As the end of the summer creeps closer and closer, so does back-to-school season. Whether you’re getting ready to head back to your studies, or helping someone else prepare, we’ve put together this list of BC-published books all about learning and school to fill you with school spirit!
A Small History of a Disagreement by Claudio Fuentes, illustrated by Gabriela Lyon (Greystone Books)
A group of school children are divided by a disagreement at school: should the monkey tree in the schoolyard be cut down to make room for a new computer lab? Some students are excited by the innovation and possibilities the computer lab will provide. Others demand the protection of the tree. The students learn about protests, marches, strikes and debates as they work towards a solution to their conflict.
Little Narwhal, Not Alone by Tiffany Stone, illustrated By Ashlyn Anstee (Greystone Books)
A charming story all about learning to make friends in unfamiliar places, perfect for any child nervous about their first day of school. This heartwarming picture book follows a little narwhal who accidentally ventures too far from home. When he’s unable to find any other narwhals to guide him home, he meets a pod of belugas who may be able to help the little calf. Based on a true story!
Aggie and Mudgy: The Journey of Two Kaska Dena Children by Wendy Proverbs (Heritage House Publishing)
This novel for middle-grade readers traces the real-life journey taken by the author’s mother and aunt as they are removed from their home and taken to a residential school 1,600 kilometers away from their family. This moving and impactful book reminds readers of the horrors of colonialism, while also celebrating the survival and perseverance of the descendants of residential school survivors and their families.
White Raven by Teoni Spathelfer, illustrated by Natassia Davies (Heritage House Publishing)
In this follow up to Spathelfer’s beloved picture book, Little Wolf, Little Wolf is now grown and moves back to the country with her children, where her mother, White Raven, helps her reconnect to her culture. White Raven also shares stories with Little Wolf and her children about her time at St. Michael’s Residential School. This touching story of healing and family is based on the author’s own life and her mother’s residential school experience.
Outside by Sean McCammon (New Star Books)
When an outdoor adventure with his Grade 4 class goes disastrously wrong, teacher David Woods is consumed by guilt. Overwhelmed by the consequences of his decisions on that fateful field trip, a desperate David flees to Japan to live among a group of Western ESL teachers working in a Kyoto boarding house.
Ruff Day: Charlie’s Rules #2 by Sigmund Brouwer, illustrated by Sabrina Gendron (Orca Book Publishers)
This illustrated story is sure to delight and is perfect for early readers looking to advance to chapter books. In this sequel to Pasture Bedtime, Charlie and his best friend Amy are determined to help their classmate Jenna figure out why her new puppy Diesel is lashing out. What they soon realize is that Diesel isn’t trying to hurt Jenna’s family. He’s trying to protect them.
Jordan and Max, Showtime by Suzanne Sutherland, illustrated by Michelle Simpson (Orca Book Publishers)
This illustrated chapter book is perfect for early readers, aged 6-8, and explores themes of friendship, gender performance and identity. The story follows Jordan to his new school. Having experienced bullying at his old school, Jordan is determined to lay low this time. Everything changes when he meets Max, who helps Jordan let his true self shine.
In Our Own Teen Voice 4 (Rebel Mountain Press)
The best of Vancouver Island young writers grades 8 to 12. In Our Own Teen Voice features fiction and poetry written by teens about issues that matter to them. This is the fourth anthology in the collection by Rebel Mountain Press, with submissions accepted annually from young writers attending school on Vancouver Island.
Take Me Outside: Running Across the Canadian Landscape that Shapes Us by Colin Harris (RMB | Rocky Mountain Books)
Author Colin Harris spent nine months running across Canada, visiting over 80 schools along the way. Harris was able to reach over 20,000 students and connect with them on the importance of spending time outside. This inspirational story will remind readers to get out from behind the screen and get back to exploring the Canadian landscape.
A Lethal Lesson by Iona Whishaw (TouchWood Editions)
An inviting and intriguing mystery set in small town BC. The latest book in the Lane Winslow Mystery series sees our heroine returning to the Kootenays, where she volunteers as a substitute teacher after the suspicious disappearance of the local schoolteacher and her replacement. Who is responsible for this mysterious disappearance, and could Lane or the other teachers be next?
The Prairie Gardener’s Go-To for Seeds by Janet Melrose, Sheryl Normandeau (TouchWood Editions)
In this helpful guide, certified master gardeners Janet Melrose and Sheryl Normandeau teach readers all about determining the availability of seeds; knowing the difference between heirloom, heritage, and hybrid seeds; the best containers and planting supplies to use; using growing lights; and troubleshooting common gardening problems.
Kiddo by Cynthia Nugent (Tradewind Books)
A charming chapter book starring Kiddo, an aspiring journalist and future publisher determined to land a job as Junior Journalist on her community’s Town Crier newspaper. To nab the job, Kiddo attempts to earn points with her community, improve her spelling and—most importantly—stay out of trouble.
You @ the U: A Guided Tour through Your First Year of University by Janet Miller (UBC Press)
Starting university can be one of the most stressful experiences in your academic career. Whether you’re a young person who’s just finished high school, or an older student returning to school after a long break, this book will help you navigate the daunting transitions.
Making the Case: 2SLGBTQ+ Rights and Religion in Schools by Donn Short, Bruce MacDougall, and Paul T. Clarke (UBC Press)
Despite an increasing acceptance of LGBTQ2+ rights across the country, conflict often manifests on the school ground, where students wishing to express their sexual or gender identity clash with students, parents and teachers who are unwilling to accept them. This book examines the issue through a legal lens, exploring how Canadian law responds to “competing human rights claims.”