Torpedoed By: Deborah Heiligman

Genre: Non-Fiction/Historical Event

Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8

This book tells the true story of a ship carrying one hundred children and other passengers to Canada from Britain during World War 2.  Many of the children were travelling, with escorts, as part of a program that was meant to take them from the bombings occurring in England, to the safety of Canada. Unfortunately, not long into their voyage, the ship was torpedoed by a German U-Boat.  It was a stormy night when the ship was hit creating many challenges for the sailors working to get the passengers safely into lifeboats.  The sad truth is that many of the passengers didn't make it into the lifeboats and for those who did, the struggle to survive was not over.  I must admit that I was not entirely gripped by this story until the ship was struck.  After that, the story became very engaging and I was eager to read on and find out what happened to each of the passengers.  The book is non-fiction and is written based on survivor memories and includes photos and other artifacts from the event.  I recommend this book to those who enjoy history and those who enjoy stories of heroism and courage.  

Stories For Boys Who Dare To Be Different By: Ben Brooks

Genre:  Non-Fiction
Age Recommendation:  Grade 4+

This is a fascinating collection of true stories about amazing boys who worked hard to make a difference in the world.  The book contains the stories over 100 different boys who did something to improve difficult situations.  Each person's story is told in a two page spread - one page for the story and the other for an illustration.  The book includes a wide range of people, some you will likely know, such as Lionel Messi, Barack Obama and Nelson Mandela, and others who you will learn about for the first time, such as William Kamkwamba, The Four Chaplains and William Moulton Marston.  I highly recommend this inspirational book that shows us that no matter what our individual challenges are, we are capable of making a difference in the world. 

Fierce - Women Who Shaped Canada By: Lisa Dalrymple

Genre:  Non-Fiction
Age Recommendation:  Grade 4+

This book tells the stories of 10 amazing women you've probably never heard of.  One example of this is young Ttha'naltther, who as a teenager, struggled through difficult conditions to bring peace between the Dene and Nehiyawak people.  The challenges these women faced and persevered through will leave you in awe.  I highly recommend this book to those who would like to learn more about some of Canada's unknown heroes.

The Atlas Obscura: Explorer's Guide For The World's Most Adventurous Kid

Genre:  Non-Fiction
Age Recommendation:  Grade 3+

What to learn more about the world, but not just the typical run of the mill stuff?  Then this book is for you!  This book takes the reader on a journey to 47 countries and shares the little known and most surprising things about these places.  One of the many interesting places you will learn about in this book is found in Bolivia.  The Salar de Uyuni is a white plain of glittering salt from a lake that dried up thousands of years ago.  Here you will find the Hotel Luna Salada which is made of salt bricks!  This book is truly fascinating and you will be filled with wonder as you learn about these obscure places on our incredible planet.  I recommend reading this book with some technology handy because you're sure to want to look up photos of these unbelievable places and sights!

Goodbye Buffalo Bay By: Larry Loyie

Genre:  Auto-Biography
Age Recommendation:  Grade 6+

In "Goodbye Buffalo Bay", Larry Loyie shares his experiences at residential school and what it was like for him when he returned home.  Throughout his difficult times at residential school, Larry was able to learn the power of friendship and courage.  When Larry returns home, he at first feels like a stranger, but thankfully his grandparents are able to support him in making this transition.  Larry began working at the young age of 13, holding jobs fighting forest fires, as a farm hand and in a sawmill.  Larry's book gives an honest look at what life was like in a residential school and the challenges that were experienced upon returning home.  I highly recommend this book and would suggest reading "As Long As The Rivers Flow" first, so you can get an understanding of the life Larry left behind when he went to residential school.

As Long As The Rivers Flow By: Larry Loyie

Genre:  Biography
Age Recommendation:  Grade 3+

It is 1944 in this beautifully illustrated story where Larry Loyie, who was 10 years old at the time, shares the last summer he spent with his family before being forced to attend residential school.  Larry's story helps us to understand the sacred connection he and his family have with the land and each other.  For those wanting to learn more about the impacts of residential schools, this story allows the reader a unique look at what life was like before residential school.  I highly recommend this book.

Ugly - A Memoir By: Robert Hoge

Genre: Autobiography

Age Recommendation: Grade 4+

In this book, Robert Hoge tells how he was born with a large tumour on the middle of his face and short twisted legs.  Robert endured many surgeries to make himself look "normal" and had to learn how to use prosthetic legs.  Robert is now a professional writer, but had to overcome many challenges in his life.  He dealt with hurtful bullies and showed a lot of courage in his young life.  If you enjoyed the movie or book, "Wonder", you will enjoy this true story of one very brave kid.

Speaking Our Truth: A Journey of Reconciliation By: Monique Gray Smith

Genre: Non-Fiction

Age Recommendation: Grade 6+

Monique Gray Smith has done an excellent job writing about Truth & Reconciliation in an approachable way for student and adult readers.  This book contains four sections.  Each section represents an important part of the journey of reconciliation.  An honest look at Canada's history, specifically Indian Residential Schools, is provided - Truth.  This is followed by information that helps the reader develop an understanding of Reconciliation.  Several examples of Reconciliation initiatives are provided to assist the reader in deciding what their journey of reconciliation will look like. I highly recommend this book to all readers.  This book relates to the grade 6 social studies curriculum.

Looks Like Daylight By: Deborah Ellis

Genre: Non-Fiction

Age Recommendation: Grade 6+

This book is a collection of interviews that Deborah Ellis conducted with Aboriginal youth across North America. There are examples of Aboriginal youth who are successful and those who are struggling with or have struggled with addiction, foster care, racism, etc. Deborah Ellis is very talented at providing a glimpse into the lives of young people around the world. The interviews in this book are extremely moving. A classroom teacher could easily select some of the interviews to share with the class, since each interview is a self-contained piece of writing.

Shannen and the Dream for a School By: Janet Wilson

Genre: Non-Fiction

Age Recommendation: Grade 6+

This book is based on Shannen Koostachin’s dream to have a new school in her community, Attawapiskat. The book is based on real events and tells of the challenges in Attawapiskat and the struggle of Shannen and her peers to get a new school built. Shannen is an incredible example of a young person fighting for what they believe in. This book provides an eye-opening look at education on reserves in Canada.

Fatty Legs A Stranger At Home By: Christy Jordan-Fenton & Margaret Pokiak-Fenton

Genre: Non-Fiction/Autobiography

Age Recommendation: Grade 5+

Margaret Pokiak is young Inuit girl who wants to go to school. Her father and step-sister have been to school and discourage her without explaining why, but Margaret persists with her desire to attend school. Eventually, Margaret does go to residential school and ends up having to stay there for 2 years without seeing her parents. Life is difficult at school - punishments are severe, only English is allowed to be spoken and traditions must be abandoned. When Margaret finally does return home, there are many challenges for her there too. This is an exceptional account of Margaret's actual experience in residential school. It is written in easy to understand language and is beautifully illustrated. "A Stranger At Home" provides details about Margaret's adjustment to life at home after being at residential school. Picture book versions of both books are available, "When I Was Eight" and "Not My Girl".

I Am Malala By: Malala Yousafzai

Genre: Autobiography/Non-Fiction

Age Recommendation: Grade 5+

Malala was only ten years old when the Taliban took control of her region of Pakistan. The Taliban would not allow women to go the market or girls to go to school. This is the story of Malala’s journey to being a champion of girl’s education and the day that changed her life forever - October 9, 2012. Malala is the youngest ever Nobel Peace Prize winner. This book is easy to read and contains numerous photographs. Read this book to learn more about this amazing young change-maker.