Summer Reading with Canadian Authors
/The Ottawa Public Library is back to share some of their favourite books. This month’s post was submitted by Elizabeth Fosbery Richardson, Children’s Programming and Public Services Assistant at the Ruth E. Dickinson Branch.
With summer fast approaching, why not take some time to indulge in some great new titles by Canadian authors available from the Ottawa Public Library?
One Giant Leap by Thao Lam
This wordless picture book is a great choice for adventure lovers and those with big imaginations. It perfectly captures every child who dreams of becoming an astronaut or an explorer every time they put on their snowsuit. Perfect for “reading” together.
Cranky Chicken series by Katherine Battersby
These early chapter books are a perfect choice for emerging readers. Watch adventures unfold between two unlikely friends – a cranky chicken and a cheerful worm. Each book features three hilarious stories as these friends learn to conquer their fears and expand their comfort zones. Grades 1-3.
Nguyen Kids series By Linda Trinh
The Nguyen siblings have just lost their beloved grandmother, but she’s left each of them something special, maybe even magical. The three siblings aren’t sure how to feel about things - they’re not like their cousins who have strong ties to their Vietnamese culture, but at the same time they feel different than their white friends at school. This new early chapter book series tells the story of each of the siblings and how they overcome difficulties using the gifts that their grandma has left them. Grades 2-4.
Lost & Found by Mei Yu
When Mei learns she’s moving to Canada, she’s super excited. But that excitement turns to anxiety and fear when she arrives – new language, new kids and new foods. She turns to her art to help her communicate her feelings and solve problems. This graphic novel is a great choice for kids who love inspiring stories. Grades 1-4.
The Racc Pack by Stephanie Cooke
Meet the Bins – a family of racoons (and maybe an opossum), who live in the city of Toronto, scavenging neighbourhoods, never meeting a dumpster they couldn’t dive. When they come across a new store throwing away perfectly edible food, they hatch a plan so that no food is ever wasted again. This first book in a new series is ideal for grades 2-5 who love funny graphic novels.
Alterations by Ray Xu
Kevin is having a terrible week. He brought a century egg to school for lunch and now everyone is calling him Egg Boy. People notice him, and not always in a good way. Can Kevin learn to live up his own expectations for himself as the perfect Asian son and grandson while being true to himself? This graphic novel is perfect for fans of authors Jerry Craft or Kelly Yang. Grades 4 and up.
Mortified by Kristy Jackson
When Belinda, the shyest, most awkward girl in the school has dreams of starring in the school play, she turns to her best friend to put a confidence spell on her. Unfortunately, it seems the spell is more of a curse. Can Belinda overcome one disaster after another to be able to audition? This hilarious new novel is recommended for grades 4 and up.