A collection of short stories in which Canadian young people interact with the eccentric and vivid figures of their communities, schools, and families.
Americas
Materials from the Americas
The Killick: A Newfoundland Story
At the beginning of spring, George and his grandfather sail to a small island off the coast of Newfoundland to visit George’s grandmother’s grave, but on the way back a storm comes up and the two of them are forced to take shelter on the ice.
She Dared: True Stories Of Heroines, Scoundrels, And Renegades
Delves into the lives of twelve women who took up challenges that society felt could be met only by men, from a Civil War spy and World War II fighter pilot to a Wild West desperado and Yukon adventurer.
The Most Beautiful Kite In The World
Jenny has her heart set on a special red kite for her birthday. She is crushed when she receives a home made kite from her father. They try to get it to fly, but it will not cooperate, so Jenny seeks the help of various neighbors.
Pancho’s Pi
On Christmas Eve Pancho rescues a star from a cactus and receives the gift of happiness.
City Within A City: How Kids Live In New York’s Chinatown
Describes the lives of two young Chinese Americans and their customs and conditions at home in New York City’s Chinatown.
In Rosa’s Mexico
In separate encounters with a rooster, a burro, and a wolf, a young Mexican girl is able to magically make things better. Each story uses some Spanish words, which are listed in a glossary.
Maria’s Secret
As the villagers of San Pedro prepare to celebrate Mamacita’s one hundredth birthday, Mamacita and her great-great-granddaughter are planning a surprise of their own.
A Fiddle For Angus
Angus, living on Cape Breton Island, Canada, learns to play the violin so that he can join in with his musical family.
Three Songs For Courage
In 1956, 16-year-old Gordon Westley finds his summer vacation shattered by tragedy, forcing him to come face-to-face with the darkest–and the sweetest–side of human nature.