Canada 150: Ten Engaging Reads for Older Children
This week, I chose to review ten engaging Canadian books for older children. The intended audience is children ages nine and up as each book deals with serious issues such as prejudice, fear, loneliness, self-acceptance, and the struggles of fitting in and finding a new home. I think most children can relate to these issues and will find great solace in the company of these captivating books.
Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery
The first book in the Anne series tells the coming of age story of Anne Shirley who is mistakenly sent to live with siblings Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert on their family farm in Prince Edward Island. A little girl with big dreams and an even bigger personality, Anne with an “e” must prove to herself and everyone else in town that she belongs. A quintessential Canadian classic, this book continues to charm young readers.
A Boy Named Queen by Sara Cassidy
Fifth grader Evelyn knows that growing up is hard, especially if you don’t fit in, but then she meets a boy named Queen. Queen is different from the other kids at school. He wears shiny shorts, he created a hybrid environment/chess club, and he even created a force field to help him deal with bullies. As Evelyn and Queen start to become friends, Evelyn finally realizes that it is perfectly okay to be yourself.
The Story of Canada by Janet Lunn and Christopher Moore
This illustrated history book focuses on Canada’s story from the Ice Age to the present. In this newly updated edition, children can read about important events and key figures from Canada’s past. What I particularly enjoyed about this book was its refreshingly honest account of how we came to be a country. By focusing on the trials and tribulations of nation building, children can learn from the past in order to improve the future.
The Crazy Man by Pamela Porter
Twelve-year-old Emaline is a young girl growing up on a farm in Saskatchewan during the 1960s. After a freak farming accident leaves her permanently disabled, Emaline’s father leaves town. As she tries to come to grips with her situation, Emaline meets Angus, a patient from the nearby mental hospital whom her mother has hired to help out on the farm. Against all odds, and the town’s objections, Emaline forges a bond with Angus, one that helps her come to terms with her life.
The Big Book of Canada by Christopher Moore
This illustrated fact book explores the distinctiveness of each Canadian province and territory. In this updated edition, children can learn about the key moments, places, industries and people that make up Canada. However, the book is not all business. Fun facts are included in each chapter to further highlight each province and territory’s individuality. It even has a final chapter that provides a book list for children who are interested in reading books that are set in or about each province or territory.
Tales from Gold Mountain: Stories of the Chinese in the New World by Paul Yee
This collection of eight short stories focuses on the Chinese Canadian experience. The stories are rooted in the history of Chinese immigration to North America, and they focus not only on the trials and tribulations that Chinese Canadians faced, but also on the traditions and folklore that they brought with them. Heady themes such as sexism, racism, familial relations and finding a home in a new world are all at the forefront of this classic book.
Pride: Celebrating Diversity and Community by Robin Stevenson
This non-fiction book provides an in-depth account of the history and politics surrounding Pride. In particular, it aims to explain to a middle grade audience what Pride is, why it is celebrated, and how it came to be. The book deals with some serious issues such as: homophobia, identity politics, prejudice, discrimination, racism, ableism and oppression. However, the overall theme of this book is hopeful, and it aims to teach children that Pride is about celebrating diversity and coming together as one community.
The Keeper of the Isis Light by Monica Hughes
In the first book of the Isis trilogy, we meet 16-year-old Olwen Pendennis who lives alone on the planet Isis with her trusted Guardian. Her official role is to act as the Keeper of the Light, guiding spaceships safely to her planet. But when Earthlings come to share her home, Olwen realizes that she is not like everyone else, which turns her whole life upside down.
Making Canada Home: How Immigrants Shaped this Country by Susan Hughes
This non-fiction book recounts the history of immigration to Canada from the very first settlers to today, and how each wave of immigrants helped shape this country. Each chapter is filled with personal stories, historical documents and photos that add an intimate touch to the realities of immigration. Moreover, the book concludes with a handy timeline of major immigration waves, an overview of Canada’s immigration laws, further resources on immigration and information on how to trace your own family’s history.
Emily of New Moon by Lucy Maud Montgomery
After the sudden death of her father, Emily Byrd Starr is sent to live with her mother's family at New Moon Farm where she must deal with her strict aunt while trying to make friends and fit in. However, Emily also has a strong personality and is determined to make a new life of her own. Another classic novel by LM Montgomery, this book deals with the all too familiar themes of acceptance, the pressures of growing up and finding a place to call home. If you want to read more about Emily's adventures, check out the second and third books in the trilogy. They are sure to delight readers of all ages!
Other Canada 150 Lists:
Canada 150: Journeys, Voyages and Escaping!
Canada 150: Comic Books and Scary Stories
Canada 150: Books for Our Littlest Readers and the "Big People" Who Read With Them
Canada 150: Sweet, Silly, Serious – We've Got It All!
Canada 150: Ten Powerful Historical Novels
Canada 150: Wonderful Picture Books That Are Perfect for Reading Aloud
Canada 150: Ten Amazing Children's Books
Canada 150: Stepping Outside a Young Reader's World
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