My good friends at Annick Press publishers sent me some children’s fiction to share with you here. Annick Press is a Canadian publisher so all these books are Canadian!
Sarah Ponakey, Storycatcher, and Wâpos’s Friendship Garden
Ages 6-9, 160 pages
About: Spring break has arrived, and Sarah is happy that her Kôhkom (grandmother) has come to stay with her while her mom is away on a work trip. Sarah will have Kôhkom all to herself! Or will she? Sarah has made a special map to show Kôhkom her favourite places in the city, but her plans keep getting interrupted…
Thoughts: This book introduces us to Cree culture and Cree words. There is a glossary at the front that shows the words you will be introduced to. The story has illustrations in it but is still mostly a chapter book and would be fun for more diversity in your literature.
Little Bee: The Buzz About the Party by Danny Nevill
Ages 6-9, 152 pages
About: This book is about Bee (and her friends.) Bee’s third grade class is hosting an upcoming Mother’s Day celebration but she has 2 dads. Is she allowed to celebrate with her dads?
Thoughts: This book is cute with large type for early chapter book readers. It’s not too thick either. A simple contemporary story with LGBTQ+ themes.
Legendary Allies: The Healer and The Phoenix by Linda Trinh
Ages 7-11, 172 pages
About: This is a fantasy series about a powerful group of ten year olds who, along with their legendary ally animals, must work together to find their voices and help heal a broken world. This is the first in a four book series that explores social justice, empathy and resilience.
Thoughts: The first thing that popped out at me was that all the illustrations are in full-colour! That rarely happens. The author is a Vietnamese Canadian and the book definitely has Asian vibes. The series looks fun for kids around 10 to see themselves as able to do something to make a difference.
Cassette City by Jarett Sitter (Graphic Novel)
Ages 7-11, 208 pages
About: “Cassette City is the coolest place to hang out, whether you’re at the arcade or the skate park, catching a monster movie marathon, or snagging your favourite’ band’s newest album at the music store… on cassette tape of course! When a wisecracking raccoon, an easygoing mushroom, and a robot with big feelings recruit the standoffish new girl Melody Li to help them win the Rock Your Socks battle of the bands, Melody might just discover that these misfit musicians are the friends she really needs. After all, life is better when you band together.” – official summary
Thoughts: I love that this graphic novel harkens back to my childhood a bit with the cassette tapes! The premise is definitely strange but the characters seem fun and the story is great for a young graphic novel lover. Even someone who isn’t used to graphic novels might want to try this one.
Lying, Stealing and Other Ways to Save the Planet by Curtis Campbell
Ages 14-18, 192 pages
About: Ever since the best story of his career became the worst humiliation of his life, teen reporter John O’Neil has gone rogue. He has turned his nose for news toward blackmailing those responsible, namely Lance McPhee, diabolical heir to the local country club. When John learns that the club plans to expand into a bird conservation area founded by his late grandfather, he begrudgingly joins forces with the school birdwatching club to expose the scandal. And if John ruins Lance’s life along the way? He’s only killing two birds with one stone.
John races against the clock in a desperate bid at environmental espionage involving forgeries, a car chase, and a high-stakes heist. But it’s a race John won’t win without former best friend/co-reporter Rachel Miller, who just so happens to want him dead. Can this motley crew flock together long enough for their mission to take flight?
Thoughts: I didn’t read much of this one but it’s definitely for 14+. It’s a book about coming of age, climate change, cynicism and collaboration according to the book info. It’s not long but the text is smaller as you’d expect for an older audience.
Enjoy!
