Religion

A lively, intelligent, and witty survey of the world’s major religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism). Dutch comics artist De Heer is openly curious and questioning but remains respectful in this entertaining, informative, and provocative overview.

Thank You, Jackson

Jackson the donkey works very hard, carrying loads of mielies, carrots and potatoes up the hill to market every week, from the little farm where he lives with the farmer, his wife Beauty and his son Goodwill. But one day Jackson just stops, halfway up the hill. The farmer pushes him, pulls him, shouts at him. But Jackson WILL NOT BUDGE. Just as the farmer is about to beat his donkey, little Goodwill comes running up the hill. Quickly he whispers something in the donkey’s ear – and, straightaway, the old donkey gets to his feet. The farmer is astonished. What could be the secret of the boy’s message? “Well,” says Goodwill, “Mama told me it’s the little things like saying please and thank you, that make a big difference in this world.” And from that day on, the farmer remembers to thank his old donkey for helping him, and Jackson does his work willingly.

This book has been included in WOW’s Kids Taking Action Booklist. For our current list, visit our Boolist page under Resources in the green navigation bar.

The Outside Circle

In this important graphic novel, two Aboriginal brothers — both gang members — surrounded by poverty and drug abuse, try to overcome centuries of historic trauma in very different ways to bring about positive change in their lives. Pete, a young Aboriginal man wrapped up in gang violence, lives with his younger brother, Joey, and his mother who is a heroin addict. After returning home one evening, Pete and his mother’s boyfriend, Dennis, get into a violent struggle, which sends Dennis to the morgue and Pete to jail. Initially maintaining his gang ties, a jail brawl forces Pete to realize the negative influence he has become on Joey and encourages him to begin a process of rehabilitation through a traditional Native healing circle.

My Name is Arnaktauyok: The Life and Art of Germaine Arnaktauyok

Featuring nearly 100 full-color reproductions of Germaine Arnaktauyok’s most important works from throughout her career, this book provides an in-depth look at one of the Canadian North’s most prolific and recognizable artists.

Red

Striking red, white, and black illustrations mirror the emotions created by an innocuous comment that escalates into bullying within a school community. The students’ choices when confronted with their behavior create a sensitive and hopeful narrative.

Mr. Squirrel and the Moon

When Mr. Squirrel wakes up to discover that the moon is resting on his tree, he becomes desperate to return the moon to the sky before he is accused of stealing it.

My Brother’s Secret

In 1941 twelve-year-old Karl is proud to be a member of the Hitler Youth, but when his father is killed on the Eastern Front everything changes–his family moves to the country to live with his grandparents, he encounters a brutal Gestapo officer, and he begins to realize that his sixteen-year-old brother has joined a youth group who opposes the Nazis.

See the review at WOW Review, Volume 8, Issue 4

I Am A Bear

A homeless bear living in a city has a hard time getting by, but when a little girl makes friends with him, his life becomes brighter.

Join the discussion of I Am a Bear as well as other books centered around relocation on our My Take/Your Take page.

See the review at WOW Review, Volume 8, Issue 3

Like A Wolf

Pointed ears, sharp teeth, and a back slightly bent under dark fur: a lonely dog gets mistaken for a wolf. No one came close—no one dared—so the sad dog howled. Until one day, someone reached out a hand to him.

Join the discussion of Like a Wolf as well as other books centered around relocation on our My Take/Your Take page.