Real-life stories provide valuable insights into history, culture, and human experiences, helping us view the world (and each other) through the lens of others in an engaging way. Whether it’s a story about family, animals, historical events, or extraordinary individuals, we hope you find a book that resonates with you. Who knows, you may even learn something new along the way!
The Day Dancer Flew by Tiffany Stone, illustrated by Brittany Lane (Orca Book Publishers)
Inspired by real events during the flooding near Spences Bridge, BC in 2021, this gorgeously illustrated book tells the tale of a girl’s love for her horse and the power of a community coming together to help humans (and animals) during a natural disaster.
Dancer is a gentle and loving horse. He got his name because of how he moves his hooves—happily, like he’s dancing. Every day when the girl rides on his back, it feels like she is flying—until the rain descends and won’t let up. Everything floods and the girl and her family flee. Having to leave Dancer behind, the girl worries about her horse constantly. Finally, with the help of an agriculture officer, a horse expert, and a helicopter pilot, a plan comes together to save the stranded Dancer.
“Readers will be moved by how the protagonist’s flights of fancy turn into concrete solutions. The story is a much-needed reminder about the importance of community; it also offers a crucial takeaway: Even in the face of natural disaster and trauma, we must never stop attempting the seemingly impossible… A tremendous example of collective efforts in the wake of disaster.” – Kirkus Reviews
Available May 14, 2024
The Pie Reports by Hayley Lowe (Orca Book Publishers)
Noor and Granddad love pie! Lemon meringue, blueberry crisp, chocolate cream… there’s a pie for every occasion. They spend a wonderful summer together trying each one. When vacation ends, Noor must say goodbye and fly home. But despite an ocean of distance between them and Granddad’s declining health, the pair continue to connect through their shared passion for pastry by meeting for video chats.
When one day Granddad doesn’t log in after experiencing more blues than usual, Noor decides to write down her pie reports, holding space for Granddad until he feels ready.
Inspired by the author’s family’s experiences with Parkinson’s disease, The Pie Reports is a powerful illustration for children who might have loved ones experiencing illness or loved ones who live far away.
Available May 14, 2024
They Called Him a Radical: The Memoirs of Pete Maloff and the Making of a Doukhobor Pacifist by Pete Maloff (Caitlin Press)
Bestselling author Vera Maloff shares the fascinating memoirs of her grandfather, noted Doukhobor pacifist and philosopher Pete Maloff, written during his years under house arrest for peaceful protests and covering the formative years from his birth to his late twenties.
Peter “Pete” Maloff was born in Saskatchewan in 1900, the year after the first Doukhobors, including his parents, immigrated to Canada. Living through the eras of WWI and WWII in a Doukhobor community strengthened his deep-rooted belief in pacifism and, at a young age, he dedicated himself completely to the idea that there must be another way to resolve conflicts. This quest, as well as Maloff’s status as an ‘outsider,’ was not always welcomed—judges and wardens considered him a radical and his influence a threat, and his outspokenness and peaceful protests resulted in house arrest and years in Canadian jails. Maloff was not deterred, and his perseverance garnered him many followers, including some who had formerly worked against him or had helped to incarcerate him.
Out Now!
Arctic Patrol: Canada’s Fight for Arctic Sovereignty by Eric Jamieson (Caitlin Press)
In the 1920s, Canada’s claim on the Arctic archipelago was tenuous at best. In 1880, the United Kingdom had handed over control of the area to the expanding dominion, though much of the area was still unoccupied and unexplored. The North-West Mounted Police, later to become the RCMP in 1920, were assigned the territory by the Canadian Government. For years, little was done to assert this control; over time, remote detachments were established throughout the archipelago, and annual ship patrols were conducted to resupply these posts as well as to demonstrate to the world that Canada was indeed administering to its Arctic. In Arctic Patrol, Lieutenant Governor’s Medal winner Eric Jamieson uncovers the fascinating history of Canada’s fight to secure its Arctic territories in this thrilling tale of international politics, polar exploration, and human endurance.
Out Now!