Freedom to Read Week

Freedom to Read Week provides Canadians a powerful opportunity to address issues of intellectual freedom, censorship, and access to information as they affect our communities — whether locally, nationally, or abroad. As part of our commitment to these three issues which still largely affect disenfranchised communities, we’re sharing ten books from BC publishers that reflect our province’s rich tapestry of diverse voices. From Japanese internment and Indigenous feminism to trans activism, undocumented immigration, and more, these titles offer readers an opportunity to reflect upon what freedom really means, as well as who has access to this right.

Chiru Sakura—Falling Cherry Blossoms by Grace Eiko Thomson
(Caitlin Press)

In 1942, Sawae Nikishima and her family became part of the over 22,000 Japanese Canadians forced into internment camps. Years later, she would begin writing about this experience, to preserve her family’s history While translating these stories, her daughter Grace noticed many parallels to her own life and began adding her experiences, leaving us with a deft exploration intergenerational trauma. Throughout, Thomson reminds readers that the wounds from this dark period in Canadian history are still open, drawing upon her mother’s wisdom as she seeks reconciliation, while passing her story down to the next generation.

Our Backs Warmed by the Sun by Vera Maloff
(Caitlin Press)

An intricate unravelling of growing up as a Doukhobor; a community whose reputation has often been sensationalized. Maloff deftly juxtaposes the very real darkness that some folks, like the Sons of Freedom, have wrought on the community against her own family’s desire to lead a quiet life.

Radiant Voices, edited by carla bregman
(TouchWood Editions)

The age of social media has given folks, who would otherwise see their views and voices oppressed, a platform to express themselves through movements like Idle No More, Black Lives Matter, and #MeToo. Inspired by the EMMA Talks reading series, Radiant Voices responds to the desire to hear from more non-dominant voices, collecting 21 essays from emerging and established authors. Connected through themes such as social justice, matriarchy, and celebration, a pantheon of great thinkers including Leanna Betasamosake Simpson, dr. amina wadud, and Astra Taylor cement this book as a must read.

In This Together, edited by Danielle Metcalfe-Chenali
(TouchWood Editions)

In these fifteen stories, Indigenous and non-Indigenous writers broach the topic of reconciliation: what is it really? These difficult, yet touching, conversations dig at the heart of what is needed for folks to move towards true healing and reconciliation, while urging readers to prioritize decolonization and accept the responsibility to right Canada’s ugly history.

How to Become an Accidental Activist by Elizabeth MacLeod
(Orca Book Publishers)

How to Become an Accidental Activist is about great people doing great things for social change, with passion and purpose. In many cases, the work exceeded even these change-makers’ wildest dreams. Featuring illustrations from Jenn Playford, the book profiles 100 activists, relating how each got their start in their respective fields. The book also offers young readers tips on how to start on their own path as an activist and how to maintain resolve when things seem hopeless.

The Rules Have Changed by Lesley Choyce
(Orca Book Publishers)

What if you came back home after three years abroad to see the world upside, ruled by oppressive authoritarians? That’s the situation Blake Pendleton finds himself in. In the tradition of dystopian novels that draw parallels from the real world, such as 1984 and The Hunger Games, Blake must figure out who to trust to navigate the extreme changes his life faces.

Our Work is Everywhere by Syan Rose
(Arsenal Pulp Press)

Queer illustrator Syan Rose’s visually staggering work of graphic nonfiction shines a light on the tireless labour trans people have been doing for years. Our Work is Everywhere uplifts trans organizers, healers, and artists, and allows them to draw focus to important issues such as Black femme mental health, Pacific Islander authorship, and disability and health care practice in their own words. Coupled with Rose’s staggering illustrations, these leaders’ voices present an earnest and layered glimpse at the realities facing trans folks as they look to carve out space for themselves and their kin.

Travesía by Michelle Gertser, illustrated by Fiona Dunnett
(Arsenal Pulp Press)

This bilingual graphic memoir recounts the first-person account of Gricelda’s attempt to cross the US-Mexican border, with her mother and brother. Bursting with vibrant illustration by Fiona Dunnett, evoking Oaxacan street art and local textiles and embroidery, Travesía digs deep into the desperation facing many Mexicans, as they look for a way into a better life, and the resilience that is forged along the way.

Wanting Everything: The Collected Works by Gladys Hindmarch, edited by D. Fong & K. Shearer
(Talonbooks)

Wanting Everything collects the breadth of Gladys Hindmarch’s career, including revised editions of her three book-length works. A celebration of Hindmarch’s prolific career and contributions to feminist writing, Wanting Everything calls attention to the importance of writerly work that is social, collaborative, and dialogic. All the while, readers will marvel at Hindmarch’s irrepressible ability to discuss the intersections of domestic life with social engagement.

still by Anahita Jamali Rad
(Talonbooks)

Tackling subjects like extractive capitalism, commodification of behaviour, and withdrawn complicity, still is best describe as a manifesto to “un-be.” While other books may preach action, Rad’s speaker offers an alternative way to rage against the machine: to simply be still.