Canadian Literature for Children and Young Adults: February 2010

If You Could Wear My Sneakers! by Sheree Fitch

Title: If You Could Wear My Sneakers

Author: Sheree Fitch

Illustrator: Darcia Labrosse

Publish Date: September 1998

Publisher: Firefly Books, Limited

Pages: 32pp

ISBN: 1552092593

Classification: Fiction

Genre: Children’s Rights/Poerty

Annotation: A collection of poems aimed at children (for children’s rights) in support of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Told through humorous verses and using animals to present each intricate and significant idea.

Plot Summary: A collection of poems that interpret fifteen articles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Each poem (article) uses a variety of animals and plenty of humor to help present each important idea. Additionally, in the back of the book is a guide, showcasing each poem and matching it with the article it represents.

Personal Response: I am starting to see this Canadian theme of children’s rights as Fitch creatively constructs a poem for each right (fifteen of them to be precise) in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in a language that is fitting for a child. In addition, the colorful images by Darcia Labrosse not only compliment Fitch’s verses but add to the playfulness and humor. From freedom of speech to having the right to health care, Ms. Fitch get’s her important message across.

~Reader’s Advisory~

Themes: Children’s rights, based on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child

Age Range: 4 to 8

Subjects: Children’s Rights, Humorous, Poetry, Animals,

Similar Titles:

The Name Jar by Yangsook Choli

Annie and the Old One by Miska Miles

There Were Monkeys In My Kitchen by Shree Fitch

Angel Square by Brian Doyle

Title: Angel Square

Author: Brian Doyle

Publish Date: September 2004

Publisher: Groundwood Books

Pages: 144pp

ISBN: 0888996098

Classification: Fiction

Genre: Historical Fiction/Realistic Fiction

Annotation: It’s 1945 in Ottawa. Tommy, AKA the Shadow, and a couple of his friends, Killer Bodnoff and CoCo Laframboise, are trying to figure out who attacked their friend, Sammy’s father who is Jewish.

Plot Summary: The year is 1945 and in Ottawa’s Lowertown, religion matters. Tommy, “the Shadow,” is best friends with Sammy, a Jewish boy. When Sammy’s father is assaulted, he is sent to Toronto to be hospitalized, taking Sammy with him till he recovers. This sets Tommy into detective mode to find out who assaulted Sammy’s father. To help the investigation, Tommy relies on two friends Killer Bodnoff and CoCo Laframboise. Tommy feels that if he finds the assailant, Sammy’s father will heal, thus bringing Sammy back to Ottawa. This also give’s Tommy a chance to impress Margot Lane, the girl of his dreams.

Personal Response: A heartbreaking story told with humor and intrigue. I felt the violence of the religious warfare (set back in the 1940s) to be somewhat realistic and the message of tolerance to be apparent. Tommy is the books hero and is very likable, and to some extent relatable. Overall, I felt the story to be a sweet tale.

~Reader’s Advisory~

Themes: Tolerance

Age Range: 9 through 13

Subjects: Mystery, Jewish, Bigotry, Friendship, Christmas, Prejudice, Detective, Mentally Handicap, Humorous, Relationships, Family Relationships, Hate Crime, Love, Victims, Religion, Catholic, Protestant, Tolerance, Historical

Similar Titles:

Smith by Leon Garfield

Bad Boy by Diana Wieler

Jacob Two Two Meets the Hooded Fang by Mordecai Richler

The Cremation of Sam McGee by Robert W. Service

Title: The Cremation of Sam McGee

Author: Robert W. Service

Illustrator: Ted Harrison

Publish Date: July 2006

Publisher: Kids Can Press, Limited

Pages: 32pp

ISBN: 155453092X

Classification: Fiction

Genre: Folktale

Annotation: A classic Yukon adventure poem about a man name Sam McGee who is constantly suffering from the cold—so much so that he convinces his companion on the trail to cremate him he should die.

Plot Summary: Sam McGee is constantly struggling with the cold while along an Arctic trail. One day, McGee persuades his trail companion (the narrator of the story) to cremate him if he shall die. That very same day, McGee passes away leaving the companion obligated to keep his promise. We follow the companion on his journey to cremate Sam McGee and to finally keep him warm.

Personal Response: A poignant tale brought to life by the evocative paintings of Ted Harrison. I really appreciated reading the forward by Pierre Berton, as it gave me insight on the creators of this book and into the story/poem as a whole. I found this tale to be humorous and touching as the narrator kept his bargain and finally gave Sam McGee some warmth.

~Reader’s Advisory~

Themes: If you make a promise to someone, keep it.

Age Range: 9 to 12

Subjects: Death, Yukon, Adventure, Humor, Cremation, Journey, Cold, Poem

Similar Titles:

Children of the Yukon by Ted Harrison

The Shooting of Dan McGrew by Robert W. Service

Odd Man Out by Sarah Ellis

Title: Odd Man Out

Author: Sarah Ellis

Publish Date: February 2008

Publisher: Groundwood Books

Pages: 162pp

ISBN: 0888997035

Classification: Fiction

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Annotation: When Kip’s mother remarries, he is sent to stay with his grandmother for the summer, along with five of his girl cousins. During his stay, Kip finds a notebook made by his late father when he was a teenager, things begin to change as Kip becomes entranced by the story as it leads him to self discovery.

Plot Summary: While Kip’s mother vacations on her honeymoon, he is sent away for the summer to stay with his Grandma and five girl cousins. At first, Kip finds himself struggling to find his place as he is not used to being around a spirited group of girls, and so he spends a lot of time in his attic bedroom where he discovers a notebook his late father had kept as a teen. As he begins to read the notebook, he becomes engrossed by the story, in which leads Kip to learning about his past, present, and what the future might hold.

Personal Response: An insightful story about the growing pains of an almost teenage boy, Kip. As the protagonist, Kip is easy to identify with, along with the additional characters consisting of the five girl cousins –although we don’t get too much depth of their views as we stay with Kip throughout the entire novel. The illustrations within the novel are detailed pertinent to the story.

~Reader’s Advisory~

Themes: Growing up and accepting change.

Age Range: 9 through 13

Subjects: Deceased Father, Identity, Family, Coming of Age, Mental Illness, Grandmother, Mystery, Death, Remarriage, Acceptance, Change, Fitting In, Mental Illness

Similar Titles:

Rules by Cynthia Lord

Finest Kind by Lea Wait

The Way of the Wildeking by Jonathan Rogers

The Name of the Tree: A Bantu Folktale by Celia Barker Lottridge

Title: The Name of the Tree: A Bantu Folktale

Author: Celia Barker Lottridge

Illustrator: Ian Wallace

Publish Date: February 2002

Publisher: Groundwood Books

Pages: 36pp

ISBN: 0888990979

Classification: Fiction

Genre: Folklore

Annotation: A great drought settles somewhere on an African plan, forcing all the animals to search for food. When their search fails, it is the turtles search who succeeds.

Plot Summary: On an African plan, a great drought has settled, causing all the animals to search for food. In their search for food, the animals find a magic tree that holds all the fruits imaginable, but as the animals soon learn, they must learn the name of the tree in order to receive the unreachable fruit. With failed attempts, and almost a lackluster hopes, it is the turtle who succeeds with finding the name and saving the day.

Personal Response: This Bantu folktale is told in traditional format by displaying roles of a hero, as heroes are not always the biggest and strongest—yet sometimes the heroes are the least likely. All in all, a very sweet tale with masterful illustrations by that compliment the story, or rather let the story be the main attraction.

~Reader’s Advisory~

Themes: Persistence does not always mean the biggest and strongest. Heroes come in all shapes and sizes.

Age Range: 4-8yrs

Subjects: Africa, Folklore, Bantu, Multicultural, Wisdom, Hero, Persistence, Animals, Children’s, Picture Book

A Tree Is Nice by Janice May Udry

The Dragon’s Pearl by Julie Lawson

Title: The Dragon’s Pearl Julie Lawson

Author: Julie Lawson

Illustrated: by Paul Morin

Publish Date: January 1995

Publisher: Stoddart Kids

Pages: 32pp

ISBN: 0773728821

Classification: Fiction

Genre: Folklore

Annotation: A traditional Chinese folk tale about a terrible drought in China and a boy, Xiao Sheng, finds a magic pearl that transforms him into a dragon. This dragon forever changes the lives of his mother and neighbors.

Plot Summary: Xiao Sheng was a boy who worked extremely hard in order to earn enough to feed his mother and himself. He gathered grass from sun up to sun down, everyday. He found solace in singing and always saw the good of things. One day Xiao finds a magic pearl, in which transforms him into a powerful Chinese dragon—a provider of the long-awaited rains.

Personal Response: A traditional Chinese folk-tale told with beautiful illustrations by Paul Morin, who brings the story to life with textured paintings—increasing the authenticity and matching the rich language of Julie Lawson. Additionally, the book includes an informative page about Chinese dragons, effectively celebrating the benevolent Chinese dragon.

~Reader’s Advisory~

Themes: Benevolence

Age Range: 4 to 12

Subjects: Pearls, Dragons, Folk Tales, Myths, Legends, China, Son and Mother, Rain, Tradition, Picture Book, Poverty, Magic, Transformation, Singing, Drought, Benevolence

Similar Titles:

Day of the Dragon King by Mary Osborne

On Wings of Evil by Cora Taylor

Title: On Wings of Evil

Author: Cora Taylor

Publish Date: June 2005

Publisher: Fitzhenry & Whiteside, Limited

Pages: 250pp

ISBN: 1550419293

Classification: Fiction

Genre: Fantasy

Annotation: This sequel to On Wings of a Dragon continues the story of heroin Kour'el, the bird girl, and Api'Naga, her great dragon, who have returned to their homeland.

Plot Summary: In this sequel to On Wings of a Dragon, Kour’el is back at her homeland with her trusty dragon, Api’Naga. With them, they have brought back the new Queen Galea. As the Queen takes her throne, she faces a new evil in her land, thus requiring the help of Kour’el and Api’Naga. The evil Queen Mariah has come back in a new form with assassination attempts on Queen Galea. On top of that there seems to be a strange black and white bird that is the focal point for evil against the throne.

Personal Response: In order to fully understand this novel, the reader must read the first installment to the series, On Wings of a Dragon (2001). Taylor writes vivid descriptions and creates interesting events with adequate twists, although sometimes too predictable. With parallel plots, the reader must stay closely in-tune to not only follow the storyline but to fully appreciate what Taylor has created. This fairly tale/fantasy follows the traditional guidelines of good verses evil. Kour’el is an interesting character (and great inspiration) for girls as she went from maiden-in-distress to heroin!

~Reader’s Advisory~

Themes: Good verses Evil.

Age Range: 9 and up

Subjects: Fantasy, Fantasy Heroin, Dragons, Good vs. Evil, Medievil, Historical, Adventure, Mystery, Magic

Series:

On Wings of Evil (2005)

On Wings of a Dragon (2001)

Will and Swampy by Jim Arnosky

Minus Time by Catherine Bush

The Secret Under My Skin by Janet McNaughton

Title: The Secret Under My Skin

Author: Janet McNaughton

Publish Date: 2000

Publisher: HarperCollin Children’s Books

Pages: 262pp

ISBN: 006008989X

Classification: Fiction

Genre: Science Fiction

Annotation: It is the year 2368, and Blay Raytee, a government work-camp orphan who has no birthday, no real name, and almost no memories. In fact, her future seems as glum as her past. Until she is selected to help a powerful young bio-indicator, in which sets Blay on a path of discovery.

Plot Summary: The world has just suffered from a technocaust that has left a generation of orphans. Blay Raytee, one of those orphans, is chosen for a special mission to help a powerful young bio-indicator name Marrella. This sets Blay into a world of discovery as she is finding out that all may not be what it seems. The secrets she uncovers may be the elements to help restore her past and the human race.

Personal Response: A compelling story about a possible future. Janet McNaughton warns people that too much technology can have a dangerous and devastating affect on the human race.

~Reader’s Advisory~

Themes: Things are always as they seem. You have the power to change them and/or help people. Too much technology is not necessarily a good thing.

Age Range: 13 and up

Subjects: Identity, Bravery, Courage, Orphan, Confidence, Acceptance, Government, Humanity, Dsytopia, Post Apocalyptic,

Similar Titles

Skybreaker by Kenneth Oppel

The Convicts by Ian Lawrence

The Speed of Light by Elizabeth Rosner

Invitation to the Game by Monica Hughes

Title: Invitation to the Game

Author: Monica Hughes

Publish Date: June 1993

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

Pages: 192pp

ISBN: 0671866923

Classification: Fiction

Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy

Annotation: Lisse has just graduated from school and is hopelessly unemployed in a dystopian future society. When she is placed in the Designated Area with seven other friends, the government invites her and her seven unemployed roommates to play The Game.

Plot Summary: Set in a dystopian Earth, Lisse and seven other graduates are fighting for survival in the decayed city. Hearing mysterious rumors about something called The Game, the roommates anxious wait for an invitation. When they finally get summoned to The Game, they learn that this alternate world of paradise and the game in which they are playing to track down a treasure is not at all what The Game’s main purpose is about.

Personal Response: Similar to Enders Game for me, in which I highly enjoyed. Monica Hughes creates a future that is both dark and deeply realistic with the advent of technology and robots performing humanistic occupations. This forces people out of jobs and into unemployment. I thought the characters were likable as each of them displayed a trait or skill that complimented the group as a whole. Collectively, you (as the reader) could understand the selection process upon populating the new planet as life there was in it’s prehistoric phase, making it important to acquire the precise group of people. A true survival story with optimism and hope for a better future.

~Reader’s Advisory~

Themes: Things aren’t always what they seem.

Age Range: 12 and up

Subjects: Dystopia, Boarding School, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Computer Games, Survival, Over-population, Government

Similar Titles:

The Uglies series by Scott Westerfeld

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

Little Brother by Cory Doctorow

Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card

The Watcher by Margaret Buffie

Title: The Watcher

Author: Margaret Buffie

Publish Date: September 1, 2000

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Pages: 264pp

ISBN: 1550748319

Classification: Fiction

Genre: Fantasy

Annotation: Emma is set apart from the rest of her dark-haired family with exotic white hair and skin. She senses an intense emotion to protect her little sister Summer, who is prone to weakness. Suddenly, the world Emma has always known isn’t the world she thought it was, rather a Game.

Plot Summary: The first book of the Watcher’s Quest trilogy introduces Emma suspenseful tale about a girl, Emma, and her little sister, Summer. To begin with, Emma is nothing like the rest of her family, in fact she doesn’t even look like them as they all have dark features and Emma bears pale skin and hair. Emma is concerned about her little sister Summer as she has been passing out and getting weaker and weaker. Emma does not trust her mother, a new-age, bee-keeper or her impractical environmental artist father to keep Summer safe. Through dreams, Emma finds herself between two worlds and comes to find out that what she thought was reality is really just a Game. Upon finding this out, she learns what her role is in this Game and

Personal Response: A suspenseful tale with a strong storyline about identity, courage, and sisterhood. I thought the whole changeling element was interesting as Emma, a great character by the way (very relatable), felt so much need to protect her family. I found this to be a fantastical read! The open ending was a little difficult but luckily the next book was available at the library.

~Reader’s Advisory~

Themes: The bond of sisterhood

Age Range: 12 and up

Subjects: Magic, Other Worlds, Outcast, Supernatural, Identity, Sisters, Games, Myth, Changeling, Courage