March is National Reading Month! As if we need an excuse to dedicate any more of our spare time reading! This list of books includes thoughtful picks for both adults and children that are sure to satisfy the inquisitive mind of any reader. Read on to discover a mix of literary fiction, searching non-fiction, inclusive kids’ books, and beloved picture books, all from local BC publishers.
All the Quiet Places by Brian Thomas Isaac (TouchWood Editions)
A widely acclaimed debut novel about a young Sylix boy growing up on the far edge of the Okanagan Indian Reserve in the British Columbia Southern Interior. This modern classic is the story of what can happen when every adult in a person’s life has been affected by colonialism; it tells of the acute separation from culture that can occur even at home in a loved familiar landscape. Its narrative power relies on the unguarded, unsentimental witness provided by its protagonist, Eddie.
Out now!
Reservations: The Pleasures and Perils of Travel by Steve Burgess (Douglas & McIntyre)
For anyone who’s wondered about the ethics of Airbnb or if flying in toxic airplanes is justified in the name of wanderlust. In this smart and sharply funny interrogation of our right to roam, Burgess shares the stories of some of his most personally-significant travels, from Rome to Tana Toraja, and looking to studies and experts around the world for insight into why we travel and how we could do it better.
Coming soon! 27/04/2024
The Curve of Time by M. Wylie Blanchet (Harbour Publishing)
This beloved BC classic is being released once again! Widowed at the age of thirty-five, Muriel Wylie Blanchet packed up her five children in the summers that followed and set sail aboard the twenty-five-foot Caprice. For fifteen summers, in the 1920s and 1930s, the family explored the coves and islands of the BC coast, encountering settlers and hermits, hungry bears and dangerous tides, and falling under the spell of the region’s natural beauty.
Coming soon! 15/06/2024
Meeting My Treaty Kin: A Journey Towards Reconciliation by Heather Menzies (UBC Press)
This intimate story of one settler’s journey toward reconciliation reveals the rich potential that comes from learning to listen and change – decolonization not as to-do list, but as a lived experience of taking one awkward step at a time. A unique and enlightening read for anyone, particularly settlers, with questions about the practicalities of reconciliation, and who is looking for ways to incorporate decolonization into their own lives.
Out now!
For Kids
The Heart of a River by Eileen Delehanty Pearkes, illustrated by Nichola Lytle (Rocky Mountain Books)
This is a book for anyone, of any age, who cares about rivers. Told from the river’s perspective, it is an immersive, empathetic portrait of a once-wild river and of the Sinixt, a First People who lived on the mainstem of this great western river for thousands of years and continue to do so even though Canada declared them “extinct” in 1956. Full of beautiful illustrations and relevant
Coming soon! 03/21/24
Storyteller Skye: Teachings from My Ojibway Grandfather by Lindsay Christina King, illustrated by Carolyn Frank (Medicine Wheel Publishing)
In this collection of funny and unique short stories, young Skye enlightens us in a number of Indigenous teachings, passed down to her from her Ojibway Grandfather. Through her natural gift of storytelling, Skye encourages other children to embrace the art and become storytellers, too!
Coming soon! 3/6/2023
kā-āciwīkicik / The Move by Doris George and Don K. Philpot, illustrated by Alyssa Koski (Heritage House Publishing)
Rooted in the historical displacement and relocation of members of the Chemawawin First Nation from their ancestral homeland, The Move is a bilingual story of two Cree Elders adjusting to life in their new environment. The story presents two contrasting landscapes of the old community—the homeland of the Chemawawin People—and the new community of Easterville, which at first appears barren and lifeless. Gradually, the couple begins to incorporate their old customs and traditions into their current surroundings. Through traditional Cree storytelling techniques and vivid imagery, the new landscape springs to life and becomes a true community, filled with life and happiness.
Out now!
Elizabeth Quocksister: Keeper of History by Haley Healey,
illustrated by Kimiko Fraser (Heritage House Publishing)
An inspiring picture book and beautiful tribute to a proud Indigenous woman whose name deserves to be well-known throughout her community and beyond. Elizabeth Quocksister celebrated her Kwakwaka’wakw culture at a time when the Canadian government actively discouraged Indigenous traditions and the speaking of Indigenous languages. She cared for community members in need, saved many children from the horrors of residential school, and chronicled the daily lives of her community through photography. An educational read for all ages!
Coming soon! 14/05/24
Beep Beep Bubbie by Bonnie Sherr Klein, illustrated by Élisabeth Eudes-Pascal (Tradewind Books)
A rich and humorous picture book set in Vancouver. Kate worries that her grandmother may be different after she gets a motorized scooter, but soon realizes that the scooter enriches her grandmothers life and— it’s actually a lot of fun! Follow the family to Granville Island Market and climate rallies through colourful and dynamic illustrations in this book that teaches important lessons about living with a disability.
Out now!
Airlock by Tash McAdam (Orca Book Publishers)
This exciting science fiction book for kids and teens features a non-binary protagonist and is available as a fully accessible ebook. It includes enhanced features like dyslexia-friendly font, cream paper, and larger trim size to increase reading accessibility for dyslexic and other striving readers. All readers can join young delinquent Brick on their escape from Earth, overcoming their fear of outer space to embark on a journey of challenges and triumphs!
Out now!
Racing Hearts by Melinda Di Lorenzo (Orca Book Publishers)
This is a heart-warming, body-positive teen romance which deals with grief, loneliness, and the suicide of a loved one. A great pick to build confidence in young readers. This book is also available in an accessible ebook format, making it inclusive for readers of diverse abilities!
Out now!