Inside This Book (Are Three Books) by Barney Saltzberg
Releasing April 2015, Recommended for ages 3-6
Three siblings create three books of their own using blank paper that they bind together (in descending sizes to match birth order, of course). One sibling’s work inspires the next, and so on, with each book’s text and art mirroring the distinct interests and abilities of its creator. Upon completion of their works, the siblings put one book inside the other, creating a new book to be read and shared by all!
The Legends of Lake on the Mountain, by Roderick Bens (Leaders & Legacies series) – Recommended for boys grades 3 – 5
This series is surprisingly good with all of the fast paced elements that readers look for in a paranormal adventure story. This series is a great way to pique young readers’ Interest in Canadian history with notes in back that separate fact from fiction and provide more historical detail. I found myself Googling some of the events mentioned in this book to see if they really happened!
Under the Pig Tree, by Margie Palatino,
Releasing April 2015, Recommended for ages 3-6
The publisher and author of Under a Pig Tree seem to be having communication issues. The author has written a clear, no-nonsense history of figs. But the publisher is sure she meant pigs. After all, what’s the difference between two measly letters? What results is a hilarious illustrated history of pigs, from the earliest times (“Pigs were presented as ‘medals’ to the winners of the first Olympics”) to the present day (“There is nothing better than enjoying a cup of tea or glass of milk with one of those famous Pig Newtons”). The author, needless to say, is not happy about this “little mix-up” and makes her feelings very clearly known—by scrawling all over the book! With sticky notes from the publisher, angry scribbles from the author, wrinkles, and pages askew, Under a Pig Tree is a funny read about the consequences of small mistakes.
What to do with an Idea, by Kobi Yamada
Ages 4-infinity
This book has a 2013 pub date but I question why I haven’t seen this before!!! Have you seen this yet??? It’s AMAZING!!!! Beautiful and inspirational, this is a great conversation starter on the care and feeding of ideas!
You Are Not My Friend, But I Miss You, by Daniel Kirk – ages 3-6 This book is SO cute and is a great book to open up conversations about friends and forgiveness with young readers. The illustrated characters are very expressive, helping to enhance the message of understanding and empathy. Plus, there is a good dose of humour to balance everything out as Sock Monkey realizes that he may have played a role in the falling out with his best friend. Vegetables in Underwear by Jared Chapman,
Releasing April 2015, ages 2 and up
This book makes me smile just thinking about it. — the art and story are both so fresh and fun. It differs from other potty training books in that the story focuses on different types/styles of underwear and what a BIG DEAL it is to wear underwear because BABIES WEAR DIAPERS! It goes without saying that the art is super fun, super silly, and beautifully bright!
The Swallow: a Ghost Story by Charis Cotter,
Fiction – Recommended for girls, grades 3-5
A spooky story about the friendship between Rose and Polly, one of whom may be a ghost! Young readers will love the mystery that unfolds as the girls try to piece the supernatu- ral evidence together. A cross between the “Sixth Sense” and “The Others”, this story provides enough creepiness to raise the hairs on the back of your neck while also providing enough reprieve to catch your breath. Boys of this age range will also pick this book up, after the girls tell them about a creepy vengeful ghost that makes her way into the story.
Take Away the A By Michael Escoffier, Illustrated by Kris Di Giacomo
Recommended for grades K-3
In this clever take on an alphabet book, letters are taken away to make a “beast” the “best”, a “glove” fall in “love”, and “stairs” to the “stars”. Readers, both young and old, will enjoy the clever wordplay and witty illustrations as they work their way from A-Z.
My Pen by Christopher Myers,
Recommended for boys and girls, grades K – Infinity,
“There are a million pens in the world and each one of them has a million worlds inside it.” This book is the end result of a conversation that Christopher Myers had with young people at a juvenile detention center on the topic of achieving power and unlocking creativity through art. Following a young artist through the pages of his sketchbook, we see the true power of art and transformation. The black and white drawings are gorgeous and the ideas presented capture how limitless one’s imagination can be: “My pen rides dinosaurs and hides an elephant in a teacup.” This book is sure to inspire artists of any age.
The Witch’s Boy by Kelly Barnhill,
10+, Fantasy – Recommended for girls and boys, grades 3-5 (Reviewed by Emily, age 13)
The book is about a boy named Ned and girl named Aine. Ned is the wrong boy or at least that’s what the villagers say when he and his twin brother fall off their raft into the river and only Ned survives. When the Bandit King tries to steal his mother’s magic that she protects, Ned has to guard the magic and protect both his family and his village. Aine lives across the forest, she is the Bandit King’s daughter. She is haunted by the last words her mother said to her. “The wrong boy will save your life and you will save his”. Will Ned and Aine work together to stop the war about to happen between their two kingdoms, despite their differences? Sam and Dave Dig a Hole, by Mac Barnett, Illustrated by Jon Klassen – Recommended for grades K-2 boys and girls On Monday, Sam and Dave begin to dig a whole and are determined to keep digging until they find something spectacular. So they dig, and keep digging, and keep digging and...they find nothing. John Klassen’s illustrations are an integral part of this story, as you will see that, on every page, Sam and Dave change direction just before finding something big! Yet the day turns out to be pretty spectacular after all as they end their adventure with chocolate milk and animal cookies.
The Blue Whale by Jennie Desmond
Releasing April 2015, Ages 4-8
This is a beautifully illustrate picture book that will draw children in the world of the enormous blue whale in a fun and engaging way. Young readers are given exam- ples that help explain the whale’s size in relation to trucks, cars, and hippos! It has accurate and engaging text, with stunning illustrations. It’s tempo is like a pleasing melody, which means that the information never becomes to weighty or exhausting and will absolutely hold a child’s attention.
To This Day, by Shane Koyczan
This powerful poem went viral on YouTube, has won numerous spoken word poetry awards, was performed on stage for the 2010 Winter Olympics, and is now, finally, set to print. Pairing each line of the poem with the interpretation of a different artist adds a whole new layer of meaning and emotion to each word, and the result of this collaboration is nothing short of breathtaking. An important, heartbreaking, and empowering book that deserves a place and a voice on bookshelves everywhere.
Revenge of the Fly by Sylvia McNicoll,
Recommended for girls and boys, grades 3-5
Based on a real contest sponsored by the Hamilton Sun in 1912, this book tells the story of a young boy, determined to win the fly catching contest in honour of his mother and sister who tragically died of disease on their voyage to Canada. Convinced that flies were contributing to the spread of Typhoid, many children participated in the “war of the flies” in order to contribute to reducing the risk of disease. I was captivated by this story about a piece of Canadian history that I was not aware of, and I found myself Googling for more information on this contest!
Arcady’s Goal by Eugene Yelchin, Recommended for boys and girls both grades 3-5 (Reviewed by Miranda, age 16) Arcady is an orphan at a house for children whose parents have been declared “enemies of the state”. In order to win extra food rations he has taught himself to play soccer. When he finds himself adopted he needs to find ways to readjust to his new life and soccer is left as a connecting thread of old to new. It is a sweet story with interesting characters who all manage to have a notable impact on Arcady’s life (both good and bad) as you watch him come to trust his adopted parents and work towards his goal.
Gracefully Grayson, Ami Polonski
Realistic Fiction/LGBTQ – Recommended for grades 4-7 girls and boys.
It is refreshing to see novels featuring LGBTQ characters finally starting to emerge for middle-grade readers, and Ami Polonsky’s book is a welcome addition to this genre. Having been orphaned at three years of age, Grayson struggles to fit into the home of his aunt and uncle while trying to understand his attraction to girl’s clothing. Now in sixth grade, Grayson makes the brave decision to try out for the school play, auditioning for the lead female role. When he gets the part, Grayson must face his secret head on and accept his identity as a transgender girl. Grayson finds several allies along the way, however, Polonsky introduces interesting conflict through bullying by classmates (including his older cousin) as well as conflict between his aunt and the teacher that cast him in the play. This novel delivers a message of acceptance and anti-bullying in an honest way without being too heavy-handed for this age group.
Ravens Pass Series: Bites, Cheaters, No Place Like Home and Lost Island by Steve Brezenoff, Recommended for boys and girls grades 1-4 Boys in the grades 2-3 age range seem to love a good series and this one does not disappoint. For kids who have rediscovered Goose- bumps, the Ravens Pass series provides just the right mix of suspense and creepiness that young readers will love!
El Deafo, by Cece Bell
Graphic Novel Memoir: Recommended for Grades 3-5
This is a fantastic book for middle school readers, based on the authors own struggle to fit in and find friends while having to wear a very noticeable hearing aid. At the age of four, Cece loses her hearing and is forced to wear The Phonic Ear at school in order to hear her teacher. While Cece feels embarrassed and isolated by her disability, she also realizes that The Phonic Ear gives her certain “superpowers”, especially when her teacher forgets to turn off the receiver when she leaves the classroom. For example, listening to private conversations in occurring in the teachers’ lounge and even hearing her teacher pee (gasp!). Cece creates the superhero persona, El Deafo, in her imagination in order to cope with her challenges, sometimes allowing comments from El Deafo to slip out into real life, creating hilarious predicaments for Cece. The illustrations are charming and the message is empowering, making this a great addition for an upper elementary book collection.
Draw! by Raúl Colón, Picture Book – Recommended for grades K-2
A boy alone in his room. Pencils. Sketchbook in hand. What would it be like to go on a safari? Imagine. Draw…Raúl Colón’s wordless book is about the limitless nature of creativity and imagination. This is a Moose, by Richard Morris,
Recommended for boys and girls grades K-4 When a movie director tries to capture the life of a moose on film, he's in for a big surprise. It turns out the moose has a dream bigger than just being a moose--he wants to be an astronaut and go to the moon. Illustrations by Tom Lichtenheld add to a great story. It's always good to be re- minded that we should all dream big.
Bear on the Homefront by Stephanie Innes,
Recommended for grades 1-3
In the first book in the series, "Teddy, A Bear at War", we follow the little bear as he is shipped off to keep Aileen’s Daddy company during in the war. Her father never returned but Teddy did, and he now sits in a glass case inside the Canadian War Museum. All grown up and working as a nurse, in this second story of Teddy, Aileen presents him to children from overseas who have come to the live temporarily in the safety of Canadian homes. Both of these heart-warming stories, with softly coloured illustrations, remind us all to never forget those who fought for our freedoms. A wonderful story to be read and appreciated.
Year in the Life of a Total and Complete Genius by Stacey Madson, Recommended for boys and girls, grades 3-5
This wonderful novel is told from the point-of-view of a young boy who struggles with a wide range of typical middle school problems, including girls, grades, and bullies. The entire story is told through Arthur's emails, letters, journal entries, assignments, and drawings. This is an easy, enjoyable, and fast-paced read with a charming main character and an endearing story. Arthur is witty, honest, and sometimes a little too bold. He makes plenty of mistakes, including taking claim of another boy's story for the writing competition. The reason for such an error? Pride, procrastination, and Arthur's having yet to come to terms with recent loss of his mother. Despite his faults, the reader will root for Arthur, but also reflect on his choices, behaviour, and his struggles at school. A big plus for teachers: Arthur's actions make for great classroom discussion on plagiarism, bullying, and more!
The Boy & The Book by David Michael Slater
Recommended for ages 3-6 In this wordless story, a little boy finds a book that he loves at the library. It’s a match made in kid lit heaven. But not for the book. Sometimes the little boy’s excitement gets the better of him and the book suffers from possibly too much love: bent pages, tears, hugs, tossing, and shaking. The boy soon learns that the book is not just an object and is so much more on the inside. He loves what the book gives him more than the fun he had playing with it. Bob Kolar’s charming and hilarious illustrations show how sometimes our love for a good book can be too much, but with a more gentle touch, books can give us much comfort and joy.
Sherlock, Lupin and Me by Irene Adler, Recommended for boys, grades 3-5 While on summer vacation, little Irene Adler meets a young William Sherlock Holmes. The two share stories of pirates and have battles of wit while running wild on the sunny streets and rooftops. When Sherlock's friend, Lupin, joins in on the fun, they all become fast friends. But the good times end abruptly when a dead body floats ashore on the nearby beach. The young detective trio will have to put all three of their heads together to solve this mystery. I'm looking forward to more in this series. This is a fun new series for middle readers. It will appeal to the older kids who know who Sherlock is, but the story itself stands alone as a good mystery. A Sky of Diamonds: A Story for Children About Loss, Grief and Hope By Camille Gibbs
Picture Book/Non fiction Recommended for grades K-3.
This book caught me by surprise as I was not expecting it to be as good as it ac- tually is. Even the illustrations, that didn’t capture me at first, grew on me as the story progressed. The story follows Mia and her father as they grieve the unexpected loss of their mother and wife. Together they figure out how to navigate the stages of grief and remember their loved one through positive expression. It does not pull any punch- es though…there are some truly honest depictions of grief in this book even though it is targeted for a younger audience. Perhaps that is why I enjoyed the book so much, because it is very real and doesn’t dumb down the subject matter or soften the harder edges of grieving. This is a very touching and emotional story that I am sure will help many young people suffering the loss of a loved one.
Nobody’s Perfect By David Elliot, Illustrated by Sam Zuppardi
Recommended for grades K-3
The illustrations in this book are the perfect pairing for this cute little story about a loud little sister, a show-off best friend, a stubborn mom and a messy room, all things that are imperfect, until they are…well, perfect! This book is about patience and positivity, and the appropriateness of certain behaviors in certain situations.
Audrey (cow) By Dan Bar-El
Fiction: Recommended for grades 3-5
Fans of Charlotte’s Web will love this book about a group of farm animals that unite to save Audrey the cow from her fate at “Abbot’s War”. Written in the voices of numerous farm animals, forest animlas and humans, the reader discovers how Audrey escapes the farm, takes refuge in the forest, and tries to avoid recapture. This book is absolutely hilarious, especially the diversion scene where the animals attempt to distract the farmer and truck driver while they implement their plan…so, so funny! The many, many voices involved in spinning this tale would make this a fantastically fun read -aloud and perfect for reader’s theatre involving multiple children.
Shadow Chasers By Elly Mackay
Recommended for grades K-3
Our book list would not be complete without a nice, gentle book to add to any child’s picture book library. This beautifully illustrated gem of a book follows three small children with very big imaginations chasing shadows through a lush forest on a summer evening. The lilting rhyme scheme will rock even the fussiest children to sleep, making it a great bedtime book. Abby’s Fabulous Season by Alain M. Bergeron, Recommended for girls, grades 4-6. This book, about a determined and tenacious young girl, is based on the true story of Abby Hoffman who fought for a spot on the Junior Teepees in the Little Toronto Hockey League in the 1950s. Although her advocacy towards creating a girls’ league was not immediately adopted, her contributions to women in sport continued by way of her outstanding track and field career and her election as the first female executive of the Canadian Olympic Committee. In addition to Abby’s fight to remain a part of the hockey team, this book is filled with references to other Canadian sports heroes of the time, including figure skaters, Barbara Ann Scott and the Wagner-Paul pair skating team. When the story ends, readers are treated to a section entitled By Way of Overtime which provides tidbits of information covering 1956 to the present.
The Ghost and Max Monroe, Case #1: The Magic Box The Ghost and Max Monroe, Case #2: The Missing Zucchini (Due April 2015) By L.M. Falcone
Mystery – Recommended for grades 1-3, boys and girls
It’s always nice to find a fun, engaging series for readers at this level to latch onto, and The Ghost of Max Monroe does not dissapoint. In the first book, Max is sent to spend the sum- mer with his Grandpa and soon discovers that his late Uncle Larry ran a detective agency. Wouldn’t you know it, Uncle Larry is still around…in ghost form of course, and when the first case in 20 years is called into the Monroe Detective agency, Max and Uncle Larrry spring into action to solve the mystery. A five-year-old girl has gone missing after dissappearing in a magician’s magic box and Marty the Magician is desperate to find her before her mother finds out. Surprisingly enough, Falcone constructs a pretty decent mystery in 87 short pages and there is even a spot the difference game at the end so that budding detectives can prac- tice their observation skills. Young readers are sure to be on the lookout for Case #2 in this series, The Missing Zuchinni, due out in April.
The Minerva Mint Series by Elisa Puricelli Guerra,
Recommended for girls, grades 2-5
As a young girl I was always attracted to books that had that special look and feel about them…a true bibliophile before I even knew the meaning of the word! I believe that these books will have the same appeal to young girls today, with a look and feel that will make them think they have discovered something really special. These books are good, solid mysteries that read like a cross between Annie, Pippi Longstocking, and Nancy Drew. While the main mystery pulling readers through the series is the search for Minerva Mint’s parents, who abandoned her unceremoniously at a London train station, each installment carries its own standalone mystery for young readers to enjoy. My Teacher is a Monster by Peter Brown,
Recommended for boys and girls, grades 1-3 A young boy named Bobby has the worst teacher. She's loud, she yells, and if you throw paper airplanes, she won't allow you to enjoy recess. She is a monster! Luckily, Bobby can go to his favorite spot in the park on weekends to play. Until one day... he finds his teacher there! Over the course of one day, Bobby learns that monsters are not always what they seem.
Because I Stubbed My Toe by Shawn Byous,
Recommended for boys and girls grades K-2
A young boy stubs his toe, which leads to a sequence of silly events and one delicious ending. It's just one thing after another for the protagonist in this picture book. After he stubs his toe, all sorts of things are set into motion. Just when it looks as though things couldn't get any worse, a sweet surprise comes his way. Young readers will smile at the turn of events in this picture book, and will love the progression of the story.
Sparky! by Jenny Offill,
Recommended for girls and boys, grades K-3
Our narrator of this adorable tale wants a pet more than anything in the world, and the only pet that meets her mother's qualifications is a pet that does not need to be washed or walked, so she orders herself a mail order sloth. After she has Sparky mailed to her, she just wants people to love him as much as she does. Thus she makes several failed attempts at teaching Sparky tricks, where he makes the same face I always made in gym class. Eventually our narrator realizes that it doesn't matter if people find Sparky impressive, because she loves him and that's all that matters.
Louise Loves Art by Kelly Light,
Recommended for girls and boys grades K-2
Louise is an artist and she’s very excited to be creating her masterpiece. She can’t wait to display this pièce de résistance on the Gallery du Fridge! Her little brother Art is excited about his work, too. Unfortunately, his favorite material to use is Louise’s art! Using a palate of mostly red and black, the author looks at a close sibling relationship and the joy of creating art for those we love. A great book for story time or to use one-on-one to discuss the good intentions of a younger sibling to an older sibling.
Pip Bartlett's Guide to Magical Creatures (Pip Bartlett #1) By Jackson Pearce and Maggie Stiefvater
Fantasy, Recommended for grades 3-5
What a charming and fun start to a new series for middle grade readers! You know you’re in for an exciting ride when a book opens with the sentence: “The Unicorns arrived right after the buses.” And the magical creatures just keep on coming, including the “fuzzles”, adorable little creatures that burst into flames when excited or scared. This, of course, creates a bit of a stir as Pip (who can speak to magical creatures), Tomas (who is allergic to magical creatures), and Pip’s aunt (veterinarian to magical creatures) try to keep the fuzzles from burning down the town! Complete with whimsical pictures, straight from the pages of Jeffrey Higgleston’s Guide to Magical Creatures, this book is sure to delight fantasy fans both young and old. Laika by Nick Abadzis,
Graphic Novel – Recommended for boys and girls, grades 3-5
Laika was the abandoned puppy destined to become Earth's first space traveler. This is her journey. The author blends fiction and fact in the intertwined stories of three compelling lives. Along with Laika there is Korolev, once a political prisoner and now a driven engineer at the top of the Soviet space program, and Yelena, the lab technician responsible for Laika's health and life. This graphic novel will remind you of Because of Winn Dixie, Shiloh, and Old Yeller. Laika's story will speak straight to your heart.
Red: A Crayon’s Story, by Michael Hall
Picture Book: Recommended for K-3
This picture book touched my heart. This is the story of a blue crayon who has clearly been mislabelled as “red”. No matter how hard he tries to be red, he just can’t seem to make it work. In addition to feeling sad and frustrated, he just doesn’t seem to fit in with his family and friends who all think they need to fix him. Once he accepts that he is blue and does not have to fit the mold of being red, he finds happiness and his friends and family finally accept him for who he really is. This book is perfect for teaching self-confidence and acceptance in a fun and accessible manner.
The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier
Mystery/Fantasy – recommended for grades 4-7, boys and girl
Captivating, creepy storyline – a real page turner! Orphaned siblings, Molly and Kip find themselves employed as servants in a mysterious home that everyone else seems to want to avoid. When they discover that a ghost-like figure haunts the grounds and a magical tree is locked behind closed doors, they realize that there is more to the Windsor family and the property than meets the eye. Sub-storylines of grief and overcoming disability and prejudice make these characters even more endearing.
I Wish You More by Amy Krause Rosenthal
Releasing March 31st, Book for any age
Some books are about a single wish. Some books are about three wishes. The infallible team of Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld have combined their extraordinary talents to create this exuberant book of endless good wishes. Wishes for curiosity and wonder, for friendship and strength, laughter and peace. Whether celebrating life's joyous milestones, sharing words of encouragement, or observing the wonder of everyday moments, this sweet and uplifting book is perfect for wishers of every age.
By The Grace of Todd By Louise Galveston
Fiction, Recommended for grades 3-6
This hilariously funny novel will appeal to readers who love to laugh out loud while reading and who don’t mind being totally grossed out by stinky socks and skin flakes. Todd discovers that the collection of smelly sweat socks under his bed has given rise to an entire civilization of ant sized beings called Toddlians, who immediately, upon discovery, brand Todd as their supreme being. But, it doesn’t take long for the school bully to discover the existence of the Toddlians and demand to use them as the subjects of a science fair project. As such, Todd and his friend Lucy must work together to keep the Toddlians safe from harm. Fans of this book will be waiting on the edge of their seats for the next installment, In Todd we Trust. Tuniit: Mysterious Folk of the Arctic by Rachel Qitsualik-Tinsley,
Fiction/Mythology – Recommended for boys and girls, grades 3-5
Tuniit is the first full-length book dedicated to providing kids with a full understanding of Tuniit, the ancient race that populated the Canadian Arctic before the Inuit. It explores the fascinating, little known world of the Tuniit from both a mythological and anthropological perspective. Filled with amazing facts and Beautiful artwork.
Jacob’s New Dress by Sarah Hoffman,
Picture Book – Recommended for boys and girls, grades K-4
Jacob loves playing dress-up, when he can be anything he wants to be. Some kids at school say he can't wear "girl" clothes, but Jacob wants to wear a dress to school. Can he convince his parents to let him wear what he wants? This heartwarming story speaks to the unique challenges faced by children who don't identify with traditional gender roles.
Edmund Unravels, by Andrew Kolb
Recommended for grades K-3
Who knew that a little ball of yarn could be so cute? This book is all about exploration and discovery, but not at the expense of losing ties with family and friends. In Edmund’s younger days, he is only allowed to roam a short distance from his parents, always being reeled back in when he ventures too far. As he grows, his adventures become more complex and exciting, eventually taking him far from his parents and family. But, no matter how far he travels, or what kinds of predicaments he gets himself into, he is always tied firmly to home.
Winnie: The True Story of the Bear Who Inspired Winnie-the-Pooh By Sally M. Walker, Illustrated by Jonathan D. Voss
Picture Book/Non-fiction, Recommended for grades K-3
Well, the title and the cover of this book pretty much say it all. The story is, of course, heartwarming, evoking empathy, awe and wonder in a few short pages. The water colour, pen and ink illustrations provide a perfect match to the text, giving the book an antique feel suitable for the time period that is covered in the story. What the cover doesn’t show is the how the endpapers are covered with real photographs of Harry Colebourn, Winnie, A.A. Milne, and more. The authors note provides further historical context for the story, and it is refreshing to see the inclusion of sources in a book of this format. Beautifully written and illustrated, young readers will be captivated by the true story behind Winnie-the-Pooh. Rain Shadow, By Valerie Sherrard
Fiction, Recommended for grades 3-6
Valerie Sherard writes endearing characters who are so easy to fall in love with. When twelve year old Bethany loses her older sister to polio she becomes a target for her grieving mother who wishes that her “imperfect” child would have died instead; after all, it was Bethany who invited strangers into her home who ultimately infected Mira with the deadly disease. Characters from Sherrard’s previous novel, Glory Wind, also make an appearance in the story. While the book ends on a happy note, readers should have a box of tissue ready as this one is a real tear jerker.
Connecting Dots By Sharon Jennings
Fiction, Recommended for grades 3-6
In the latest book of the Gutsy Girl series, twelve-year-old Cassandra, longs to become an actress, despite her disconnected childhood being shuffled from relative to relative. While Cassandra would rather not discuss her past, her best friend Leanna encourages, or rather demands, that Cassandra write about her experiences as an orphan. Cassandra takes her up on the challenge, giving us the story of her childhood and providing context for her current state of distrust. Read- ers will be cheering Cassandra on as she connects the dots of her life towards amazing accomplishments and fulfillment of her dreams.
The End of the Line By Sharon McKay
Fiction, Recommended for grades 3-6
This is a touching story for middle-grade readers that effectively portrays the horrors of the time period while offering reassurance, that despite great risk and fear, real life heroes are willing to step-up to help others in times of need. In this story, Beatrix can only helplessly watch as her mother is pulled off a tram by Nazi soldiers. Thankfully, brothers Lars (63) and Hans (65) are working the tram that day and spring into action to protect Beatrix, claiming her as their niece. The book is written from the brothers’ point-of-view, offering an interesting perspective as the men commit themselves to protecting a young girl, with no experience on raising a child under normal circumstanced let alone under wartime conditions.
The Keepers: The Box and the Dragonfly By Ted Sanders
Science Fiction/Fantasy, Recommended for grades 3-7
From the author of the popular series, The School for Good and Evil, comes the first in a promising new series called The Keepers. Fans of this genre will not be intimidated by the books hefty size, in fact I suspect they will be begging for the next one the second they reach the last page. While initially Harry Potter-esque in the sense that Horace discovers his unique talents and a secret world of magic operating in plain view, this story stands on its own merits as a fast-paced, action packed adventure filled with intrigue, friendship, and fun! The story opens with Horace noticing his name on a the sign from a bus, which leads him to a hidden underground warehouse, the House of Answers, that is filled with mysterious items. Soon Horace and his friend Chloe find themselves in the middle of a centuries old conflict, with only their newly found abilities and a series of unanswered questions to guide their way. The Old Ways By Susan Chapman, Illustrated by John Mantha
Picture Book, Recommended for grades K-3
Much to his grandparents’ dismay, Simon seems to be interested only in t.v. and videogames, with no desire to learn about “the old ways”…that is, until the family is stranded in a snowstorm on their way to visit relatives and Simon is forced to help his grandfather build an igloo for shelter. While they ride out the storm, Simon’s grandmother keeps him entertained with her storytelling and Simon begins to understand the importance of learning about his culture and its traditions. Do You Think This is Strange, by Aaron Cully Drake
Fiction: Recommended for Grades 10+
(Reviewed by the UofL Bookstore)
Due to be released in April 2015, this first novel by Vancouver author Aaron Cully Drake is absolutely breathtaking! Fans of Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer will adore this book about a seventeen-year-old boy with autism trying to get through his last year of high school. Having been expelled from one school, Freddy is forced to transfer to another where he is faced with new routines, misunderstandings, and more bullying. Freddy’s logical interpretations of events makes him appear to be a bit of a “smart-ass” to his teachers and his father, but the first-person narrative allows us, as readers, to fully understand the genesis of his verbal and physical responses to his surroundings. Written with a fair dose of humour, Drake neither insults nor diminishes the challenges of trying to fit-in with autism, but rather connects us on a very real level with Freddy. This author writes amazing characters that are terribly flawed and, therefore, perfectly identifiable. The revelation of a long for- gotten secret intertwines with this coming-of-age story, and it left this reader wanting more.
NOTE: This book is being published as adult fiction but could easily cross-over for use with a YA audience. There is a fair amount of swearing in this novel, but the choice of dialogue is consistent with the characters and, therefore, I did not find it gratuitous or distracting.
Uncertain Soldier By Karen Bass
Fiction
Recommended for grades 6-12
Those of you familiar with Karen Bass’ last book, Graffiti Knight, will know that this author does an incredible job of creating fast-paced, page turning adventures set in a historical context. The lat- est edition to Bass’ repertoire is Uncertain Soldier and it does not disappoint. What makes this book even more interesting, is that it is set in Lethbridge during the second World War, with much of the action taking place behind the barbed wire of the German POW camp. Erich, is a seventeen year old prisoner of war who was forced into the military by his father despite his opposing views on Nazism. Running parallel to Erich’s story is the story of twelve-year-old Max, who was born in Canada, but still faces torment due to his German roots. Filled with suspense, sabotage, and edge-of-your-seat tension, the boys must ultimately come together to face their enemies. Bass’ books are perfect for reluctant male readers as the action and compelling storyline pulls you right through from beginning to end.
Red Wolf by Jennifer Dance,
Fiction (FNMI) - Recommended for middle and high school girls and boys.
Set in the late 1800’s this is the story of the Indian Act and Red Wolf, who was torn from his family and forced to attend a residential school. The parallel story of Crooked Ear, an orphaned timber wolf, further illustrates the displace- ment of man and animal during this time. A heart wrenching, yet hopeful novel that will appeal to both boys and girls grades grade 6 and up. Paint by Jennifer Dance,
Fiction (FNMI)-recommended for middle and high school
Having enjoyed Dance’s Red Wolf so much, I was pleased to find that Paint is equally as well-written, captivating, and heart wrenching. Set in the late 1800s early 1900s, readers follow the journey of a Paint, from her young beginning as an orphaned wild mustang, to her training as a buffalo hunter with the Lakota tribe, through subsequent purchases and sales across the Canadian prairie. All the while, the reader is presented with depictions of battles, slaughters, and displacement of the Plains Indians as white settlers moved in to claim the land. This beautifully written novel will ap- peal to girls and boys, horse lovers and fans of historical fiction alike. Can’t Look Away by Donna Cooner, Fiction – Recommended for middle and high school girls Torrey Grey has always wanted to be famous and gains popularity by posting a hugely followed fashion vlog (video blog). However, when her younger sister is tragically killed in a drunk driving accident, Torrey's fame becomes a curse as her grieving family tries to move forward. This book provides an excellent commentary on how social media intrudes on our privacy and how anonymous comments can impact real people. The storyline will provide an excellent context to have tough discussions with young people about cyber-bullying, the high cost of fame, and the value of loyal friendships.
Complicit By Stephanie Kuehn
Recommended for grades 9-12
For readers who love twisted books with intensely dark storylines, this book is for them! The story opens with the discovery that Jamie’s sister, Cate, has been released early from juvenile detention. The news does not sit well with Jamie, particularly when he begins to receive a series of threatening phone calls from his disturbed sibling. Short chapters reveal snippets of information at just the right pace to keep readers on the edge of their seats, bouncing back and forth between the past and the present to reveal what led to Cate’s incarceration, and why Jamie is so fearful of her return. A dark secret and a twist ending make this a delectable book for teen readers.
Night Witches by L.J. Adlington,
Fiction – Recommended for middle to high school girls and boys So, when is the last time you read a book about an all-girl teenage bomber-pilot regiment set in a supernatural setting? Yeah, we hadn’t either, and that’s what makes this book awesome! Adding to that awesome- ness is that there is more to this story that meets the eye. The regiment is based on the real “night-witches” and all-female fighter pilot regiment from the Soviet Union that fought in WWII. Add to that a plethora of topics that will inspire deep thought and conversations, like religion versus science, nature versus science, and sexual identity, and this book becomes even more amazing. The captivating cover will certainly draw readers to this book, and they will not be disappointed with what they find inside.
The Bridge from Me to You by Lisa Schroeder,
Fiction/Romance, Recommended for middle and high school girls
Featuring chapters that alternate between Lauren and Colby’s perspective, this book is unique in that Lauren’s perspective is written in free verse while Colby’s is written in prose. This book is about a friendship between a teen female and male character that, of course, turns romantic. Lauren is sent to live with her aunt and uncle because she has taken the blame for her Mom’s abusive behavior while Colby is a star football player who hates football and whose best friend has been severely injured in a car accident. I love it when a book exceeds my expectations and this one certainly did. In addition to the romance, there are a number of significant challenges that these characters must overcome. It was also refreshing to see Lauren portrayed, as a strong, independently minded young woman, who did not rush blindly into a relationship. The Accidental Highwayman: Being the Tale of Kit Bristol, His Horse Midnight, a Mysterious Princess, and Sundry Magical Persons Besides By Ben Tripp
Historical Fantasy, Recommended for grades 5-8
This book looks and reads like a classic novel, complete with captioned pictures and 18th century linguistic flare. Sixteen year old Kit Bristol launches himself into a magical adventure when he makes the choice to divert intruders by donning his master’s highwayman attire. Not only does this lead to a case of mistaken identity, but it also commits Kit to finishing his master’s unfinished task. Filled with fantastic characters, both human and fantastical, with a fair dose of wit and humour to boot, this is the first of a series that promises to be great fun for fantasy readers in this age range.
Soldier Doll by Jennifer Gold,
Fiction – Recommended for middle to high school girls, however boys may be interested in the war stories as well
A wooden doll painted to resemble a soldier is purchased by the main character, Elizabeth, at a garage sale. She discovers that the doll once belonged to an author and is determined to return it to its rightful owner. The doll acts as a device to pull the reader through a series of flashbacks chronicling the doll’s journey through WWI, WWII, the Vietnam War and Afghanistan. Although the storyline depends on highly unlikely coincidences, it is still very compelling and explores varying viewpoints on war and its consequences.
How it Went Down By Kekla Magoon
Fiction
Recommended for grades 8-12
When Tariq, a black teen, is gunned down by a Jack, a white male controversy erupts amongst friends, family, and witnesses, throwing the community into turmoil. Magoon skilfully juggles multiple voices to evoke a tangled web of perceptions, opinions, and accounts that ultimately unravel what really happened the night that Tariq was killed. Gripping is the word that comes to mind when describing this novel. This is an important story that questions divides brought on by an individual’s race, perspective, and motivation, and how they combine to inform the collective opinions of an entire community.
The Drowning by Rachel Ward, Fiction/Horror- Recommended for high school girls and boys This book by the author of Numbers, quite frankly terrified me! This is an intense, dark ghost story that unravels the mystery behind the drowning of Cee’s older brother. Although Cee was present at the time of the accident, he has no memories of the event and seeks to find answers while being haunted by his brother’s ghost. This book contains some sexuality and bullying, is quite dark, and very scary! Teen readers will embrace the creepiness factor, but it may not be suitable for more sensitive readers. Anatomy of a Misfit, by Andrea Portes,
Fiction – Recommended for high school girls (Reviewed by the UofL Bookstore)
This book details the pressure of being one of the popular kids, maintaining that popularity and the affect that bullying can have on high school students. Anika is most likely the third most popular girl in her class and, to keep her standing, she bows to the whim of Becky, the most popular girl. Anika begins a secretive relationship with Logan; this relationship must be hidden because Logan isn't deemed a cool boyfriend by Becky. Add in to this some dysfunctional familial relationships as well as stealing and domestic violence and you have a book full of edgy teenage angst. From snort-into-your-palm funny and arrow-to-the heart observant, this book is ultimately a bust-your-soul-to-smithereens look at what it means to care too much about the opinions of all the wrong people.
Through The Woods by Emily Carroll,
Graphic – Recommended for high school girls and boys
Journey through the woods in this sinister, compellingly spooky collection that features four brand-new stories and one phenomenally popular tale in print for the first time. These are fairy tales gone seriously wrong, where you can travel to "Our Neighbor's House"—though coming back might be a problem. Or find yourself a young bride in a house that holds a terrible secret in "A Lady's Hands Are Cold." You might try to figure out what is haunting "My Friend Janna," or discover that your brother's fiancée may not be what she seems in "The Nesting Place." And of course you must revisit the horror of "His Face All Red," the breakout webcomic hit that has been gorgeously translated to the printed page.
This One Summer by Mariko and Jillian Tamaki,
Fiction (Graphic) – Recommended for high school girls
The authors of Skim do not disappoint with their newest graphic novel about Rose’s annu- al summer vacation to the family cottage. Unfortunately, this year’s holiday is overshadowed by her parents constant fighting causing a strain on Rose’s friendship with her cottage friend Windy. Mature subjects including puberty and miscarriage (Rose’s mother) are covered and should be noted if recommending to more conservative readers.
Skraelings by Rachel &Sean Qitsualik-Tinsley, Fiction/Mythology – Recommended for boys, grades 4-7 We love what this publisher is doing to get traditional Inuit mythology into the hands of young readers! This exciting tale of murder and war is written from an interesting perspective, keeping the traditional feel of oral story telling. Young boys fascinated with mythology will love this book. It is a little dark in places, so may not be suitable for more sensitive readers. If You Find Me by Emily Murdoch, Fiction – Recommended for high school girls A broken-down camper hidden deep in a national forest is the only home fifteen year-old Carey can remember. The trees keep guard over her threadbare existence, with the one bright spot being Carey's younger sister, Jenessa, who depends on Carey for her very survival. All they have is each other, as their mentally ill mother comes and goes with greater frequency. Until that one fateful day their mother has disappeared for good, and two strangers arrive. Suddenly, the girls are taken from the woods and thrust into a bright and perplexing new world of high school, clothes and boys. Now, Carey must face the truth of why her mother abducted her ten years ago, while haunted by a past that won't let her go . . . a dark past that hides many secrets, including the reason Jenessa hasn't spoken a word in over a year. Carey knows she must keep her sister close, and her secrets even closer, or risk watching her new life come crashing down. This book is about horrible unimaginable abuse but more importantly, this book is about Carey's strength. I loved this character.
Two Girls Staring at the Ceiling by Lucy Frank,
Fiction/Verse – Recommended for middle and high school girls This novel-in-verse—at once literary and emotionally gripping—follows the unfolding friendship between two very different teenage girls who share a hospital room and an illness. The ingenious format makes the book both fresh and accessible. A vertical line down the center of the page stands in for a hospital curtain, allowing the characters to speak across it. When the line is there, the curtain is closed. When the line is absent, the curtain is open. The poetry of the language sweeps you along with spirit, heart, and also humor.
Schizo by Nic Sheff,
Fiction – Recommended for high school boys and girls
Miles is the ultimate unreliable narrator—a teen recovering from a schizophrenic breakdown who believes he is getting better . . . when in reality he is growing worse. Driven to the point of obsession to find his missing younger brother, Teddy, and wrapped up in a romance that may or may not be the real thing, Miles is forever chasing shadows. As Miles feels his world closing around him, he struggles to keep it open, but what you think you know about his world is actually a blur of gray, and the sharp focus of reality proves startling. Schizo is the fascinating, and ultimately quite hopeful, story of one teen's downward spiral into mental illness as he chases the clues to a missing brother. Perfect for fans of Thirteen Reasons Why, or The Perks of Being a Wallflower. I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson,
Fiction/Family Issues - Recommended for high school girls and boys
This is one of the best YA books I have read this season. I could not put it down. In fact, I let my kids play video games all day so that I didn’t have to! The story is written from the alternating perspectives of thirteen-year-old Noah and his twin sister Jude. Noah is a bit of a loner with incredible artistic talent, while Jude is an outgoing, rebellious, red-lipstick-wearing, cliff-diving social butterfly. Despite their differences, the twins share that inexplicable twin bond until a series of circumstances tear them apart. While the twins try to singularly navigate their teenage years through romance, tragedy, disappointment and change, Nelson slowly brings the twins and their perspectives together to reveal the whole story. Jandy Nelson did a superb job of creating complex characters that grow and evolve throughout the story. She does not pull any punches when it comes to exploring the depth of their experiences or feelings, drawing the reader deep into the story. Filled with all the trials and tribulations of growing up, but leaving readers with an overall sense of hope, I’ll Give You the Sun will make readers laugh, cry, love, and cheer…sometimes all at the same time.
If I Ever Get Out of Here by Eric Gansworth,
Fiction (FNMI) – Recommended for middle and high school girls and boys.
Heartbreakingly realistic, funny, touching, inspiring and unforgettable. Readers will love Lewis. He is smart, witty, socially awkward, ambitious, loyal and desperately lonely. Lewis is an outsider. He loves his life on the Tuscarora Indian Reservation, but his love of learning and the Beatles is seen as weird by most of his peers. The reservation school convinced his mother to send him to the white school in town so he could be in the accelerated academic program, but at the white school he is bullied, ostracized and subjected to the prejudice and racism of his classmates, teachers and the administrators. When a new kid arrives, Lewis decides to make friends before the newcomer's opinion of him is poisoned by his classmates. George and Lewis quickly become best friends. Brought together by their love of the Beatles and Queen, Lewis and George quickly realize they come from very different families and cultures. It is fun to watch Lewis try to learn the odd customs of the super straight laced, buttoned-up air force family of George, and equally fun to watch George try clumsily to get himself included in Lewis' life on the reservation. Both families become better and stronger because of the friendship between George and Lewis.
Somebody Up There Hates You by Hollis Seamon,
Fiction – Recommended for middle and high school boys and girls
“Chemo, radiation, a zillion surgeries, watching my mom age twenty years in twenty months: if that’s part of the Big Dude’s plan, then it’s pretty obvious, isn’t it? Somebody up there hates you”. Smart-mouthed and funny, sometimes raunchy, Richard Casey is in most ways a typical seventeen-year-old. Except Richie has cancer, and he's spending his final days in a hospice unit. His mother, his doctors, and the hospice staff are determined to keep Richie alive as long as possible. But in this place where people go to die, Richie has his own plans for how to make the most of the life he has left.
Uninvited, by Sophie Jordan,
Fiction - Recommended for high school boys and girls (Reviewed by the UofL Bookstore)
Seriously, the YA lists this year are really making our spines tingle. The first thing to notice about this book is its cover. Just a girl, seemingly levitating, with her long hair flowing beneath her, right? Wrong! Look again, her hair is shaped like DNA! How awesome is that! Awesome, and creepy, when you find out that this girl has tested positive for Homicidal Tendency Syndrome, meaning she had the “kill gene”. When Davy’s diagnoses is discovered, her perfect teenage life begins to unravel. She loses her friends, her boy- friend, and is destined to spend the rest of her high school career in a segregated classroom. As if high school wasn’t hard enough, Davy must now come of age knowing that she is destined to kill someone.
In Real Life by Cory Doctorow,
Graphic Novel - Recommended for high school girls and boys Anda loves Coarsegold Online, the massively-multiplayer role playing game that she spends most of her free time on. It's a place where she can be a leader, a fighter, a hero. It's a place where she can meet people from all over the world, and make friends. Gaming is, for Anda, entirely a good thing. But things become a lot more complicated when Anda befriends a gold farmer - a poor Chinese kid whose avatar in the game illegally collects valuable objects and then sells them to players from developed countries with money to burn. This behavior is strictly against the rules in Coarsegold, but Anda soon comes to realize that questions of right an wrong are a lot less straightforward when a real person's real livelihood is at stake. In Real Life is a sensitive, thoughtful look at adolescence, gaming, poverty, and culture-clash. The Book of Bad Things, by Dan Poblocki,
Fiction – Recommended for middle and high girls and boys,
A ghost story that is sure to please horror fans who have outgrown the Goosebumps series! A hoarder’s mysterious death leads to the folks of Whitechapel looting an old farmhouse filled with trash and treasures. All seems well until the looters end up dead and their bodies go missing. Notebook entries recording the main character’s descriptions of the “bad things” that are happening add to the spookiness of this story that is best read with the lights on!
Side Effects May Vary, by Julie Murphy,
Fiction – Recommended for high school girls
When 16 year old Alice is diagnosed with cancer, she decides to live out her last days seeking revenge on all of those who have wronged her. This makes her a completely unlikeable character, however, it does add an interesting twist on the teen-is-diagnosed- with-a-terminal-illness theme. What really brings this story home is that after her streak of revenge is over, she goes into remission and must live with the consequences of her actions.
Rabbit Ears, by Maggie De Vries,
Fiction – Recommended for MATURE high school girls, (Reviewed by the UofL Bookstore)
Written from the alternating perspectives of two sisters, Kaya and Beth, who are grieving the death of their father, this story is based on the true story of Maggie De Vries sister who became a victim of Robert Pickton. That alone tells us that this story covers some intense subject matter that may not be suitable for more sensitive readers; however, this exploration of Kaya’s descent into the world of the sex trade and addiction while her sister struggles to save her is extremely powerful and moving.
Tastes Like Music, by Maria Birmingham
Non Fiction- Recommended for girls and boys, grades 3-5
Interesting information and sidebars enhance this already fascinating book! This book will be great for readers who like to open to any page and find fun facts. First hand interviews of people who possess these exceptional traits make this book even more interesting as does the reveal at the end that the author has congenital anosmia, (she can’t smell).
Annaleise Carr: How I Conquered Lake Ontario to Help Kids Battling Cancer By Annaleise Carr as told to Deborah Ellis
Autobiography, Recommended for Grades 3-6
Who better to help this incredible young woman than acclaimed children’s author, Deborah Ellis? This book really captures the spirit of Annaleise Carr who raised a significant amount of money for Camp Trillium when she became the youngest athlete to swim across Lake Ontario in 2012. This is an inspiring story and offers proof that with hard work and dedication, kids can achieve extraordinary things!
IF by David Smith, Non-Fiction – Recommended for boys and girls, grades 1-5 Love this Book! From the author of If the World Were a Village, this book takes large numbers and scales them back into concepts that are easier to grasp. Everything from world poverty levels, to water consumption, to the size of the galaxy is included along with ideas on other scalable activities at the end. The illustrations truly enhance under- standing of the material in a captivating way.
Don’t Touch That Toad by Catherine Rondina, Non-Fiction – Recommended for boys and girls grades 2-5 An entertaining book about common expressions and the truth, or untruth, behind them. I think this book will work especially well to attract reluctant boy readers as they will find a fun fact on every page. There is just the right amount of bathroom humour mixed in as well that will certainly keep the kids interested!
Wisdom from our First Nations by Kim Sigafus Grade 4 and up
In Indigenous cultures, elders serve as a bridge across time: they are connected to the past, they live in the present and they offer wisdom for the future. In these fascinating biographical essays, twelve First Nation and Native American elders share stories from their lives and tell what it was like to live in a time before television, cell phones and video games. Their stories explain how their humble childhoods shaped the adults they became and the lessons they share as elders. All the elders profiled work to ensure that their Native culture is passed down to members of their tribe. Settle in with this book and “listen” to the stories of these elders’ lives. As you take in their history, you just might gain wisdom that could make a difference in your own life. When the Worst Happens by Tanya Lloyd Kyi, Ages 10+
Non-fiction – Recommended for boys and girls, grades 3 - Reluctant teen readers This book is a great combination of survival stories and scientific explanations of how the mind and body react to extreme situations. Interesting features include symbols that indicate what worked and what didn’t as well as “skip ahead” points that allow readers to choose whether to read the book linearly or jump around from story to story. The book is organised in such a way that the real-life events parallel the scientific explanations, so the “jump ahead” feature will allow impatient, excited readers to discover what happens next if they just can’t wait. The subject matter is exciting and interesting enough that it will appeal to a wide range of age groups, including reluctant teen readers who are interested in true stories of survival.
Who Was…? Series & What Was…? Series,
Non-Fiction – Recommended for girls and boys, grades 2-5
Easy biographies and histories for children to under- stand. They give us a glimpse into the everyday life, culture, people, and economy relevant to the main theme. Kids who are history buffs will love these short, concise books with tons and tons of facts. All of the books in the series include a timeline of both the per- son/event and the world at the time and a bibliog- raphy. There are currently 40 titles in these series.
Look Where We Live! By Scot Richie
Ages 4-7
This fun and informational picture book follows five friends as they explore their community during a street fair. The children find adventure close to home while learning about the businesses, public spaces and people in their neighborhood. Young readers will be inspired to re-create the fun-filled day in their own communities.
Because I Am A Girl by Rosemary MacCarney,
Non-Fiction - Recommended for girls grades 3-5
Rosemary McCarney, President and CEO of Plan International Canada, has followed up her popular picture book Every Day is Malala Day with a book for middle grade readers, also inspired by her international development work. Working with Plan, Rosemary helped craft its Because I am a Girl global initiative to end gender inequality, promote girls' rights, and lift millions of girls out of poverty, and helped lead the charge for the United Nations to declare October 11th the "International Day of the Girl" - a day each year to recognize and advocate for girls' rights globally. This book illustrates the Because I am a Girl call to change by telling the stories of individual girls throughout the world. They tell us: "Because I am a girl, I eat if there is food left over when everyone is done" and "I am the poorest of the poor." The later stories are about hope, with chapters like "Because I am a girl, I will share what I know" and " I am the heart of my community" and "I can change the world." Illustrated with Plan's amazing photographs and including "Did You Know" fact sections. Rock and roll Highway: The Robbie Robertson Story by Sebastian Robertson, Non-Fiction– Recommended for boys and girls, grades 4-5
Canadian guitarist and songwriter Robbie Robertson is known mainly for his central role in the musical group the Band. But how did he become one of Rolling Stone' s top 100 guitarists of all time? Written by his son, Sebastian, this is the story of a rock-and-roll legend's journey through music, beginning when he was taught to play guitar at nine years old on a Native American reservation. Rock and Roll Highway is the story of a young person's passion, drive, and determination to follow his dream. Good tie-in for music fans and for FNMI.
The Children’s Book of Philosophy, Dorling Kindersley
Recommended for ages 8+
The Children's Book of Philosophy lays out philosophical questions with engaging graphics that are fun and easy for kids to process. We've included biographical in- formation, timelines, and conceptual thinking, all with inviting images. Children learn that their questions are important and have been pondered by famous philosophers for years. The content is geared toward the specific questions of 21st-century kids, so the information is relevant and interesting. Looking for a child's first philosophy book to encourage your young thinker? With the Children's Book of Philosophy, you've found it!
The Big Book of Building: Everything Minecraft®™ Imagine it… Create it… Build it by Triumph Books
Recommended for grades 3 and upI am a big fan of getting gaming guides into the hands of young readers, particularly those who have an affinity for non-fiction versus fiction when it comes to reading for pleasure. As the parent of a video-game fanatic, I have seen first-hand the level of engagement that my son and his friends have with books such as this...analyzing each section word for word and picture by picture in order to recreate what they are learning within the game itself. Reading, comprehension, collaboration, and troubleshooting…what’s there not to love?
Minecrafter 2.0 Advanced: The Unofficial Guide to Minecraft & Other Building Games, Non-Fiction – Recommended for boys, grades 1-5
You may think to yourself, “What and odd choice for the UofL Bookstore crew to recommend a gaming guide for an elementary school library”, but I have to tell you, my eight year old son and his friends will lay on their stomachs with their heads together on the floor, studying, yes studying each and every page of this book for hours. Then they go to their (insert electronic gaming system of choice here), and apply, yes apply, what they have learned in the virtual gaming world. Gaming may seem like mindless entertainment to some, but as a parent, I have to say that if I can trick my son into reading, learning, comprehending, ap- plying, programming, creating, and cooperating all at the same time, then I will embrace the Minecraft phenomenon. A is for Aboriginal by Joseph MacLean,
Non-fiction - Recommended for girls and boys, grades K – Infinity
This is an absolutely stunning picture book that will make and excellent addition to your alphabet book collection. The illustrations are gorgeous and there is a fantastically de- tailed glossary at the end, allowing this book to be read on many levels; as a simple A-Z book or a valuable resource on aboriginal culture.
Power Up: A Visual Exploration of Energy by Shaker Paleja Releasing in April, Ages 8+
It's impossible to imagine our lives without energy, but how often do we really think about where it comes from? With Power Up! discovering what you need to know about energy is easy and fun. Every bright, dynamic double-page spread illustrates cool facts about energy use with colorful infographics, including charts, diagrams, and maps, and it’s designed to appeal to visual learners, reluctant readers, and anyone who is keen to know more about the world of energy, Power Up! packs an impressive amount of Information into a concise, appealing book, and serves as an exciting, accessible introduction to the topic.
Trash Talk: Moving Toward a Zero Waste World by Michelle Mulder
Non-Fiction Ages 7-12
Humans have always generated garbage, whether it’s a chewed-on bone or a broken cell phone. Our landfills are overflowing, but with some creative thinking, stuff we once threw away can become a collection of valuable resources just waiting to be harvested. Trash Talk digs deep into the history of garbage, from Minoan trash pits to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, and uncovers some of the many innovative ways people all over the world are dealing with waste.
The Choice By Kathy Clark
Historical Fiction, Recommended for grades 4-6
Based on her father’s experiences in the Holocaust, Kathy Clark tells the story of thirteen-year-old Hendrik, whose family is concealing their identity, living as Catholics in Budapest during the second World War. At one point, though, Hendrik makes the prideful decision to announce his true identity, leading to his capture and ultimate transfer to Auschwitz. A story of friendship, family, and the hor- rific treatment of an innocent people, this book evokes an even deeper reaction from readers with its inclusion of real photographs detailing the events of the time. 1001 Comics You Must Read Before You Die by Paul Gravett,
Non Fiction – Recommended for high school girls and boys
Definitely a high school pick as some of the suggestions are a bit violent and /or risqué, however this is an excellent resource as it covers not only comic books but graphic novels and manga as well. Three other reasons I love this book:
1. Paul Gravel has a blog & website that is updated frequently. 2. It covers many titles from indie publishers so it’s a great way to discover non-mainstream talent. There is plenty of Canadian content, including Skim & Chester Brown.
What If by Randall Munroe, Non-Fiction – Recommended for high school
From the creator of the wildly popular webcomic xkcd, hilarious and informative answers to important questions you probably never thought to ask. The author’s stick-figure drawings about science, technology, language, and love have an enormous, dedicated following, as do his deeply researched answers to his fans’ strangest questions. The queries he receives range from merely odd to downright diabolical: • What if I took a swim in a spent-nuclear-fuel pool? • Could you build a jetpack using downward-firing machine guns? • What if a Richter 15 earthquake hit New York City? • Are fire tornadoes possible? His responses are masterpieces of clarity and wit, gleefully and accurately explaining everything from the relativistic effects of a baseball pitched at near the speed of light to the many horrible ways you could die while building a periodic table out of all the actual elements. Breakthrough By Jack Andraka
Autobiography (Recommended for grades 4-8)
I read this book in one sitting, and can honestly say that this boy and his story charmed the pants off of me! This book celebrates geekdom and individuality in all of its glory, and I found myself at the edge of my seat cheering Jack on through his struggles and successes. This book follows Jack’s journey through childhood, filled with descriptions of experiments that were hilarious failures and those that propelled him into stardom. But, this book is not just about Jack the scientist, it is also about Jack the boy, struggling to fit in, but always on the sidelines due to his above average intelli- gence and homosexuality. The tragic loss of his uncle due to pancreatic cancer inspires Jack to find an early detection method that will isolate a biogenetic marker for the disease, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment to improve survival rates. Jack’s success ultimately wins him the prestigious Gordon E. Moore award, leading to a YouTube video of his enthusiastic acceptance going viral. While Jack certainly puts the fun back into science for kids, my only critique would be that the experiments included at the end are a bit too basic for the targeted audience.
I Will Always Write Back: How One Letter Changed Two Lives by Caitlin Alifirenka and Martin Ganda
Releasing mid-April, recommended ages 12+
This is the true story of an all-American girl and a boy from an impoverished city in Zimbabwe and the letter that changed both their lives forever. It started as an assignment. Everyone in Caitlin’s class wrote to an unknown stu- dent somewhere in a distant place. All the other kids picked countries like France or Germany, but when Caitlin saw Zimbabwe writer on the board, it sounded like the most exotic place she had ever heard of-so she chose it. Martin was lucky to even receive a pen pal letter. There were only ten letters, and forty kids in his class. But he was the top student, so he got the first one. That letter was the beginning of a correspondence that spanned six years and changed two lives. In this compelling dual memoir, Caitlin and Martin recount how they became best friends and better people through letters. Their story will inspire readers to look beyond their own lives and won- der about the world at large and their place in it. Elena Vanishing by Elena Dunkle
Releasing May, ages 13+
Seventeen-year-old Elena is vanishing. Every day means renewed determination, so every day means fewer calories. This is the story of a girl whose armor against anxiety becomes artillery against herself as she battles on both sides of a lose-lose war in a struggle with anorexia. Told entirely from Elena's perspective over a five-year pe- riod and cowritten with her mother, award-winning author Clare B. Dunkle, Elena's memoir is a fascinating and intimate look at a deadly disease, and a must read for anyone who knows someone suffering from an eating disorder.
Popular, a Memoir: Vintage Wisdom for a Modern Geek by Maya Van Wagenen
Ages 10+
Maya Van Wagenen’s book “Popular. A Memoir: Vintage Wisdom for a Modern Geek” is an account of her eighth-grade year. A shy, Hobbit-loving nerd, she had never been outgoing enough to make many friends at school. When she comes across an old copy of “Betty Cornell’s Teen-Age Popularity Guide,” written in the early 1950s, her mother encourages her to try a “grand experiment” and follow its advice for an entire school year. She keeps a diary of her efforts and gradually her life improves. What makes Van Wagenen’s book more affecting than other middle-school survival guides is that not all her problems can be fixed with the right lipstick and better posture. She lives in Brownsville, Tex., a troubled border town. one of Van Wagenen’s sisters died during infancy; another struggles with autism. You can’t help admiring her positive attitude in the face of these real-world challenges, just as you can’t help rooting for her when she talks to her crush while wearing a 1950s-style straw hat and gloves or when she decides to sit, uninvited, with a different social group at lunch every day and learns how similar everyone is. Maybe if I had read it when I was her age, it could have saved me from a world of hurt, or at least put that world in -perspective.
Galloping Through History by Elizabeth Macleod Ages 9+
From the time people first rode horses more than 5,000 years ago, these amazing creatures have changed the way humans live, travel, fight, work, and play. In her captivating storytelling style, Eliza- beth MacLeod brings to life six of the most exciting horses that have influenced the course of civiliza- tion: Bucephalus, the valiant horse that led Alexander the Great fearlessly into battle, the mighty mus- tangs used by the Native peoples to hunt buffalo, the hard-working pit ponies that helped fuel the In- dustrial Revolution by hauling coal out of mines, the Pony Express, that helped revolutionize the way people communicated, Seabiscuit, whose triumphs at the racetrack provided people with hope and encouragement during the dark days of the Great Depression and Sybil Ludington's horse, Star, an un- sung hero of the American Revolutionary War. Horses hold a natural fascination for many young peo- ple. What better way to introduce them to world history than through the stories of these magnificent animals. Dreaming in Indian, edited by Lisa Charleyboy & Mary Beth Leatherdale
Non-fiction, FNMI – Recommended for high school girls and boys
Wow! Just Wow! This book is a beautiful and, at times, haunting collection of contemporary Native American voices combining poetry, short stories, essays and a variety of other mediums to tell the stories of Native American youth across the country. This a MUST HAVE book for your library as the stories will definitely resonate with young adults.
Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out by Susan Kuklin,
Non-Fiction – Recommended to high school girls and boys
Author and photographer Susan Kuklin met and interviewed six transgender or gender-neutral young adults representing them thoughtfully and respectfully before, during, and after their personal acknowledgment of gender preference. Portraits, family photographs, and candid images throughout, augment the emotional and physical journey each youth has taken. Each honest discussion and disclosure, whether joyful or heartbreaking, is completely different from the other because of family dynamics, living situations, gender, and the transition these teens make in recognition of their true selves.
An Illustrated Book of Bad Arguments: Learn the Lost Art of Making Sense by Ali Almossawi,
Non-Fiction – Recommended for high school girls and boys
This handy guide is here to bring the internet age a much-needed dose of old- school logic (really old-school, a la Aristotle). Here are cogent explanations of the straw man fallacy, the slippery slope argument, the ad hominem attack, and other common attempts at reasoning that actually fall short—plus a beautifully drawn menagerie of animals who (adorably) commit every logical faux pas. Rabbit thinks a strange light in the sky must be a UFO because no one can prove otherwise (the appeal to ignorance ). Once you learn to recognize these abuses of reason, they start to crop up everywhere from the nightly news to YouTube comments—which makes this geek-chic book a must for anyone in the habit of holding opinions. A great intro to logic, and perfect for anyone heading to university!
Big Ideas, Simply Explained by Dorling Kindersley, Non-Fiction – Recommended to high school boys and girls DK's Big Ideas, Simply Explained titles bring life to subjects often regarded as esoteric and academic with a vibrant design, innovative graphics and creative use of typography, to help demystify hard-to-grasp concepts. Perfect for students, or anyone, with a general interest in a range of topics from economics to psychology. The Next Big Thing: the History of Boom-Or-Bust Moments that Shaped the Modern World by Richard Faulk
Releasing June 2015, Non-Fiction,12+
We are always hearing about the Next Big Thing. Whether it is a new iPhone or the New World, the freshest and newest inventions, discoveries, and fads loom large in the public mind. The impact that everyone thinks these "next big things" will have is often more important than the actual impact it generates. After all, if it fails, it will be almost immediately forgotten. The Next Big Thing searches through 3,000 years of Western culture to find the colorful and key steps (and missteps) that led us to where we are today. Paradigm-shifting events, such as the spread of ethical monotheism and the invention of the printing press stand beside such cultural ephemera as the aborted U.S metric campaign and the misbegotten vogue for smart drinks. Each entry features the historical context of that Next Big Thing as well as an overview of its legacy, including photos, sidebars, trivia, and quotes.
Superbrain: the Insider’s Guide to Getting Smart by David Whamond
Ages 9+
Superbrain challenges young students to develop the skills they need to become "lifelong super-learners." Written in a kid-friendly style, this book encourages elementary students to develop learning habits that will help them inside and outside of the classroom. From Preparation to organization and leadership values, from research and critical thinking to navigating the online world, this book pack a ton of tips into it’s pages.
Also included in each chapter are profiles of inspirational, real-life super-learners, a quiz for readers to evaluate various skills, and a full-page comic-strip style illustration that highlights the chapter themes.
No Summit Out of Sight by Jordan Romero
Releasing May 2015, Ages 13+
Jordan Romero climbed Mount Everest at age thirteen—and he didn’t stop there. In this inspiring young adult memoir that includes color photos, he tells how he achieved such great heights. On May 22, 2010, at the age of thirteen, American teenager Jordan Romero became the youngest person to climb to the summit of Mount Everest. At fifteen, he became the youngest person to reach the summits of the tallest mountains on each of the seven continents. In this energizing memoir for young adults, Jordan, recounts his experience, which started as a spark of an idea at the age of nine and, many years of training and hard work later, turned into a dream come true.