A definitive guide for children about Black history in Canada, this book is an exploration of the often overlooked contributions and experiences of Black Canadians throughout history beginning with the arrival of the first known African in the country, Mathieu Da Costa, in 1604. Through compelling stories, captivating illustrations, and accessible language, young readers are introduced to key figures and events that have shaped Canada’s Black heritage. From the early struggles for freedom and equality to the ongoing fight against systemic racism, this book sheds light on the resilience, creativity, and resilience of Black Canadians.
History
Wild Bird
In the small colonial community of Victoria in 1861, sixteen-year-old Kate Harding is trying to help her mother as she is about to give premature birth in their home. While mother and daughter make it through the grueling ordeal with the help of a local midwife, the baby does not live. The irony of this tragic event is that Kate’s father is one of the few doctors in the colony, but he was out tending to other patients at the time. Wild Bird takes readers up close as a young girl yearns to find her place through meaningful work, while the author describes the ways in which Indigenous people relate to the recently arrived settlers.
Wild Poppies
Two brothers, Omar and Sufyan, strive to reunite as they endure the turmoil of the Syrian War. With the passing of their father, Omar tries to be the man and head of his family of Syrian refugees, but in his youngest brother’s eyes, he has failed. While Omar waits in line for rations, younger brother, Sufyan, explores nontraditional methods to provide for the family by getting involved with a group that provides large rewards for doing, what seems to be, inconsequential tasks, despite his older brother’s warnings. As Sufyan’s involvement gets more intense, resulting in his separation from the family, it becomes up to bookish Omar to rescue his little brother and reunite them with their family.
Rumi: Poet of Joy and Love
As a child, Rumi was enchanted by books and birds. He went on to become a scholar, but it was the loss of Shams, his best friend, that taught Rumi his most important realization: Love is in us and everywhere. Rumi, Persian mystic and poet, is one of the best known and widely read poets in the world. Renown Iranian-American illustrator, Rashin Kheiriyeh, brings Rumi’s wisdom and warmth to life in this picture book with its strong colors and ornamental details that transports readers to the Persian Empire of the 13th century.
This book is part of the Worlds of Words Global Reading List for 2023/24.
Meanwhile Back On Earth . . .: Finding Our Place Through Time And Space
A new picture book from the creator of Here We Are and What We’ll Build that will give readers perspective on our place in space.
I Remember
A recognition of Muslim loyalty and sacrifice during WW1 portrayed through a letter between a Muslim grandchild to his/her war hero great-grandpa to reassure him that his story and bravery will never be forgotten.
Sisters In Science
Discover the fascinating true story of Nobel Prize winner Marie Curie and her sister Bronia, two trailblazing women who worked together and made a legendary impact on chemistry and health care as we know it. Marie Curie has long been a well-known name around the world. Though Marie made extraordinary scientific advances discovering new elements with her husband, Pierre, many students do not know about the powerful bond that propelled her into her sisterhood with Bronia! A force in academia and health care herself, Bronia made significant contributions to the scientific world, along with her loving support of sister Marie. Sisters in Science is a compelling biography of two sisters who created their own paths while keeping the atomic bonds of sisterhood strong.
Voices Of The People
Through poems that capture the essence of each person’s life, acclaimed Native American writer Joseph Bruchac introduces readers to famous indigenous leaders from The Peacemaker in 1000 A.D. to modern day dancer Maria Tallchief and Cherokee chief Wilma Mankiller. Each poem is illustrated by a modern-day tribally enrolled artist.
A Seed In The Sun
Lula, a farm-working girl with big dreams, meets Dolores Huerta, Larry Itliong, and other labor rights activists and joins the 1965 protest for workers’ rights.
Still Dreaming / Seguimos Soñando (English And Spanish Edition)
A child dreams of a life without borders after he and his parents are forced to leave their home during the Mexican Repatriation.