah can’t concentrate on school work, and is Community Activism; Politics; Elections revert to her uncle Raj should she die or marry. in danger of failing grade 2. The two siblings When the avaricious park ranger Chuck con- had vowed to not go through their mirror to a Alice Albarda spires with Annie’s uncle in an honour killing fairy tale land again, but they do need Mary- to kill Annie in a planned avalanche explosion, rose’s help to rid Jonah of his false memories LARRY, H. I. Rennie rescues Annie from the avalanche and and pass his grade. Thrill Ride (Zac Power Series) G with Grandma’s help calls the police in enough Inadvertently, Abby and Jonah do end up Scholastic Canada, 2009/2016. 91p. time to have Chuck and Raj arrested. In the end getting pulled in, and quickly determine they Gr. 2-4. 978-1-4431-4635-7. Pbk. the reader discovers that chalet owner Rod had are in the world of the Princess and the Frog $5.99 had a crush on Grandma when they were fairy tale, but with some interesting twists. younger, and that she’s still involved with The princess who is supposed to turn the frog In his latest adventure, the David McLean, Rennie’s grandfather. back into a prince has no interest in helping, perfectly titled Thrill Ride, Clever, resourceful and self-deprecating Ren- so Abby and Jonah must figure out how to do Zac has to single-handedly nie is only too thankful to see his rigid, judge- it themselves. The frog, and therefore the infiltrate a nefarious plot by a mental father off on a military mission. While prince, turns out to be an evil jerk, and Mary- rival spy group, all while sur- profoundly missing his mother who died in a rose is in grave danger! Abby and Jonah need viving the world’s scariest car accident for which Rennie believes he is at to find Maryrose in order to remove her theme park. least partly responsible, Rennie adores his memories from Jonah’s mind, and discover in Being a top secret agent for Grandma and cheerfully ditches boring school the process that there is a special reason why the Government Investigation to ski with her. Although often overcome with he had them in the first place. Bureau (GIB) means Zac oc- the loss of his mother, Rennie typifies the grow- Sarah Mlynowski is a wonderful writer, and casionally has to drop everything - this time a ing, always hungry young teen, grounded in the despite this being the 8th book in the series, it concert by his favourite rock band Axe present with little thought to the future. Sharp remains fresh, funny, and well-written. Read- Grinder - to attend to a mission. Shark Park and wise, Grandma knows that Rennie will ers will easily stay engaged, and the short seems to have been overtaken by rival BIG benefit from the outdoor skiing and trusts him chapters are of benefit to reluctant readers and agents and Zac must go undercover to gather to be on his own after she breaks her ankle. great for a read-aloud. intelligence on their secret conference. Even secondary characters Derek, Rod, Raj and This light-hearted fractured tale stands out What begins as a simple mission turns into a Chuck are artfully drawn - their characters clear from other similar offerings, making it, and full-blown dangerous operation. With James in their words and actions. Annie is a powerful, the rest of the series, a must have for school Bond style gadgets in hand, Zac must stop strong young woman with clear goals who chal- libraries. rogue BIG agents from the revenge they seek lenges traditional Indian values. against the entire BIG organization. In spite of the beautiful setting of the Sierra Thematic Links: Fairy Tales; Fractured Fairy This remains a very well-written series, Nevada ski area, the plot could easily have Tales; The Princess and the Frog; Siblings; which offers thrilling escapades, and humour, taken place in Canada and will engage Cana- Magic in a fairly easy chapter book format. Children dian readers. Ski and avalanche scenes are be- will be thrilled to see detailed diagrams of lievable and thrilling. Dialogue flows naturally Nicole Rowlinson Zac’s gadgets, and this story is sure to inspire and moves the action along as Rennie’s inner them to do a little spying of their own. voice reveals his feelings, questions and beliefs. MLYNOWSKI, Sarah, Lauren The theme of honour killings will intrigue both Myracle, and Emily Jenkins G Thematic Links: Spies; Adventure Stories; boys and girls while all readers will sympathize Upside-Down Magic: Sticks & Theme Parks with Rennie’s grief and admire his courage. Stones Scholastic Press, 2016. 193p. Gr. 3-7. 978-0- Nicole Rowlinson Thematic Links: Honour Killings; Grief; Love; 545-80049-5. Hdbk. $14.99 Skiing; Avalanches MCCLINTOCK, Norah Nory Horace's magic Slide (The Seven Prequels Series) Joan Marshall began bubbling up when Orca Book Publishers, 2016. 182p. Gr. G she was 10. Unlike many 6-8. 978-1-459811676. Pbk. $9.95 MLYNOWSKI, Sarah other kids, Nory doesn't do Once Upon A Frog (Whatever G ordinary magic. Sometimes 14-year-old Rennie and After #8) she transforms into a kitten. his grandma are skiing in Scholastic Canada, At others, she turns into a the California Sierra Ne- 2016. 159p. Gr. 3-6. 978-0- dritten (half dragon, half vada mountains where 545746601. Hdbk. $19.99 kitten) or even a mitten Rennie becomes friends (half mosquito, half kitten). with Annie who’s working In this eighth instalment That's why she's in the UDM or Upside-Down at the ski chalet’s kitchen of the Whatever After Frac- Magic class at Dunwiddle Magic School. before she goes off to pre- tured Fairy Tale Series, Her classmates also do wonky magic. There's med studies at Harvard Sarah Mlynowski has once Bax, who frequently fluxes into a rock, with boyfriend Derek. again offered up a fun and Andres who floats upside down, Marigold,

Page 18 Resource Links who shrinks things, Elliott, who turns things internal monologue expresses his nervousness This is the third book in the Piper Green into ice, and Willa, who makes it rain inside. in dealing with his predicament. And Greta and the Fairy Tree Series, which is about a When weird things start happening at Dunwid- (Pippi) is so unbelievable that even Adam girl named Piper who lives on Peek-a-Boo dle Magic School, attention focuses on the doubts whether she is real. Separated is pre- Island, rides a lobster boat to school, and has a UDM class. Who else but Bax could change sumably effective back story for the character Fairy Tree in her front yard. When Piper the contents of the entire Pennies for Potions of Adam in The Seven Series. The problem with leaves a treasure in the Fairy Tree, the fairies jar into tiny rocks? Students saw Marigold this book is that nothing of importance happens. leave one for her in return, but only something shrink Lacey, the school bully. Who's going to Only fans of The Seven will find Adam’s ad- that she really needs. In this instalment of the be next? Then the contents of lockers turn to venture satisfying. series, the fairies leave piper a necklace with a stone and everything in the stadium during a bosun’s whistle on it. When a horse arrives on Kittenball Game does the same. Bax says he Thematic Links: Stockholm, Sweden - Travel; Peek-a-Boo island on the ferry, Piper tries to didn't do it - but who believes him? Suspense trade her whistle in for a horse of her own… Will the UDM class be kicked out of the for emergencies, of course. To her disappoint- school? Readers will anxiously keep reading Patricia Jermey ment, the whistle is still there when she comes to find out. Young readers will enjoy this back to check. Why did the fairies give her quirky novel about middle grade students who PICHON, L. this whistle? have similar problems to their own, as well as Yes! no. (maybe…) (Tom Gates Series) G Piper Green is a spunky character who read- some unusual differences. Scholastic Canada, 2015. 257p. Illus. ers will love. The small lobster-fishing com- Gr. 3-6. 978-1-4431-4828-3. Pbk. $8.99 munity of Peek-a-Boo Island is almost like the Thematic Links: Fantasy; Individual second main character of the series, and makes Differences; Loyalty; Friendship; Cooperation; In this eighth instalment the story different from other chapter book Bullying of the popular, and consis- series. Peek-a-Boo Island, which is probably tently funny, Tom Gates inspired by the author’s hometown of Maine, Helen Mason Series, Tom’s on a mission will seem familiar to readers from the Mari- to stop his mum from selling times and the inclusion of a map of the island PEACOCK, Shane all his prized possessions in makes the setting all the more engaging. Qin Separated (The Seven Prequels) A her boot sale (although he Leng’s illustrations portray feisty Piper and Orca Book Publishers, 2016. 144p. Gr. would like money to buy a her Atlantic hometown very well. Overall this 4 up. 978-1-459811645. Pbk. $9.95 new scooter), and he’s got is a well-crafted addition to a series that young Business Day at school to worry about. To top readers will find exciting and funny. After the success of it off, his grandparents, aka “The Fossils”, are The Seven Series, and the coming, Tom’s sister Delia is as grumpy as Thematic Links: Fishing Communities; Island subsequent The Seven ever, and he got switched from his chosen pro- Communities; Adventure; Fairies; Horses Sequels, Orca has de- ject group at school for getting caught doodling. cided to continue with Liz Pichon is a master at combining her Alice Albarda The Seven Prequels. This multi-font text with her picture doodles, and the may have jumped the result is a very appealing visual novel. Com- PRIEST, Robert shark. parisons to the Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series are Missing Piece (Spell Crossed Series) Adam’s mysterious inevitable, but Tom is a much more light- Dundurn Press, 2016. 334p. Gr. 4-8. A grandfather has decided hearted, less whiny and manipulative version of 978-1-4597-3043-4. Pbk. $12.99 to take the twelve-year- Gregg Heffley, and the illustrations are fantas- old with him on a business/pleasure trip to tic. Missing Piece is the third Stockholm. Adam is a nervous flyer, and a Reluctant readers, and children looking for a book in the Spell Crossed “sensitive” young man, but he soon settles in humorous but realistic view of the troubles and Series. Priest provides a to a good routine: when his grandfather is tribulations of a continually distracted boy, and foreword, in which he tells away in the mornings, Adam plays cool video his penchant for poking fun at the adults in his the reader, “There are lots games and eats room service in their luxury life, will find much to love here, as in the other of missing pieces in this hotel, and then in the afternoon and evenings books in this award-winning series. story but deliberately so… they explore the city. Adam is particularly there are plenty of other excited about attending a Swedish professional Thematic Links: Humorous Stories; Family vanished bits, removed frag- league hockey game. But at the game’s end he Dynamics; Mischief ments, and even unwanted becomes separated from his grandfather. He extra fragments, all of which seem to be ac- has researched enough about Sweden to learn Nicole Rowlinson tively intent on finding their way back to what- of its reputation for violent crime fiction, and ever totality they were once part of.” the assassinations of two political leaders. Fro- POTTER, Ellen Tharfen, the captain of the Dawnrider, has zen with uncertainty as to how to proceed, he Piper Green and E returned to the Phaer Isle to repair her ship. is challenged by a young girl who bears a the Fairy Tree: When she arrives she realizes that the city of striking resemblance to Pippi Longstocking. The Sea Pony Ulde is woefully unprepared for the revengeful She encourages him to overcome his fears, and Illustrated by Qin Leng. return of the Cyclopes. She also realizes that believe in himself. He is safely reunited with Alfred A. Knopf Books she and Xemion had exchanged pieces in an his grandfather, and better prepared for future for Young Readers/ earlier adventure, and if they are both willing challenges. Penguin, 2016. 128p. Gr. they could be returned to whole. Xemion has Peacock uses the usual literary gambits of 2-5. 978-0-553-49934-6. been caring for the body of Saheli, but she is cliff-hanger chapter endings and first person Pbk. $7.99 also missing a piece due to an entanglement narration to create an ominous tone. Adam’s with Tharfen’s brother Torgee. In addition to

Volume 22, Number 1 Page 19 these four, the entire city is still trying to re- conjures up zombie goats and a French speak- This tender, thoughtful novel is deeply cover from the results of being spellcrossed, as ing coyote to help her deal with her distress. moving. Its scenes and images will stay with the Great Kone continues to spin. The villain- River’s strength is in the extraordinary lan- me for a long time, and it’s a book that will ous Montither and his kwislings, along with guage she uses to weave the story, and Kammie reward reflection and re-reading. It is sweet Prince Icrix and his Cyclopes brethren, backed is written with brilliant insight. The prose is and sad, and funny, and touching without be- by mercenary Kagars, threaten both the citi- sometimes funny, but in a wry way, that may ing treacly. It deserves to be cherished. I hope zens of the Phaer Isle and their quest for liter- make readers want to laugh-cry, and it is full of adults will put Downside Up in the hands of acy. so many quotable passages. younger readers who need it and will love it. As with the previous novel, the large num- Although written for children, the novel is ber of characters, the inventive use of magic, full of masterful language that would engage Thematic Links: Dogs; Pets; Loss; Grieving; and the fantasy setting and creatures make this adults, but still somehow remains accessible to Friendship; Families; Feelings a complex book to follow, even if there were- the age group at which it is aimed. It delivers n’t deliberately confusing pieces and frag- very intense suspense, both emotionally and Leslie Vermeer ments. The narration moves rapidly between physically, as Kammie wages war with her en- points of view, in very short chapters. As a virons and her oxygen deprived mind. SCRIMGER, Richard result the reader’s challenge is to assemble the Karen Rivers is an extraordinary writer, with Weerdest Day Ever! (The Seven G pieces, and in the end the whole is not greater a rare and beautiful way of using her prose to Prequels Series) than the parts. both evoke deep emotion, and paint an ex- Orca Book Publishers, 2016. 198p. Grades 3 - tremely realistic picture. This is the type of 6. 978-1-45981155-3. Pbk. $9.95 Thematic Links: Fantasy; Adventure; Fairy novel that will stay with readers long after they Tales and Folk Lore close the book. In Weerdest Day Ever!, Bunny (his grandfather pre- Patricia Jermey Thematic Links: Empathy; Bullying; Family fers Bernard), his brother Problems; Mental Trauma; Suspense Spencer, and their grandfa- RIVERS, Karen ther David McLean go on a The Girl in the Well is Me E Nicole Rowlinson weekend camping trip. Dancing Cat Books, 2016. 156 p. Gr. Bunny discovers that a war 5-7. 978-1-770864641. Pbk. $12.95 SCRIMGER, Richard is about to break out be- Downside Up tween Canada and America, All 11-year-old Kammie Tundra Books, 2016. 256p. Gr. 4 - 6. E and somehow the man Summers wanted when she 978-1-77049-845-7. Hdbk. $19.99 who’s stolen Spencer’s cell phone has some- approached Mandy, Kandy, thing to do with it. Can Bunny retrieve the and Sandy (aka the popular Richard Scrimger’s new phone and stop a war? Well, if anyone can, girls) at her new school was novel opens with an in- it’s Richard Scrimger’s Bunny, a fascinating, to start feeling like her life triguing premise: there’s a quirky character whose view of the world is was actually beginning to parallel world, just like unconventional but delightful. look up. She had faced an this one, except the things I have to state up front that I deeply enjoy extremely difficult blow we have lost remain there. Richard Scrimger’s books and have been fol- when her dad was arrested Fred has recently lost his lowing his writing since The Nose from Jupi- for embezzling funds from the charitable or- dog, Casey. When he finds ter (1998). So I was pleased to learn about the ganization he worked for. With an older an entryway to the Down- Seven Prequels. In this series, the writers of brother who seems to hate her, and a mother side world, he begins Seven (the Series) and the Seven Sequels reach who is just desperately trying to keep it to- spending much of his time back in time. The framing story of Weerdest gether on her own, Kammie only wants a there, playing with Casey, talking with his Day Ever! introduces Bunny as a teenager bright spot in her life. other-world self, Freddie, and observing his writing down his story as an English assign- Instead, the three girls she hopes to befriend family and classmates from a new angle. ment; in the story itself he is only twelve. The turn out to be some of the worst examples of Downside Up is a fantasy novel embedded in story is told in Bunny’s inimitable way, self- horrible bullies that have been put on the page a realistic novel about emotional trauma. We conscious spelling errors and all. (read: sociopathic). As an initiation to their are well into it before we learn that the story is What makes Weerdest Day Ever! work is exclusive club, the girls lead Kammie to an about much more than Fred and Casey, as this its sense of play. The book is genuinely laugh- abandoned well that she ends up falling into. passage suggests: “There’s lots we can’t con- out-loud funny. Scrimger has a great sense of Stuck in the well, unable to move her hands, trol,” I said. “Bad things happen. Accidents, comedy, amplified by Bunny’s wobbly spell- Kammie spends the next several hours facing luck, whatever - these things are not our deci- ing and unusual way of making sense. Bunny intense fear and anger, which eventually leads sion. But we can decide what we do about the lurches from scene to scene in a chain of near- (due in part to a lack of oxygen) to desperate bad luck, about the accidents. We can’t stop the misses with Spencer, Grandpa, and the man hallucinations and reliving of past memories. dragon coming after us. But we can decide to Bunny is chasing. Along the way he meets Rivers has woven an incredibly heartbreak- get away.” Tyler and Beth, whose own issues add depth ing tale of a tragic, unforgettable event in a Although grief and depression are the domi- and poignancy to the plot. Everything turns young girl’s life, told in a powerfully moving nant emotional themes, the book is really about out, of course. (Readers who want another way. An unexpected element within the story resilience. (And dragons, by the way, are real in take on the weekend can read Speed by Ted is the dash of surrealism that is evident when the Downside world.) Sensitive readers - espe- Staunton, which recounts the story from the we delve into the recesses of Kammie’s trau- cially readers who have experienced trauma or perspective of Bunny’s brother Spencer.) matized mind. Her brain is determined that she loss in their own lives - will appreciate the gen- Weerdest Day Ever! invites readers inside a confront all of the experiences that have tle unspooling of this narrative and the message sly joke and tells an absurd tale of mystery, plagued her over the last year of her life, and it of courage it conveys. courage, and friendship. It’s wonderful fun.

Page 20 Resource Links Thematic Links: Friendship; Families; Grandpa David Spencer more worried about Bun? This will Camping; War of 1812 McLean takes his grand- leave readers irritated and unsatisfied even as sons Bernard (aka Bun) they follow Spencer’s adventures with glee. Leslie Vermeer and Spencer camping for a weekend in a provin- Thematic Links: Camping; Sibling SKUY, David cial park where students Relationships; Re-enactments; Battle of 1812 Memoirs of a Sidekick G are re-enacting the Battle Kids Can Press, 2016, 238p. Gr. 4 - 6. of 1812 and filming it Joan Marshall 978-1-77138-568-8. Hdbk. $17.95 for an assignment. 12- year-old Spencer, a total WALTERS, Eric Adrian has been Boris non-camper, attaches Batcat and the Seven Squirrels G Snodbuckle’s sidekick for himself to the film crew who coerce him into (Orca Echoes Series) years. As a faithful under- playing the part of Laura Secord. Spencer sus- Illustrated by Kasia Charko. Orca Book ling, Adrian has sup- pects Luther, one of the American re-enactors, Publishers, 2016. 62p. Illus. Gr. 2-4. 978-1- ported Boris through nu- of nefarious doings, and eventually catches 459812550. Pbk. $6.95 merous (mis)adventures - him trying to steal the replica of Laura Se- Operation Feel the cord’s cowbell that belongs to Grandpa’s This prolific author of Wheel, or the ill-fated friend Irene. Meanwhile 11-year-old Bun goes children’s books has based helium balloon experi- missing, which escapes Grandpa’s attention. this book on an experience ment, for instance. Now Spencer is a typical young boy: self- he had as a child. When it Adrian and Boris are in grade seven, and Boris conscious, open to suggestion (even suspi- appears that a family of wants to become school president in order to cious), impulsive, unromantic, loyal to his young squirrels is or- leave a legacy of school improvement. Adrian brother and nostalgic about his past activities phaned, Nathan and his leaps to campaign for him. If only all the cool with his grandpa. His genuine attraction to the parents decide to take re- kids weren’t ranged against Boris. filming rings true. sponsibility for the babies In Adrian, David Skuy has perfectly cap- Bun’s problems with reading, writing and and care for them, with the tured the voice of the loyal but long-suffering thinking are clearly documented. Spencer’s help of a neighbourhood sidekick, a quirky cross between the narration love for him and his desire to involve Bun in tomcat. The artwork is quite delightful and of Dr Watson and The Autobiography of Alice the filming activities showcase a touching complements the warmth of the story. B. Toklas for middle-grade readers. Boris is an brotherly relationship between the two of This book is one of the Orca Echoes Series unlikely mastermind, and Adrian’s dogged them. for young readers. support produces ironic humour. Still, Grandpa is an easy-going, cheerful older Adrian’s relationship with Boris takes an un- man whose laid-back behaviour masks a sharp Thematic Links: Pets; Family Life expected turn when the roles for the school mind except when it comes to keeping track of play, The Lion King, are announced. Little by his grandchildren. Irene is an outgoing, quick Mavis Holder little, Adrian’s sweetly nerdy persona gives thinker whose past may have been quite outra- way to a more self-aware, more confident boy. geous and whose present day behaviour is not WALTERS, Eric Both Boris and Adrian have grown stronger by much calmer. Jungle Land (The Seven Prequels the conclusion. Older readers will be able to pick up clues Series) 2016. G Memoirs of a Sidekick is very funny, that both Grandpa and Irene are former spies, Orca Book Publishers, 2016.153p. Gr. loaded with comedy and screwball action; it perhaps still working as they discuss how they 5-7. 978-1-459811492. Pbk. $9.95. also features several clueless adult authority might produce and sell caltrops, star-shaped figures. Fans of Gordon Korman’s books metal devices scattered on battlefields to deter Grandpa David McLean should love this book. It would make a great foes. And what is that computer chip hidden flies his oldest grandson 12- choice to read aloud to a class at grade four or inside the replica of Laura Secord’s cowbell, year-old DJ down to Central five, and also offers an unobtrusive way for wrapped in a halved caltrop? America where they visit teachers to talk about bullying and difference. The work on the re-enactment of the Battle with Grandpa’s extremely The story structure (each Operation is told in of 1812 is very well done indeed, complete wealthy friend Juan de Car- several short chapters) makes this long book with the hardcore pioneer village and the los and his granddaughter accessible, but reflective readers are likely to smoke and noise of the battle scenes. From Alejandra at their heavily take away much more than the plot. Memoirs Tracey and the kind film crew who adopt guarded jungle weekend re- of a Sidekick is a winner. Spencer, to Luther the Rochester dentist deter- treat where servants provide mined to eliminate farb (non-authentic) behav- their every need. When a medical emergency Thematic Links: School; Friendship; Loyalty; iour in the re-enactment, the engrossing re- takes the two grandfathers away, DJ and Ale- Elections; Comedy enactment scenes will engage readers, espe- jandra hear gunfire and suspect kidnappers. She cially those who think they may like to act one takes DJ to the safe room from which they run Leslie Vermeer day. into the jungle, taking a motorboat down the It’s unfortunate that Bun’s disappearance river to escape. Rapids damage the boat but STAUNTON, Ted doesn’t generate more worry on Spencer’s they are rescued by the police before the boat Speed (The Seven Prequels Series) G part, not to mention that of Grandpa! Nor is sinks into the caiman-filled river. Back with Orca Book Publishers, 2016. 146p. Gr. his disappearance resolved in any way by the their grandfathers, they are chagrined to dis- 4-6. 978-1-459811614. Pbk. $9.95 end of the book, which leaves huge questions cover that what they thought was gunfire was a for readers. Where is he? Why does Grandpa fireworks surprise for them. Their grandfathers Speed is the prequel to Staunton’s success- not supervise more closely, especially when he keep them busy zip-lining, parasailing, snorkel- ful Jump Cut (part of The Sevens Series). must know about Bun’s disabilities? Why isn’t ling, hiking and riding Sea-Doos for the rest of

Volume 22, Number 1 Page 21 the week. Lou Lou, he tries out for the Bakers, a new When Steve trespasses his way past clue DJ is a typical young boy, competitive with girls' hockey team based in Montreal. Winning number one, he ends up in the locked room of his twin brother Steve, grateful for his a place is only the first of many hurdles the Yuri Koval, an elderly man living at a nearby grandpa’s presence in his life as his own father young player has to face. How can he convince sumptuous resort, a man who knows Grandpa. has died, and just beginning to wonder what it his mother to let him go? Will his father play Suspecting Grandpa has been kidnapped by would be like to kiss a girl. His good manners along with the fact that this 12-year-old is a Sophie and Jason, two suspicious characters, and ability to hold his tongue help him to girl? Steve sets out to find him but rapidly runs into make friends with Alejandra when he would Once Lou gets to Montreal, his trouble deep- bad weather and dumps the canoe, only to be have much preferred a boy to visit with. His ens. He shares a room with a young girl named apprehended by a mysterious man named Carl courage in the face of danger (from jumping Claire. He has to dress and act enough like a who leads Steve to an abandoned cabin where into a jungle pool from a high cliff, to manag- girl to convince her, as well as the other team he finally finds Grandpa. Grandpa explains his ing the harrowing boat trip down the river) members. Then there's his place on the team. elaborate plot and praises Steve’s sleuthing. will attract readers and the adventure will have Lou had no idea that girls could play hockey so As they leave the lake, Grandpa has Steve take them on the edge of their seats as potential well - nor that he'd come face to face with Al- two old books over to his friend Yuri. kidnappers, jaguars and poisonous snakes lurk bertine Lapensée, the Miracle Maid from Corn- Steve is a clever, thoughtful boy who is ini- in the jungle. Alejandra is the privileged wall who skates faster and hits harder than any tially disappointed with his trip to the lake granddaughter in a wealthy family with politi- player Lou has ever encountered. Can he de- with Grandpa. However, he thrills to the idea cal influence but even as she lives with the velop enough skill to help his team defeat Lap- of a mystery to be solved and bravely perse- daily fear of kidnapping, she remains cool in ensée and her team? veres when things go wrong. the face of danger and follows all the escape Then there are Lou's self-doubts. Is it fair for Grandpa is his usual enigmatic, cheerful, plans that she has had to memorize. Her fire- him to steal the place of a girl who might have persuasive self. Astute older readers will begin arms training and knowledge impress DJ who his spot on the team? Should he play hockey to suspect that Grandpa’s days as a spy are not as a typical Canadian knows nothing about when others are facing who-knows-what dan- over and that he may have used this trip with guns. As she shoots the caimans, fierce alliga- gers on the front? What will his brother think Steve to deliver valuable books to Yuri who tor-like reptiles, DJ is even more thankful that when he hears? could use the money from them to escape from he has made such a good friend. More details Based on the true story of Ada Lalonde, a 17- his remote prison. of Grandpa McLean’s past life are revealed as year-old who tried to do what Lou succeeded in Mystery buffs will enjoy the mysterious tale he tells DJ that in his import/export business doing, this novel will fascinate avid hockey of Thomson’s death and the trail of clues set he often flew in to Juan’s country where the fans, kids interested in a good adventure story, up by Grandpa, even when Steve misinterprets fluid borders allowed for smuggling. Grandpa and those with a sense of humour. the clues and mayhem ensues. is also more than fluent in Spanish and appar- The remote northern Ontario landscape, ently knew and loved Juan’s wife before she Thematic Links: Hockey; Hockey History; complete with cold lake, rocks and bush along married Juan. And so the intrigue continues… Women’s Hockey; Montreal Canadians; Female with the cabin lacking electricity and water Although students will be shocked by the Roles; World War I; Soldier Rehabilitation; highlights the real camping experience unfa- kidnapping danger Alejandra endures, the so PTSD; Personal Ethics miliar to so many urban students. well described jungle settings, the description Dialogue is modern and up to date with of the frantic river rapids and the natural dia- Helen Mason Steve’s friend Sam’s computer googling and logue between the two initially prickly young their cell phone chats grounding the story in adolescents demonstrate author Walters’ con- WILSON, John the present day. siderable skill as he sets up a compelling short The Missing Skull (The Seven novel perfect for middle school students. Prequels Series) G Thematic Links: Tom Thomson; Camping; Orca Book Publishers, 2016. 156p. Gr. Canoeing Thematic Links; Central America; Jungles; 4-6. 978-1-459811584. Pbk. $9.95 Friendship; Flying; Boating; Kidnapping Joan Marshall Continuing in the well- Joan Marshall written and well-planned WISHINSKY, Frieda series about the seven Hurricane! The Fury of G/E WEBER, Lori grandsons of David Hurricane Hazel (Survival Series) Lightning Lou G McLean, Grandpa David Illustrated by Don Kilby. Dancing Cat Books, 2016. 207p. Gr. 4- McLean takes his 12-year- Scholastic Canada, 2016. 112p. Gr. 4-7. 978- 6. 978-1-77086-462-7. Pbk. $12.95 old grandson Steve out to 1-4431-4644-9. Pbk. $6.99 Canoe Lake, a sparsely All 12-year-old Lou and populated northern Ontario Rain drums on the roof his brother Georges have lake where famous Cana- of Michael's house. The ever wanted to do is play dian artist Tom Thomson floors creak. Winds howl. hockey. But the year is drowned in 1917. Michael climbs out the 1917 and Georges is away After telling Steve the puzzling story of attic window. If he can get fighting World War I. Thomson’s death, Grandpa implies that Thom- to the television aerial, With so many men gone to son’s skull may be in the garden shed of a local he'll be safe. Before he the front, Quebec's bush man, Jim Davis, who kept it after he was tasked reaches it, however, his hockey leagues have been with re-burying the bones that had been sent to feet begin to slide. Unable cancelled. What can an Toronto for examination. Steve’s trip with to stop himself, he slithers avid hockey player do? Grandpa has been designed around Steve work- off the roof and splashes Lou swipes a skirt from a neighbour's ing out where the skull may be, uncovering clothesline. Wearing that and using the name clues that Grandpa has set for him. (cont’d on p. 64)

Page 22 Resource Links Non–Fiction: Preschool – Grade 6

ADBAGE, Emma nice to see a collection of ideas that kids cussing on the ways that people in each country Outdoor Math: Fun Activities for G could use to help themselves feel better. celebrate their culture with holidays and cele- Every Season brations. This book about South Korea includes Kids Can Press, 2016. 24p. Illus. Gr. K- Thematic Links: Stress; Worrying; Self-Help information about celebrations such as New 3. 978-1-771386128. Hdbk. $16.95 Year, birthdays, love, independence and libera- Alice Albarda tion days, children’s day, Buddah’s birthday, The 24 activities shown teacher’s day, memorial day, Korean thanksgiv- in this book could be used BECKER, Helaine ing, national foundation day, Christmas day and for any group of young chil- Top Secret: Uncover Your Inner Spy G some local festivals and games. Arranged in dren, indoors or outside, Scholastic Canada, 2016. 96p. Gr 3-7. colourful 2-page spreads each chapter gives and although they are di- 978-1-4431-4820-7. Pbk. $5.99 basic information about why and how various vided into seasonal groups, cultural days are celebrated in the country. The only those requiring snow Have you always won- text is interspersed with colourful captioned would be limited to one dered what it would be like photographs and illustrations as well as text season. to be a spy? Find out in boxes and Did you Know? boxes which give For tactile and kinaesthetic learners some of this highly entertaining additional information. Words in bold type are these ideas will help reinforce concepts and the book which includes quiz- defined in the glossary at the end of the book. explanation of Addition, Subtraction, Multipli- zes and exercises that will The books also contains a Table of Contents cation and Division may be adaptable for kin- help you discover the spy and an Index. dergarten classes. within. Start by checking These books provide quite a bit of informa- The coloured illustrations are simple but out your observation skills. tion about the cultural traditions of a variety of show the reader the concept, or process, that is Test how good you are at countries for young readers. They are presented the point of the exercise. There is an index at Parentspeak. Then learn some codes and how in a very accessible style with large print and the back of the book, in which the activities are well you can decode each one. many illustrations which will appeal to the arranged by concept, which may be useful for What real-life spy do you resemble? Are younger set. This series could be paired with the teachers and parents you Laura Secord, a Canadian who risked her Celebrations in Our World Series also from The text is not readily accessible for the age life to deliver information about the Ameri- Crabtree and the title Lighting Our World; A of the children shown in the pictures, and would can plans during the War of 1812? Or would Year of Celebrations by Catherine Rondina require explanation by a leader. you make a better Hedy Lamarr, a glamorous from Kids Can Press to form the basis for a Hollywood star who invented a way to jam study of world cultures and celebrations in a Thematic Links: Mathematical Concepts; radio signals so that the enemy couldn't inter- primary social studies program. Numbers; Patterns cept American messages during World War II? Thematic Links: Festivals; Holidays; Culture; Mavis Holder This title provides numerous amusing South Korea tests, quizzes, puzzles, and missions readers BECKER, Helaine will enjoy as they learn both about spying Victoria Pennell Don’t Stress: How to Handle Life’s G and themselves. Intended for a female audi- Little Problems ence, the book will entertain readers in EAMER, Claire Scholastic Canada, 2016. 96p. Gr. 2-6. 978-1- grades 3 to 7. It's recommended for junior Inside your Insides 4431-4842-9. Pbk. $6.99 level girls. Illustrated by Marie-Eve Tremblay. E Kids Can Press, 2016. 36p. Illus. Gr. 3- Don’t Stress: How to Thematic Links: Spies; Spying; Famous 6. 978-1-77138-332-5. Hdbk. $18.95 Handle Life’s Little Prob- Spies; Personality; Sleeper Agent; Memory; lems is a book of tips for Codes; Logic Microbiology is an dealing with stress in your unlikely topic for a everyday life. Each page of Helen Mason younger reader, however, the book has a different tip this book describes in de- for managing stress, stopping DALRYMPLE, Lisa tail, and with much hu- yourself from worrying, or Cultural Traditions in South Korea G mour, the many microbes simply relaxing. The reader (Cultural Traditions in our World that live in, on and around can flip through it and find Series) us every day. Young scien- one that works for them. Some of the tips are Crabtree Publishing, tists will enjoy that the in- very simple, like getting up and playing a sport, 2016. 32p. Illus. Gr. 2- formation is presented in a and some are more involved, like instructions 4. 978-0-7787-8088-5. straightforward manner that can be accessed for progressive relaxation. Hdbk. $10.76 from chapter headings or by a very comprehen- This book doesn’t go in depth about any of sive index. Many pages have side bars with the topics its discusses, and it is very simply This title is a new quick facts and some (groaner) puns that would designed and written. However, Don’t Stress addition to the Cul- sit well with the intended reader! does provide a lot of different tips which read- tural Traditions in My ers can easily browse through when they are World Series by Crab- Thematic Links: Microbiology; Health Units; feeling stressed or worried. In a world where tree designed for Medicines; Vaccinations life is becoming more stressful for children, it is young readers and fo- Mavis Holder

Volume 22, Number 1 Page 23 GRAVEL, Elise dren can make their own weather report. Back wrecks, calculating the dimensions of sunken The Toad (Disgusting Critters Series) material has one page of hurricane books and ruins, and measuring the size of an underwater Tundra Books, 2016. 32p. Illus. Gr. K- E website listings, a ten word glossary, and a volcano. Readers are given a mission, pro- 4. 978-1-77049-667-5. Hdbk. $12.99 small index. Children will find this book use- vided with the math skills to help them with ful for elementary school reports or for general that mission, and then challenged to solve This is the latest title Elise information. problems related to it. Gravel has created in a se- Skills include working with negative num- ries of off-beat science Thematic Links: Hurricanes; Weather; bers, percentage, coordinate grids, graphs, books which combine scien- Natural Disaster; Storms averages, reading gages, speed, proportions, tific facts with humorous area, perimeter, surface area, volume, expo- cartoons and dialogues. Tanya Boudreau nents, circles, and cones. Some of the mathe- In each book, Gravel matics seems very abstract and high level for covers the special features of KALMAN, Bobbie this grade range. Many of the explanations each animal as well as its Big Challenges That Animals Face G focus on formulae rather than understanding. habitat, food, reproduction (Big Science Ideas Series) The title includes answers, a Math Glossary, and other interesting facts. Everyday language Crabtree Publishing, 2016. 32p. Illus. Learning More section, and index. Although is combined with scientific terms, making it Gr. 2-4. 978-0-7787-2781-1. Hdbk. 20.76 colourful, the book is text-dense, with few more readable than typical non-fiction texts. photographs. Because of the format, it is likely Gravel livens up her scientific text with hilari- This book is another to interest readers who are already proficient ous responses from the critters on each double addition to the Big Sci- in mathematics and both readily understand page spread. ence Ideas Series from and can work with abstract concepts and large The Toad covers the topics of toad habitat, Crabtree Publishing numbers. different kids of toads, anatomy, eating habits, which focuses on a vari- parenting and their use to humans. ety of science topics of Thematic Links: Ocean Diving; Under the The humour and grossness of these books interest to young read- Ocean; Negative Numbers; Percentage; will attract many young readers who need li- ers. This book concen- Coordinate Grids; Graphs; Averages; Reading brary books that are of a high interest, easy trates on some of the Gages; Speed; Proportions; Area; Perimeter; readability level and well supported by engag- challenges that animals in the wild face in to- Surface Area; Volume; Exponents; Circles; ing pictures. day’s world - habitat loss, climate change, Cones Highly recommended for the school library. non-native species invading their habitat, pol- lution, over-fishing, poaching, collisions with Helen Mason Thematic Links: Toads cars and boats, and human disease. It also shows some of the efforts which scientists are KOPP, Megan Victoria Pennell making to counteract these problems. What Do You Find in a Backyard? E The text s done in large print with lots of ( Ecosystems Close-up Series) JOHNSON, Robin coloured captioned photographs which will Crabtree Publishing, 2016. 24p. Illus. What is a Hurricane? (Severe E hold the interest of young readers. Information Gr. K-3. 978-0-7787-2255-7. Hdbk. $18.36 Weather Close-up Series) boxes are included on some pages. The book Crabtree Publishing, 2016. 24p. Illus. contains a Table of Contents, a list of addi- This book is one of Gr. K-3. 978-0-7787-2398-1. Hdbk. $18.36 tional resources, a glossary and an index. This six easy non-fiction would be a good resource for young readers books in the Ecosys- Before segueing into doing some introductory research on endan- tems Close-up Series the topic of strong gered animals. by Crabtree Publishing. winds and hurricanes, Kopp’s focus in this this easy non-fiction Thematic Links: Endangered Animals book is the North book in the Severe American backyard. Weather Close-Up Se- Victoria Pennell After a general defini- ries by Johnson begins tion, she describes the living and non-living by getting the reader KOLL, Hilary and Steve Mills things that can be found there (animals, plants, thinking about how Go Figure: A Math Journey G/A people) and how they depend on one another wind feels and why it moves objects. In the next Under the Ocean (Go Figure to grow and change. Ecosystem is one of the two pages, she shows children enjoying them- Series) words that appears in bold typeface in the selves in stormy weather, whether they are in- Crabtree Publishing Company, 2016. 32p. short paragraphs, and in the back of the book doors admiring it, or outside playing in it. A Illus. Gr. 4-8. 978-0-7787-2315-8. Hdbk. in the glossary. Topics about shelter, air, food real photograph of a hurricane appears on the $21.56 chains, and energy are two pages in length and following page, along with examples of the include colour photographs and drawings. Af- damage it causes around cities and towns. A Part of Crabtree's Go ter reading each section, children can answer weather map helps illustrate how hurricanes Figure Series, this title the questions posed by a cartoon owl (How do form and where they are likely to happen. Chil- provides math problems bluebirds depend on backyard flowers to live?) dren who are interested in weather will learn related to underwater ex- Additional information can be found in the about meteorologists who earn a living by ploration. Each two-page labels appearing next to the photographs (Gills studying (and naming) storms. spread focuses on one as- allow fish to take in air from the water). Facts There are three “What Do You Think” ques- pect of the underwater about backyard birds, insects, mammals, and tions that appear in sidebars throughout the world, such as learning to fish can be found in the book, and they can be book, and directions for an activity where chil- dive, exploring ship- seen in the day or night, and in the different

Page 24 Resource Links seasons. With the pages being bordered with chapter is a short list of questions for discus- Environmental Issues; digital illustrations of houses, leaves, and green sion. What was the intent of the law? Did it Alice Albarda lawns, this is a beautiful book to learn from. work? And were there any unexpected results? This could be a great resource for govern- RIVKIN, Jennifer Thematic Links: Suburban Animals; Urban ment studies or even for classroom or house- Gridiron Greats: Heroes of Football Animals; Urban Ecology; Garden Ecology; hold management. Each law is well inten- (Football Source Series) A Backyards; Nature; Connections tioned, but any law puts limits on the freedom Crabtree Publishing 32p. Illus. Gr. 3- of some individuals 6. 978-0-7787-2295-3. Hdbk. $21.56 Tanya Boudreau The author is the Director of Education for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association and For the football fan this KULLING, Monica Education Trust. The book is one of the Citi- will be an up to date, bio- Zap! Nikola Tesla Takes Charge E zenKids Series from Kids Can Press, which graphical reference to su- (Great Ideas Series) encourage children to explore the more com- perstars currently playing Illustrated by Bill Slavin. Tundra Books, plex issues of rights and privileges of citizen- in the American Football 2016. Unp. Illus. Gr. K-5. 978-1-770495227. ship. League. There is a refer- Hdbk. $17.99 ence to the Grey Cup in the Thematic Links: Government; Rights and biography of “Pinball” With the increased in- Freedoms Clemons as a remarkable terest in electric cars, the running back who played for the Toronto Ar- name of Nikola Tesla is Mavis Holder gonauts, but this is the single Canadian refer- becoming more recognis- ence. able as the Tesla Com- MUDLER, Michelle The statistics on each player give their date pany is a major provider Pocket Change: Pitching in for a E and place of birth, position, height and team. of batteries. In this book Better World (Orca Footprints Series) The one page biography gives a brief outline the author tells the story of Orca Book Publishers, 2016. 48p. Illus. of the player, but there is no uniformity of in- a young Croatian immi- Gr. 2-6. 978-1-4598-0966-6. Hdbk. $19.95 formation. Players are grouped according to grant who has a dream of the position they have on the field e.g. rushers harnessing the power of the Niagara Falls to Pocket Change is a or linebackers. Information on two coaches, provide electricity to New York. His idea was book which invites read- one referee and one female player are among to use alternating current instead of the standard ers to question today’s the 45 named athletes featured in this collec- direct current supported by Thomas Edison, and consumerism and learn tion. it was not until George Westinghouse backed about more sustainable Fact boxes are included on each page and his plan to light the Chicago World Fair that he lifestyles. When was attributed quotes on the biography of some was able to build a hydro plant at Niagara. money invented? Why players. There is an index of the names of the The outlines of the pictures were drawn in do we buy so much players featured and a glossary of football pen and ink and the colours entered digitally. stuff? Where does all of terms at the back of the book This is another interesting biography from this stuff come from? the author, many of the subjects of interest to Author Michelle Mulder tackles the origins of Thematic Links: Biography; American boys. This book is the most recent from Tun- modern consumer culture and explains its ef- Football dra’s Great Ideas Series. fects, like food waste, child labour, and pollu- tion. Mulder also presents alternatives which Mavis Holder Thematic Links: Biography; Inventors; can help solve these problems, such as mi- Electrical Power croloans, community gardens, trading, sweat RODERICK, Stacey equity, and even lending libraries full of Ocean Animals From Head to Tail Mavis Holder kitchen appliances. This book asks big ques- Illustrated by Kwanchai Moriya. Kids G tions about why our society is the way it is, Can Press, 2016. 36p. Illus. Gr. K-1. MCLAUGHLIN, Danielle right down to the origins of money. 978-1-77138-345-5. Hdbk. $18.95 That’s Not Fair: Getting to Know While readers are introduced to a lot of big Your Rights and Freedoms G and difficult concepts, the tone of the book is This book is a guess- (CitizenKids Series) easy to understand without feeling dumbed- ing game, similar to the Illustrated by Dharmali Patel. Kids Can Press, down. The language is simple enough for author’s previous book, 2016. 44p. Illus. Gr. 2-6. 978-1-771382083. younger readers to understand without over- Dinosaurs From Head to Hdbk. $18.95 simplifying the topics. Parents and other adult Tail. The reader is readers will probably be able to learn some- shown a strange body Councillor Bug pro- thing new from this book too! The book also part and is asked to iden- tests with the familiar presents readers with activities that they can tify the creature. Over- phrase “That’s not fair” do and organizations that they can learn more leaf is a full double page when the mayor intro- about, allowing kids to help solve some of the illustration of the animal and a paragraph giv- duces six different mo- problems mentioned in this book. Overall, ing some basic information. Nine creatures are tions to council. Each Pocket Change is a surprisingly radical book treated in this way and then there are two chapter looks at the pros which encourages kids to question why we pages showing another eight curious sea crea- and cons of each idea live the way that we do, and empowers them tures and a single fact about each. Who knew such as privacy rights, to make a difference! that starfish have an eye at the end of each right of religion, right of arm? Bright paper collage illustrations by assembly etc. After each Thematic Links: Consumerism; Poverty; Kwanchai Moriya add to the intrigue of the

Volume 22, Number 1 Page 25 guessing game. children how they can improve their sleep, kids and families who enjoy playing games diet, fitness levels, and coping skills. Coloured and want to expand their pleasure by making Thematic Links: Sea Creatures; Paper Collage stock photographs of children from a variety something of their own. Alternatively, it could of backgrounds and cultures appear around the be used as a starter for a student project related Mavis Holder text on every page. The eight to ten words that to math, science, technology, or language arts. appear in bold are defined in the glossary in RODGER, Marguerite the back of the book. Back material includes a Thematic Links: Games; Games History; Around the World in Jokes, Riddles, A bibliography of websites and books, a quiz, Game Design; Game Prototypes; Developing and Games and an index. Colourful chapter headings and Games; Testing Games Crabtree Publishing Company, 2016. picture borders add decoration to the page, as 32p. Illus. Gr. 3-6. 978-0-7787-2388-2. Hdbk. do the thought clouds, and different shaped Helen Mason $21.56 sidebars that contain tips and routine ideas. And just as appears on the cover, there are STUCKEY, Rachel Around the World in cartoon illustrations in the book as well. These Go West With Settlers and Farmers Jokes, Riddles, and characters, and the rhyming titles, lighten the (Go West! Series) G Games is an introduction seriousness of the topics; making them more Crabtree Publishing, 2016. 32p. Illus. to humour in its many accessible to readers. Gr. 3-6. 978-0-7787-2330-1. Hdbk. $21.56 forms. Each chapter intro- How to Choose Foods Your Body Will Use duces a type of humour, looks at healthy eating habits such as selecting Part of Crabtree's Go such as puns, and pro- healthy foods - whole foods as opposed to West! Series, this title de- vides definitions and ex- processed foods and junk food. It also looks at scribes the different amples. Lots of literary calorie intake, snacks, and outlines steps groups who travelled terms, like metaphors and whereby the readers can make dinner for their West, many of them after synonyms, are also introduced as tools which families. the American Homestead can be used in humour. Jokes are interspersed This would be a good book to supplement a Act of 1862 allowed set- throughout the book as well, which often don’t health unit at the primary level. tlers to stake a claim to relate to the topic being discussed on the page. 160 acres (65 hectares) of Overall, this book is an unusual combination of Thematic Links: Food; Healthy Eating land. In Canada, a similar humour and educational content. promise called the Dominion Lands Act was The book’s theme of “around the world” is Victoria Pennell passed in 1872. These Acts encouraged represented by segments about how jokes, idi- American settlement West of the Mississippi oms, or humour in general can be different in SJONGER, Rebecca River despite the presence of Aboriginal different languages or cultures. These segments Maker Projects for Kids Who Love G groups and Mexican homesteaders. In Canada, prove to be some of the more interesting parts Games (Be A Maker! Series) immigrants pioneered the area West of mod- of the book. Unfortunately, these are relatively Crabtree Publishing, 2016. 32p. Illus. ern-day Ontario. small segments and sometimes seem to be Gr 5-8. 978-0-7787-2248-9. Hdbk. $21.56 Go West With Settlers and Farmers dis- thrown in as an afterthought. The “around the cusses and maps some of the trails the settlers world” theme could have been more well- Part of Crabtree's Be a took, including nine paths across parts of the integrated into the book. Maker! Series, this title United States and one in Canada. Historic pho- This book does not really succeed as a joke discusses games, game tographs, sketches, and photos of modern re- book (especially because the author often ex- makers, and the maker enactments help readers place themselves in plains why a joke is funny), but could succeed movement. It encourages the period. Interesting sidebars include infor- as a resource for learning about humour. The kids interested in math and mation on what settlers needed to pack, pro- inclusion of definitions of literary terms sug- design to develop their vide questions in My Western Journal, and gests that this book is in fact intended for the own games, either 3-D or offer factual Did You Know? boxes. English classroom, and that is the context in electronic ones. The text Given the breadth of the topic, this is a cur- which this book would be the most successful. includes a very brief but sory introduction to Western expansion suit- interesting history of games and the develop- able for young readers, who will be interested Thematic Links: Humour; Riddles; Language ment of modern board games. in many of the visuals, including an historic A Be a Maker sidebar encourages readers to photograph of Billy the Kid. Although the Alice Albarda consider what to include in their games and conflict with Aboriginal groups is handled provides steps makers can follow to develop a superficially, the book covers little-known SJONGER, Rebecca useful game. Makers and Shakers introduces information about Black settlers and has a How to Choose Foods Your Body Will G people who invented popular games - people small section on Chinese workers. Use (Healthy Habits for a Lifetime such as Elizabeth Magie, who developed the Go West With Settlers and Farmers in- Series) game that later became Monopoly. cludes a glossary, a list of additional sources, Crabtree Publishing, There are three Make It! spreads. System an index, and a time line. Although it provides 2016. 24p. Illus. Gr. K- Hack explains how to make interesting some Canadian content, it focuses on the 3. Hdbk. 978-0-7787- changes to an existing game. Materials Mania American experience and would be most 2350-9. $18.36 ea. encourages readers to brainstorm how to use suited for a survey course in this area. existing materials in intriguing ways. Game This title is one of On! challenges kids to develop their own idea Thematic Links: Settling the West; American the latest in the Healthy from scratch. Habits for a Lifetime The book includes a glossary, a list of addi- (cont’d on p. 58) Series which teaches tional sources, and an index. It will interest

Page 26 Resource Links Fiction: Grades 7 – 12

BOYNE, John Thematic Links: World War II; Adolph Hitler; drama - a refreshing change. The Boy at the Top of the Mountain E Nazis Doubleday Canada 2016. 224p. Gr. 5 Thematic Links: Family Relationships; up. 978-0-3851-68766-9. Hdbk. $22.99 Anne Letain Human Trafficking; Legal Procedures

The Boy at the Top of the BRACK MARTIN, Martha Angela Thompson Mountain is a small tour de River Traffic (Orca Soundings Series) G force by Irish author John Orca Book Publishers, 2016. 126p. Gr. BROUWER, Sigmund Boyne who brought the world 6-11. 978-1-4598-1336-6. Pbk. $9.95 Barracuda (The Seven Prequels G of children's lit, The Boy in (Reviewed from an Advance Reading Copy) Series) the Striped Pajamas. The boy Orca Book Publishers, 2016. 174p. at the top of the mountain is Tom’s dad feels like Gr. 7-9. 978-1-4598-1152-2. Pbk. $9.95 Pierrot/Pieter who through no their livelihood is in trou- intent or will of his own finds ble. Their marina isn’t as I first met Jim Webb himself at age eight living flashy as some of the in Sigmund Brouwer’s with Adolph Hitler at "Berghof" where the Fuh- other ones in the area, but contributions to Orca rer maintains a summer retreat near Salzburg in he has a reputation as one Publisher’s Seven Series Austria. heck of a mechanic and (The Devil’s Pass) and Boyne sets the stage for this terribly dark that has always put food the Sevens Sequels (Tin story when young Pierrot is about seven and on their table in the past. Soldier). Of all of the living in Paris with his French mother and Ger- Tom does what he can to Sevens, I liked Webb the man father who has been deeply traumatized as help his father, but he also best; Brouwer brings the a German soldier in The Great War. His best has to worry about school troubled Webb to life in friend in Paris is a young deaf Jewish child and getting his volunteer hours so that he can a way that grabs the called Anshel. graduate. reader and pulls them in. As a teenager, Webb Pierrot’s life begins to deteriorate when his Tom’s volunteer placement is with his best has a deep affinity for music and a guitar father disappears in an alcoholic haze and his friend, Nate’s, father at the police station. Tom gifted to him by his dead father. He explores mother dies of consumption. Pierrot is orphaned likes it because he gets the inside scoop on this musical talent not only in the Sevens and sent to an orphanage in Southern France. what is happening in his small town. On his books, but in two of Orca’s Limelight novels: He is happy enough there but events conspire to way out one day Nate’s father stops him and shorter novels incorporating teens’ experi- have him join his father's long lost sister, asks him to “keep his eyes and ears open ences of the performing arts. Brouwer, himself Beatrix, who is a housekeeper at Berghof and around the river” (p. 9). This is Tom’s first a musician and lecturer on the power of music who has received permission from Hitler to clue that something is brewing that may hit as an educational tool, includes on his website bring him to live at Berghof. close to home. a music video of an older Webb busking on At Berghof, Pierrot's transformation to Pieter After hearing the warning from Nate’s fa- the streets (http://sigmundbrouwer.com/orca- ensues and his story becomes synonymous with ther, Tom notices three things: One - a beauti- limelights/) The actor in the video is remarka- the rise of Hitler and and Nazi Party in Ger- ful boat, driven by an even better looking girl, bly well-cast for Webb as we know him in The many during the 1930's. Pieter totally absorbs docks at his marina. Tom can’t believe his Devil’s Pass and Tin Soldier. An accompany- the Fuhrer's vision for the Fatherland and be- luck. It turns out that Kat is travelling with her ing webpage devoted to Barracuda is prom- comes deeply committed to the cause. The tale father but has a passion for local history, in ised; hopefully it will be live by the time Bar- becomes dark and disturbing and the reader is this case, Tom’s small town and its ties to racuda is released. drawn into a world of power and betrayal. To rum-running during Prohibition. Could this be In Barracuda, a prequel to the other novels, keep the tension high, Boyne slyly incorporates too good to be true? Two - rumours have been we get a glimpse of Webb at thirteen, vaca- well known Nazi personnel and and accurate floating around school that Dominik Oleg, tioning with his grandfather in the Florida personal history about Hitler himself. Boyne football quarterback and big-man on campus, keys. Webb, as a character, is almost as engag- never shies away from the worst known Nazi has a big payday in the works. What could ing in Barracuda as in the novels for older activities in any way, and personally pulls Dom be involved with? Three - then there is readers, and it is enriching to be privy to his Pieter into these atrocities. his dad’s work in the shed. Tom has been told relationship with a living David McLean, the If the book has any obvious shortcomings, it that the shed is totally 100% off limits. Tom grandfather he loved, and who left him the may be that the set-up to the story is strangely wonders what his dad could be up to - drinking legacy of mystery explored in the two later awkward and in some ways unconvincing, espe- away his sorrows or up to something less than books. cially the friendship between Anshel and Pier- legal. It takes one stormy night for all of the Barracuda melds the song by the 1970’s rot. In the fullness of the narrative, the reader pieces of Tom’s puzzle to fall into place. His group Heart (https://www.youtube.com/watch? does discover why the plot was constructed in small river town becomes more exciting than v=p0OX_8YvFxA) with Webb’s experience in the way it was. As this is a book written for he ever imagined. the Keys, where he meets his grandfather’s children and young adults, Boyne needed a way As a high-interest low-vocabulary title, dying friend and an entrancing young musi- to provide some kind of redemption to Pierrot, River Traffic is a tidy little mystery with inter- cian named Kristie. Needless to say, Kristie and to complete the story in a satisfactory way. esting historical and contemporary details turns out to be the metaphoric barracuda, This is minor quibble, however, and The Boy at about smuggling, law enforcement, and polic- pumping Webb about the fortune in diamonds the Top of the Mountain is highly recom- ing. Brack Martin’s characters are believably David’s friend had apparently hidden in his mended for readers of all ages. crafted - teen texting lingo (sadly) included. past. The Florida Keys, pirate treasure, fellow Happily this title is more mystery than teen- young musicians, Webb’s first kiss, all com-

Volume 22, Number 1 Page 27 bine to allure; in contrast, Webb has to visit a and her music. CHARLES, Norma dying man - reminding him of his father’s The overarching messages from Sigmund Last Chance Island death - and be coerced unwillingly into deep Brouwer and Cindy Morgan’s novel Billboard Ronsdale Press, 2016. 228p. Gr. 5 G/E discussions with his grandfather. “I didn’t know Express are: have integrity, believe in your- up. 978-1-55380-458-1. Pbk. this trip was about getting me alone so you self, and follow your dreams. This title does $11.95 could grill me about my life,” Webb complains stand alone, though the depth of the characters (p.19), but David’s obvious affection and is enhanced if you read the connecting titles This somewhat under- Webb’s love and respect for him open the chan- (Rock the Boat and Devil’s Pass). This is a the-radar tale is vintage nels of communication. Spring Break for Webb feel-good glimpse into the life of a rising star. Norma Charles: a young isn’t feeling much like a vacation - there is too If you are looking for titles with strong female adult is faced with a com- much going on, emotionally and socially - but protagonists that are high-interest/low vocabu- plicated situation and the mystery of the lost diamonds provides a lary, this title is exactly what you are looking must use inner strength respite from the tensions for both Webb and the for. he or she did not know reader. was there in order to sur- While some of the narration seems a bit trite Thematic Links: Friendship; Following One’s vive and flourish. (unlike Brouwer’s writing for older teens), the Dreams; Music Industry; Self-Worth; This story begins in balance between the development of Webb’s Perseverance; Happiness; Integrity Africa, in the midst of a newfound maturity and the dangers of the more civil war where yet another village is pillaged quickly paced mystery is finely crafted. Webb’s Angela Thompson and burned. The only survivors are two cous- discussions with David - and the context for ins. Kalu is 13 and his cousin Aisha is much such discussions - are genuine, as are the mixed CARTER, Brooke younger; she has been traumatized by the feelings Webb has for the ultimately deceptive Another Miserable Love Song G/E events. The two find their way to the coast and Kristie. You can see from Webb and David in (Orca Soundings Series) then aboard a small launch captained by a Barracuda the foundation of Webb’s sorrow at Orca Book Publishers, 2016. 144p. smuggler who abandons them on the uninhab- David’s death, and the source of the loving Gr. 7-12. 978-1-459813120. Pbk. $9.95 ited side of an isolated island - Last Chance memories he has of his grandfather. Island - off the coast of Ireland. This is Brooke Carter’s The next narrative involves a young Cana- Thematic Links: Music; Fishing; Florida Keys; first novel, and it is par- dian, Lily (Spike), whose father dies suddenly Prohibition ticularly suited to the of a heart attack. “Spike” is sent to Last Orca Soundings Series. It Chance Island because the elderly woman op- Karyn Huenemann is contemporary and holds erating the island lighthouse is her only surviv- the reader’s interest. ing relative. When a rebellious Spike tries to BROUWER, Sigmund, and Cindy Kallie Echo’s father has leave the island in a small launch she discov- Morgan G just died and her mother is ers the two stowaways and tries to help be- Billboard Express (Orca Limelights not in the picture. Kallie cause Aisha is ill. Spike’s efforts are hampered Series) faces life on the street by weather, mechanics, and Immigration offi- Orca Book Publishers, 2016. 118p. Gr. 6-11. until her friend Jamie, a cials. Kalu and Aisha face death back in Africa 978-1-4598-1108-9. Pbk. $9.95 drummer in an all-girl but Immigration officials are actively detain- band, convinces her to join them. Misery Girl, ing illegal immigrants. Additionally, the future Billboard Express Kallie’s nickname, is now the band’s new of the lighthouse is in question and, therefore, could be considered a name and she is the new lead singer. What Spike’s future as well. companion title to Sig- transpires is a thoroughly modern and realistic The resolution to this impossible situation is mund Brouwer’s earlier love story unencumbered by moralizing or both believable and intelligently kind. Almost title Rock the Boat. In this politics. One could say the story’s basic prem- more important is the unusual combination of novel, we get a more inti- ise is that loss is evidence that at least there is protagonists in this very international tale and mate portrait of Elle something in your life to lose. how each of the characters manages to main- McWilliam. Elle has an There is depth to this truncated story and the tain the best of what makes them different abundance of talent and author’s edgy delivery saves it from shallow while collaborating on a solution to a situation her father has enough breathiness. The title is a characteristic touch whose local context reaches beyond the shores money to support her of the book’s unadorned view of life balanced of Last Chance Island. while she realizes her by a faith in abiding goodness, regardless of dreams. She has an agent, Bernie, and a deal context. The story of the transitioning Jamie Thematic Links: Step Parents; Family Life; with an influential record label. What more and her-then-his involvement with Kallie has a Refugees; Lighthouse Maintenance could a musician ask for? It rapidly becomes ring of genuine truth about it, although I did clear, however, that Elle is not good enough. find his sudden death a disappointment. It Lesley Little Her “look” just won’t sell, so her label tells her. would have been interesting to see how the Wanting her to dye her hair blonde is the first of pair fared musically and personally. DEEN, Natasha many requests that seem more like ultimatums. The author’s knowledge of the contempo- Across the Floor (Orca A/G Elle is conflicted. Having a music career is what rary music scene in Vancouver is exemplary Limelights Series) she has always dreamed of, but the emphasis on and I won’t even begin to presume to describe Orca Book Publishers, 2016. 138p. Gr. 5-11. her image is taking all of the fun out of the ex- it. 978-1-4598-0920-8. Pbk. $9.95 (Reviewed perience. It takes sage advice from an industry from Advance Reading Copy) veteran, Marsha Chapman, to rescue Elle from Thematic Links: Music; Punk Rock; Grief; her self-doubt. With a particularly inspired rant Love; Friendship; Relationships Luc is a football player. Everything in his on YouTube, Elle takes back control of her life Lesley Little life revolves around playing and practicing.

Page 28 Resource Links After a knee injury, Luc’s nine at a new school with a new set of circum- makes her a valued member, and her brother is coach pulls him aside and stances. Grade nine is a fresh kind of torture, a genius at engineering useful weapons and insists that if he wants to the new boy in town is a Night Flyer like her- devices for the gang. The current job seems be considered for the team self but he appears to be dating her nemesis, simple enough: Julia is to act as a housemaid in the fall, that he’ll have and Gwendolyn can’t bring herself to share her in the home of an older wealthy woman, Mrs. to enroll in a dance class latest misgivings with her best friend, who, by Och, and report back any events of interest. over the summer. Dance the way, is not a Night Flyer. There is much to report: a guest who lives in will keep Luc flexible, Those misgivings concern the appearance of the basement and appears to be evolving into a help him heal and protect a dark winged stranger who seems to be calling wolfman, the rescue and safe passage of a con- himself from re-injury. her name whenever she visits the cornfield near victed witch, and the harbouring of two aca- Luc hesitates and his par- her Watcher’s cabin in the woods. (According demics who are researching various arcane ents are less than thrilled. Luc’s father counts to the Night Flyer’s Handbook, a Mentor and arts. Mrs. Och’s status offers protection from on his help with their landscaping business but Watcher are de rigueur, non-negotiable, and the current political mood, which is a reaction- he grudgingly strikes a deal with Luc that he necessary.) She is aware of the danger the ary stamping out of all magic and witchcraft may take the class but will still do his full load stranger represents but she cannot quite stay as through public Cleansings. But Julia learns of lawn care jobs. far away from him as she should. that Mrs. Och is actually an ancient almost- His first class is a disaster. The class is sup- As the mystery of the winged stranger inten- immortal, now in her final stages of life, who posed to be a beginner-level of difficulty, but sifies, Gwendolyn finds herself moving closer is in a life and death battle with her two broth- Luc quickly realizes that never having danced to the brink of the Shade, the unremitting black- ers for control of the elemental forces. before is a disadvantage. The terminology is ness that swallowed her father who disappeared As Julia is dragged into this battle, she foreign and Luc trips over the terms as well as when she was six years old. This entire segment chooses to sell her skills for a good pay day. his feet. He also alienates his fellow class- of the novel assigns to fantasy an adolescent’s But despite her professed cynicism about the mates by being abrasive and generally un- coming to terms with her father’s death. The world, the elegant clothes and rich food that friendly. He is not off to a good start. Luc es- advantage of this is to de-personalize without she is finally able to afford don’t sit well. A tablishes himself as the classic underdog. It diminishing the importance of the sudden loss friend of her mother’s sees her situation like isn’t difficult to guess where this novel is go- of a parent when one is still a child. Author this: “Your trouble, my dear, is that you’ve ing. Dowding describes her heroine’s heart breaking been born into a time of very few choices for a The classes are difficult. Between classes several times until she has to face the powerful girl of your talents and character and social and work, his days are long and exhausting. darkness of the Shade. It is at that point that she class… But I wonder sometimes what kind of Luc’s father is relentless. The smallest mistake discovers the inner strength borne of her deep life your mother hoped for you. Unlike the rest or oversight brings a lecture about family re- affection and sincere joy for those around her of us, she never learned to live without sponsibility and selfishness. More than once, and those who are no longer. hope.” (p. 278) Julia realizes that her integrity Luc has interior dialogue about quitting and Dowding’s effective use of magical realism is worth more than the pieces of silver, and the consequences. His indecision is realistic gives this novel the flexibility to reconcile the along with the combined forces of the criminal though predictable. minutiae of everyday life with the huge events gang and Mrs. Och’s powerful friends, she If you are looking for a novel that will en- that can derail it, allowing a resolution that nei- hopes to live up to her mother’s standards. gage male readers, Luc is flawed though self- ther diminishes nor exaggerates either of these Egan’s novel is rich in characterization and aware enough to be identified with. The dance polar opposites. plot twists. The complex back stories of the terminology is a bit overwhelming in sections, characters and the clever variations on magical the effect of which is the reader feeling just as Thematic Links: Family Life; Siblings; High powers fit well with the geography of Spira flustered as Luc. Overall, everything plots out School; Friendship; Grief; Self-Respect City and its Dickensian social issues. She has as expected with Luc persevering and finding set up many leads that readers will be eager to a new dream to follow in the end. The formula Lesley Little follow in the sequels. may be comforting for some, but underwhelm- ing to others. EGAN, Catherine Thematic Links: Fantasy; Magic; Witchcraft Julia Vanishes: The Witch’s Child, E Thematic Links: Friendship; Perseverance; Book 1 Patricia Jermey Family Relationships; Responsibility; Doubleday Canada, 2016. 375p. Gr. 6-12. 978- Following One’s Dreams 0-385-68465-1. Hdbk. $21.99 FISCHER, Breanna Small Displays of Chaos G Angela Thompson In Julia Vanishes, Egan Coteau Books, 2016. 102p. Gr. 10-12. both follows the traditions 978-1-55050-661-7. Pbk. $12.95 DOWDING, Philippa of fantasy literature, and yet Everton Miles Is Stranger than Me E creates a unique landscape Seventeen-year old (The Night Flyer's and plot. The heroine, Julia, Rayanne Timco is in her Handbook, Book is a very mature teen, senior year in high 2) Dundurn Press, 2016. forced to grow up quickly school. “Rayanne’s goal 232p. Gr. 7-12. 978- to cope with a drug- in high school was simi- 1459735279. Pbk. $9.99 addicted father and a lar to a criminal’s in a mother executed for witch- heist: get in, get out, and This sequel to Philippa craft. She and her brother, disabled and disfig- be seen by no one.” (p. 1) Dowding’s fantasy novel ured by the scourge, have been taken in by However, now her par- The Strange Gift of Gwen- Esme, a Fagan-like organizer of a rag-tag crimi- ents have forced her to dolyn Golden begins with nal group, which will perform any job for pay. see the school guidance Gwendolyn entering grade Julia’s unique skill to temporarily disappear counsellor to address her

Volume 22, Number 1 Page 29 eating disorder. Even though she loves food the same age her mother was when she be- grant parents. Therefore most situations dete- such as homemade potato and onion perogies, came a single parent, and Addy does not want riorate into Pen against everyone, except her Rayanne is fanatical about controlling her eat- her life to follow her mother’s pattern: stuck in burgeoning romance with Blake, a girl she has ing. In Grade 10 Phys Ed, she began counting a dead-end waitress job and having an affair an overwhelming crush on. her calories and food intake as part of an assign- with the married RCMP officer. But Addy and A secondary plot involves a young teen ment; and now, this habit has become an obses- Craig are convinced by friends to have one last (Olivia) whose pregnancy and quasi friendship sion whose name is Edie. party in the local cemetery, and after a few too with Pen provides the impetus/reason for Pen Despite a supportive family and a vibrant many drinks, Addy drives into a fourteen-year- to finally stand up (or man up) in her personal Ukrainian community, Rayanne feels isolated old boy who had been visiting his mother’s universe. This relationship appears to have by the imaginary Edie who continually urges grave. The boy is not grievously injured, but been developed to create what should feel like her to lose more weight. Edie is hyper-critical Addy is conflicted by her feelings of guilt and the climax of the book but instead the lead up of everything that Rayanne does. Rayanne hates her compassion for the boy, who is living with is pretty wobbly and unconvincing as the back her, but follows her instructions to reach ridicu- his drunk and depressed father. She and Craig story is poorly presented. lously low weight goals such as 90 pounds. Her visit him to try to offer some hope, and be- There is one relationship in the book that twin sister Carina encourages her to talk about come involved in a sexual threesome. When works in spades. Girard definitely captured her health issues, but is unsuccessful. Her for- his father finds them, she and Craig take off, the relationship that Pen has with her older mer boyfriend Josh tries to reconnect with her but Addy is convinced that they should take brother, Johnny, correctly. It is very credible as well. However, Rayanne’s life has been hi- the boy with them to the city. In a fight over and presents the right amount of give and take jacked by imaginary Edie. She slowly descends the plan, Craig falls from a suspension bridge between siblings. Johnny may be the most into anorexia. Will she survive? and dies. Addy puts the boy on the bus, with likeable person in the book with his constant Rayanne is a dynamic character who deals all their savings and hopes, and awaits her yet never overstated support of Pen, and his with incredibly difficult circumstances. She is fate. intuitive understanding that she is just perfect continually bombarded with the instructions of Although the short length will make this the way she is. her imaginary “friend” Edie who harasses her novella appealing for mature teens who are not If ever a YA novel needed more editing, about her weight and her food choices. This avid readers, the content and language are re- Girl Mans Up qualifies. Very little really hap- obsession has taken over her entire life. She no lentlessly mature, and therefore questionable pens in fifty-three chapters and 373 pages. longer feels part of her family or her commu- for a school library collection. While the language is lively and energetic, nity. However, Rayanne does seek help from a there’s only so many times you can call some- trained eating disorder therapist, and eventually Thematic Links: Child Abuse; Single Parent one a “douche”. “Badass” is not a noun, ad- learns to deal with her compulsive behaviours. Family Life; Remote Community Lifestyle verb and adjective and “righteous” can only be Readers who have dealt with eating disor- employed a few times before it loses emo- ders, or who want to know more about them Patricia Jermey tional impact. So, it becomes a question of will definitely enjoy this novel. It presents a deciding whether it is worth it to wade through realistic picture of how a healthy young girl GIRAARD, M-E the tedious overwriting at times. becomes obsessed with her eating habits. The Girl Mans Up G It’s a rainbow world these days, and solutions to her problems are not quick or easy. HarperCollins Canada, 2016. 373p. Gr. LBGTQ etc. fiction is very welcome and nec- These issues are important to examine in a 9-12. 978-1-44344-704-1. Hdbk. $19.99 essary for young people who are discovering world fixated on body image where waif-like that they may not be hetero-normative.Girl models serve as media role models for young Girl Mans Up is about Mans Up is a start at providing a story that women. Penelope Oliviera “Pen” a mirrors and reflects their experiences. Girard queer/lesbian teen who demonstrates some talent but she definitely Thematic Links: Anorexia; Obsession; becomes certain that the needs some more finesse and perhaps some Exercising; Family Relationships; Addiction only way she'll get people time reading writers like the magnificent Sarah off her back about who Waters will show her how to do it better in the Myra Junyk and what she is - is by future. standing up for herself - GEREAUX, Tara even if that means her re- Thematic Links: LGBT; Contemporary Size of a Fist (New Leaf Editions P lationships with her family Fiction Series) and friends destruct along Thistledown Press, 2015. 62p. Gr. 11-Adult. the way. Her story plays out as a gender- Anne Letain 978-1-77187-059-7. Pbk. $12.95 nonconforming teen who struggles to be her own kind of girl when she looks and acts like a GOOBIE, Beth This novella is part of the New Leaf Editions boy and everyone around her expects her to be The Pain Eater E Series, which promotes first books by emerging one or the other. Second Story Press, 2016. 236p. Gr. writers. Although the main While the reader certainly identifies with 10-12. 978-1-77260-020-9. characters are in their late Pen’s personal pain and her gutsiness, the big- Pbk. $12.95 (Reviewed teens, Gereaux’s gritty con- gest problem with her story is that she’s not from Advance Reading tent makes this work more really a very estimable character - she charac- Copy) appropriate to an adult read- terizes herself as “badass” and it’s not a poor ership. description of how she behaves with almost Fourteen-year old Addy and her boyfriend everyone in her life. She smokes, she drinks, Maddy Malone is raped by Craig have made their plans does a little weed. She’s a wicked gamer. She three boys on her way to leave their small rural doesn’t really care for school. Because she is home from the school play community and go to the so self-involved, she has very little empathy Our Town. She tells no one city. At eighteen, Addy is for anyone else, including her confused immi- about the rape, but contin-

Page 30 Resource Links ues to agonize over the terrifying experience. from reporting the rape. The case of Rahteah wan in Saskatoon. Her family notices a change in her. She iso- Parsons in Nova Scotia did not result in vindi- The family moves from Vancouver to the lates herself and is just not her usual bubbly cation after she reported her rape; instead it ancestral homestead, dominated by a huge old self. When school begins in September, eventually led to her suicide. The psychological house well past its prime, inhabited by the Maddy is confronted with a massive challenge. torture that Maddy endures from her rapists remains of 6 woodpeckers, inadequate heat, One of her attackers, Ken Soong, is in her when they continually remind her to “keep and the unsettling stench of a former in-house Grade 10 English class, and the “look-out” quiet” is excruciating. However, in the end, chicken coop. This is the end of the earth for David Janklow is there as well. In order to with the help of some very strong young the girls and Lydia, especially, is hard-pressed cope, Maddy continually digs her thumbnail women, Maddy manages to deal with her emo- to find any redeeming value in such a hopeless into her hand. At home, she resorts to burning tional turmoil, and turn it into a new and power- situation. her inner thigh with a lit cigarette to deal with ful attitude to life. Beth Goobie has written an However, Lydia is fascinated by the visceral the soul destroying memories. excellent novel which should be read by males connection the farm has to the Carleton Trail English class also brings another challenge and females alike because of its honest por- travelled by the North West Rebellion leaders since the teacher, Ms. Mousumi, has presented trayal of important gender issues in today’s in their conflict with a distant and unsympa- the class with a unique assignment. The stu- world. thetic government. Because her situation dents will participate in a collaborative novel seems to echo that of the rebels, she engages writing project. Each student will write a 300 Thematic Links: Rape; Collaborative Writing; in her own rebellion, only to find her parents word chapter in the novel. Their chapter place- Depression; Cyberbullying; Peer Pressure; more distant and lost than either herself or her ment will be determined by alphabetical order. Friendship; Family Relationships; Art; Male- sister. The two girls set out on their own to a The very first chapter, written by Kara Adova- Female Relationships; Gender Roles cabin on the prairie. Their unsuccessful bid for sio, introduces the novel entitled The Pain independence does finally gain the attention of Eater. The major character is Farang, a fifteen- Myra Junyk the parents but by then the girls know their year old member of a primitive tribe, who was own selves better than mom and dad. The chosen at birth to become the tribe’s “pain HART, Mix eventual trip back to Vancouver is bittersweet. eater” under the direction of the high priestess. Queen of the Godforsaken E The humour in this novel is really quite en- Once a month, this isolated young woman Thistledown Press, 2016. 248p. Gr. 7- gaging. I also realize it is not a widely shared “eats” the individual pain of each member of 12. 978-1-77187-063-4. Pbk. $15.95 kind of humour. It reminds me of an observa- her tribe. As the novel evolves, the chapters tion made by a friend from the prairies who include psychological analysis, zombies, poi- This modern take on the essential blistering lives in Toronto: many people do not ‘get’ sonings and even murders. The novel reflects prairie novel weds linger- prairie humour, and much of the humour in the Maggie’s story, but it also moves the plot for- ing memories of the Bat- Saskatchewan TV Series Corner Gas went ward as a stylistic device. Maggie’s chapter tle of Batoche with the over the heads of many in other parts of Can- would normally fall near the middle of the battling and shockingly ada. Kind of like mom and dad in Queen of book; however, when the teacher is absent, her neglectful but educated the Godforsaken. chapter ends up at the very end. What will parents of two girls; Maggie say in her chapter? Lydia, 15, and Victoria, Thematic Links: Family Life; Saskatchewan; This novel is an exceptional narrative which 14, forced to move to the North-West Rebellion addresses some very difficult issues including desolate farmland of Sas- rape, gender stereotypes and cyberbullying. katchewan so their father Lesley Little Maggie’s silence about the rape is a reflection can teach a course at the of her belief that nothing but grief will come University of Saskatche-

Volume 22, Number 1 Page 31 Page 32 Resource Links Volume 22, Number 1 Page 33 HOWLING, Eric Khalil describes the psy- Hdbk $21.99 Gang Tackle chological torment en- Orca Book Publishers, 2016. 176p. Gr. 5 G dured by individuals suf- Marcus has never really up. 978-1-459812253. Pbk. $9.95 fering with eating disor- fit in - mostly because he ders. As the novel begins spends all of his free time The Southside High in April 2012, the main searching for his father School Saints football team character is grappling who disappeared and was has talent but no money. with the realization that branded as a traitor by the Even their coach has been something is very wrong CIA. He knows his father cut from the payroll. Enter with her. Her life has is out there somewhere. Roland Fort, a corpulent, become one long conver- With the eighth anniversary of his disappear- corporate heavy-hitter sation with the imaginary Ed (acronym for ance looming and a huge storm on the horizon, whose sporting goods com- Eating Disorder). These conversations appear Marcus knows this is not a coincidence. The pany is the perfect fit for frequently throughout the text, and Ed’s words storms and his father’s disappearance are rescuing the team from an- are italicized. Ed is continually telling her that somehow linked. Marcus sets out for the cen- other year of torn jerseys she is too fat, and that she must do something tre of the storm, encounters drones, gets struck and worn out equipment. extreme to deal with her imperfection! by lightning, and assumes his life is over. Fort is willing to provide the team with What follows is a personal journey through Dree also never feels like she fits in - except $20,000.00 worth of equipment as long as he is the agonies of anorexia. The heroine struggles when she is working in Wilhelm’s forge. She the coach. The school and the team agree to the to eat “healthy” foods in an effort to control has been his apprentice for the last two years deal but not all goes well. The Coach has his her weight. She also exercises obsessively for and is a talented welder. In Dree’s mind she is own idea of how to manage his team and it is long periods of time. She feels compelled to far more talented than even Wilhelm. Dree has based more on what looks good for him rather lose weight, and hates herself when she fails to many secrets: She comes from a long line of than what talent the team possesses. There is achieve her goals. She is fixated on health and Dragon Riders - formerly wealthy and re- also the matter of coach posting bail for the fitness blogs on the Internet as she pushes for spected, now shunned and impoverished in former star wide receiver Jamal. more and more weight loss. Her obsession has light of the new world order in Dracone where When Jamal is caught reluctantly helping caused her to lose twenty pounds, but she still economic and cultural growth have replaced some gang members rob a Best Buy store, wants to lose more despite her emaciated ap- dragons and magic; She has dragon fire in her Coach Fort publicly brands Him as a petty pearance. Despite her family’s attempts to get blood - she is not harmed by fire and can gen- criminal, typical of the rest of the team. The her treatment for her eating disorder, she feels erate fire when she gets emotional; Dree has reality of the situation is that each of the players very much alone and isolated. How much raised a baby dragon. She found him in the has ideas and ambitions, none of them criminal. weight will she have to lose before she no hills when she was younger and has kept him After Jamal organizes a demonstration of the longer feels fat? hidden in a cave. She calls him little brother, team’s dissatisfaction with the coach, the Danah Khalil’s novel is an emotional roller- though his name is Lourdvang; She has de- money is withdrawn and the team deploys its coaster. The raw honesty of the novel is evi- signed weapons that could be used from the former impoverished equipment. dent on each and every page. The narrative back of a dragon. She would be considered a It’s at this point that Jamal realizes his rec- focuses on the main character and her strug- traitor for this act alone. reational project of designing a football app gles with her eating disorder. This novel gives The lightning bolt that hits Marcus really could lift the team out of its poverty. A little readers information about healthy eating hab- transports him into Dree’s world of Dracone. help from TSN in the form of an interview with its, vegan lifestyle, as well as definitions of Strangely, he feels more at home here than in Jamal and his explanation of the development various eating disorders. It was very brave of Arlington, Virginia. The drones follow him, of the app helps. The Southside Saints are back Khalil to publish this novel about a topic however, and begin to lay waste to the city. in business and on their own terms. Their be- which is very important in our weight- Dree and Marcus must then team up in order loved coach is also back and Roland Fort is put obsessed society. to stop the drones from obliterating everything in his place. However, the journal format soon becomes in sight. Plan A - get the dragons to overlook This book works well to highlight the perni- very repetitive. Ed’s didactic voice, as well as clan differences and fight together. Plan B - ciousness of prejudice backed by money. It also the frequent profanity, soon becomes difficult build a dragon-like drone of their own and works well to illustrate the ingenuity of those to hear. At times, the novel feels more like a combine the best of both worlds. Plan C - whose intelligence is not measured by conven- non-fiction exposé about eating disorders. The make their hybrid even more powerful by us- tional means. What it lacks in depth and length writer also digresses into poetry at several ing an ancient dragon artifact called “The does not seriously impact its message. points which becomes confusing in this jour- Egg” to infuse their machine with dragon nal format. This novel could definitely have spirit, gaining them a bargaining chip in the Thematic Links: Bullying; Discrimination; used more rigorous editing to enhance its im- process. Better yet, put all of the plans into Single Parent Families; Corporate Sponsorship; portant message. action at once. High School Sports; Conduct of Life If you are not annoyed by the blending of Thematic Links: Anorexia; Journaling; fantasy and science fiction, you will enjoy this Lesley Little Athletic Competition; Family Relationships; middle-grade novel. There is no shortage of Addiction; Vegan Lifestyle action sequences. Dree and Marcus run from KHALIL, Danah dragons, from drones, and from palace guards. My Demon’s Name is Ed A Myra Junyk They conveniently find their way to Marcus’ Second Story Press, 2016. 248p. Gr. 10- father - only to be put to task by the Prime 12. 978-1-927583-96-8. Pbk. $12.95 KING, Wesley Minister - who is truly the mastermind behind Dragons vs. Drones A/G the drones and the destruction. He has his rea- Danah Khalil has brought her personal jour- Razorbill/Penguin Random House, sons. King sets up his sequel nicely by having nal entries to life in this novel about anorexia. 2016. 281p. Gr. 5-8. 978-1-59514-797-4. “The Egg” stashed back in Arlington - from

Page 34 Resource Links Marcus’ father’s original trip off-world. In fact, societal offence such an impudent and impru- trained professional, particularly when that all of the events in this novel fall conveniently dent gesture demonstrated in that context. professional ends up looking foolish in the into place. This novel gets an A+ for action but The problem with pasting contemporary in- process. This is the seventh book in the Riley a C- for creativity. terpretation onto an historical situation is that it Donovan Series. The appeal will be there for tends to diminish both the importance of the those who have read the previous titles, but I Thematic Links: Family Relationships; historical moment and the importance of - in am not inspired to read the other titles based Friendship; World Creation; Survival; this case - the young female artist’s decisions, on this installment. Loyalty regardless of what they may be. This does not give young adult readers their due in terms of Thematic Links: Family Relationships; Angela Thompson accuracy and honesty with respect to historical Friendship; Trust; Murder/Suicide; fiction and the invaluable lessons it should im- Investigations; Drug-Trafficking LEAHY, Brenda Joyce part. The Art of Rebellion P Angela Thompson Rebelight Publishing, 2016. 238p. Gr. Thematic Links: France; La Belle Epoch; 7-12. 978-0-9948399-8-5. Pbk. $15.99 Marriage; Feminism; Anarchism; Art; OPPEL, Kenneth Friendship; Social Mores Every Hidden Thing E The basic story here in- HarperCollins Canada, 2016. 353p. volves Gabrielle, a privi- Lesley Little Gr. 6 up. 978-1-44341-029-8. Hdbk. $19.99 leged young turn-of-the- century woman in France MCCLINTOCK, Norah Ken Oppel has certainly who is more interested in From Above (A Riley Donovan A not lost his talent for both art - specifically painting - Mystery) great adventure and narra- than marriage. Her parents Orca Book Publishers, 2016. 226p. Gr. 7-10. tive with Every Hidden have different plans for her 978-1-4598-0933-8. Pbk. $10.95 Thing. This book was in- so she runs away to Paris spired by the antics of two to pursue her passion. In In her latest mystery, pioneering paleontologists terms of the period por- Riley Donovan witnesses of the nineteenth century trayed in this story about turn-of-the-century the death of one of her and what became known as Paris the author has done her homework as far classmates, Ethan Craw- the "Bone Wars". Oppel as descriptions of fashion, landscape, architec- ford. Riley happens to be chooses to make his two ture, and events. are concerned. nearby when Ethan falls protagonists the daughter and son of two war- However; while well-researched on the sur- from the roof of the local ring, competitive and totally unethical scien- face, this book is a frustrating case of the story recreation centre. The coro- tists and unravels the adventure in alternating being much, much better than the writing. Some ner rules his death a tragic voices - those of teenaged Samuel Bolt and of the painful errors of vernacular and period accident. The police deter- Rachel Cartland who naturally defy their ego- language usage, chronic over-explanation, and mine that the fall was pos- tistic fathers and develop a Romeo and Juliet just plain pretence are more telling of inade- sibly self-inflicted as Ethan had been displaying style romance in spite of their fathers' long- quate authorship than historical inaccuracies. erratic patterns of behaviour prior to his death. standing enmity and complete hatred for each While the popular TV series Downton Abbey Ethan’s parents are adamant that their son other. fuelled enormous public fantasizing about would never do that and Riley knows Ethan Everyone (Dad and Dad, the kids, the army, membership in the privileged social stratum of a well enough to be suspicious as well. She also some outliers from P. T. Barnum and Com- by-gone age, it did so with a profound sense of thinks that she saw someone else on the roof. pany) is looking for the greatest find of all - what the era was. Author Brenda Leahy seems Riley shares her thoughts with her Aunt Ginny known to some as "The Black Beauty" and to not to have developed that sense. The reader who is leading the investigation. Eyes then turn most of us who grew up on dinosaur lore as T- often finds Leahy’s descriptions of her French to fellow classmates as suspects - other mem- Rex. Will it be found? Will love prevail? Belle Epoch situations informed more by her bers of the football team, his ex-girlfriend, Ri- Amid the startling backdrop of the Badlands desire to tell the reader what to think rather than ley’s want-to-be boyfriend, Charlie, and even and possible provocation of the Sioux nation, what the situation entails. There are frequent Riley herself. The actual murderer? Someone crisis after crisis ensues - and the reader is on a protestations by Gabrielle that she must “create who has the ability and authority to thwart ride to the very end. art”; and while that may be a youthful way of many of Riley’s investigative plans. The book has been described by the publish- expressing it, there is a laughable pretence here From Above reminds me of one of ers as Romeo and Juliet meet Indiana Jones that diminishes the sentiment it is intended to McClintock’s earlier title Dooley Takes the Fall and the description is fair enough. The reader express. where the premise for the protagonist is similar. gets some understanding about early palaeon- Leahy seems too eager to give her story con- In both novels, the main character is in the tology but the focus is truly on the adventures temporary currency at the expense of veracity. “wrong place at the wrong time,” witnesses a of the main characters and the revelations of One small example is Gabrielle using the tragic fall/murder, and becomes embroiled in their back story and their budding relationship American English colloquial term “snagged” to the investigations that ensue. So, truth be told, it rather than the dinosaurs. The voices of Sam describe observing her female roommate bra- feels like I have read this novel before. To and Rachel read largely true, although Rachel zenly helping herself to a glass of champagne McClintock’s credit, she is skilled at keeping certainly sends out some mixed messages re- from a silver tray at a cultured Paris salon rather the reader guessing about the true outcome of garding early feminism! Professors Bolt and than waiting to be offered said glass of cham- the story - twists and red-herrings lead the Cartland are well developed and almost too pagne, as decorum at a function of that calibre reader in many directions - though the final re- human. There’s an utterly hilarious and quite would dictate. Although the term “snagged” veal is disappointing. I appreciate smart, in- unforgettable scene where Sam actually mana- accurately describes the act of removing the sightful kids, but I always find it difficult to cles the two together with handcuffs! glass from the tray, it ignores the importance of believe that a teenager is more capable than a Oppel has deliberately made the decision to

Volume 22, Number 1 Page 35 write this for a Young Adult audience although PEEL, Kit cessful and skilled in every way. It is a con- much of it feels like the target audience is ad- Snow Summer venient though necessary circumstance and venture seeking middle schoolers. However, Groundwood Books, 2016. 223p. A/G one has to suspend one’s disbelief. The prem- inclusion of a few scenes of awkward sexual Gr. 7-10. 978-1-55498-357-5. ise of Peel’s story is one that echoes fantasy awakening and awareness, as well as other sex- Hdbk. $16.95 stories past - Universal spirit is reincarnated ual allusions drop the book firmly into the YA (by choice or not) into a lower or unknowing cadre. Snow Summer, set in being and must triumph over his/her limita- In general, the book works very well and the English country-side tions of form and resume rightful spiritual su- explores a time and place that has not routinely village of Pateley Bridge, premacy. What is unique is how well Peel been showcased to young readers. There is a lot is a contemporary com- weaves in his social commentary on global of creativity and even fun involved with the mentary that relies on the warming/human interaction with the environ- various adventures Sam and Rachel encounter, conventions of the fan- ment. and Oppel has attempted to make them histori- tasy genre to reveal the cally and geographically accurate, with some follies of humanity. The Thematic Links: Climate Change; Realm of sensitivity to First Nations issues. village, and indeed most Fantasy; Self-Discovery; Friendship; of the world is stuck in Activism; Human Development Thematic Links: Adventure Stories; an interminable winter. Palaeontology In addition to being faced Angela Thompson with life in a difficult climate, Wyn and her Anne Letain friends Kate and John, are also conflicted RANKIN, K. J. about the development of their local forest, Stepping into Traffic PAYNE, Mary Jennifer Skrikes Wood. John’s father is the lead devel- Thistledown Press, 2016. 203p. Gr. 9- E Enough (Orca Soundings) G oper and the project provides jobs for local 12. 978-1-77187-101-3. Pbk. $15.95 Orca Book Publishers, 2016. 166p. Gr. people at the expense of their natural sur- 9-12. 978-1-4598-1130-4. Pbk. $9.95 roundings. John starts a petition to stop his All teens who read father from moving forward, but his efforts do this book should give When Lizzie's father not come to fruition. Hope seems to be lost - their parents a hug. Step- died four years ago, her until Wyn meets a mysterious stranger. Intro- ping into Traffic does an mother lapsed into alco- ducing himself as Tawhir, he acts like he exceptional job of show- holism and bad judgement. knows Wyn and she feels like she know him ing how the loss of lov- A string of bad boyfriends too. She is simultaneously attracted to and ing parents can damage a has culminated in Dean, repelled by him. Tawhir claims to know who young life. also unemployed and also Wyn really is. She is pretty sure he is crazy. Sebastian was eight alcoholic. But when he He claims that Wyn has the power to restore when his parents were sexually assaults Lizzie, the temperate weather and save the world. She killed in a car accident. she knows that she can no thinks he must be confusing her with someone He was put into child longer stay to protect her else…… she is just an ordinary girl…… isn’t protection services, and is now moving into physically challenged she? his eighth foster home in seven years. Al- younger brother, her aged family pet, or her As the story progresses, Tawhir reveals the though he was not abused in a life-threatening mother. Lizzie’s grandmother takes her in, and world of spirits and elemental forces that in- way, his experiences have badly damaged his helps her start at a new school. But when her habit Skrikes Wood. The spirits are likewise self-esteem. He lost a mother who sang to her brother calls to warn her that Dean is threaten- suffering under the oppression of winter. Their plants and read him bedtime stories, and a fa- ing to put the dog down, Lizzie knows she has local earth spirit, Thwaite, has taken all the ther who coached his little league team. In- to step back in. She gets the dog to safety, but species he can relocate to underground cav- stead he has been physically beaten by foster loses her boyfriend due to all the family drama. erns, but this solution is only temporary and fathers in alcoholic rages, forced to eat sepa- It takes a chance encounter with a street walker his powers wane. There are also rebel spirits rately from the family members, given a diet to make her realize what she needs: “You need who blame the human world for all of their exclusively of wieners and beans, and second- someone in this world to love you like your nan problems and seek to end the human influence. hand clothes. Despite these experiences, Seb does, but, more importantly, you need to love Wyn does indeed have the power to affect still has a good heart: he buys candy for his yourself, Lizzie.” (p. 140) When her brother change in both the human and the spiritual foster siblings when he can afford it, and feeds calls in desperation, Lizzie knows what she realms. With the help of Tawhir and Thwaite a stray dog his leftovers. It is unsurprising that must do. she awakens the spirit within her - that of a as a teen he is easy pickings for gangs, and the Enough is in the gritty tradition of many of powerful dragon champion, Mugasa. Time is novel opens with his arrest for breaking and the Orca novels, and is similarly powerful. of the essence, however. Will she be able to entering. His well-meaning social worker must Lizzie is a real world example of a teen torn reach the full extent of her powers before win- find him a new foster home or he will be apart by decisions she should not have to make ter sets in forever? placed in a group home: “they should be at her age. We must admire her courage and Peel describes his setting with rich and lyri- called grope homes since most of the guys resilience in the face of these challenges. cal language. The forest and its spirits come there are either on you for sex or whatever’s alive with his writing and you are drawn into in your pockets” (p. 21). Thematic Links: Sexual Assault; Pateley Bridge. He creates an unlikely hero in He is placed with Mrs. Ford, an older Dysfunctional Families; Alcoholic Parent; Wyn and gives her the challenge of accom- widow whose only child was killed in an in- Responsibility plishing in three days what it took her mentor dustrial accident. Seb can’t believe that he is Patricia Jermey spirit, Thwaite, ten years to master. All the allowed to eat as much as he wants, has new while, Wyn resists. Her attitude borders on clothes to wear and a well-furnished bedroom. selfishly petulant yet she is remarkably suc- Mrs. Ford lives in the same neighbourhood

Page 36 Resource Links where Seb grew up, and at the local high school ther’s failed dream of a successful rock band. needed for great skateboarding tricks. Riley, he meets some of his elementary school class- In order to change that, Del decides to fulfill Dashawn, and their videographer, Tasha, head mates. He even goes back to his elementary his father’s dream for him by entering a rock out to the site. If the cops show up, their plan school, and begins to help out the custodian, band competition at a regional pub. He con- is to split up and re-group at the local McDon- Mr. Frogley. But the only schoolmate who be- vinces his classmates to join the band and he ald’s. gins a friendship is Donny, known to the other even manages to find a manager in the person The police do, in fact, take an interest in students as a drug pusher and troublemaker. of a fading rock musician who just happens to what the threesome is up to. Riley and Tasha Despite warnings, Seb gravitates to Donny’s live close by. The mechanics of how this all manage to evade capture, but Dashawn isn’t as circle of drugs, alcohol and violence. But with comes about is not at all typical and the mi- lucky. In fact, the next day Riley finds the support of Mrs. Ford and Mr. Frogley, he is raculous victory here is not that the band wins Dashawn bruised and beaten with his arm in a given a chance to turn his life in a more positive the competition but that they manage to get to sling. Dashawn says the two police officers direction, and truly have a home again. the finals. This ultimately noble quest is a sur- attacked him - the police officers report that Sebastian’s story is a clear demonstration of prisingly accessible illustration of the particu- Dashawn hurt himself. At first, Riley is not how circumstances can turn a good kid into a lar workings of the Asperger’s mind, and how sure who to believe. Aren’t police officers “juvenile delinquent”. This book should make easily it can be (and is) generally misunder- supposed to uphold the law and tell the truth? every reader think of his or her role to help stood. On the other hand, what reason would those with a less advantaged upbringing. The story is narrated in the first person by Dashawn have to lie to him? Del, which naturally allows for the addition of At the heart of this high-interest low- Thematic Links: Foster Care; Teen Drug Use; supplementary observations under the guise of vocabulary title is an edgy exploration of ra- Self-Esteem. self-explanation. The genius in this is the in- cism and its consequences and impacts. Ross clusion of clinical as well as philosophical examines the abuse of power, in this case at- Patricia Jermey comments by Del that gain explanatory con- tributed to the police officers, and the fear and text where there would otherwise be none. anger that results when these abuses are not REID, M. E. This manages to take the novel beyond the addressed. A Dark Truth is a powerful and The Turing Machinists E realm of being an “issue” work into one with a emotional story. Dancing Cat Books, 2016. 210p. Gr. 7- unique intelligence worthy of the reader’s at- 12. 978-1-770864665. Pbk. $14.95 tention. Thematic Links: Racism; Racial Profiling; The band’s name, The Turing Machinists, is Abuse of Power; Friendship; Following One’s This is a remarkable a deceptively playful nod to geniuses unrecog- Dream book, and not everyone nized because their behavior does not fit the will see it as such. The “typical” pattern. It is also a nod to the random Angela Thompson title alone should be a nature of neurological disorders and how those good indication of its with such disorders can learn how to deal with ROSS, Jeff deep intelligence but a them, making them managers-in-training of High Note (Limelight Series) G quick look at online re- the machine that is mistaken for them. Orca Book Publishers, 2016. 118p. views tells me it is gener- Gr. 7-9. 978-1-4598-1111-9. Pbk. $9.95 ally misunderstood or Thematic Links: Asperger's; Communication; ignored. Family; Music; Rock Band; Friendship High Note is part of The book’s protagonist Orca Publisher’s Lime- is Del. He is extremely Lesley Little light Series, each novel intelligent, has Asperger’s, and attends a school of which presents a teen that has a program for students on the Autism ROSS, Jeff character experiencing Spectrum. He has no friends per se, even A Dark Truth (Orca Soundings G life in the performing though he likes the concept. He is, however, Series) arts. In High Note, fully aware that he does not quite know how to Orca Book Publishers, 2016. 103p. Gr. Hailey and her best deal with the social machinations required of 6-11. 978-1-4598-1327-4. Pbk. $9.95 friend Crissy are both the world of friends. Del does have classmates (Reviewed from an Advance Reading Copy) contenders for an impor- and he even likes one of the two girls in his tant role in the produc- grade 12 class. Riley and Dashawn live tion of The Marriage of Figaro being staged at Del also likes the work of Alan Turing, the for skateboarding. In their the Paterson Centre for the Performing Arts, brilliant and eccentric English cryptanalyst who words: “Skateboarding which they both attend. This sets the stage for broke the German Enigma code during WW II. gave us something differ- conflict and jealousy, competition that could The fact that Turing was also a logician and ent, something we could be handled by the two girls in a number of mathematician is a huge selling point for Del get better at every day but ways. Hailey is essentially part of the opera and his classmates. Mathematics is a universe which, at any time, we group because Crissy asked her to join; she they understand. The same can be said for logic. could totally ruin our- has other interests, although her singing abili- Logically speaking, Del knows that cause and selves doing” (p. 3). Their ties and love of music make opera her dream. effect follow a distinct pattern. Therefore, if you goal is to submit “Sponsor For Crissy, on the other hand, opera is every- don’t like the effect, you change the cause. Del Me” videos with the hopes thing; she is driven to succeed, pushed by her does not like the effect that his parents’ ru- of landing sweet endorse- mother, and has focused on little else in her moured divorce will have: a huge negative im- ment deals. One of their friends tells them schooling. As these truths unfold, we can see pact on everything. He calculates that by chang- about a construction site for a new tech. com- the direction the plot will take, yet still wonder ing the cause for the divorce, its effect will pany that is located in the suburbs - from brief how the girls will react. The tensions are pal- change. cell-phone photos, the site looks perfect as a pable; the outcome remains uncertain until the For Del, the cause of the divorce is his fa- backdrop and has all of the ledges and benches end. Caught up in the backstage drama -

Volume 22, Number 1 Page 37 Crissy championed by the famous Isabel Rosetti shared bunks or hammocks, they are afflicted longed here. It was as if he’d wrenched her and Hailey by the rising star Denise Cam- by rodents, lice, and fleas. Women and chil- from some other place” (p. 4). Ernest vows to bridge - the girls are shown first-hand the drama dren, most used to living simply but honoura- raise and protect both girls. that rages behind the curtains. In solid narrative bly, are treated like animals by the poorly paid When his nephew, Wayne arrives unan- tradition, the choices that they make reveal their crew and guards. nounced and professes to want to raise the true characters, and readers are satisfied with Not all the guards are as vile as “Red Bull” girls in a mansion in California, Ernest is the realistic ending Jeff Ross provides us. Chilcott, whose lecherous behaviour threatens openly hostile. Apparently Wayne’s boss, Mr. High Note is told in Hailey’s voice, an excel- the sexually innocent among the prisoners, and Cecil, is a successful movie producer who lent choice for explaining to the reader the intri- whose sexual appetites mark him as a target thinks that Isabelle, in particular, will have a cacies of the operatic world. Hailey tells the for Fanny’s manipulations on behalf of her wonderful career in his motion pictures. Ernest reader the basic plot of The Marriage of Figaro friends. Some of the guards are cruel but not tells his nephew to get lost. However, a suspi- much as if the reader were a classmate who had abusive, and some appear more sympathetic cious fire (started by wasp/scorpion-like crea- asked. This technique does not always work, towards the women’s plight. We see a subtle tures) causes circumstances to change. Ernest but Hailey’s character is well-constructed, her connection growing between Jennie and a dies in the fire but saves both girls. Guardian- narrative voice consistent, so that we really do young crew-member, Nate, and when the ship ship is turned over to Wayne. Apparently Mr. feel that she is talking to us, not the author. We is wrecked on a reef near Tenerife, we are not Cecil gets what Mr. Cecil wants. feel more keenly, then, the betrayal Hailey surprised that the intelligent Nate is instrumen- Fast-forward a few years and Isabelle is the struggles to come to terms with, and her mature tal in saving a small number of crew and pris- toast of Hollywood as predicted. We encounter realization that one cannot be responsible for oners. her at a party being thrown to celebrate the others’ choices and behaviours. In a world of Silverthorne does not stray from her excel- release of her latest film. She is beautiful, ap- stiff competition, Hailey learns, it is difficult lent historical representation even in the ro- plauded, and adored. Her sister, however, but necessary to retain one’s integrity and sense mance that is beginning to grow between never gets to leave the mansion. Her only of self above all else. Jennie and Nate. The women’s ultimate fate friend is the groundskeeper’s son, Raul. Bea- after being saved by a passing Scottish vessel - trice knows that there is something strange Thematic Links: Opera; The Marriage of whose Captain and crew are welcoming nei- about their circumstances. People disappear. Figaro; Performing Arts School; Rivalry ther to the English nor to women - is logically Mr. Cecil has the uncanny ability to twist Between Friends supportable in terms of the political, financial, every situation to his advantage and he always and cultural reality Silverthorne is recreating. seems to see her innermost thoughts. On top of Karyn Huenemann Nate expresses his hope that his and Jennie’s this, his films are getting more and more fan- lives will follow a similar path, and we are tastic and horrific. Will Beatrice learn the truth SILVERTHORNE, Judith shown a narrative direction in which that could before it is too late? Convictions E be true; but at the close of the novel, we are Faustian contracts and insects snatched from Coteau Books, 2016. 220p. Gr. 10-12. left with as much uncertainly as Jennie and the another dimension are just two of the bizarre 978-1-4598-1153-9. Pbk. $16.95 other survivors. As readers, we are convinced twists that are revealed as this story pro- of the historical truth reflected in Convictions. gresses. Conceptually, Slade’s story of inter- It is 1842. Jennie’s family Jennie’s story remains in our minds, her future woven dimensions that respond to/require the is starving, so she takes pondered, long after the last page is read. life-force of the human imagination is ambi- some mouldy oats from a tious and insightful. The backdrop of old Hol- milliner’s garbage. For that, Thematic Links: Australia; Penal Colonies; lywood with its glamour and the sheer pace of she is convicted of theft and British Criminal History; Discrimination innovation during that time is the perfect fa- sentenced to 7 years trans- Against Women; Physical Abuse çade. Isabelle and Beatrice have very distinct portation to the penal colony voices and this speaks to the care Slade took in of Australia. She is one of Karyn Huenemann crafting his characters. Flickers gives the 235 female convicts, includ- reader a look into a rich period in American ing pregnant women and SLADE, Arthur history that it would be a shame to miss. women with young children. Flickers G/E Jennie is fourteen when she boards the convict HarperCollinsCanada, 2016. 242p. Thematic Links: Family Relationships; ship Emily Anne; the youngest prisoner is ten- Gr. 7-10. 978-1-44341-665-8. Hdbk. $19.99 Imagination; Old Hollywood; Motion Pictures; year-old Alice. Supernatural; Twins Judith Silverthorne’s account of Jennie’s life Flickers opens on the on board the Emily Anne is convincingly harsh; Canadian prairies near Angela Thompson there is very little evasion of the horrors of the Lethbridge, Alberta. Twin women’s lives at the hands of uncaring or even daughters are born to STELLINGS, Caroline abusive guards. What helps Jennie survive are Ernest and Abigail. The Freedom’s Just Another Word G the relationships the women forge in their first child is born quickly Second Story shared hardship. As Jennie discovers the gamut and she is beautiful. They Press, 2016. of “crimes” the women have been sentenced name her Isabelle. The 203p. Gr. 9-12. 978-1- for, she comes to appreciate her fellow prison- second child is a surprise. 77260-011-7. Pbk. $12.95 ers’ differences. Learned prejudices against the She is misshapen and cov- “doxies” Lizzie and Fanny, or the alcoholic ered with birthmarks. Louisiana knows her Dottie, or the Irish-Catholic Kate, are eventu- Abigail dies as a result of the stress of this nickname, Easy, is perfect ally subsumed in the need to band together to birth. It takes two weeks for Ernest to name for the blues singer she survive the physical and psychological trauma the child Beatrice. The supernatural element of hopes to become. Raised of their situation. Seasickness and poor rations the plot enters early though is mentioned casu- in Saskatoon, she has threaten their health. Crowded into small, ally: “The twin didn’t look as though she be- been exposed to that

Page 38 Resource Links soundtrack by her black parents, who moved one has finished their chocolate chip cookies also a gift to his readers. there to escape the segregation of the deep when Taz discovers she has forgotten to put in For the most part, this insightful and thor- South in the 1950s. Easy is subjected to a cer- the chocolate chips. In an attempt to remedy the oughly engaging story of Graham and Ethan tain amount of ignorance and racism, espe- situation, Taz softens some chocolate in the and Raine is spot-on. Displaced Graham, cially as her birth mother was a drug-addicted microwave, and nearly burns down the entire whose family has moved from a small town to white drifter who had an affair with her mar- classroom. She is terribly embarrassed, and the big city in his last year of high school has ried father. She was raised in a loving home, never wants to go back to school. When she also found himself dumped by his long-time but her mother has recently died, and her fa- does return, however, she discovers that her girlfriend who has taken up with his (former) ther can only share with Easy his knowledge Food Science class has been moved to the best friend. of auto mechanics as she works beside him in school cafeteria, and is now being taught by Enter Ethan, newly demoted from the big his garage. When Easy learns that Janis Joplin, Chef. city high school basketball team for bringing her idol, is passing through town on her tour Chef is a hard taskmaster who will determine girls and alcohol into the team's hotel room train, Easy makes sure she is at the train sta- which students get into the chef apprenticeship during an out of town tournament. His tion with her accordion and frottoir, prepared program. The students in the program will work "punishment" is expulsion from the team and to demonstrate her talent. Amazingly, the train in the school kitchen, and complete the first two assignment to showing new boy Graham the stops, and Joplin gets out in search of a refill levels of professional cook certification by ropes. of Southern Comfort. Easy manages to get her graduation. Only five students will be admitted The two hit it off and embark on a socializ- some, and Joplin in return suggests they meet to the program, which is like getting a free year ing spree while Ethan philosophizes between in Texas at the famous Threadgill’s. This of college. The final project determines who events. The philosophy discussions are enter- could be her big break! gets into the program - and who passes Grade 9 taining, showing the reader the aspects of each Now Easy has to make it to Texas. Fortu- Food Science. Taz joins a group with master character not usually on display. nately (or not), a nun and a postulant from a cook Mielle, and indifferent Caz. Will this be The playful banter begins to wane when nearby convent come to the garage seeking another cooking disaster for Taz? Graham encounters Raine, an attractive young automotive advice. They are planning to drive Diane Tullson has written an amusing novel vegan unlike the other girls the two have been to New Mexico, and agree that Easy can travel about the trials and tribulations of a challenged pursuing. Part of the method the two follow is with them. The postulant has a holier-than- cook. Taz hates to cook, but by working in a to use false names and Graham is introduced thou attitude which makes it almost unbear- group with more proficient students, she learns to Raine using the name Dakota. The crisis able, but Easy will do anything to get to Janis. to enjoy the process of cooking. She also learns comes when Ethan tells Raine Dakota's real It also means she can visit the mother of her a great deal about commitment to a task, deter- name behind his back. father’s war buddy, who died and left his med- mination, group work and friendship. Taz is an The resolution to the crisis is both believ- als behind. On the trip, both Easy and the admirable character who deals with life’s chal- able and wise. Walters manages to convey young postulant realize they have been too lenges while taking on greater responsibility for loyalty and forgiveness in his characters with- judgmental. When Easy finally gets to her own learning. out diminishing their verisimilitude. Threadgill’s, the pervasive racism makes her Taz’s Recipe describes the high school Food The same, however, cannot be said for an- realize she cannot sing there. But the journey Science program with its safety issues and culi- other part of the book. Raine is involved in an has positive results: she learns the truth about nary vocabulary. The apprenticeship model is ongoing protest on a traffic island near a pork her birth, the postulant gains a new attitude rarely seen in novels aimed at this age group. slaughterhouse and Graham/Dakota decides to towards her calling, and Easy breaks into the Readers will discover that there are multiple join her. He experiences an epiphany when a music scene back in Saskatoon. paths to reach their goals in life. At the end of pig on one of the trucks looks him straight in This novel is set in 1970, and provides an the novel, Diane Tullson also includes two tasty the eye. I found this component of the story unsentimental look at that era. With Easy as recipes. This novel is a light-hearted read which contrived and forced, unusual for an Eric Wal- the protagonist, we see racism in its various will appeal to readers who may feel that they ters novel. The whole episode seems tacked on forms. Her breezy attitude belies the chal- cannot do something - but discover that if they to the rest of the vegetarian interlude which lenges she has faced. The Janis Joplin plot line put their mind to a task, they can accomplish a was actually quite natural in its introduction also brings in the issues of drug and alcohol great deal! and evolution. In spite of his genuine affection abuse, and the nuns provoke religious discus- for Raine and his appreciation for her princi- sion. Stellings handles these heavy topics Thematic Links: Cooking; Family ples, it seems unnatural for a young man to deftly, with Easy’s confidence and humour. Relationships; Friendship; Teamwork; give up bacon so easily. Just sayin’. Competition; Confidence Thematic Links: Professional Musicians; Thematic Links: High School; Dating; Racism; Charitable Work; Drug Addiction; Myra Junyk Personal Conduct; Family Life; Parent-Child Relationships Vegetarianism; Friendship; Loyalty WALTERS, Eric Patricia Jermey The Art of Picking E Lesley Little up Girls TULLSON, Diane (And Other WESTON, Paula Taz’s Recipe Dangerous Things) Burn (The G Orca Book Publish- G Razorbill Canada, 2016. Rephaim, Book IV) ers, 2016. 116p. Gr. 272p. Gr. 7-12. 978-0- Tundra Books, 6-10. 978-1-4598-1035-8. 143194972. Pbk. $14.99 2016. 430p. Gr. 10 - 12. Pbk. $9.95 (Reviewed from 978-1-77049-851-8. Pbk. Advance Reading Copy) The ease with which $12.99 one reads an Eric Walters Taz can’t cook! In Grade novel is a true testament to (cont’d on p. 57) 9 Food Science class, every- his skill as a writer. It is

Volume 22, Number 1 Page 39 Non-Fiction Grades 7-12

NEWLAND, Sonya tory is a record of a par- such as the Potlatch Law and Dawes Act, resi- Space Exploration: Triumphs and G ticular time or an event dential schools and other forced assimilation, Tragedies (Crabtree Chrome Series) that has happened in the and native uprisings such as the Black Hills Crabtree Publishing, 2016. 48p. Illus. past. For most of that time War, the Red River Rebellion and the North Gr. 5-9. 978-0-7787-2292-2. Hdbk. $21.56 we have to rely on what West Rebellion. A final chapter looks at dis- people who were living at placement today with an emphasis on the This book is another the time have documented Kurdish people of the Middle East. title in the Crabtree in various ways. Histori- This series is very well done and would be a Chrome Series which is ans study or analyse evi- great introduction to historical research for designed for reluctant dence from the past to students at the junior and senior high levels. readers who read several help us understand what happened, it is their job The choice of topics is quite interesting and levels below their actual to interpret what the pieces of evidence from most will be part of the history programs in grade level by engaging the past actually mean. today’s curriculum. them in popular and This series looks at how historians interpret timely topics. The book the past. Using the particular topic covered each Thematic Links: Native Peoples of North contain 5-6 chapters book begins with an introductory chapter which America - Displacement; United States - which have bold head- focuses on the importance of studying history. History; Canada - History; Kurdish ings and minimal text which is interspersed Other chapters focus on kinds of sources, ana- Displacement with black and white and coloured captioned lysing the evidence, uncovering the story, dif- photographs, drawings, diagrams, maps and fering views of the same incident, and modern Victoria Pennell other memorabilia. Text boxes add additional examples of the same kinds of events. As these information and in addition to the words in books about well-known and well-documented SHIELDS, Carol and Patrick Crowe bold being included in the glossary, they are events in history unfold we learn why and by Susanna Moodie: Roughing it in E also explained at the bottom of the two page whom evidence is created, how it can be ana- the Bush spread in which they appear. The book in- lysed and interpreted in various ways and how Illustrated by Selena Goulding. cludes a Table of Contents, an Index, and a controversy in history can develop. All of these Graphic novel adaptation by Willow Dawson. Learning More section which includes a listing topics have created some controversy in their Introduction by Margaret Atwood. Xenophile of books, movies and websites. interpretation over the years depending on the Media Inc./Second Story Press, 2016. 137p. In Space Exploration: Triumphs and point of view of the person creating the docu- Gr. 9-12. 978-1-77260-003-2. Pbk. $22.95 Tragedies we are given a brief overview of the mentation or the person doing the research - space exploration program from the launch of sometimes we come to a topic with a pre- This graphic novel is Sputnik 1 by Russia in 1957 to the proposed conceived idea and that influences how we do based on a 2002 screen- visit to an asteroid by NASA by 2025. The 2- the research. Readers will learn about primary play by Carol Shield and page spreads look at such topics as the first and secondary sources, bias, prejudice, the de- Patrick Crowe that drama- spacecraft, the first male and female in space, nial of evidence and learn how to be critical in tizes the life and writings Project Apollo, the moon landing, the Voyager their own research. of Susanna Moodie, an probes, Shuttle disasters, space stations, Mars The books are very well laid out. Each con- upper-middle class British and beyond, future missions and space tour- sists of 4-6 chapters which has an introductory woman who immigrated ism. blurb and an historical photograph on a 2-page to Canada in 1832. It fo- While the amount of information in the spread. Other 2-page spreads consist of text, cuses on the seven years book is minimal, it does give a good introduc- captioned photographs, documents, and quota- she spent in building a tion to the topic for students at the upper ele- tions. There are “evidence record cards” for homestead in Upper Canada, ten miles from mentary and junior high levels and may spark many of the photographs describing where it Peterborough, before moving to Belleville, their interest enough to seek out some of the came from, who the photographer was, the loca- Ontario with her family. The authors detail other resources which are listed in the Learn- tion, the date and the source. Also there are Susanna’s sense of isolation, her struggles to ing More section. This would be a good addi- “Analyze This” boxes which focus on a particu- adapt to her new lifestyle, and her work as a tion to an elementary or junior high school lar photograph, document, or quotation and writer. The story also highlights tensions be- science program. pose questions which would be great for class tween Canadians and Americans, Susanna’s discussions. There are also “Perspec- involvement in the anti-slavery movement and Thematic Links: Space Exploration tives” boxes which give information or pose her friendship with some First Nations people. questions about different perspectives of the The narrative of the graphic novel is straight- Victoria Pennell same event. Words in bold type are defined in forward and Goulding’s illustrations work well definition boxes or in the glossary at the back of to compliment the text, with the exception of a PEPPAS, Lynn Leslie each book. There is also a table of contents, a few confusing instances where poorly placed The Displacement of Native Peoples E timeline, a bibliography, internet guidelines, dialogue prompts the eye to read the conversa- (Uncovering the Past Series) and an index. tion out of order. Crabtree Publishing, 2016. 48p. Illus. The Displacement of Native Peoples focuses As Atwood points out in her introduction, Gr. 5 up. 978-0-7787-2571-8. Hdbk. $23.49 on how native peoples have been displaced in this novel, and graphic novel adaptations in Canada and the United States since the time the general, are a great way for younger or less This book is a new addition to the Uncover- Europeans arrived through treaties, empty proficient readers to be introduced to the ing the Past Series from Crabtree which fo- promises and military force. Some of the topics cuses on how we find out about the past. His- included are government relations and policies (cont’d on p. 63)

Page 40 Resource Links Professional Resources

FIORE, Mary and Maria Luisa Lebar cise descriptions of how to address each role in ous grade levels from primary to intermediate, The Four Roles of the Numerative the classroom environment. The links between specific instructions for various subject areas Learner: Effective Teaching and E literacy and numeracy instruction are also very such as art and physical education, and advice Assessment Strategies to Help explicit. This comprehensive resource can serve on how to get a permanent job. Yuill intro- Students Think Differently About as a guide for planning, implementing improve- duces her first chapter, “Toolkit for Substitute Mathematics ments in mathematics instruction, as well as Teaching,” with a discussion of the bad repu- Pembroke Publishers, 2016. 96p. 9781-55138- providing a useful tool to engage teachers about tation of substitute teachers. She wants to help 3118. Pbk. $24.95 effective mathematics strategies. “By adopting change this reputation with the tools in this the Four Roles of the Numerate Learner resource. “By being excellent substitute teach- The Four Roles of framework, students will become skilled critical ers, by having a positive and creative attitude, the Numerate Learner thinkers, thoughtful problem solvers, and reflec- and by the way we talk about our profession, by Mary Fiore and tive communicators.” (p. 11) we can change the perception of the profession Maria Luisa Lebar of substitute teaching. It is time!” (p. 9) How- promotes, “a new way Thematic Links: Numeracy; Mathematics ever, some of the ideas that Yuill presents of thinking about Instruction; Assessment; Critical Thinking; would definitely not change this perception. mathematics and a Literacy Instruction Her primary tool for getting students’ attention new way of doing is candy. This is obviously problematic in a mathematics.” The Myra Junyk day and age when allergies are rampant. In writers have based later chapters, Yuill describes the physical, their resource on cur- YUILL, Amanda social, and academic characteristics of various rent research on teach- Substitute Teaching? Everything You grade levels, gives instructions on how to deal ing mathematics as well as models created by Need to get the Students on Your Side A with these levels, and provides very rudimen- the Ontario Ministry of Education. Their ap- and Teach Them Too! Ready-to-use tary worksheets. proach relies heavily on the connections be- Tools, Tips, and Lesson Ideas for Every Grade At first glance, this toolkit appears to offer tween literacy and numeracy, as their defini- From K-8 useful information for a substitute teacher. tion of numeracy suggests, “To become nu- Pembroke Publishers, 2016. 60p. 9781-55138- However, Yuill’s amusing anecdotes and use- merate, students must learn to make sense of 3125. Pbk. $24.95 ful instructions on behavior management can- the mathematics, use mathematical skills effec- not disguise the fact that her book is primarily tively, thoughtfully communicate mathematical Substitute Teaching? based on her own experiences as a substitute thinking, and critically interpret mathematical Everything You Need to teacher. Much of her advice is common sense knowledge and skills.” (p. 10) get the Students on Your for educators. What works for her will not This resource is divided into six chapters Side and Teach Them necessarily work for everyone. Giving out which provide an outline of the four roles in Too! Ready-to-use candy, telling “gross” or “scary” stories may the framework and discuss topics such as: Tools, Tips, and Lesson get students’ attention, but what pedagogical critical thinking, mathematical thinking skills, Ideas for Every Grade value do they have? As well, the worksheets rich mathematics tasks, and assessment. The From K-8 was written by are very simple. They are heavily weighted first chapter explains the connections between substitute teacher toward rote activities such as word searches literacy and numeracy in great detail and de- Amanda Yuill as a re- and cloze reading. Her advice on finding per- scribes mathematical thinking. The next four source for teachers start- manent employment mostly includes ways to chapters address each of the four roles in de- ing out in the profession, as well as experienced make various stakeholders “happy.” Perhaps tail: Sense Maker, Skill User, Thought Com- teachers returning to the classroom as substitute Yuill should have spent more time finding up- municator and Critical Interpreter. Each chap- teachers. Yuill’s resource is filled with amusing to-date educational research resources to en- ter defines the role and focuses on numerous anecdotes about her career as a substitute. Her hance her book’s credibility. examples at various grade levels. Chapter 2, aim in this resource is to answer the question, “Sense Maker” explains the use of rich tasks “What should I expect - the good, the bad, and Thematic Links: Substitute Teaching; to develop mathematical thinking and explains the ugly - and what should I do about it?” (p. 8) Behaviour Management; Finding a Job the use of effective questioning. In each chap- The toolkit is divided into eight chapters ter, there is specific reference to assessment which provide: an outline of the tools needed, Myra Junyk tasks to promote effective learning. The final specific instructions on how to deal with vari- chapter, “Moving Forward” addresses the links between teaching and learning as well as using the framework as a professional devel- Canadian School opment tool to support, “collaboration, criti- cal thinking, problem solving, communication, Libraries creativity, and citizenship.” (p. 81) Mary Fiore and Maria Luisa Lebar have is a new organization dedicated to fostering the growth of the school written an extremely useful resource which library learning commons in Canada and to developing a national network can be used by new teachers and experienced teachers alike to improve their mathematics of school library practitioners and supporters. instruction. This book provides numerous ex- For more information check out the website at amples of each role and gives clear and con- http://www.canadianschoollibraries.ca/

Volume 22, Number 1 Page 41 Audio-Visual Resources

An Introduction to First Nations shots of often mixed in with stock footage and transi- Culture & Traditions A dancing, tional animations which bring down the qual- McIntyre Media, 2015. 27 min. PDF drumming, ity of the video somewhat. resource guide. Gr. 3-8. Educator’s and singing Despite some of the flaws in the production Package $179.00 are the high- of this video, there is a good range of topics lights of the covered. The video, along with the additional This DVD and its accompanying resource video be- information provided in the resource guide, guide provide an introduction to the regalia, cause they would be well-suited for inclusion in an ele- dance, drumming, food, environmental con- provide clear mentary or middle school social studies class- nection, and pow wows of First Nations com- explanations room as a general introduction to First Nations munities. The teenaged host, Cedar Smoke, and vibrant traditions. introduces each of these topics, followed by an examples of interview with a member of a First Nations each of the Thematic Links: First Nations Culture; Pow community who explains the topic further. topics cov- Wows; Canadian Culture While Cedar Smoke’s segments aren’t always ered. How- well integrated into the video, the interviews ever, these Alice Albarda are very interesting. The interviews and the shots are

French Resources

ANTONY, Steve easily be integrated into the curriculum, and is only to indulge in watching butterflies, but Les lézards verts contre les rectangles E particularly relevant in this day and age as more also to witness the transformation of caterpil- rouges classrooms are welcoming students from refu- lars into butterflies. But that's not all ! Readers French text by Isabelle Montagnier. gee families who have experienced war first will rejoice at the birth of the kittens of Juliet Éditions Scholastic, 2015. 26p. Illus. Gr. 1-3. hand, to help other children understand their Gripette, the abandoned cat rescued by 978-1-4431-4949-5. Pbk. $11.99 experience and demonstrate acceptance of dif- Camille. ferences. This book would be a phenomenal This series - which is aptly named - has the This powerful story for addition to primary classrooms and libraries, advantage of providing relevant information to young children is the highly recommended. young naturalists through a story with believ- French translation of the able characters. English book Green liz- Thematic Links: War and Peace; Acceptance of The projects proposed by Grand-Man are ards vs red rectangles. Differences easy to perform as stated at the beginning of The theme of war and the book. This book of watching butterflies peace is apparent from the Veronique Lavoie with colourful illustrations provides valuable first pages of the book, information which is easy to understand. In without even seeing the first page. The green ARPIN, Mylène addition, there is a table of contents and a bib- lizards and the red rectangles are at war with Les chenilles et les papillons (Curieux G liography. each other, the lizards try very hard to fight the de nature series) This would be a good book for curious 8 to red rectangles, but the rectangles are sly. The Éditions Hurtubise, 2016. 194p. Gr. 4-6. 978-2- 10 year-olds. rectangles try to fight back, but the lizards are 89723-763-9. Pbk. $12.95 very strong. One lizard speak up and shouts Thematic Links: Nature; Butterflies “Why are we fighting exactly?” but he gets It is known that youth 8 squashed by the war. Then the war really picks to 10 years old are Louise Melançon up, with lizards and rectangles fighting each "naturally curious". Their other everywhere. Both sides fight each other interests are manifold espe- BARRIE, James M. to exhaustion, until one large red rectangle cially regarding the confus- Peter Pan (Classic Collection Series) orders peace. The two sides retreat, and learn ing nature of fauna and Adapted from the original by Anne E to live together peacefully. flora. Rooney. French translation by Andre A remarkable story for young children on In this third volume of Gagnon. Illustrated by the heavy topic of war and peace, this book the Curieux de nature se- Robert Dunn. Éditions should be in every primary school library. It is ries, the author, Mylène Hurtubise. 2016. 47p. a clever use of lizards and rectangles to illus- Arpin, offers young readers Illus. Gr. 4-8. 978-2- trate both sides - they could not be more dif- a foray into the world of caterpillars and butter- 89723-774-5. Hdbk. ferent from one another visually. The story is flies. This docudrama includes Camille and her $11.95 told in a simple easy to read format, though friends, Fanny and Hugo, during their summer French second language learners may need vacation. Camille spends much time with her The classic James M. explanation for some vocabulary. The story grandmother Bea (she affectionately calls the Barrie Peter Pan story pauses at key moments, allowing for discus- Grand-Man), who is always full of projects. Her is retold in this volume sion and reflection throughout the book. It can wildflower garden allows the young people not for young

Page 42 Resource Links children. They will meet Wendy and her Young female readers who are interested in Thematic Links: Single-Parent Families; brothers Michael and John and fly with them the minutiae of romance and relationships - the Female Friendships; Model/Fashion Industry; through the stars to a wonderful imaginary agonies and the ecstasies - appear to be the pri- Body Image world which includes magical fairies as well mary audience for the novel. as the frightening band of pirates led by Samantha Read Captain Hook. Thematic Links: Love; Friendship; The story is shortened and simplified for Relationships BLABEY, young readers but the plot of the original re- Aaron E mains intact and thus the book is a good intro- Ann Ketcheson Carlos le duction to one of the classics of English litera- Tricheur ture. There are more than a dozen books in this BÉLICE, Diana Éditions Scholastic, Classic Collection Series including adapta- L’École du Style: 1. Glamour, E 2016. Unp. Illus. Gr. tions of such novels as Alice in Wonderland Projecteurs et histoires de Coeur Preschool - 1. 978-1- and Treasure Island. Les Éditions Hurtubise, 2016. 250p. Gr. 7-12. 4431-4892-4. Pbk. The text is on only one side of each double- 978-2897-237-486. Pbk. $12.95 $10.99 page spread and on the other side are beautiful colour illustrations by Robert Dunn which will Olivia Boisbriand, a For review in English see p. 2. help students with comprehension and also regular 14-year-old teen- introduce them visually to the Darling family, ager, is shopping one eve- BLAND, Nick the lost boys and the pirates of Captain Hook. ning with her mother when Ah! Les E she is spotted by Élodie mamans! Thematic Links: Peter Pan; Classic Literature Brabrant, the manager of a Éditions Scholastic, new modeling agency in 2016. Unp. Illus. Gr. Ann Ketcheson town. A former model her- Preschool. 978-1-4431- self, Élodie is seeking out 5111-5. Pbk. $10.99 BEAUCHESNE, Sarah-Maude the sort of unconventional Lèche Vitrines A beauty Olivia possesses, in For review in English Les Èditions Hurtubise, 2016. 220p. her mission to revolutionize the way the fashion see p. 3. Gr.9-12. 978-2-89723-757-8. Pbk. industry presents young girls to the public. $16.95 Olivia and her mother, Elizabeth, agree with BOLDUC, Claude Ms. Brabrant’s desire to engage models repre- Terreur chez Müller (Collection: E Billie Fay has moved to senting everyday people, to prove that fashion TatouLu!) Montreal with her sister is accessible to all. Illustrated by Paul Roux. Éditions Vents Annette and her mother Sooner than she realizes, Olivia is thrown d’Ouest, 2016. 157p. Illus. Gr. 4-9. 978-2- who has recently returned into the fashion industry and is sent to London, 89537-490-9. Pbk. $12.95 from an extended trip. Bil- England, with three other models her age to try lie is 18 and is hoping she her hand at modeling. Olivia learns how to pose Le Furet (aka Jean) can put her first love be- for photographs, how to walk down the runway, finds a strange little mask hind her and just enjoy and how to accept the sometimes brutal criti- in the grass when he is Montreal, hang out with cism rampant in this industry. Along the way, delivering papers and wan- her friends and perhaps she learns some hard lessons about competition dering near Muller’s check out some new guys between models and the true nature of friend- house. He decides to keep in order to find a boyfriend. ship, both old and new. A certain 16-year-old it, completely unaware of Beauchesne gives her readers insights into intern, Alonzo, catches her eye and while a mu- its importance and signifi- Billie’s relationships with her sister and her tual attraction and romance becomes possible, cance to Mr. Muller. Later, mom which can be tense at some times and Olivia has to decide whether or not to prioritize le Furet and his friends are comforting at others. She also maintains a friendship over romance, or vice-versa. inside Mr. Muller’s house and it becomes clear close relationship with her dad even if she is- In this first novel of the École du Style Series, that he isn’t their enemy; on the contrary, he is n’t ready to meet his new girlfriend as yet. Bélice evokes readers to question their own the victim of some invisible force which he Throughout the novel, Billie remains self- definitions of beauty and to consider whether cannot clearly explain to the children. The absorbed and insecure, seemingly unable to the physical aspects of one’s appearance are seemingly normal house becomes a house of take charge of her life and move on. Much of indeed the most important in life. Between a horrors and although they easily got into the her time is spent in agonizing decisions about recent fight with her best friend Sara and her building, the children begin to wonder if they what to wear and what music to listen to and single mother’s new romantic interest (with Ms. will ever get out. yet she seems not to hesitate about having sex Brabrant’s ex-husband and Alonzo’s father!), This book delves into fantasy and suspense with Erik almost as soon as they meet. The Olivia must lay down sensitive boundaries in as well as alluding to the power of thoughts author treats Billie Fay with understanding and her relations and decide whether or not the and imagination and the importance of facing with humour but although Billie does a great modelling industry is really for her. and overcoming one’s fears. The house be- deal of soul-searching she doesn’t really seem The language level used in this book is acces- coming gradually smaller and smaller and to mature substantially and seems more like a sible to intermediate French-language learners. leaving no possible exits is a metaphor for the young teen than an adult. By the end of the The character-driven plot makes the novel a way fear can incapacitate people and keep novel when she decides she should wait for quick read. Important discussions take place them from acting and reaching their potential. love to come along, readers don’t really know over body image, friendship, romance and sin- While these themes underlie the novel, Bolduc the reason for the decision nor can they be- gle-parent families, making this an excellent has kept the story exciting and interesting and lieve she is serious. resource for anyone dealing with those issues. young readers will be on the edge of their seats

Volume 22, Number 1 Page 43 wondering just who Mr. Muller is, what might mystery and the occult that have a firm grasp of BRIGHT, Rachel be causing him so much trouble, and how the the French language. It should also be noted La souris qui rugit children can possibly be of help while still that the plot does contain mature subject matter Illustrations by Jim Field. French text E saving themselves. involving sexual abuse; discretion is advised to by Isabelle Allard. Éditions The book is divided into 14 short chapters those wishing to recommend this resource to Scholastic, 2016. 30p. Illus. Gr. Preschool - 2. plus an epilogue and uses a large font so it is anyone under 16. 978-1-4431-4978-5. Pbk. $11.99 very accessible for young readers at the junior level and will also interest many intermediate Thematic Links: Murder Mystery; The Occult; Illustrated with a rich students as well. Paul Roux’s illustrations help Paranormal; Suspense colour palette and written readers understand the context and action of in a beautifully graceful the story as well as the emotional responses of Samantha Read font type, this life- many of the characters. affirming fable contains a BOUCHER, Denis M. lesson that is both timely Thematic Links: Fantasy; Suspense L’Île-au-Crâne de Shédiac G and hard to miss: We are Illustrated by Paul Roux. Bouton d’or all afraid sometimes, but Ann Ketcheson Acadie, 2016. 206p. Illus. Gr. 4-6. 978- we can also all be brave, 2-89750-031-3. Pbk. $19.95 and that each of us has BOOSHAY, Guy value, just as we are. Spectral: 1. La Reine des Cendres E The detective trio who In the middle of the savannah, lies a huge Éditions Vent d’Ouest, 2016. 210p. Gr. call themselves The Three pile of rocks (a la Lion King) where the king 10-12. 978-2-89537-5043. Pbk. $11.95 Musketeers are on sum- of the jungle resides. At the base of the rocks, mer vacation in Shediac, lives the “smallest and quietest” of all mice. Fans of murder myster- New Brunswick, when Children (and some adults) will recognize ies and the supernatural they hear local stories themselves when the mouse finds herself so will want to devour this about a nearby island small that she feels invisible, ignored and for- first volume in the Spectral called Skull Island. Sup- gotten. On the other hand, the lion is impor- Series. Brijit Baskangen posedly it is covered with tant, respected and admired. One night, the and Samuel Vincent are a human remains but no one mouse decides that she must learn to roar so dynamic duo who seek to really knows why. In their that everyone will respect her too. uncover and document attempt to investigate, the However, the only one who can teach her to paranormal events and trio finds a piece of old parchment which appar- roar is the lion. Will he eat her as a snack? superstitious tendencies ently will lead the person who can interpret it to Only one way to find out! As the mouse re- using two distinct points of a magnificent old crystal skull. Naturally Ania, flects, “You have to take risks to make a view on their blog, Spec- Gabriel and Mamadou are intrigued and they set change!” Climbing the rocks, she comes face tral. Samuel is a folklorist and specialist in the out to solve the mystery. However, a nasty local to face with the lion, who opens his eyes occult. When conducting paranormal investi- businessman has other ideas and then a strange and… screams in terror! “Don’t be afraid,” gations, he looks for clues in mythology and man of Incan origin also appears on the scene. says the mouse, “I come as a friend. We’re the occult. On the other hand, Brijit is a pro- Who can the children trust to help them find the going to have fun, us two, I promise.” And so fessional psychologist and sees this type of lost treasure? begins the friendship they both needed. The occurrence from a purely scientific point of Despite some leaps in the plot and some mouse no longer feels small - she found her view. Together, the pair has created a signifi- rather zany additions to the story such as the voice without needing to roar at all - and the cant online following and they are often in- Jarnigocopter, a sort of helicopter specifically lion now roars - out of joy! vited to conferences to speak on various para- designed for the children, the novel is full of Just in case anyone missed it, the final page normal occurrences and events. adventure and excitement. The children don’t (as all good fables do) sums up the moral of Brijit and Samuel find themselves at such a know who is on their side and young readers the story: “That day, they both learned that no conference in the small Québec village of will enjoy watching the mystery unfold as they matter our size, we all have a mouse AND a Sainte-Germaine-de-Morte-Croix, where they attempt to follow clues, read maps and keep lion in our hearts.” Well said. give a lecture on a famous witch who haunted ahead of the bad guys. The trio has been fea- the area over 100 years ago. Julie Corrigan, a tured in half a dozen other adventure stories Thematic Links: Bravery; Friendship; Animal descendant of the witch, seeks out their help situated in New Brunswick and fans of the se- Fables dealing with the horrendous events that have ries will see that the characters haven’t changed taken place at her home. Since the arrival of much. Ania is still the smart one, Gabriel talks Ashley Nunn-Smith her recently orphaned niece Delphine, Julie too much in the wrong places and Mamadou and her family have witnessed terrifying and always has to stop for something to eat. That BYRNE, Richard unexplained activities at her inherited ranch said, this book can also stand alone as a good Ce livre n’est pas le bon! E house at the edge of town. The situation de- adventure story and does not depend on details French text by volves quickly and Julie and her partner Pat- from previous novels in the series. Kevin Viala. rick Rattier are found murdered in their home The book consists of 41 short chapters plus Éditions Scholastic, soon after, their son missing. Brijit and Samuel an epilogue and the black and white illustrations 2016. 30p. Illus. Gr. use their unconventional methods to infiltrate aid in comprehension of plot details. Preschool - 2. 978-1- the unconscious Delphine and solve the mur- 4431-4965-5. Pbk. der. Thematic Links: Mystery; Adventure; New $11.99 Both the advanced vocabulary and the ex- Brunswick pressions used in the narrative of this novel Following the clever make Spectral Vol. 1 a great read for fans of Ann Ketcheson Ce livre a mangé mon

Page 44 Resource Links chien! (2015), Byrne brings us another picture and most importantly, his identity. children to get an up close look at insects they book that breaks the fourth wall and uses the As the narrative unfolds, readers begin to are naturally curious about in their daily lives. concept of the physical book in your hands as understand the complex events surrounding his Recommended as an introductory resource for the central plot device. Featuring the same birth that have resulted in the emotionally un- informational text in a pre-K or kindergarten three characters: Bella, her dog and her friend settled teen that is Nicola. Prior to departing on setting. Bruno, whereas the last book revolved around his cross-country tour, Nicola’s friend Jade took what can get lost in the gutter of the pages, this him to a fortune-teller and reader of auras for a Thematic Links: Insects; Nature; Science one focuses on different kinds of books and consultation. Although initially skeptical, this the physical act of turning the page. meeting had a profound effect on Nicola, lead- Veronique Lavoie While having a potato sack race across the ing him to uncover the deep secrets his family page of their own book, Bella’s dog trips and has hidden from him about his relationship with DAVIS, Aubrey knocks the two children into a different book. his mother and her very existence. La grosse patate They progress from one type of children’s Nicola’s voyage takes him from Montréal to French text by Michel Bourque. G book to another by hopping (turning) the Toronto and through to British Colombia, up to Illustrated by Dusan Petricic. Éditions pages. The illustration style changes accord- the Yukon and finally through the Maritime Scholastic, 1997/2015. 29p. Gr. K-2. 978-1- ingly with each hop and kids will enjoy recog- Provinces. Along the way, he meets many inter- 4431-5288-4 Pbk. $10.99 nizing the familiar kid lit fare: including a esting people from across Canada who teach graphic novel (where a cat and mouse bring him, in various ways, about life. He learns that This classic story is them to a bun-sporting librarian to help find the francophone community outside of Québec the French translation their book); a non-fiction title about Egypt; is quite a bit larger than he previously thought. of the English title counting, activity, colouring, origami, and He learns how to be alone, who and what is Enormous Potato. It spot-the-difference books; and even an interac- important to him, and what his dreams are. He tells the tale of a tive app version of Little Red Riding Hood! learns that despite having a mother who at- farmer who plants a When they end up in a spooky story with a tempted to kill him as an infant, he has to live in potato, and the potato monster breaking through the page, Bruno and the present and focus on what he has, rather grows so large that Bella decide to jump through the hole and find than what he is lacking. He returns to Montréal when it is time to harvest the farmer needs themselves back in their own book again. Ob- a phoenix, rising from the ashes of his family’s help. He enlists his entire family, from his servant readers will notice that the “monster” past and ready to tackle his life. wife down to the family pets to assist him in was really Bella’s dog wrapped up in his po- Canciani’s creative writing style will enthral the overwhelming task of picking the giant tato sack. readers of all ages. The narrative text is inter- potato out of the ground. When they finally With this title, Byrne shows another creative spersed with Nicola’s poetry, allowing readers succeed, the potato is so huge they don't know way to play with the physicality of a book and to fully grasp his evolution as a character. The how they will eat it all. The farmer and his expands that concept to include the intertextu- language complexity level should be considered family decide to have a feast to share the enor- ality and stylistic conventions associated with advanced for French language learners. mous potato with the whole village so every- each type of children’s book, raising questions one can share in their fantastic accomplish- about our own assumptions and expectations Thematic Links: Road Trips; Aviation; ment. and perhaps subtly bringing children to ponder Self-Discovery A cute story about teamwork and coopera- what the various illustrative styles actually do tion with enough humour and silliness to keep contribute to the reading experience. A first Samantha Read young children engaged and entertained, this purchase. would make a good choice for a classroom CARRIER, Jérôme read aloud. It could be used to tie into a theme Thematic Links: Illustration Styles; Les insectes du Québec (Mon Premier G about helping others or just as a fun farming Children’s Book Formats; Reading Experience Animalier) story. A great addition to a primary classroom Édition Anzou, 2016. 29p. Illus. Gr. or school library. Ashley Nunn-Smith Preschool - K. 978-2-7338-3920-1. Hdbk. $6.95 Thematic Links: Teamwork; Cooperation CANCIANI, Katia This beginner infor- 178 secondes E mational book for Veronique Lavoie Les Éditions David, 2009. 270p. Gr. young children from the 10-12. 978-2-895974536. Pbk. $14.95 Mon Premier Animalier DE LA BÉDOYÈRE, Camilla Series focuses on in- J'adore ma maman 178 secondes will appeal sects common in Que- French text by Claude Cosette. A to fans of road trip books, bec. The cover features Éditions Scholastic, 2016. 30p. Illus. teenagers and adults alike. a magnified photograph Gr. 1-2. 978-1-4431-4572-5. Pbk. $10.99 In the spirit of Jacques of a stunning Monarch Poulin’s Volkswagen Blues, butterfly, followed by a moth on the inside This informational Katia Canciani combines a cover. The index on the next page lists the in- text for young chil- quest of self-discovery with sects and the pages where they are found, each dren is a French cross-country travel and her page containing an up close photograph and a translation of the love for aviation. Nicola, a 2-3 sentence description. English title I love CEGEP student who has Insects featured include ant, ladybug, mos- Mom. It is an intro- grown up in a single-parent quito, grasshopper, and dragonfly. The foam duction to how moth- family in Montreal, has just turned 18 and is covered hardcover and colourful, glossy pages ers in the animal itching to get away from the familiar in order are designed to be appealing to small hands. kingdom care for to discover his country, the English language, This book is a nice resource to have for young their young. Each

Volume 22, Number 1 Page 45 page features a real life photograph of a propriate choice for young French learners, the Thematic Links: Pirates; New Orleans; His- mother and her young, and the text explains simple sentence structure and vocabulary used tory; Adventure the ways the mother cares for and shows love make it suitable for primary grades. It would fit for her baby. nicely with an Easter theme, and also has an Ann Ketcheson The idea behind this book is good, though underlying message of helping others. Colour- there are some issues with the execution. The ful, glossy illustration on every page are atten- GIGUÈRE, François cover depicts a mother giraffe with her young, tion grabbing yet add very little to the develop- Touché! however giraffes are not discussed inside the ment of the story. The ending is nice but seems Éditions Vent d’Ouest, 2016. 165 p. A book which may cause confusion or disap- almost abrupt, and rather than have Pat receive Gr. 7-12. 978-2-895374800. Pbk. pointment among young readers. The descrip- a medal for helping the Easter bunny, it would $9.95 tions of the animals and explanations of their have been nice to have him internalize the feel- habits are useful, yet some terms used would ing of accomplishment. This book fails to de- Touché! is a classic require further explanation for a young audi- liver anything new or exciting, there are better teenage love story that will ence. The texts are short and direct, though options available in this category. be of particular interest to there lacks a flow to the book. There are no fans of sports and football. numbers on the pages or table of contents, so Thematic Links: Easter; Helping Others Marc-Étienne Fournier and the reader must flip through the book to find Daphné Perreault are next- the limited information available. Veronique Lavoie door neighbours who grew This would be an appropriate book to tie up together and were in- into Mother's Day, or as an introduction to the GAUDET, Jonathan separable as children. animal kingdom, but it's usefulness in the Le Journal du Corsaire (Series: E When they entered high classroom is limited. Aventure Atout) school, Daphné’s father Éditions Hurtubise, 2016. 183p. Gr. 4-9. 978-2- decided to send her and her Thematic Links: Animals; Mothers; Caring 89723-736-3. Pbk. $12.95 two sisters to a local private school, collège Du Rivage, following a personnel conflict he Veronique Lavoie Antoine is an orphan who endured as a teacher at the public school, l’é- has always had a leather- cole secondaire Jean-Talon. As a result, DEAN, Kimberly et James bound journal with him. It Daphné and Marc-Étienne have lived separate Pat le chat: la grande fête de Pâques is his most prized posses- lives for the better part of three years, each French text by Isabelle Montagnier. A sion. By chance he meets making his or her own friends at their respec- Éditions Scholastic, 2016. 22p. Illus. Jules and Sarah who help tive schools. Gr. K-1. 978-1-4431-5143-6. Pbk. $10.99 him decipher the historical Now in Grade 11, Marc-Étienne is the quar- entries and letters. This in- terback for Jean-Talon High School’s football This is the French formation leads the trio to team, les Intendants. Marc-Étienne and his translation of the Eng- adventures involving pirate best friend and teammate, Félix-Antoine, are lish title Big Easter treasures, a group of bad doing whatever it takes to attain their goal: to Adventure featuring the guys who want to find the be one of the final teams vying for the provin- character Pat the cat. In treasure chest first, and links to both the history cial football championships. Daphné, for her this Easter themed of New Orleans and Antoine’s own mysterious part, is captain of the cheerleading team at story, Pat wakes up to past. college Du Rivage, and is dating the quarter- find a letter in his bas- This novel has suspense and intrigue as the back of the football team at her school, les ket from the Easter teens try to figure out the clues leading to pirate Lions. bunny asking for his help. The letter asks him Jean Lafitte’s supposed treasure. Mingled with During the first game of the football season, to find the eggs, paint the eggs, and hide the the story of the treasure is the mystery of who Marc-Étienne accidentally knocks Daphné eggs. He also asks Pat to wear the bunny ears Antoine is and why the strange journal was over while trying to catch the football. The he left behind. Pat can't say no to the Easter found with him when he was abandoned as an story is set in motion - Marc-Étienne falls in bunny's request, so he puts on the ears and infant. There are chase scenes in a cemetery and love with Daphné and has to learn to commu- starts looking for eggs. He goes to the hen the trio is captured, tied up and held hostage nicate his love to her, however difficult it may house and asks the hens to help him help the until they give the key to the treasure chest to be for him, and to win her heart. In doing so, Easter bunny. They say “Of course!” and give Kob, the head of a gang who is also on the he has to let Ariane Grondin, a cheerleader at him some of their eggs in exchange for adding treasure trail. Readers will be keen to learn how Jean-Talon who has a crush on him, know that a pink nose and buck teeth to his costume. the teens outwit the thugs and eventually win he is not interested in her. Meanwhile, Daphné Then Pat continues hopping on his way to the the prize. has had it with her selfish boyfriend, David workshop to paint the eggs all the colours of The adventure and excitement of the novel Robataille, and has to break up with him de- the rainbow. Now that his basket is full of col- will appeal to both male and female readers. spite a possible loss to her own popularity. ourful Easter eggs, Pat now has to find places Gaudet has included a chronology from the The two childhood friends are getting to to hide them around the neighbourhood. As 1682 discovery of Louisiana to present-day know each other all over again through their he's hiding the eggs, the Easter bunny appears events such as Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and volunteer work at the local food bank. Marc- and thanks Pat for doing such a wonderful job cemetery vandalism as recent as 2013 which Étienne describes the feeling of being in love helping him, and he gives Pat a Super Assis- ties in with the plot and makes the entire treas- as being touched (touché), which has a double tant ribbon for his hard work. ure story seem more realistic. There are 19 meaning for him as it also means touchdown This book is basic in it's structure and story chapters plus an epilogue thus breaking down in French. Will they be able to make their rela- content. The story feels rehashed, as though the story into smaller chunks and making it ac- tionship work, despite the fact that they attend there are other Easter books that follow a simi- cessible for most young adult readers. rival schools and play for rival teams? lar storyline. Nevertheless, this is an age ap- This book would be a good read for an ado-

Page 46 Resource Links lescent whose first language is not French. The tion lives with some form of sons, Sammy learns that Bridget is learning to story is straight-forward and the vocabulary is autism spectrum disorder. A play the bagpipe but she does not feel ready to not too difficult. The French language learner world organized to not only play in a band unless she practises every single may find the novel difficult to follow, how- meet the needs of those we day until the parade. But that is quite a com- ever, as many new characters and a major plot consider autistic, but one mitment as Bridget finds practicing quite bor- twist are introduced at the end. devised to help everyone ing. Without hesitation, Sammy invites her to thrive, to chose a career practice at Puppyville Manor where he and Thematic Links: Football; Teenage Romance most suited to the interests Gigi will cheer her up. All set! Poor Sammy! and talents of the individ- He finds the rehearsals very boring as well. Samantha Read ual. Then, meet Guillaume, Fortunately, he has a brilliant idea and with who in our current under- Gigi’s help, both decide on the spot that they GILL, Deidre standing of the world would be considered will learn Irish dancing and participate in the La neige magique G “normal” but who, in the universe of Dépourvu, parade. French text by Josée Leduc. Éditions is indeed handicapped. Fuji could not have been any happier. On Scholastic, 2015. 37p. Illus. Gr. K-2. 978-1- Throughout his entire life, Guillaume has the day of the parade, every one shines and 4431-4505-3. Pbk. $10.99 been told that he’s different, that his competen- does his/her best. Teamwork was the key to a cies are limited, that he will live out his days at successful parade. A simple and cute story a menial job with few friends and meaningful This book gives parents/teachers the oppor- about the power of play connections. After suffering some traumatic tunity to explain the origin of St-Patrick’s Day and imagination, this attempts to “cure” him of Wing’s Syndrome as well as the meaning of the shamrock and French translation of the during his childhood, Guillaume has now the colour green. The importance of support- English title Outside tells learned to accept his daily routine and his quiet ing friends and siblings in their endeavors the story of a boy who is life at home with his family. should also be stressed as well as the impor- bored after a snowfall. He When he meets Grace, his world is turned tance of practising when learning to play an decides to get dressed to upside down. Grace is the only other person instrument. go outside to play. Once he’s ever encountered with Wing’s Syndrome, outside the little boy in- and he’s surprised to learn that unlike him, she Thematic Links: St-Patrick Day; Teamwork; vites his older brother to come play with him, has found her true talent, playing Jazz music on Practising; Willingness; Parades but he is more interested in playing on the the Saxophone, and is indeed considered a ris- computer inside. So the little boy starts to ing star in her field. Their connection is instan- Suzanne Dagenais build a snowman, then a snow castle. Sud- taneous and inspires Guillaume to appreciate denly, a dragon appears and takes him for an life and to adopt a positive attitude. When HELING, Kathryn and Deborah amazing ride around the forest and village. As Grace has to move back to Montreal from Que- Hembrook darkness falls the boy knows it is time to re- bec City, Guillaume courageously agrees to Dix marmottes marabouts E turn home, and as he is on his way back his face his biggest fear - to undergo a series of Illustrated by Jay Johnson. Éditions brother decides to come out to play in the tests in the name of research to cure Wing’s Scholastic, 2016. 23p. Illus. Gr. K-2. 978-1- magical snow. Syndrome - just to spend more time with Grace. 4431-5126-9. Pbk. $8.99 This is a fun story that highlights the impor- Anyone who has experience with, or is inter- tance of play and imagination. The stunning ested in learning more about Autism Spectrum Hibernating sounds illustrations that accompany the text tell most Disorder will appreciate such a creative por- peaceful and serene of the story, and will inspire young children to trayal of the disorder. The courage and determi- but it also comes with share their own experiences. The simple and nation of Guillaume will inspire those who feel challenges, especially engaging structure of the story is ideal for the limited by their lot in life, whether it be a learn- confinement. At the primary age group, as the sentences are simple ing disorder or physical disability. beginning of the story, and appropriate yet somehow still convey the we have ten grouchy sense of wonder for the outdoors. As the mes- Thematic Links: Autism; Neuropsychology; groundhogs squirming sage of the importance of playing outside ver- Alternate Reality and craving for space. sus inside is presented gently, children them- All of a sudden, number 10 stops and screams: selves will come to the conclusion that playing Samantha Read let me out of here! This den is way too small. It outside is more fun than being in front of a leaves while the remaining 9 muddy ground- screen. This book would be a great classroom HARIMANN, Sierra hogs work noisily to improve their accommo- read aloud and discussion about playing out- C’est la Saint-Patrick G dation. All of a sudden, number 9 stops and side and the importance of using your imagi- Illustrations by The Artifact Group. screams: let me out of here! I desperately need nation. Éditions Scholastic, 2016. 30p. Illus. Gr. a bath. And off it goes while 8 lovely ground- K-2. 978-1-4431-5135-1. Pbk. $7.99 hogs twirl and dance in their hole. All of a Thematic Links: Snow; Imagination; Nature sudden, number 8 stops and screams: let me The book C’est la Saint- out of here! I am dizzy. And it goes on and on Veronique Lavoie Patrick is an excellent dem- until there is only one grouchy groundhog left onstration of the importance in the den. Where are my friends? Feeling GRONDIN, Victoria of teamwork. Fuji wants to lonely, it sticks its head out of the den and sees Dépourvu E organize the very first St- all its friends checking out their new environ- Éditions Hurtubise, 2016. 173p. Gr. 9- Patrick parade and she needs ment. Scared by their shadow, they all decide 12. 978-2-897237455. Pbk. $12.95 someone to play in the band. to continue their hibernation and reintegrate Sammy promises to spread the den. Soon enough they are all asleep Imagine a world where most of the popula- the word. At his dance les- dreaming of an early spring.

Volume 22, Number 1 Page 47 Hibernation is a great topic. How long does none of these problems is her fault and together junior grades. It can be read as a stand-alone it last? What other animals hibernate? Do ani- they throw all of his cigarettes into the trash so novel but the characters and plot are a con- mals wake up to eat while hibernating? Ac- that he can fulfill his promise to quit smoking. tinuation of the earlier books in the series and cording to a tale, groundhogs that come out of Readers will enjoy lots of laughs from the story thus it makes more sense to read the books in their burrow and see their shadow quickly go but will also realize that is always easier to talk order. back to sleep for 6 more weeks. Children who with others and work things out rather than to have many siblings may like to share their keep secrets and have to cover up the truth. Thematic Links: Fairy Tales; Fantasy experience as a member of a large family. The graphic format of the novel makes it ac- cessible to most reading levels and it is a very Ann Ketcheson Thematic Links: Hibernation; Confinement; quick read with only a few words per page and Reactions to Limited Spaces; Counting the pictures filling in the rest of the details re HUGHES, Backwards; Large Family the plot, characters and settings. Susan Houdini a G Suzanne Dagenais Thematic Links: Family Relationships; disparu Substance Abuse; Comic Heroes (L’album des choits) HOLM, Jennifer L. and Matthew Holm Illustrated by Keanne Coup de Soleil E Ann Ketcheson Franson. Éditions French text by Isabelle Allard. Éditions Scholastic, 2016. 88p. Scholastic, 2016. 217p. Illus. Gr. 4-9. HOLUB, Joan and Suzanne Williams Illus. Gr. 2-4. 978-1- 978-1-4431-5131-3. Pbk. $16.99 Blanche Neige est chanceuse (Series: 4431-4651-7. Pbk. L’académie Grimm) E $7.99 10-year-old Soleil goes French text by Isabelle Montagnier. to spend part of her summer Éditions Scholastic, 2016. 214p. Gr. 3-6. 978-1- For review in English see p. 17. vacation with her grandfa- 4431-4727-9. Pbk. $10.99 ther in Florida. This is a JACKSON, Tom change from the family’s Blanche and her friends L'autobus magique présente les original plans, but Soleil are certain that M.A.L.I.C. volcans et les tremblements de terre G knows Disney World is in E. wants to destroy Grimm French text by Louise Binet. Éditions Orlando so she has high Academy but they are not Scholastic, 2016. 32p. Illus. Gr. 3-5. 978-1- hopes. Only when she ar- sure just who actually be- 4431-5129-0. Hdbk. $14.99 rives does she realize that longs to this diabolical her grandfather lives in a retirement commu- group nor who is the leader This book is the nity which isn’t at all close to Orlando. Fortu- directing everything from French translation of nately she meets Buzz, son of the commu- outside. Blanche suspects the English title nity’s groundskeeper, and his love of comics her stepmother plays some Magic School Bus and superheroes helps her cope with what has sort of role in the evil plot Presents Volcanoes the potential to be a very boring vacation. but can’t find proof despite all of the lucky and Earthquakes. It is This graphic novel is set in the mid 1970’s charms and magic in her possession. Blanche the latest offering and some of the humour comes from such and her friends Rouge, Cendri and Raiponce from the Magic items as Polaroid cameras and dolls with cro- have the treasure map and clues in their posses- School Bus Presents Series inspired by the cheted skirts which actually hide a roll of toilet sion. Now all they have to do is interpret them! popular children's program and book series. It paper. Young adults won’t remember the era, Like the first two novels in this series, the is an informational book about volcanoes and but their parents and teachers may be amused authors weave together characters from various earthquakes, featuring a combination of real by the flashbacks. Also adding to the humour fairy tales into the imaginary Grimm Academy life photos and cartoon depictions of the char- is the need for Soleil to fit in with the seniors world. Mlle Muffet and M. Dumpty make their acters from the series. In this book, Mme around her. Occasionally she can be helpful by appearance, along with Mme Jabberwock and Friselis takes her class on a field trip to visit finding someone’s lost cat. She learns to be Mme L’Oye. Add to the mix some mean step- volcanoes. On the first page readers will find a co-operative when her grandfather’s plans for sisters and a nasty stepmother, some handsome table of contents, and on the back page a glos- the day include simply going to the bank, play- princes and dancing at a fancy ball and the story sary of important terms can be found. ing golf, or getting to the restaurant by 4:30 in is complete. Throughout the book, information is pre- order to enjoy the early bird special for dinner. The book, with its female main characters sented first with an introduction followed by The story also alludes to various comic and cover in shades of pink, is designed to ap- small snippets of information in speech bub- book super heroes and what super power peal to female tween readers who will enjoy the bles or as reports by the characters from the Soleil and Buzz might like to have. Young mystery, magic and romance. The authors have series. Descriptions next to real life photo- readers who are fans of the comics will under- also made Blanche an interesting role model. graphs also help to deliver small bits of infor- stand how much the two children enjoy and She has more self-esteem and confidence by the mation on the topics presented. Underwater relate to these characters. end of the book, realizing she can depend on volcanoes, space volcanoes, and terrestrial There is a serious underside to this sunny herself and her friends instead of lucky charms. volcanoes are all covered, as well as the ef- story. Soleil’s teen brother is dealing with sub- She also finds she doesn’t need to continually fects of volcanic eruptions from lava to tsuna- stance abuse and although her grandfather look in mirrors in order to feel good about her- mis and earthquakes. While the topic can be claims to have quit smoking, Soleil finds ciga- self. Interesting ideas for young female readers frightening for younger children, this book rette packages hidden everywhere within his to absorb while reading about a fairy tale world. helps them understand what is happening and condo. Soleil feels she has too many secrets on Although the book seems long at over 200 why it occurs, which can help ease the fearful her conscience and, like Vesuvius, she finally pages it is divided into 15 chapters and so feeling. erupts. Her grandfather persuades her that seems reasonable for children in late primary or This book would be useful to have on hand

Page 48 Resource Links as part of a unit on volcanoes and earthquakes, Julien isn’t having a great a Quebec legend sent the kids to bed no later and would be a good resource to have for a year at school and it is exac- than seven o’clock for fear of the Bonhomme research or class project. Recommended for erbated by the bullying of the Sept-Heures. Parents and older siblings enter- classroom or school libraries that serve ele- Scorpions. When he finds an tained the scare describing the Bonhomme as a mentary grade students. old glove in the snow one very, very ugly character with a hooked nose, morning, Julien decides for a long beard and a creepy hat. According to Thematic Links: Earthquakes; Volcanoes some reason to try it on. He the parents, every night at seven o’clock sharp, immediately feels more confi- the villain would look for disobedient children Veronique Lavoie dent. He decides to run for to put away in the huge sack he carried on his student council, he is better at back. Once caught, the children were taken to JOUBERT, Jean-Étienne his improv group and he even a far away cave - never to be seen again. Mon très grand animalier des G thinks he might convince Amélie to be his girl- It would appear that the tale was purely in- oiseaux friend. Julien revels in his new popularity at vented by parents as a threat for disobedient Éditions Anzou, 2016. 92p. Illus. Gr. school and the feelings of power it brings. But children. The word Bonhomme Sept-Heures 5-6. 978-2-7338-4004-7. Hdbk. $19.95 power becomes arrogance and a need for venge- was the result of the transformation of the ance. Can Julien’s friends convince him to get word bonesetter, a specialist who would come This large hardcover rid of the glove and go back to his more famil- to the house to mend broken limbs without informational book fea- iar and pleasant “old self”? medication or anesthesia. Children who wit- tures 72 birds found in Laframboise gives readers an interesting nessed their parents screaming and crying Quebec. They are di- character study. At first we support Julien as he feared the bonesetter. vided into 7 categories breaks out of his shyness and becomes more Using this text discussion could revolve which can be found in assertive. But the author helps readers see that around the following topics - What is a leg- the table of contents at power can corrupt, even at the high school end? Do children know of any other legend? the beginning of the level, and Julien becomes less and less likeable. Are all legends frightening? Bed time routines. book: birds of the city How he eventually overcomes his need for Children will also need to be reassured that and garden, wetlands power and attention gives this coming-of-age today’s methods to fix broken bones are not as dwellers, rural birds, story an entirely different focus and therefore frightening as those portrayed in the story. birds of the St. Lawrence river, protected makes it more interesting. birds, forest birds, and long distance travellers. Readers will ask themselves to what lengths Thematic Links: Legends; Disobedient Kids; Each page features a close up colour photo- they might go to become popular with their Villains; Bonesetters; Bedtime graph of the bird with descriptions of average peers. The other question underlying the story is size and weight, followed by the answers to whether many of those in powerful positions Suzanne Dagenais the questions “who is this bird?”, “where does become blinded by their ambition and thus lose it live?”, “what does it eat?”, and additional their humanity. These are serious themes which LAVERY, Hélène important information. There are also 3 true or are skilfully handled by Laframboise and make Marquée au fer rouge G false questions about the bird at the bottom of this a must-read novel which will appeal to both Éditions Vents d’Ouest, 2016. 216p. each page. At the end of the book there are a male and female young adult readers. Gr. 9-12. 978-2-89537-483-1. Pbk. few games to help recognize birds by their $11.95 beak, name the parts of the bird's body, and Thematic Links: Popularity; Power; Friendship spot the differences. Jade receives quite the This book offers an in-depth look at birds Ann Ketcheson shock when she finds a commonly found in Quebec. It is very infor- half-naked photo of herself mative and would be a great resource for a LARSEN, she had meant to stay pri- class project on birds, or for someone with an Andrew vate published on her avid interest in birds. The glossy, colourful Une belle E classmate’s Facebook pages and stunning photographs bring the in- journée avec page. Enraged, she in- formation to life for the reader, and even grand-papa volves the police, her par- adults are likely to find out some new informa- Illustrated by Irene ents and the principal of tion about the birds that they see everyday. It Luxbacher. Éditions her school to take down would be useful to have on hand for a research Scholastic, 2016. Unp. the photo her soon-to-be project or for a unit on birds in the environ- Illus. Gr. K-3. 978-1-4431-5296-9. Pbk. $10.99. ex-boyfriend’s friend pub- ment. Recommended for classrooms or school lished online without her consent. Trauma- libraries that serve older elementary level stu- For review in English see p. 8. tized, Jade avoids attending school and facing dents. up to the bullying and name-calling that per- LATULIPPE, Martine Latulippe sists amongst her classmates. Threats, spying, Thematic Links: Birds; Environment; Nature Le Bonhomme name-calling and victimization continue, de- Sept-Heures (Les G spite Jade’s attempt to distance herself from Veronique Lavoie p’tits classiques the situation by getting involved in a theatre series) production at her school and starting a new LAFRAMBOISE, Michèle Illustrated by Elise romance with a fellow actor, Yann. Upon Le gant (Collection Ado) Catros. Auzou, 2016. 24p. reaching out to organizations like Cyberaide Éditions Vents d’Ouest, 2016. 170p. E Illus. Gr. K-2. 978-2- and Kids Help Phone, Jade discovers the ex- Gr. 9-12. 978-2-89537-476-3. Pbk. 7338-4130-3. Pbk. $4.95 periences of many other victims of online bul- $9.95 lying. With the help of friends and family, A long, long time ago, Jade regains confidence in her talents and

Volume 22, Number 1 Page 49 abilities and learns to love life once again. This is a bizarre harvest grows, with more variety than ever This novel is an appropriate recommenda- story where a big before. The bunny and mouse and all the birds tion to francophone readers, or fluent French brother, Benjamin, are overjoyed, and everyone shares a wonder- language learners. Those who have been vic- packs his baby sister in ful feast that is more delicious than the last. timized by online bullying or intimidation will his knapsack and brings Everyone is happy as they all get along and are relate to Jade’s emotions and experiences. her to school for show full of good food and new friendships. Readers who enjoy full character description and tell. Upon arriving A cute story for young children that helps and development will want to read Marquée in class, baby sister demonstrate the long term benefits of sowing au fer rouge by Hélène Lavery. wakes up and is incon- seeds of friendship, this book is a nice choice solable in this unfamiliar environment. She for educators of younger age groups. There are Thematic Links: Online Bullying; Online starts crying and screaming at the top of her few words to this book, as the sentences are Privacy; Social Media Use and Ethics; Self lungs. Everyone is astonished and alternately spread out over several pages and most of the Confidence the teacher, the school director, and the doctor story is told through the delightful illustra- try to soothe the baby. tions. Each 2 page spread depicts the events of Samantha Read But they are unsuccessful and Benjamin must the story in a simple yet engaging image for resort to calling his mother. When he reaches children to respond to. The message is an im- MOORE, Diana her, she has just discovered that the baby is portant one for young children, as they natu- Tornasable (CHIRP Series) G missing and Benjamin must confess that the rally think in the present and this book helps Éditions Scholastic, 2016. 22p. Illus. baby is not missing but at school with him. Re- them consider the repercussions of their ac- Gr. K-2. 978-1-4431-5293-8. Pbk. $9.99 lieved, the mother rushes to school where in no tions. Recommended for early learning class- time she rocks her daughter to sleep. Everyone rooms or school libraries that cater to younger The book Torna- is reassured and mother and children head ages. sable is an episode of home. Benjamin must pick something else to the TV show called bring to school for show and tell. He sets his Thematic Links: Sharing; Friendship CHIRP. Each episode mind on his bagpipe and all sorts of weird look- appears to be written ing objects including a snake. Undoubtedly, Veronique Lavoie by a different author. Benjamin is very creative when it comes to In the show, we sharing his life with his classmates. NÖEL, Michel, Josée Laflamme, & find three superhe- Some topics for discussion upon reading this Jean-Louis Fontaine G roes: Chirp, Tweet book might be asking children to discuss Benja- Je découvre et je comprends series: (Tudi) and Squawk (Scouac). The three friends min’s behaviour - was it a good idea to bring Les Iroquoiens (978-2-7338-4005-4); take pleasure in imagining themselves into his baby sister to school without telling his Les Algonquiens (978-2-7338-4006-1) very special adventures. In this particular epi- mother? Did Benjamin consider the safety of Les éditions Anzou, 2016. 31p. Illus. Gr. 4-6. sode, the three friends imagine that they are in his sister? Ask children what can be safely Hdbk. $21.95ea. a desert. They are very thirsty but have just brought to school for show and tell. What was run out of water. They look around themselves their best show and tell ever? This collection of hard- and to their amazement an oasis suddenly cover informational books emerges in the middle of the desert landscape. Thematic Links: Show and Tell; Acting is designed to introduce No time to quench their thirst as a sandstorm Impulsively; Consequences; A Mother’s Know elementary students to the rises. How will the three friends survive? How history and cultures of the Luckily Tudi always carries with him a super Iroquois and Algonquin kit and inside the kit, the friends find an um- Suzanne Dagenais people. The two hard- brella. At least they can protect themselves cover editions are divided from all the sand while walking towards the NELSON, Kadir into three sections: A very oasis. Will our friends survive their predica- Avec un grain d'amitié E long time ago, Not so ments? French tet by Isabelle Montagnier. long ago, and Today's age. They take the What is a ‘chirp’? Are the friends too auda- Éditions Scholastic, 2016. 30p. Illus. Gr. reader through a chronological sequence cious in their adventures? Why is the sand- Preschool - K. 978-1-4431-5170-2. Pbk. through the history of the First Nations in what storm called a Tornasable? What can be found $11.99 is now Ontario and Quebec regions and their in a desert? What is an oasis? Has anyone been contributions to making Canada the country it in a desert? Children can locate deserts on a This book is the French is today. These fact filled books introduce map. translation of the English young male characters who take the reader on title If you plant a seed. The a journey to discover the history and traditions Thematic Links: Adventurous Friends; story begins with a bunny of their people. The combination of real life Predicaments; Super Kit; Support; Imagination and a mouse who plant photographs and cartoon illustrations through- seeds in a garden, and with out the book help break up Suzanne Dagenais love and care carrots, toma- the information presented toes, and cabbage grows. in the different sections. MUNSCH, Robert Then some birds come Each edition features a Montre et raconte (Munsch les E along and want some food, but the bunny re- glossary at the end of Classiques) fuses to share any. A food fight breaks out, and terms found in bold text in Illustrated by Michael Martchenko. Éditions soon there is almost no food left. Then the baby the book. Scholastic, 2016. 24p. Illus. Gr. K-2. 978-1- mouse shares a tomato with the birds, and soon This collection provides 4431-5267-9. Pbk. $8.99 the birds return to spread an abundance of seeds a lot of information for over the garden. A short time later, a bountiful young readers on the his-

Page 50 Resource Links tory, culture, and traditions of the Iroquois and is when "fuzzles" appear and begin to prolifer- their secret feelings for the special someone? Algonquin. The introduction by the characters ate. This invasion of "fuzzles" will hold Pip, her at the beginning provides a friendly means to aunt and the whole community of Cloverton Thematic Links: Valentine’s Day and its explore the connections between past and pre- spellbound. As with all problems, there is a so- Traditions; Love; Friendship; Positive Attitude sent. This series would be useful for a unit or lution, and Pip finds it. class project, or even as a text book. The in- This story of magical creatures will be well Suzanne Dagenais side of the book jackets contain a poster de- received by the young readers who love the picting important facts as well as a map and "fuzzles" and the disturbance they cause. Pip is POTTER, Molly features of the land and First Nations. A table particularly curious and clever, which makes La ronde des émotions E of contents would have been a nice inclusion her a sympathetic character. The illustrations of French text by Isabelle Fortin. however it was somehow omitted. An adult magical creatures - from the Jeffrey Higgleston Illustrated by Sarah Jennings. Éditions would likely learn a lot from reading this se- Magical Creatures Guide - help make this book Scholastic, 2016. 32p. Illus. Gr. 1-3. 978-1- ries as well, it would be a fantastic resource to plausible. They will delight readers. 4431-4977-8. Pbk. $11.99 have in an elementary classroom or school The French translation by Hélène Rioux library. makes an interesting and readable text. This is the French translation of the Eng- Thematic Links: First Nations Ancestry; Thematic Links: Magical Creatures; Unicorns lish book How are you Culture; History feeling today? It is de- Louise Melançon signed to introduce chil- Veronique Lavoie dren to the different PELLETIER, Dominique emotions they experi- PEARCE, Jackson et Maggie C’est la Saint-Valentin (Je suis E ence everyday in differ- Stiefvater G capable series) ent situations and how Pip Bartlett et son guide Éditions Scholastic, 2016. 21p. Illus. to deal with them. The indispensable des créatures magiques Gr. K-1. 978-1-4431-5177-1. Pbk. $8.99 first two pages serve as a table of contents Scholastic, 2016. 218p. Illus. Gr. 7-8. 978-1- where all the emotions are depicted in illustra- 4431- 5137-5. Pbk. $12.99 This book is part of tions with page numbers listed. On each page a a series that demon- different aspect of emotional intelligence is Pip Bartlett, nine, has a strates how a confi- explored, including feeling happy, sad, angry, passion: magical crea- dent little boy and a bored, embarrassed, jealous to name a few. In tures. The Jeffrey Hig- confident little girl go all, 12 emotions are covered in this book, with gleston Magical Crea- about life with a smile each page first describing the various ways to tures Guide never leaves on their face. They deal with a particular feeling. There is also a her hands. She consults it trust their abilities to small description on every page explaining the regularly and is even en- do just about any- emotion that is covered. For example, bore- riched by Higgleston’s thing. dom is when nothing interests you and you personal observations. In this story, Gustave and Olivia are getting don't know what to do with yourself. If you are Another peculiarity of this ready for Valentine’s Day. They are familiar feeling bored, some suggested activities in- curious little girl is she is with the annual holiday and its customs which clude organizing toys or clothes, daydreaming, the only person able to understand what magi- include red roses, chocolates, love letters, deco- dancing to your favourite music, or drawing a cal creatures say. She says more gifted people rations, Cupid, and the most important one, picture from your favourite book. talk to the magical creatures. But few people choosing a Valentine. This book is a fabulous resource to have a want to believe in her ability to communicate First the roses: Gustave goes bare hands to discussion on feelings and emotions with pri- with them. pick a few roses. To his surprise, he ends up mary age children. It offers children a com- Following an incident with a unicorn which with thorns on his face and fingers. Is he dispir- forting and safe way to explore their own emo- went wrong, her parents sent her to Cloverton, ited? Not for a moment. Next on his list is the tions and realize that everyone experiences Georgia, with her Aunt Emma, to spend the chocolate box. Our friend soon discovers that it them in different ways. The intent of this book summer. Her Aunt Emma is a veterinarian for is very difficult to resist the temptation and he is to help children deal with their emotions magical creatures. In her clinic, Pip can ob- ends up eating most of the chocolates. Writing a appropriately, and this goal is well executed. serve all kinds of magical creatures: griffins, love note? No problem! However, using ink and The illustrations are friendly and inviting, invisible salamanders, etc. These pets - yes, a quill-pen is tricky as Gustave quickly finds and depict a variety of children experiencing you read that right "these are pets" - under the out. What about Olivia? It seems that her tasks and dealing with their emotions. The colourful watchful eye of Pip, are studied very closely, are less daunting as she successfully decorates images combined with the short, easy to un- because she wants to become the best re- the living room - although the cat might say that derstand descriptions are appropriate for searcher in the field. he is buried in a sea of red. Then Valentine’s French second language learners. This book On arrival in Cloverton, Pip met Tomas crafts. In no time a garland of red hearts and would be an ideal resource for children who Ramirez, a young boy of her age. While it is tons of cards are ready. Pick a valentine? Easy may be having emotional issues. Recom- not easy to be able to make friends with this for Olivia as she sets her heart on her dog. But mended for primary classroom or school li- fragile boy who is allergic to "347 things" and the one thing that is particularly difficult for brary. who does not love animals, she changes her both Olivia and Gustave is sharing their secret mind when he tells her to believe in her ability love. Thematic Links: Emotions; Feelings to communicate with magical creatures. As Children will love to talk about Valentine’s Pip must spend the summer with her aunt, she Day and their favourite tradition. How did Cu- Veronique Lavoie is entrusted with certain tasks that she per- pid become the symbol of love with his bow forms with pleasure, but her biggest challenge and arrow? Are children willing to disclose

Volume 22, Number 1 Page 51 RONDEAU, Sophie. ployees are working in a pipe near his home. characters of the book. Are the three friends Selfies et Sushis: 1. Comme sur des When they go on their coffee break, Vincent too adventurous? Should they be more careful roulettes G takes the opportunity to sneak into the manhole. about their choice of games? What is a pre- Éditions Hurtubise, 2016. 233p. Gr. 4 The return of sewer workers forces him to rush dicament? Children may be willing to share up. 978-2-89723-796-7. Pbk. $12.95 deeper in the pipe. And then the adventure be- times where they find themselves in an im- gins ... In the dark, damp corridors, Vincent passe and how they got out of it. The narrative of this confronts all sorts of dangers. Then he suffers a novel takes the form of a fainting due to inhalation of natural gas, and is Thematic Links: Imagination; Adventures; diary, told from two dis- brought to the surface by a sewage engineer Predicaments; Resourcefulness tinct points of view. Both working on a top-secret file. Vincent’s oddity Raphaëlle and Anaé are earns him being recruited by the engineer to Suzanne Dagenais living in single-parent develop an odor software for the cinema! households, and both are Reading this book can be a little difficult be- TARSHIS, Lauren Tarshis about to start their last cause the text includes several puns with the 2011: Le Tsunami au Japon summer vacation before word sewer In contrast, young readers will en- (Survivants series) G entering high school in rich their vocabulary regarding odours, nose, French text by Martine Faubert. September. Raphaëlle is and smell. Many colourful expressions will Illustrated by Scott Dawson. Éditions an energetic but clumsy girl who loves playing make them smile repeatedly. Scholastic, 2016. 83p. Illus. Gr. 3-6. 978-1- soccer and sending selfies to her recently- This humorous story, between a graphic 4431-4313-4. Pbk. $9.99 separated father on her new cell phone. Anaé novel and comics, written and illustrated by loves eating sushi with her father, the principal Paul Roux, also reflects on the waste that ends Despite the recent death of her new high school, and learning more up in our sewers. of his dad, Ben and his about her Japanese mother who died in child- L’égout du risque is the third in the The Ta- family travel to Shogahama birth. Both girls are starting to take an interest touLu collection. Japan to visit his father’s in boys but must also deal with their parents hometown and spend time who are seeking out new romance. Thematic Links: Sewer; Sense of Smell; with Uncle Ojisan. In The language level and vocabulary in the Humour March 2011, there is a novel is accessible to French language learners catastrophic earthquake of an intermediate level. The story line and Louise Melançon and tsunami and Ben and subject matter are quite straight forward, mak- the rest of the family are ing this a great resource for students looking to RUSSELL, Brendan caught in the midst of it. When Ben is sepa- improve their comprehension and vocabulary La cache au trésor (CHIRP Series) G rated from the others, readers wonder if he can in the French language. The novel is a quick Éditions Scholastic, 2016. 22p. Illus. Gr. survive on his own in a foreign country and if read, with larger than normal font size and line K-2. 978-1-4431-5294-5. Pbk. $9.99 he will ever see his family again. spacing. It will be of particular interest to ado- This short book gives young readers a good lescent girls who may have to deal with sepa- La cache au trésor sense of what it might be like to be caught in rated parents and their attempts to find new is an episode of a TV the middle of natural disasters such as earth- romance. show called CHIRP. quakes and tsunamis. Since children see so Each episode appears many similar stories on the news this gives Thematic Links: Divorce; Unexpected to be written by a dif- them a sense of what real people might endure. Friendships; Entering High School ferent author. Ben is taught lessons about courage, resilience In the book, we find and survival as he has to fend for himself in Samantha Read three superheroes: the middle of catastrophic destruction. Chirp, Tweet (Tudi) The story is short and there is enough action ROUX, Paul and Squawk (Scouac). The friends take pleasure and suspense to keep young readers interested L’égout du risque (TatouLu in imagining themselves into very special ad- throughout. Although the author alludes to Collection) G ventures. This time around, they want to be- death and destruction in the book there are not Vent d’Ouest, 2016, 132p. Gr. 8-9. come treasure hunters in the jungle. Finding an a lot of grisly details so the novel is suitable 978-2-89537-489-3. Pbk. $11.95 ancient pyramid made out of gold is at the top for young children. of their wish list. Sounds ambitious? Yes, but The final pages of the book give factual In this story meant to the friends find what they are looking for and information about the disaster as well as ex- be funny and entertain- without hesitation, they climb the stairs of the plaining some of the science behind both ing, Paul Roux tells the pyramid. Inside, they find jewellery, crowns, a earthquakes and tsunamis. The involvement of tale of Vincent Dunais golden vase filled with golden popcorn, etc. the Fukushima nuclear facility is also men- who has a very unusual Everything glitters! tioned and there are a few statistics about the love for, above all In his wisdom, Chirp warns his friends that number of people killed or injured and the things, foul odours. all that glitters may be traps. But his warning number of buildings destroyed. Since he was small, he comes too late and sure enough, the friends find loves everything that themselves in all kinds of predicaments. What Thematic Links: Earthquakes and Tsunamis; stinks. The more it do they do? Yes, they look in the super kit and Action; Survival; True Stories smells the happier Vin- find all kinds of wooden blocks that help them cent is! His greatest dream is to go down in a return to safety. Ann Ketcheson manhole - on the cover, we see him smiling as Teachers/parents can ask children if they he goes down there. know the meaning of the word ‘chirp’ and if Indeed, the opportunity arises: the road em- there is a correlation between the sound and the

Page 52 Resource Links Reviewers

Thanks once again to all our dedicated Durham District School Board, Courtice, ON Louise Melançon, Specialist in French reviewers who make each issue of Resource Literature for Children and Young Adults, Links possible. Myra Junyk, Literacy Advocate and Author, Sherbrooke, PQ Toronto, ON Alice Albarda, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Ashley Nunn-Smith, Youth Collection NS Ann Ketcheson, Retired Teacher-Librarian, Development Librarian, Halifax Public Ottawa, ON Libraries, Halifax, NS Erin Hansen, Teacher-Librarian, Calgary, AB Isobel Lang, Librarian, Wychwood Library, Samantha Read, Librarian, Chignecto-Central Tanya Boudreau, Librarian, Cold Lake Public Toronto Public Library, Toronto, ON Regional School Board, NS Library, Cold Lake, AB Veronique Lavoie, Early French Immersion Nicole Rowlinson, Library Technician, Suzanne Dagenais, Program Officer, Ottawa, Teacher, St. John’s, NL Lindale School, Moose Jaw SK ON Anne Letain, Sessional Instructor UBC/Author, Angela Thompson, Teacher-Librarian, East Mavis Holder, Librarian at Volunteer Calgary, Ladysmith, BC Northumberland Secondary School, Brighton, Calgary, AB ON Lesley Little, Coalhurst High School, Karyn Huenemann, Instructor in Children’s Lethbridge, AB Leslie Vermeer, Chair and Instructor in the Literature, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Bachelor of Communication Studies Program, BC Joan Marshall, Winnipeg Bookseller, Grant MacEwan University, Edmonton, AB Winnipeg, MB Chloe Humphreys, Librarian, Vancouver, BC Beth Wilcox, Library Learning Commons Helen Mason, Writer, Former Teacher and Teacher, Prince George, BC Patricia Jermey, Former Teacher-Librarian, Science Editor, Trenton, ON

If you are interested in becoming a reviewer for

Resource Links

please contact the editor

Vicki Pennell at

Phone: 709-335-2394; Fax: 709-335-2978

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Volume 22, Number 1 Page 53 TEKAVEC, known especially by young people. This novel becois French. Heather allows them to become aware of the problems Les Bons E facing the Cambodian population. It is clear that Thematic Links: Ghost Stories; Lighthouses; Petite even in the era of the Internet, many problems Mystery; Small Communities in Québec Singes in the world are unknown. Illustrated by David Samantha Read Huyck. Éditions Thematic Links: Cambodia; Political Issue Scholastic, 2016. WEST, Tracey Unp. Illus. Gr. K-3. Louise Melançon Le secret du dragon de l’eau 978-1-4431-5297-6. Pbk. $10.99. (Maîtres des Dragons Series) E TREMBLAY, Julie French text by Marie-Carole Daigle. For review in English see p. 55. Le côté sombre de l’île E Illustrated by Graham Howells. Éditions Éditions Vent d’Ouest, 2016. 269p. Gr. Scholastic, 2016. 90p. Illus. Gr. K-3. 978-1- TURGEON, Élisabeth 7-12. 978-2-895374732. Pbk. $13.95 4431-5142-9. Pbk. $9.99 Captive Éditions Hurtubise, 2016. 304p. Gr. 9- G The lighthouse at Each of the young 12. 978-2-89723-742-4. Pbk. $12.95. Pointe-aux-Rochers, a dragon masters wears a small fictional town lo- small stone pendant which While accompanying cated on the St. Laurence allows direct communica- his father, Claude Miron, River in Québec, has an tion with his/her assigned to Cambodia, the young unsettling history that has dragon and there is also a Alice Miron is captured haunted the village since large magic stone within by mistake by members of the time of colonization. the castle. At the outset of FKP: Khmer peasant As a result, the children of the novel, someone has strength, mild protest the community are forbid- tried to steal this large movement. Although den to visit the lighthouse stone and coincidentally there was mistaken iden- and the dangerous, rocky his friends notice that Bo has received some tity, the FPK does not island it is located on. sort of message via a black feather and now is release Alice. By abduc- Over the years, rumours and gossip have been acting very strangely. They wonder just what tion, the group will seek circulating throughout the community, enticing he might be hiding and if he knows more than to attract the world's at- fear and an overall aversion of the lighthouse he is saying about the attempted theft. tention on the problem of farmers whose gov- and its environs amongst the townspeople. Tracey West gives young readers a novel ernment confiscates the land. Marie-Soleil Langlois, a local 13-year-old full of fantasy and excitement as Yoann, Rori, During his captivity, Alice met Chan (the girl, has just finished her year-end exams and is Anna and Bo are on the trail of the thieves daughter of the leader of the movement FPK, very excited to spend her summer camping with while at the same time trying to resolve the Lok thol). As the days pass, they become her friends and spending her free time with her threat which has been made to Bo’s family. friends, making Alice’s captivity less painful. family. However, once she starts having strange Their success depends on working together as Alice learns more about the life of Chan, but visions and dreams of the events that took place a team and co-operating with one another, also about the situation in Cambodia. at the lighthouse so many years ago, she knows valuable lessons for any group of friends. Meanwhile, Alice's parents and his best she must go against her parents’ wishes and This a chapter book suited for children in friend, Jonathan, begin looking for him. They investigate the death of Rosalie, a woman who the primary grades thanks to its easy to read face many problems, especially the lack of died on the island during childbirth. large font and the high interest level of the cooperation from the local police. Then, after With the help of her friends, and in particular plot. As well, there are illustrations by Graham several days of fruitless waiting, a drawing of they boy she’s liked since primary school, Jean- Howells on every page and these add enter- Alice arrives to his parents. Hope returns. Christophe, she uncovers the secrets of the tainment as well as detail to the book. A hand- Convinced that Alice left a hidden message in lighthouse’s past. Can she help Rosalie come to ful of questions at the end of the story provide his drawing, his mother scrutinizes the draw- terms with the events leading up to the death of activities for young readers and add to the en- ing with a microscope. Indeed, clues, hidden her and her child? Furthermore, can she help joyment of both the plot elements and the il- in watercolor, allow his parents to look for her community come to grips with its past? lustrations. him. However, Sourkea Sampham (a double Mystery fans will enjoy the well-developed, agent who infiltrated the movement FPK) relatable characters as they explore their com- Thematic Links: Dragons; Fantasy; wants to take advantage of the Canadian hos- munity’s past and experience the usual ups and Friendship; Teamwork tage situation. In fact, he works for the govern- downs of teenage life, including the importance ment to discredit the movement FPK ... and, of family, friendships and even a bit of summer Ann Ketcheson for him, all methods are allowed: murder, vio- romance. lence, lying, etc. In this novel, Julie Tremblay does an excel- YOON, Salina The ending is happy. Alice says goodbye to lent job of slowly revealing the mysterious past Polo aime Bottine G Chan and reassures his humanity. It is thanks of the lighthouse, enticing the readers to con- Éditions Scholastic, 2016. 30p. Illus. to his human qualities that Chan has finally tinue reading as the suspense builds. The author Gr. K-2. 978-1-4431-4983-9. Pbk. triumphed over evil, violence, and hypocrisy. favours description over dialogue or action, $10.99 A NOTE to the reader closes the book. The though, so this novel will be of particular inter- author, who returned from a trip to Cambodia, est to the more advanced readers of the French This is a love story between two penguins, presents the facts that led to the writing of this language. Tremblay does not shy away from Polo and Bottine. They share a passion for novel. The advantage of this novel lies in the using “Québecismes,” so the reader needs to knitting. At the beginning of the story, Polo fact that the situation in Cambodia is little have an excellent grasp of the subtleties of Qué- looks through a telescope to find love. All he

Page 54 Resource Links finds is a fingerless Polo find his better half. They fly to the other their happiness is cut short when they are mitten. No prints on side of the ice floe after taking away Polo’s abruptly separated by a blizzard. Polo and Bot- the snow, a real mys- wool balls from his basket. The puffins find tine are miserable as they must face the storm tery. Polo is resolved Bottine dealing with a very special request: a without each other’s support. They keep on to find the owner and whale wants a sweater. Bottine is aware that it knitting as they climb higher and higher on he asks around, but will be a phenomenal task, but she is so gener- each side of the mountaintop. Fortunately, without success. He ous that she agrees. She turns around to start they make it to the top at the same time and then decides to knit a knitting but her basket is empty and all her wool from that moment on, destiny seals their love similar mitten, just in is gone. Where is the wool? Intrigued, both pen- and they go on living a great and beautiful case. It is only when a guins leave on the spot to look for their wool adventure. pair of puffins lands at his feet that Polo un- and as they cross paths they decide to solve the derstands that the mystery has been solved. mystery together. The first clues are two pieces Thematic Links: Searching for Love; The said mitten was lost while the puffin was of wool running parallel on the snow. Follow- Knitting; Hatching a Plan; Clues; Generosity flying and was meant to warm up his bill. Polo ing the pieces, the two penguins pick up their wastes no time in giving the soft beak cover to knitting needles and start knitting for the pleas- Suzanne Dagenais the freezing puffin. ure of being together and for staying warm. Grateful, the love birds hatch a plan to help They are happy as they share an iceberg. But

(cont’d from p. 12) the candles and sing a Hanukkah song. The tions in Valério’s picture book are colourful sights and sounds are heard by the mayor of and bright despite the night time setting. The Good mannered monkeys and bad mannered Lublin and give him the gift of joy and inspira- sky is vibrant blue and the ground is apple children romp through this hilarious book tion that no material gift could have given. green. In this story, indoor lights are powered about behaviour. When a group of bad man- Ungar uses a technique called watercolour with stardust, not electricity, and pets are pam- nered children visit the playground by the monoprinting to produce the highly coloured pered. The silver, glittery title makes for an monkey cage, the zoo keeper realises that the original works on each double page spread. On attractive cover. children need to be caged and the polite mon- some pages there are also pencil drawings of keys allowed to mingle with the adults. some of the characters which can be found in Thematic Links: Dreams; Sleep; Wordless The outlines of the pictures are drawn in the colour illustrations Books; Night; Stars; Cooperation; Imagination pencil and the colours entered digitally. The A brief telling of the story of Hanukkah is at end papers are delightful and reinforce the the back of the book. Tanya Boudreau notion that the animals in the zoo have their eyes on the visitors while the visitors are Thematic Links: Hanukkah; Gift Giving and VAN CAMP, Richard watching the animals. Receiving; Polish Village Life; Art - Print We Sang You Home E A good read aloud for young listeners, as Making Illustrated by Julie Flett. Orca Book there is plenty of dialogue which will produce Publishers, 2016. 26p. Illus. Gr. Preschool - K. grins and giggles when Mother Monkey says, Mavis Holder 978-1-459811782. Bdbk. $9.95 “This place is disgusting, why aren’t there any banana peels on the ground?” VALÉRIO, Geraldo We Sang You Home Adults will enjoy the irony, while young Turn on the Night G is a gentle board book ones will enjoy the mayhem. Groundwood Books, 2016. 40p. Illus. about welcoming a new Also available in French. See p. 54. Gr. Preschool - 1. 978-1-55498-841-9. Hdbk. baby into a family. A $18.95 great strength of this Thematic Links: Monkeys; Behaviour; Zoos book is that it is non- When a young girl falls specific and inclusive Mavis Holder asleep reading, she trans- enough to encompass all forms into the magical crea- new babies - arriving through birth, fostering, UNGAR, Richard ture from her book and goes or adoption - and it does not specify gender. Yitzi and the Giant Menorah E looking for the brightest The lyrical text is reminiscent of a poem/song Tundra Books, 2016. 32p. Illus. Gr. K- and biggest star in the sky. and gently begins “we sang you from a wish, 4. 978-1-77049-812-9. Hdbk. $21.99 She isn’t able to reach it we sang you from a prayer”, letting the little herself, but with help from one know how much they were anticipated and Although this her toy chicken and deer, wanted. The whole message is one of love, book, set in Poland, she is able to touch it. Once welcome, and completion now that the young has a theme of cele- she brings the star into her bedroom, it scatters one has joined the family. The eye-catching brating Hanukkah, it into hundreds of smaller lights which decorate illustrations hint at a non-specific non-white also has a much her bed, her walls and her belongings. race for the family (could be Asian, First Na- broader theme of Like all good wordless books, this story is tions, Inuit, etc.), making this book inclusive how we can say open to interpretation. Children will likely have and encompassing of Canada’s ethnic diver- “thank you” for a their own ideas about where the magical crea- sity. gift. When the citizens of the village of Chelm ture, the chicken and the deer came from (as Both the author and illustrator have Cana- receive the gift of a large menorah, they decide they appear as different objects in the story) and dian First Nations backgrounds. Richard Van they must give an appropriate gift in return to why she wanted the star. The last double page Camp is a member of the Dogrib (Tlicho) Na- the mayor of nearby Lublin. Several attempts spread hints at how books, imagination, and tion from Fort Smith, NWT, Canada and illus- to send gifts are thwarted, so they light the dreams take us into other worlds. trator Julie Flett is Cree-Metis. The story is not menorah on a hill outside the village, light all The acrylic paint and colour pencil illustra- specifically First Nations oriented and alludes

Volume 22, Number 1 Page 55 generally to traditions present in many/most Illustrated by Dean Griffiths. Pajama Press, other add ingredients cultures such as songs, prayers, rebirth, and 2016. 32p. Illus. Gr. Preschool - 2. 978-1- like parsnips, potatoes hope for the future. It is a book of thankfulness 927485-80-4. Hdbk. $19.95 and garlic cloves to and hope that would make a wonderful addition their hearty meal. to the preschool collection in a library. Barnacle Garrick is Soon, guests and Highly recommended. a pirate, and a dog. friends begin to arrive, He believes all his including a mysterious Thematic Links: Poetry; First Nations; Babies; canine crew members and magical red- Song; Birth should be rotten, headed girl accompa- Erin Hansen sneaky, and brainy. nied by a group of cu- They have to catch rious animals. The boy WHITE, Teagan cannonballs with and his grandmother welcome everyone with Counting With Barefoot Critters E their mouth, steal generosity and kindness, sharing the meal and Tundra Books, 2016. Unp. Illus. Gr. K- treasure from cats, and spend time in the ship’s their home without hesitation. The cabin fills 1. 978-1-101917718. Hdbk. $19.99 prison if Captain Garrick thinks they look too with music, laughter and conversation. After clean. “Shinin’ yer boots? I’ve no use for a cou- the last guest departs, the little boy snuggles This is a book that cele- ple o’ bucklin’ fancies! Both of yez, into the up in bed while his grandmother reads a cook- brates the friendships that brig!” His daughter, Augusta, wants to be ac- book, and the moon quietly watches over the an only child can make as cepted, but she cannot walk past a potentially cabin. Fox and the familiar col- dangerous situation without fixing it, or ignore Based on the lyrics of Hawksley Work- lection of friends from the the lure of pretty jewels and perfumes. This gets man’s holiday song Almost A Full Moon, this author’s previously re- her in trouble, but when her father and his crew story captures the simple joys of sharing love viewed book, Adventure and warm food on a winter’s night. Despite its With Barefoot Critters, realize her get-away plan was only possible simplicity, Workman’s melodic and repetitive plus some extras, count up because of her stylish ways, they redefine what text beautifully describes each element of the to 12. Each double page they want in a crew member, and it includes the story: the large moon, the luscious soup, the has a verse on the left page and a full page, word fancy. burning candles, and the sparkling snow. Also, whimsical illustration of the number of friends The pirate terminology that appears all the text poignantly highlights the close rela- playing on the right. throughout the dialogue is defined on the end tionship between grandmother and grandson, The illustrations have so many delightful papers of the book (i.e. grill, gangplank, stern, as well as the bond that exists between com- details to be discovered that they will be looked brig, sea pups, arr) along with a large drawing munity members; soup is generously made to at again and again. The illustrations repeat the of a labelled pirate ship. Augusta’s character “feed everyone we know” and “to feed every- number on each page in so many ways that an reminds me of Fancy Nancy, and the art work one we don’t.” Eckwall’s evocative illustra- observant child will enjoy finding them. For reminds me of Jan Brett. There are a variety of tions visually elaborate on the book’s simple example, on the page about eight, the flowers pure-bred dog and cat pirates on board the text, adding a playful element of magic, allow- blossom in groups of eight, and the petals and wooden ships, with plenty of action happening ing - among other things - for wild animals to leaves are falling in groups of eight. As Fox both on and near the ocean. participate in the festivities. The warm interior finds more friends to play with on the main of the cabin, rendered in earthy tones, is effec- picture page, so mouse collects a separate Thematic Links: Pirates; Dogs; Father/ tively contrasted with the crisp winter world group of equal number on the page containing Daughter; Treasure; Rescue; Stylish; outside. Additionally, small visual details the verse. The verse is in AABB format and Acceptance populate every page, encouraging young audi- prompts the reader to provide the next number ences to look closely at the illustrations to dis- in the sequence to complete the rhyme. Tanya Boudreau cover new delights throughout successive Because there are so many small details to readings. notice this book will continue to fascinate long WORKMAN, Hawksley This tender-hearted book is a highly recom- after the first reading. Almost a Full Moon mended addition to all classroom and library Illustrated by Jensine Eckwall. Tundra E collections as a wonderful winter-focused title. Books, 2016. 32p. Illus. Gr. Preschool - It champions generosity and community, and Thematic Links: Counting; Friendship 2. 978-1-77049-871-6. Hdbk. $21.99 will delight readers of all ages.

Mavis Holder On a cold winter evening, a young boy and Thematic Links: Full Moon; Winter; Cooking; his grandmother prepare to host a gathering at Family; Friends; Community; Celebration; WINTERS, Kari-Lynn their cozy cottage in the woods. They stoke the Generosity Good Pirate E fire and stir the large soup pot, helping each Chloe Humphreys

Check out the Resource Links website at www.resourcelinksmagazine.ca

Page 56 Resource Links (cont’d from p. 39) which will allow her to finally close the door to forces poison the water supply, and then blame the realm of Faerie. Her friend, Wally Knight, the Jews. When the town council tries to pro- “Blood. Everywhere. And the awful reality: has now become more than just a friend, as tect them, a mob revolts. The entire Jewish this is what I do. This is what I've done for their relationship has grown stronger. Rex Ma- community is rounded up and forced onto more than a century. I take no pride in it, but jor, the computer genius who is the current wooden platforms over the cemetery, which at least I know what I'm doing now.” incarnation of Merlin the Magician, also has are then set on fire. Thousands die in this ex- two shards, and has enhanced his position by cruciating manner, and Jews are forbidden to Paula Weston's Rephaim Series, which fol- befriending Wally’s sister Felicia, who shares live in the city. This is history. lows Gabriella and her half-angel comrades, with Wally the bloodline of King Arthur. In the novel, our hero is Natan, son of a fab- moves at a dizzying pace; Burn, the fourth and The international travel takes us to Scotland ric and used clothing merchant who is banned concluding novel, is no exception. Readers will this time, to Castle McPheiden, the ancestral from the draper’s guild because of his religion. easily get caught up in the emotional sweep of home of Wally’s mother’s family. When his When his father is beaten up by thugs, Natan the story, the thrill of the battle scenes. mother goes there to research and film a docu- and his brother take his wares to sell in Drapers With a brief prologue to bring readers up to mentary, Rex Major follows her and Ariane Row. Natan meets Elena, the daughter of speed, Gaby and friends are off again, this time and Wally are close behind. We learn that the Wilhelm the draper, and is immediately smit- to defend Gaby's home town in what may be first Knight to move to Canada was a son of ten. Despite their relationship being forbidden the penultimate battle between Good and Evil. the McPheiden family, and brought with him by city law, they meet under cover of darkness. Gaby's memories have suddenly been restored, an important family artifact, which he referred But when Natan is caught on the streets after meaning she now understands the longer his- to as a “secret treasure”. The novel’s climax curfew by those same thugs, he is stabbed to tory of the Rephaim, the break with the Out- occurs at his burial site in the graveyard in death. His spirit enters into the body of Hans, casts, her long and puzzling estrangement from Cannington Manor Provincial Park, where Rex Wilhelm’s apprentice, in the form of an ibbur. her twin, Jude, and her love-hate relationship Major confronts Ariane and Wally who have According to Jewish mysticism, this occurs with Jude's best friend, Rafa. It's a lot for a girl found the hil and now have the sword intact. when someone’s life is ended before he com- to process, but Gaby does, and the gradual fit- The intervention of the Lady of the Lake pletes a task important to the Jewish people. ting together of so many pieces makes an excit- prompts Ariane to use Excalibur to open the Natan, now appearing as Hans, must somehow ing, engaging story. door to Faerie. But the knights who come try to save his community. With the support of With her memories restored, Gaby is a more through the portal are divided in their loyalties Elena, he tells the city council that the Jews did thoughtful, balanced character. She's lost none between Rex and the Lady, and an epic battle not poison the well, and appeals for their pro- of her hotheadedness, but she's begun to won- ensues. With Wally’s skills with the sword, tection, but he is unsuccessful. The plague hits der what exactly she's fighting for. Burn does- and Ariane’s strengthened powers, they are the city hard, and many die, including Elena’s n't provide simple answers but does bring the victorious, and by closing the door to Faerie father. When the Jews are taken to the ceme- Rephaim story to a satisfactory resolution. and concealing the sword, they end the quest. tery to be killed, Natan manages to rescue his There's certainly space for another series with The overlay of the Arthurian legend on a little brother, and sends him away with a Jew- these characters, though. modern Canadian context continues to work ish couple to be raised in the faith. Through For readers who like contemporary fantasy, well. As a quest epic spanning five novels, the this act he has fulfilled his task, and his soul is enjoy books with strong female leads, or just plotlines and character development are all released. Hans returns to his body and courts want a ripping yarn, Burn is a great choice. It brought to a satisfying conclusion. Readers Elena, who remains faithful for the rest of her stands alone but will be much more satisfying who have followed Ariane and Wally’s rela- life to her memories of Natan. for those readers who have followed the entire tionship will be pleased that this Arthurian tale This is a fascinating and horrific glimpse story arc. has a happy ending. into Medieval France. By focusing on these real events in Strasbourg, Wiseman brings her Thematic Links: Urban Fantasy; Angels and Thematic Links: Legend - King Arthur; readers a deeper understanding of the past, and Demons; Good and Evil; Family; Memory Fantasy; Adventure invites them to reflect on intolerance and xeno- phobia in the present. Leslie Vermeer Patricia Jermey Thematic Links: Jewish History - Strasbourg, WILLETT, Edward WISEMAN, Eve France; Medieval History; Prejudice and Door into Faerie (The Shards of Another Me Intolerance Excalibur Series) G Tundra Books, 2016. 227p. Gr. 6-10. A Coteau Books, 2016. 196p. Gr. 5-9. 978-1-77049-716-0. Hdbk. $21.99 Patricia Jermey 978-1-55050-892-5. Pbk. $14.95 (Free ebook with purchase of print book) Eve Wiseman once again uses her knowl- WITHERS, Pam edge of the tumultuous history of Jews in Bungee King Arthur’s legen- Europe for Another Me. Jump P/A dary sword Excalibur has Set in fourteenth century (Orca been broken into five France, this novel shows Currents Series) shards, and this book how the Jewish commu- Orca Book Publishers, concludes with the dis- nity is able to co-exist 2016. 123p. Gr. 5-9. covery of the fifth piece. and even thrive in times 978-1-4598-1216-1. Our heroine, Ariane, of relative prosperity. Pbk. $9.95 (Reviewed now has two of the But when Strasbourg is from Advance Reading shards, and continues in threatened by the Black Copy) her quest to reassemble Death in 1349, the Jews the sword on behalf of are scapegoated as the Thirteen-year-old the Lady of the Lake, cause. Anti-Semitic

Volume 22, Number 1 Page 57 Chris has a lot of responsibility on his shoul- “disturbing history” (p.7) and says “[the] is- One simile I object to is when the kids go to the ders. His family owns a small tree-farm that is land is theirs, no matter what you think” (p.70- island for a picnic and they are all getting out of struggling financially and an island with a 71). Chris notices that the engineer they hired their boats - Withers compares this by saying mysterious and notorious history. Hospital Is- does careless work and that half the time he’s “like soldiers on D-Day” (p. 63). This landing is land (also known as Thorn Island) was once not even working on their project. Instead he is nowhere near as violent, perilous, or historically home to a hospital that treated children with running around with a metal detector which he significant. To Withers’ credit, she has included leprosy. Many of the children died on the is- says is for making sure his structure is secure. excellent information about bungee jumping, land and legend has it that the doctor who There are also the ghostly sounds and the mys- both the mechanics and the experiential aspects. cared for the children also jumped to his death. tery surrounding the doctor’s death. Rumor I wonder though……if my thirteen year-old son Many think the island is haunted. Chris wants has it that the doctor was stealing from the came up with the idea of making a bungee jump to capitalize on this notoriety. He wants to hospital and that he hid the fortune on the is- off of an old drainage pipe fifteen stories in the build a bungee jump on an old utility pipe that land. All of these factors add up to stress and air……it would take me more “than a while to spans the aerial link between the island and the conflict for Chris and his family. come around to the notion” (p. 4). Overall, the mainland. His father thinks this will be a great With the exception of Mr. Roth, Chris’s ghost-adventure aspects and Chris’s family dy- source of revenue and it might just put the fam- Science teacher, the adults in this novel are namics stretched my willingness to suspend my ily back on its feet. He hires an engineer to absent, demented, or inconsequential. Chris, at disbelief. plan and complete the project and leaves Chris thirteen, is left “in charge”. What is his mother in charge when he is forced to leave his family doing in all of this? This omission is glaring. Thematic Links: Phobias; Supernatural vs. and take a job in the city. Much of the content and vocabulary is con- Science; Family Relationships; Achieving The project seems doomed from the start. sistent with what one would expect from a Goals Several of the locals are opposed to the project, high-interest/low vocabulary novel. The plot chief among them, their school librarian, Mrs. progression is well paced though predictable. Angela Thompson Dubin. She talks to Chris several times about

(cont’d from p. 26) dwelling crocodile”. The illustrations are car- title describes three math-related careers that Settlers; Pioneer Trails; Breaking the Plains; toon styled, with solid colours and few details. involve working with marine animals: marine Western Conflicts; Religious Pioneers; Often the people don’t have facial features and veterinarian, veterinary technologist, and America Expands; Settlement Timeline their skin colour are shades of pink, orange, aquarist. yellow and brown. Arms and legs are extra-long Each profile includes a practical scenario Helen Mason and bend in unnatural ways. about a possible related emergency. Readers Although the details and facts are few, I think are challenged to solve related real-life math TARDIF, Benoit children will be intrigued when they see things problems. They're given necessary facts and Metropolis E like snake soup, a traditional junk ship, and the visuals to help them, as well as a Math Tool- Kids Can Press, 2016. 72p. Illus. Gr. Mode Gakuen Cocon Tower and want to either box to explain some of the math. K-3. 978-1-771387217. Hdbk. $18.95 learn more about Hong Kong and Tokyo or per- Skills covered in the first rescue involve haps even visit there one day. This book shows adding and subtracting fractions with the same Metropolis is an arm- children how much variety there is in the world, denominator, changing fractions to decimals, chair travel guide for chil- and gives them ideas of where they might like showing a decimal as a fraction, and convert- dren. Illustration heavy, to travel to one day. ing both between kilograms and pounds and the book takes you into Front material includes a table of contents meters and feet. The math in the second sce- thirty-four big cities. Each and a foreword from the author about his own nario involves proportions, temperatures in double page spread con- travel experiences. The end pages consist of a Fahrenheit degrees, and both 12- and 24-hour tains ten to twelve square map of the world, highlighting the cities men- clocks. The third scenario involves multiply- or rectangle panels that tioned in the book. This book would be useful ing and dividing one- and two-digit numbers include the foods, the in a small library that doesn’t have the budget and more practice on some of the skills devel- buildings, and the people for a large geography section, or in a larger li- oped earlier. from that area. Underneath the city name are brary because of its artwork. The title includes two Careers that Count three facts: the country the city is in, the lan- sidebars that focus on actual people working in guage spoken there, and the population (in Thematic Links: Cities; Tourist Attractions; the marine field. Career Pathways provides millions). Some of the cities in the book are Culture; Travel; Geography tips on what readers can do now if they want New York, London, Zurich, Auckland, Bei- to pursue a particular career. The book also jing, Cairo, Nairobi, Athens, Mumbai and Tanya Boudreau has a Learning More section, a glossary, an- Mexico City. The cities from Canada are swers, an index, and an author bio. Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver. Foods from WUNDERLICH, Rick Because of the interesting scenarios and other countries appear with English transla- Math on the Job: Caring for Marine excellent photos that will draw readers into the tions or descriptions below - kanelbulle Animals (Math E problems, this is a recommended title for stu- (cinnamon bun), patat oorlog (fries with may- on the Job dents in junior and early intermediate grades. onnaise, onions, and peanut sauce) - but some Series) words such as dialogue (Andiamo, Es Picante, Crabtree Publishing, Thematic Links: Marine Veterinarian; Orcas; mi amor) are defined in the glossary on the last 2016. 32p. Illus. Gr 3-7. Veterinary Technologist; Aquarist; Seals; page. 978-0-7787-2358-5. Great White Sharks; Fractions; Decimals; SI/ There is humour in some of the illustrations. Hdbk. $21.56 Imperial Conversions; Proportions; Division; The Alcatraz Island prison panel has a labelled Multiplication; 24-hour Clock; Referents shark fin “terrifying shark”, and the New York Part of Crabtree's Math panel has included a “legendary sewer- on the Job Series, this Helen Mason

Page 58 Resource Links 2016 Contemporary Adult Titles with Appeal for Strong Teen Readers By Gail Sidonie Sobat With Heather Ganshorn, Ingrid Johnston, Margaret Mackey, & Linda Telgarsky

I am delighted to share the selected 2016 heavy-metal blogger recovering from alcohol- learn that Nola, the mother/grandmother, has Contemporary Adult Canadian Titles with Ap- ism; and Sara, an able 11-year-old girl who is come to the mountain to scatter the ashes of her peal for Strong Teen Readers. Following in the raising a flock of exotic show hens. Each of husband who died in the previous year. As can impressive footsteps of Dr. Margaret Mackey these characters narrates the ridiculous antics happen in the wilderness, in searching for the has been, to say the least, a little daunting. But and misadventure - sometimes retelling the lake the four of them become disoriented and this compilation offers 23 new and/or newer same story - and their voices lend the books they find themselves lost. titles that we collectively feel will entice young considerable charm. Over the course of the five days on the moun- adult readers. Prudence is armed with pluck and derring-do tain, we learn about the violent circumstances As in the past, some of our offerings have tinged with a little self-righteousness. She is of the death of Wolf’s mother when he was four decidedly adult content - language, sexuality, hopelessly ill-equipped to care for a farm that years old, his dysfunctional relationship with violence - and we trust to the reader that she or faces foreclosure in the first book, and failure his alcoholic father, his failed love for a young he will put aside any novel with content that in the second. She dreams of organic farm pro- woman, and the accident of his best friend, doesn’t appeal. Most importantly, we feel that duce to sell at the local farmers’ market and of Byrd, that took place on the mountain the year this is a list that will enrich the reading pleas- living the Emersonian good life in her new before. Though he starts out intending to com- ure and exploration of those teens who are home on Vancouver Island. Through a series of mit suicide, Wolf is quickly caught up in the eager to read beyond the classroom and to small deceptions to herself and to the bank dynamic and problematic relationship of the delve into the rich literature that awaits. loans manager - Prudence pretends to open a three Devine women and the overwhelming One of my areas of focus - full disclosure, I am rehab centre which the bank manager’s niece task to help them get off the mountain. They a Canadian author - is that of CanLit. Regret- attends - and with a little help from her motley must all work together and make sacrifices if tably, research continues to support the dismal crew of friends, she just manages. Hilarity en- they are to survive this ordeal. Unlike most nov- statistics of a dearth of Canadian content in sues. els of this type, from the very outset of this curriculum at all levels of education. In a tiny In The Republic of Dirt, Prudence falls ill book we know that someone will not survive. attempt to address this deficit, many of the ti- with a serious thyroid condition and her friends This disclosure just impels us to read on, tles this year are written by well and lesser must come to the rescue and keep the farm haunted by the need to know who will not make known Canadian authors. running. A second complication arises when it off the mountain. Lansens’ writing is compel- And finally, this resource would not exist at young Sara, who’s been residing on the farm ling and you will find it almost impossible to all were it not for the excellent reviewers with her poultry collection while her separated put this book down once you start it. LT who’ve contributed to our list. They are the parents spar, is wrenched from the circle of backbone that supports the whole enterprise. adoring friends because of a parent-teachers The Illegal by Lawrence Hill. Toronto: Harper- Many thanks for their careful reading and conference and a misunderstanding about her Collins, 2016. Pbk. 400p. 978-1554683840 thoughtful commentary. safety. Thereafter, the book focuses on Sara Thank you to the editors of Resource Links and assisting the child with the real safety is- Lawrence Hill’s latest novel has already re- for their continued support and for welcoming sues: her parents. Perhaps not quite as success- ceived a range of accolades and awards. This this year’s list and this year’s green editor. ful as the first book, the sequel is still worth a story of a young marathoner, Keita Ali, from a Readers: welcome and enjoy! read as the characters are nonetheless the main fictional country in the Indian Ocean, addresses attraction. GSS many of the issues we read about in the press Gail Sobat * explicit language every day: the movement of refugees fleeing from war and dictatorship, attitudes towards Contemporary Life The Mountain Story by Lori Lansens. illegal immigrants, race, discrimination and the Toronto: Vintage Canada, 2016. Pbk. 365p. clash of wealth and poverty. Set in the near fu- Woefield Poultry Collective by Susan Juby. 978-0-345-80903-2 ture, The Illegal follows Keita’s escape from Toronto: Harper, 2012. Pbk. 336p. 978- his impoverished island, Zantoroland, described 1554687459 Told in the form of a letter from a father to as a nightmare dictatorship, to the larger and Republic of Dirt by Susan Juby. Toronto: his college-aged son, The Mountain Story is a wealthier island of Freedom State where is he is Harper, 2015. Pbk. 416p. 978-1443423953 tale of four people who are lost for five days on running a marathon and also fleeing the police. a mountain top that towers over Palm Springs. The novel is fast-paced and the plot exciting. Fresh from the city, naive and idealistic, Gripping from start to finish, this is the story of Refugees seeking to escape from Zantoroland Prudence Burns inherits a farm which aptly Wolf Truly as told to his son. On his eighteenth attempt to travel across a dangerous sea to Free- lives up to its name Woefield. Determined to birthday, Wolf travels up the mountain to com- dom State, hoping to find refuge in Africtown, a make the farm self-sustaining, she sets to work mit suicide. He is interrupted in the process by shanty town, ruled over by the larger-than-life, with the assistance of a crew of misfit helpers: three women who ask him to guide them to Lulu. Keita faces an ongoing series of dangers Earl, an elderly, reclusive bluegrass legend; Secret Lake. They are three generations of the in the marathon he is running and in his at- Seth, a deliciously foul-mouthed, agoraphobic Devine Family: Nola, Bridget, and Vonn. We tempts to live as an illegal immigrant in Zan-

Volume 22, Number 1 Page 59 toroland. While the book is a very good read, Family Life some suffering and pain. As Will describes it, written with Hill’s characteristic insight and you need to build up some calluses. We may careful plotting, it doesn’t quite achieve the The Memento by Christy Ann Conlin. Toronto: fall sometimes, but for the most part we get resonance or stature of his earlier novel, The Anchor Canada, 2016. Pbk.. 400p. 978- up, brush ourselves off and get on with living Book of Negroes. Nevertheless, it is an impor- 0385662420 and it is the experiences, along with their risks, tant book worth everyone’s time and offers that give meaning to our life. LT many reflections on the kind of world we are This gothic tale set in the 1950s in rural New living in today. IJ Brunswick has elements of Kate Morton to it - a Teenagers rural estate, a wealthy, eccentric family, dark The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt. New York: secrets - but with a decidedly Canadian, Gothic The Truth Commission by Susan Juby. Back Bay Books, 2013. Pbk. 771p. 978- twist. Fancy Mosher is a twelfth-born child, like Toronto: Razorbill, 2015. Hdbk. 320p. 978- 0316055437 her Grampie. Local legend has it that the fam- 0670067596 ily’s twelfth-born children can speak to the This coming-of-age novel was a literary dead. As with many supernatural gifts, this one Perhaps best classified as New Adult fic- sensation and will appeal to young readers manifests itself at the onset of puberty. Fancy tion, The Truth Commission is an examina- who love a meaty tome with fascinating char- lives with her foster mother, the housekeeper at tion of the truth in a hyper-surveilled, socially acters. the summer estate of a wealthy family. She’s networked world. The story begins with a bang - literally. looking forward to a summer of roaming the The novel is purportedly Normandy Pale’s Thirteen-year-old Theo Decker and his mother countryside with her best friend Art, but things book-length work of creative non-fiction, sub- are the victims of a terrorist bomb attack on are derailed when her alcoholic mother shows mitted as a major project to Green Pastures, a the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Miracu- up, demanding that Fancy try to use her gift to high school for the arts, in a small Vancouver lously, the boy survives; his mother does not. contact her brother John Lee, who drowned at centre. Normandy relates the story of how she In the immediate aftermath of the explosion the age of four because of his mother’s negli- and her two best friends prompted other class- are two important other happenstances that gence. After the wealthy Parker family arrives mates to tell the truth about themselves. shape the boy’s destiny: Theo meets the dying for the summer, more dark secrets are revealed. Truth-telling has its consequences as Nor- father of the girl he’d earlier admired in the While there are supernatural elements to the mandy learns. She considers revealing the gallery, and he absconds with a painting, the story, it’s really a book about how children are truth about her own family: older sister Keira, 1654 Carel Fabritius masterpiece, The Gold- marked by their parents’ deeds, even when Green Pastures’ most notable alumna, has built finch, from which the novel draws its name. those deeds are concealed. HG a notable career from her graphic novels. The In the ensuing 14 years, this painting factors as series portrays Keira as the heroine of a dys- both a burden and a remaining connection to Childhood functional family - Normandy and her par- his lost mother. For nearly the entire time, he ents - as hopeless incompetents, rather a self- keeps the possession a secret as he moves If I Fall, If I Die by Michael Christie. Toronto: fulfilling prophecy for their real life. Confront- from New York to Las Vegas where he lives McClelland & Stewart, 2015. Hdbk. 336p. 978- ing the realities of her sister’s truth-and-lies with a dissolute and inattentive father who 0-771-02365-1 telling, is for Normandy, a frightening but es- eventually abandons him. Here, he also meets sential process to coming to terms with the the Russian teenager, Boris, with whom he has In this first novel by Michael Christie, we damage it has inflicted. Along the way, readers a complicated, substance-abuse-infused rela- meet Will, an eleven-year-old boy who lives also get a fun dose of the dos and don’ts of tionship. with his agoraphobic mother in Thunder Bay, storytelling and writing creative fiction Theo returns to New York and to Hobie, Ontario. Precocious and naive, Will happily through Normandy’s quirky and winsome friend of the dying man in the MET, who be- lives in the small world of his house until one voice. GSS comes a surrogate father and through whom he day he hears a noise and ventures “Outside” to reunites with Pippa, the girl from the gallery. investigate. In his backyard, Will encounters an The Little Girl Who Was Too Fond of Theo consorts with an an array of eccentric Aboriginal boy, Marcus, who intrigues him. Matches by Gaétan Soucy (Trans. Sheila characters, including assorted lowlifes, con Will returns to the “Outside” again and again in Fischman). Toronto: Anansi, 1998. Pbk. 138p. men, Park Avenue recluses, and dissolute search of Marcus, where he discovers a world 978-0-88784-781-3 preppies, as he assumes the role of antique of people, places, and happenings that are both swindler (unbeknownst to antique restorer and exciting and dangerous (just as his mother Although this is not a current novel, Gaétan partner, Hobie) and eventually penetrates high feared and predicted). Soucy’s work is absent to date from our list, society through an impending marriage to Will manages to convince his mother to let and his genius should not be missed. wealthy Kitsey Barbour. him enroll in the local school and he develops a From its first breathless pages, the first- Understandably, the painting continues to friendship with Jonah, an Aboriginal student in person protagonist captivates and intrigues: haunt him, and eventually it is lost, necessitat- his class. Jonah and Marcus work together to try “We had to take the universe in hand, my ing his journey to Amsterdam and a final con- to solve the mystery of the disappearance of brother and I, for one morning just before frontation with the criminal underworld of art Marcus. As the novel unfolds, we learn not only dawn papa gave up the ghost without a by- theft. Here Theo descends into a fever-induced about the tragic backstory of Will’s mother, your-leave.” is a tale of two siblings raised “by state of near madness and reunites with Boris uncle and grandfather but also of an old mys- hand” on a rough rural farm under an authori- who has played an unscrupulous hand in the tery that helps inform the current intrigue sur- tarian father, who dies of suicide as the story lost Goldfinch. This is a novel that examines rounding the disappearance of Marcus. opens. Isolated from the world, the children - the capriciousness of fate, the beauty of art, Christie covers many topics in this book in- presumably in their teens - live in a dream-like the complexity of love for persons and posses- cluding teen friendship, parent-child relation- otherworld of rural beauty and create a lan- sions. Ultimately, this is also a story of re- ships, Aboriginal discrimination and mental guage of their own, largely culled from books demption, “that good come around sometimes illness. Perhaps the most resonant theme is that and fairy tales. Forced to deal with their fa- through some strange back doors.” GSS no one gets through life without getting hurt; ther’s burial arrangements, the protagonist

being alive necessarily means that there will be steps beyond the world of the farm and makes

Page 60 Resource Links first contact with neighbours and villagers. parently effortless ways. “possibilibots” (sexual robot companions)) Thus begins her transformation - and it is This novel is set in 2020, and mostly takes that move the story from sinister to slapstick at some pages before we learn she is a she - from place in Winnipeg, with a few side visits to Sas- times. Throughout the story, however, you are naive feral child to young woman. In the proc- katchewan and a few other places. Jim Marchuk compelled to consider just how frail the con- ess of this bildungsroman, superstitions are has developed a scientifically infallible method structs of society and family are and what you examined and eventually rejected and disturb- for detecting psychopaths - and it turns out the might do in the same circumstances. LT ing family secrets are exposed to the light of world is full of them. In the process of testify- *some sexually explicit material understanding. ing about his methods in a notorious court case, Recommended to the reviewer by a Grade 9 he discovers that he has no memory of a six- Poetry student, nevertheless, this is not an easy read month period of his life about twenty years ago. because of the stream-of-consciousness/ in- In pursuit of what happened during these lost Settler Education by Laurie D. Graham. vented language and the disturbing themes, but months, he makes many significant discoveries Toronto: McClelland & Stewart, 2016. Pbk. as an adult fairy tale, it is an exploration of the about himself and his friends. 117p. 978-0-7710-3687-3 darkly human fascination with guilt, cruelty, At the beginning of the book, 2020 Canada and violence. GSS looks pretty familiar: Justin Trudeau is prime Canadian history offers many examples of *some sexually explicit material minister (though with a coalition government) massive contradiction, cases where opposing and an identifiably Trump-esque president in- accounts of a single event must be juxtaposed Finton Moon by Gerard Collins. St. John’s: habits the White House. Through the course of in all their contrariness. In Settler Education, Killick Press, 2012. Pbk. 333p. 978-1-897174- events that transpire over a few months, the Laurie Graham confronts this challenge head- 90-6 political landscape changes very radically, and on. The book is described on its cover as the mix of familiar and frightening adds an in- “Poems,” but it also includes images, maps, An engaging adult fairytale, Finton Moon triguing texture to the book. snatches of old colonial songs, legal accounts, is a coming-of-age novel written with humour This book is a compulsive page-turner. Read- and a relatively large set of end-notes, setting and poetic beauty. A blend of realism and ers will have to accept a threshold for psycho- some of this material in context. magic, the narrative is set in the town of Dar- paths that may seem unconvincing at first, but Graham does not shrink away from the hor- win and features a cast of characters that in Sawyer makes a strong case. Exciting and rors of Canadian history and Canadian current many ways represent the inhabitants of any thoughtful (in that order!), it is well worth a events. In a poem about a train ride across the small town in Newfoundland or beyond. reader’s time and attention. MM prairies, she talks about the rationale for the The titular protagonist is a young misfit in building of the transcontinental railway in the the tradition of Pip from Great Expectations. The Heart Goes Last by Margaret Atwood. following contemporary terms: Finton is an unusual child who bears little re- Toronto: McClelland & Stewart, 2015. Hdbk. No Oh My Nation, no God Save Our Queen, semblance to his rough brothers, his strict 308p. 978-0-7710-0911-2 no colonial imperative except in our being Catholic mother or his lawless father. He is a here, in what it means reader, a dreamer, a thinker and, above all, has In a world where the economy has collapsed, to shower on a moving train, track rolling un- a penchant for healing - the element that gives Stan and Charmaine have lost their jobs and der the drainhole, the book nuances of magic-realism. With home. They live in their car and survive on the the luxurious pillows, my last-minute discount. Dickensian echoes, the book gradually reveals tips Charmaine earns working part-time in a This is what they starved a people for. (p. 2) dark family secrets, even featuring a Miss run-down bar. They are harassed and threatened The poems pay particular attention to the Havisham -type of character, an unattainable by others who are even more desperate than Plains Cree uprising at Frog Lake, but the love, bullies with whom he comes to fisticuffs, them. One day they learn about an experimental book more capaciously addresses the necessity and expectations beyond his family station. corporate community called Consilience where of finding ways to process intolerable contra- Though he wishes to belong, ultimately, Fin- they are promised a home and jobs. The catch is dictions, even while acknowledging that it ton realizes he never will, and escapes the that once they sign up and enter the community, may not be possible to find a way to do so. It place and the family that do not understand or they can never leave. The promise of security is thought-provoking and challenging - not a accept him. and comfort is so strong that they accept the quick and easy read but well worth the effort it Rich in description, character, intrigue and offer and it is only once they are in Consilience demands. MM language, Gerard Collins has created a gothic that they discover the cost of living this subur- Canadian masterpiece. GSS ban dream life: they will be living in a prison The Pemmican Eaters by Marilyn Dumont. every other month. This allows double the num- Toronto: ECW Press, 2015. Pbk. 66p. 978-1- Speculative/Science Fiction ber of people to live in Consilience as they 77041-241-5 and Fantasy share homes and jobs - one month in prison and one month living a “normal” life. Marilyn Dumont begins her book with an After some time, unbeknownst to each other, Quantum Night by Robert J. Sawyer. account of how her family traced connections Stan and Charmaine become obsessed with the Toronto: Viking, 2016. Hdbk. 351p. 978-0- with the Metis leader, Gabriel Dumont. From people who live in their house while they are in 670-06578-3 this prose introduction, the book moves to po- prison. As the story unfolds, the pressure to ems about the Metis resistance to western set- conform, distrust, sexual obsession and greed Robert Sawyer is an expert at genre- tlement. She moves between forms and lan- affect and start to destroy Stan and Charmaine’s bending. His newest book merges science fic- guages and perspectives. In a letter addressed relationship and lives. tion, thriller (with some horror overtones), to Sir John A. Macdonald, she introduces con- The first part of the story focuses on the dark political fantasy - and a novel of ideas: quan- temporary events such as the Meech Lake dis- dystopian world. It is a dog-eat-dog, scary and tum physics and moral philosophy play sig- cord, and concludes, often times violent place. Once the action nificant roles in this story. Sawyer is also very …… you know as well as I moves to Consilience, the book still has it dark skilled at communicating extremely compli- that we were railroaded moments, but there are unexpected farcical cated ideas in ways that are clear and straight- by some steel tracks that didn’t last threads (such as Elvis and Marilyn Monroe forward and that also advance the plot in ap- and some settlers who wouldn’t settle

Volume 22, Number 1 Page 61 and it’s funny we’re still here and callin our- provide background information. HG Memoirs and True Stories selves halfbreed. (p. 9) Many of the poems address the historical The Piano Maker by Kurt Palka. Toronto: Precious Cargo: My Year of Driving the Kids injustices of the white settlement of the prai- McClelland & Stewart, 2015. Pbk. 288p. 978- on School Bus 3077 by Craig Davidson. ries, but there are also more light-hearted trib- 0771071287 Toronto: Alfred A. Knopf, 2016. Pbk. 297p. utes to fiddle-playing and dancing, and to the 978-0-345-81051-9 elegant eloquence of beadwork. The book it- This well-crafted novel, rich in historical self resembles beadwork in its careful selec- details, is set in the 1930s in the small Canadian Craig Davidson, a fiction author who writes tion of detail and colour, its juxtaposition of town of St Homais. Helene Giroux, a refined under the pseudonym Nick Cutter, spent a year different elements so they show each other to and talented French woman arrives in the town when he was in his early thirties and at a low best advantage, and its elegant eloquence in and intrigues everyone with stories of her fam- point in his life driving a school bus in Al- the composition of words and lines. MM ily’s piano factory in France prior to World War berta. He accepted the job because it was the One. She soon settles in as the church’s pianist only one he could get. Initially, he took on the Mystery and choir conductor, gaining the admiration of task of driving a bus of five teenage special the town’s inhabitants for her musical talents needs students as a way to make some money Speaking in Bones by Kathy Reichs. Toronto: and beginning a new friendship with David but as he interacted with and really came to Simon & Schuster, 2016. Pbk. 320p. 978- Chandler, a shoemaker in town. know these individuals, he witnessed firsthand 1501135347 Gradually, Helene’s previous life is revealed how disabled and challenged people are seen to the reader and we learn about her former hus- and treated by others and learned some hard In her 18th novel about forensic anthropolo- band, what happened in the war, and the pov- truths about himself. gist Tempe Brennan, author Kathy Reichs has erty she and her daughter endured. Details of Through his retelling of the events and con- been able to maintain her winning combina- her relationship with Nathan, a speculative busi- versations that happened with these teenagers, tion of a good thriller, fast-paced plot and griz- nessman, emerge gradually and the novel fol- Davidson gives us a glimpse into what it is zly forensic details mixed with domestic may- lows Helene’s efforts to face up to her troubled like to live in our society when you are a dis- hem. In this novel, Tempe is investigating a past and to explore new options for her life. abled or challenged person or a member of missing person case, but quickly finds herself Palka’s novel is easy to read, suspenseful and their family. Humor, happiness, embarrass- dealing with more bones and further intrigue. intriguing. The narrative shifts in the book be- ment, anger, sadness and frustration run Together with Zeb Ramsay, a local sheriff, tween Helene’s present and past are well han- through the stories as he recounts them. Like Tempe becomes embroiled in a horrifying and dled and allow readers to gradually come to the author, as we learn about the teenagers on sinister situation that threatens her personal new insights about the life of this mysterious the bus, we eventually come to see them as safety. protagonist. IJ just the unique and interesting people that they As usual, Reichs also includes aspects of are, being able to see beyond their disabilities Tempe’s personal life in the novel. In this Dancing in a Jar by Adele Poynter. St. John’s, or labels. case, she is negotiating her on again/off again NL: Breakwater Books, 2016. Pbk. 179p. 978- Davidson writes in an easy-to-read style and relationship with Ryan and dealing with her 1-55081-630-6 intersperses in the book excerpts from an un- mother’s illness. The novel successfully published novel he wrote, incorporating the blends humour into its plot and has the usual In 1929, newlyweds Don and Urla Poynter teenagers as characters. Davidson generously hallmarks of a story with many unexpected move to St. Lawrence, Newfoundland, where shares his own feelings and failures as he de- twists and turns. IJ Don has been hired to oversee a fluorspar mine. scribes how his bus riders changed him for the The shift from New York was a radical culture better. It is a wonderful read of the special Other Times and Historical shock, and this novel tells of their adjustment to relationship that can develop between people a new life in letters from and to both of them. Perspectives: Canada when you least expect it and how the person Their families in the big city are far from con- who benefits the most is not the one you ex-

vinced that they have taken the right step, but pected. LT Hark! A Vagrant. Montreal: Drawn & Quar- Urla and Don find much to admire and love in terly, 2011. Pbk. 160p. 978-0-77046-060-7 their new home. Only Urla’s deteriorating Arts and Culture Step Aside, Pops: A Hark! A Vagrant health is a real problem; everything else can be

Collection. Montreal, Drawn & Quarterly, solved with ingenuity and hard work and a posi- Me Artsy by Drew Hayden Taylor. Madeira 2015. Pbk. 160p. 978-1-77046-208-3 tive attitude. Park: Douglas and McIntyre, 2015. Pbk. 249p. The book fictionalizes a true story, told by 978-1-77162-070-3 Nova Scotia comic artist Kate Beaton Don’s daughter by a second wife. There were Me Sexy by Drew Hayden Taylor. Vancouver: gained a popular following publishing comics some real letters and it is a tribute to Adele Douglas and McIntyre, 2008. Pbk. 186p. 978- on her blog (available at www.harkavagrant. Poynter’s skill that it is impossible to pin down 1-55365-276-2 com). Her off-kilter take on history, literature what was actually written by the people in- Me Funny by Drew Hayden Taylor. and pop culture has gained her a devoted fol- volved and what she has imagined. It is a light- Vancouver: Douglas and McIntyre, 2005. Pbk. lowing. Her interest in history is wide-ranging, hearted and engaging story, despite the fact that 191p. 978-1-55365-137-6 from the Fathers of Confederation to the up- readers know from the very beginning that the roar over “indecent” young women riding bi- ending is sad. Life in St. Lawrence as the De- A non-fiction series originated by Douglas cycles in the 1890s. Comics and literature are pression takes hold is very challenging, but and McIntyre publishers who felt there was also a frequent topics (Jane Austen, the Brontë smuggling from the French island of St. Pierre much to explore in Native arts and culture. sisters and Wonder Woman each are the sub- alleviates some of the worst problems, and Drew Hayden Taylor, who is both Aboriginal ject of several strips). Even if you aren’t famil- Urla’s enthusiasm helps with the rest. MM and non-Aboriginal and calls himself “Blue- iar with the historical people, stories and Eyed Ojibway,” compiled and edited all three events behind a particular strip, they’re still hilarious enough to send readers in search of a collections and contributes his own essay to book (or at least a Wikipedia entry) that will each replete with his usual humour. He’s cho-

Page 62 Resource Links sen thoughtfully from amongst some of Can- guages” and King’s “Performing Native Hu- culinary arts. What is perhaps most courageous ada’s First Nation stars, including: Thomas mour: The Dead Dog Comedy Hour.” Irrever- about this collection is that not all of the con- King, Tomson Highway, Richard Van Camp, ent and insightful, the writers of the collection tributors are at ease with the written word. This Lee Maracle, Joseph Boyden, Gregory examine humour in fiction, visual art, drama, lends the anthology and the individual essays Scofield, Don Kelly, Ian Ferguson, Murray education and oral traditions. an authenticity that is at times confounding to Porter and David Wolfman, to mention but a Similarly, thoughtful and playful examina- the non-Aboriginal reader, but ultimately and few. tion of sexuality is the focus of the second in politically interesting and necessary. Two The essays in all three collections are un- the series: Me Sexy. Of the 13 essays, Tomson pieces, “Story of My Life,” by Inuk producer even, which is unfortunate, and many defy tra- Highway’s sequel to his first, “Why Cree is the Zacharias Kunuk (best known for his film ditional essay forms, which is refreshing. Sexiest of All Languages,” Nancy Cooper’s Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner) and Haida These are often personal accounts of the reali- cheeky “Learning to Skin the Beaver: In Manga artist, Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas’ ties for FNMI artists in Canada. They reflect Search of Our Auntie’s Traplines,” Boyden’s “The Wave” best illustrate the departure from the richness and variety of Aboriginal artistic naughty “Bush Country,” and Taylor’’s own traditional essay form at work in Me Artsy. endeavours, as well as the challenges facing “Indian Love Call (Minus Jeanette MacDonald All three are excellent resources for both the colonized artist. and Nelson Eddy)” are delightful standouts. teacher and student, providing rich reading and Me Funny offers 11 essays that vary be- The most recent, Me Artsy, offers 14 new alternate ways of seeing humour, sexuality and tween academic analysis of comedy to stand- musings by artists in a variety of disciplines art from Aboriginal perspectives. GSS up to storytelling. Highlights include “High- such as fashion design, “Drumming 101,” play *some sexually explicit material ways’’ “Why Cree is the Funniest of All Lan- writing, dance, visual art, blues singing and

(cont’d from p. 40) Journey to Gold him well in Toronto’s Jamestown. His skill in Pajama Press, 2016. 112p. Illus. Gr. 6-9. 978- soccer helps him win friends and to learn Eng- original works and bridge gaps in understand- 1-77278-003-1. $16.95 lish in a neighbourhood filled with countless ing. At the same time, it should be noted that foreign languages. the text contains historically accurate diction This is the true story of Arthur plays soccer for seven years and that is now considered dated and racist. There a young Chechen athlete leads his team to a U.S.A. cup victory but a is a note about this language on the copyright who, at the age of 20, broken leg mid-way thorough his soccer career page, but it may be easily missed by readers. will represent Canada at gives him pause and time to consider other This novel is best suited for students in the 2016 Olympics in Rio sports. Boxing finally wins the day. Arthur grades 9-12 due to some mild sexually sugges- as a boxer. also finds a mentor/trainer in Danny Santa- tive and violent scenes, including images of a Arthur Biyarslanov’s gato. Danny teaches Arthur how to fight using black man who is tarred and feathered for mar- journey begins on a his brain rather than his temper. The next rying a white woman. bridge, where, at the age round - the Olympics - will show how success- Susanna Moodie: Roughing it in the Bush of three, he witnesses his ful this story will be. would be a excellent addition to high school grandmother and siblings Author John Spray is no stranger to either social studies classrooms. being fired upon by Rus- writing or boxing. He sponsors a mystery writ- sian troops nervous that, as Muslims, these Che- ing award and has been involved with boxing Thematic Links: Graphic Novel; Biography; chens might be armed with explosives. By the for most of this life. Canadian History; Upper Canada; Canada time Arthur and his siblings reach their father in 1830-1884; Early European Settlers; Susanna Azerbaijan, they are refugees. After his father’s Thematic Links: Boxing; Family Life; Moodie death, Arthur and his family face further hard- Refugees; Soccer; Chechnya; Azerbaijan ship, deciding to move to Canada in search of a Beth Wilcox better life. Lesley Little Life in Canada is somewhat of an improve- SPRAY, John ment but the gritty athleticism and combative Next Round: A Young Athlete’s G/E nature Arthur developed in Azerbaijan serves

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Volume 22, Number 1 Page 63 (cont’d from p. 22) helps his mother and friend to safety. When he tries to follow, he's swept into the raging water. into the icy waters of the flooded Humber Readers will keep reading until they find out River. how Michael not only survives, but manages to Middle grade readers will anxiously follow rescue a cat and develop the self-confidence what happens to this grade 6 student, his friend that helps him face other problems in his life. Paul, and his mother as they're caught in the This action-packed story will fascinate difficult- fury of Hurricane Hazel, a storm that flooded to-please readers who want a lot of tense action. parts of Toronto during the fall of 1954. After staying up late to play Monopoly, the boys are Thematic Links: Hurricanes; Hurricane Hazel; awakened by a loud bang. Michael grabs a Storms; Floods; Survival; Animal Rescue; flashlight and heads downstairs - only to find Bullying; History that a tree has fallen through and smashed the living room window. The phones are out. The Helen Mason streets are flooded. What can they do? As the house starts to tilt, Michael, his mother and Paul head for the attic. Michael

ite ur Web S eck out o Ch w. http://ww .ca magazine urcelinks Published 5 times a year, Resource Links is Canada’s national journal devoted to the review reso and evaluation of Canadian resources for children and young adults

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