I Can, Too!

Written by Karen Autio

Illustrated by Laura Watson

Scholastic Canada

978-1-4431-9008-4

24 pp.

Ages 3-7

September 2022

In a a story about differences, Karen Autio and Laura Watson show us that we're all the same, or can be, when it comes to mobility.

From I Can, Too! by Karen Autio, illus. by Laura Watson

From birth, Kayla and Piper move the same: they're pushed in strollers, they roll and then they crawl. As they reach for new milestones like standing, they begin to do things slightly differently. Piper uses a chair to support her and Kayla uses a standing frame. Riding their tricycles, zooming around the streets, riding horses, gliding over ice and skiing are all the same and yet different. Still the joy that the girls get from movement is palpable in their smiles, cheers, and twinkling eyes.

Once they start to attend school, the girls participate fully in their play and learning. Whether outside on an inclusive playground with a raised sand table and accessible slides or field trips in nature, all the kids can enjoy a satisfying experience. Moreover, the others get to learn how Kayla moves in a wheelchair when her mom brings an extra chair for her classmates to try out.

From I Can, Too! by Karen Autio, illus. by Laura Watson

When it comes to the kids, they can all move and have fun, even if differently. 

The dedication to I Can, Too! suggests that Karen Autio's experiences come from those of her daughter Annaliis "who joyfully gave all mobility equipment that came her way a try" and it's evident that the range of adaptive equipment, from hand-propelled tricycles to hiking wheelchairs and sit-ski, is staggering. What is most important are the opportunities this equipment gives to those with mobility issues and it's fairly obviously that Kayla, and undoubtedly Annaliis, were able to enjoy all activities that children should experience wholeheartedly, from sports to trick-or-treating and beach play. (Yes, there is a beach wheelchair with oversized tires.) But, while BC author Karen Autio explains the use of these devices, appending her story with "Amazing Ways to Move!," her goal isn't to highlight the differences but rather the commonalities and connections children make through their play and learning.

 

Ontario illustrator Laura Watson brings that joy of movement and play to the children of I Can, Too! Her characters are full of life and colour, different in their clothing, skin, and abilities, same in their pleasure at connecting with others and engaging in fun.

 

I Can, Too! is an affirmation that, with accessibility, comes equity and opportunity. Whether it's Reciprocating Gait Orthoses or inclusive playgrounds, adaptive equipment helps everyone to find happiness.

The Book of Elsie (Orca Currents)

Written by Joanne Levy

Orca Book Publishers

978-1-4598-3424-8

160 pp.

Ages 9-12

RL 2.8

August 2022

With the upcoming Jewish holiday of Purim–that commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people against the evil Haman in 5th c. BCE  Persia, as told in the Book of Esther–Elsie Rose-Miller is buzzing with excitement. For her synagogue's Purim party, she's planning on going as the fierce Queen Esther. Abba, her father, is a theatre costume designer and he's helping with her dress. But when her other dad who is on the temple's board learns that the party will have to be cancelled because of finances, Elsie jumps into action, emulating the strong Queen Esther, determined to save the party and the synagogue.

Rallying Rabbi Alisha and members of their Sunday school, Elsie suggests selling tickets to the Purim party and extending sales beyond their temple. It would seem that everyone is on board and sales are going well, especially with some hamantaschen cookies (recipe appends the book!) to accompany the tickets. But community outreach becomes a little tricky, particularly when approaching strangers, and Elsie and her best friend Grace must contend with antisemitism and racism respectively. Worse yet, when a hate crime is perpetrated against the synagogue, a cancelled Purim party may be the least of their worries.

Joanne Levy has written several middle grade novels where she enlightens young readers about Jewish traditions and the community (e.g., Sorry For Your Loss, The Sun Will Come Out) but this may be the first in which she tackles antisemitism and hate crimes against the Jewish community. That's a heavy topic but Joanne Levy embeds it in a story about courage and communities rather than focusing on the violence or the brutality of offensive remarks. Both Elsie, a Jewish child, and Grace, a person of colour, are exposed to the hate but their histories with that hate are different and, as such, their immediate responses may be different. They both recognize the ignorance involved; however, as part of communities of caring individuals, they see beyond the fear and sadness–"Hate has never solved any problems" (pg. 130)–and work to make things better. 

The story line is strong, encompassing social justice and Jewish traditions, tolerance and inclusivity. But the writing is persuasive, especially as Joanne Levy has written it as a hi-lo (high interest-low reading level) book, thereby reaching a wider audience with her story. As part of the Orca Currents series, The Book of Elsie may be geared to middle graders who are reading below grade level but it's actually opened up the opportunity for younger readers, middle graders and even teens who are striving to read to get a compelling story with a contemporary theme. In a time when hatred is voiced openly on social media and threatens many communities, The Book of Elsie reminds us that there is goodness out there and, with a little courage and determination, it can overcome everything.

Made 4 You

Written by Eric Walters

DCB

978-1-77086-661-4

296 pp.

Ages 13+

September 2022

 

Except for the headaches which have started plaguing her–and for which she has had multiple MRIs–seventeen-year-old Becky James's senior year is mapped out as getting good grades, prepping for the SATs, volunteering at a seniors' residence, and partaking in extracurricular activities like school band and social justice club and managing the boys' basketball team.  Then she meets Gene Newman, a previously-homeschooled student from New York state whom she will host and offer assistance.

As smart as Gene is, he needs support to fit in at their Nobleton, Indiana high school. His first-day blue suit and shiny brief case, as well as his formal speech, make him a standout. But he's a fast learner, following Becky's advice with respect to dress and more. Soon he's not just fitting in but he's attracting attention as an exceptional student, saxophone musician and basketball player. As they spend more and more time together, and Gene reveals the research his adoptive parents have been conducting on human intelligence and strategies for learning, the two teens become closer. But it's not smooth sailing for the young couple as there are secrets that could put them both in danger and perhaps keep them separated forever.

When science fiction is written well, it becomes less fantasy and more possibility, and Made 4 You is so plausible that readers will wonder if the story is based in reality. (Of course, that's also the finesse that is Eric Walters's writing.) Research on human intelligence is vast and expanding, as scientists look to how we learn, apply and adapt, so raising a young man like Gene who can learn anything quickly and thoroughly is not surprising. However, the depth of his learning, from math to sports and social interactions, is astounding, especially as it is coupled with empathy and love. Because Eric Walters takes Gene beyond the genius he is and makes him into a teen in love, Gene is a complete, albeit extraordinary, human.  And with dangerous adversaries looking to exploit the science behind Gene's intellectual development, Made 4 You goes beyond a sci fi romance into a thriller and action adventure. It's a story that has it all: sweet moments of falling in love, mysterious scientific research, and chase scenes across land and sky. Moreover, with Eric Walters at the writing helm, not only is it a story made for any middle-grader or teen who reads across genres, Made 4 You is also complex, nuanced and full of heart. (Even the dedication will give readers an "Awww" moment of pause.)

Harvey Takes the Lead: Guest review

This review was prepared by Gr. 9 student Bronte L.

 

Written by Colleen Nelson

Illustrated by Tara Anderson

Pajama Press

978-1-77278-240-0 

288 pp.

Ages 8-12

May 2022

In Colleen Nelson’s book, Harvey Takes the Lead, Maggie and her friend Austin and their adventurous dogs Harvey and Bertie (respectively) volunteer at Brayside Retirement home. But there is much worry at the home with its new management, rules, and the possibility of Harvey’s dismissal as a comfort dog. For one couple, Mr. and Mrs. Kowalski, there is even more anxiety as Mrs. Kowalski is sick in hospital and her husband is anxious for her return, especially with the upcoming Valentine's Day dance. Ever the good listener, Austin does his very best to help the senior cope by listening to accounts of how the couple met in their youth.

Meanwhile, Maggie and Austin have troubles of their own, mostly dealing with friends and school. Maggie is dealing with not getting the part she wanted in her school play and instead getting the role of the understudy to Ndidi, a girl who Maggie doesn't think deserves the lead. Austin, on the other hand, is too embarrassed to tell his best friend that he can't afford to go on a school trip. And Harvey? He's determined to drive out the rodent nest at Brayside, even if it means breaking a few rules.

Harvey Takes the Lead by Colleen Nelson is a good fit for readers in grades 3-6, but can certainly be enjoyed by people of all ages. It's a heartwarming story about balancing school, family and friends, and giving second chances. The short chapters alternate between perspectives of Maggie, Austin, and Harvey, giving you a look at each of their unique  experiences. Every single character has a vibrant personality and backstory, including Harvey and Bertie, the beloved canines!

Out of 10, I would give Harvey Takes the Lead a 9. If you think retirement homes are dull, you certainly have not heard about Brayside! I absolutely loved the spunk and courage of the seniors, and Maggie and Austin were such relatable and likeable characters. It is far from the genres I usually read, but I enjoyed it a whole lot more than I thought I would! The story was fast paced, and the short chapters made it a quick and enjoyable read. After finishing this book, you’ll want nothing more than to have a chat with the Brayside residents over coffee and Mrs. O’Brian’s blueberry muffins! 

 

~ Written by Bronte L.

 

• • • • • • • 

 

Harvey Comes Home (2019)

Harvey Holds His Own (2020)

Harvey Takes the Lead (2022)

When Spider Met Shrew

Written by Deborah Kerbel

Illustrated by Geneviève Côté

Groundwood Books

978-1-77306-563-2

32 pp.

Ages 3-6

September 2022

 

When a group of animals realize that there's something missing in their lives, they come together in a unique way to help each other out.

From When Spider Met Shrew by Deborah Kerbel, illus. by Geneviève Côté

The story begins with a hungry spider who creates a web to catch its food. But when the wind grabs the spider and its web, Spider makes the acquaintance of a shrew whose field is about to be plowed. Spider offers to help Shrew find a new home.

 

When a storm strikes, they take shelter in the tree of a bat, who is wet, and an opossum, who has lost its mother. The foursome go off in search of Possum's mother until they meet a depressed beagle saddened by the loss of her puppies. Dog is invited to be Possum's new mom, at least temporarily, and they all get on Dog's back. Bat can now move around, even though its wetness prevents flight; Shrew can share in Dog's doghouse; Possum has a surrogate mom on whose back they can travel; and Dog is needed again. Finally they meet Pony who misses the fun they used to have with a human riding them. Guess what they all do?  After that, there is only one need to fulfill and that's the one that started this whole story.

From When Spider Met Shrew by Deborah Kerbel, illus. by Geneviève Côté

Cumulative tales, those that build with repeated words or actions to progress the story, are fabulous for engaging young readers and helping them recognize words. Though a modified cumulative tale in that the words are repeated but not rigorously throughout the story, When Spider Met Shrew has that echoing of a spider who is hungry, a shrew who is homeless, a bat who is wet, an opossum who is scared and a dog who is sad. (Since the pony is at the end of the story, their boredom doesn't get repeated.) Deborah Kerbel gives us that repetition but goes beyond and that's what makes When Spider Met Shrew a little different. Whether children will read the story themselves or as part of a story time read-aloud, they'll get into the rhythm of the story, but they will also feel for the plights of the animals and appreciate their compassionate companionship that results in a happy ending that comes from helping out a friend or two, in their own way. Cumulative tales can be on the simple side, relying on the reiteration to carry the story, but, by embedding that repetition in a story of different animals feeling vulnerable because of human interference, the cycle of life, weather and time, Deborah Kerbel makes us feel not just laugh.

From When Spider Met Shrew by Deborah Kerbel, illus. by Geneviève Côté

Likewise, Geneviève Côté's watercolour illustrations may look simple with a background and a couple of animals, but the artwork is far more complex in its emotional substance. The burdens of the animals are evident both in words and graphics and their willingness to express those vulnerabilities enables them to get the support they require.

Alone a spider, a shrew, a bat, an opossum, a dog and a pony have hunger, homeless, sadness and more, but together they have better.

2022 Canadian Children's Book Centre: English-language Book Awards shortlists announced

Yesterday, the Canadian Children's Book Centre, our nationally-renowned authority on all things related to youngCanLit, announced the finalists for the 2022 English-language Canadian Children's Book Centre Awards. (See their website announcement here with pdf here and video of shortlists on Bibliovideo.)

This year, the children's book awards include eight awards, both long-established and newly founded:

• TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award ($50,000), Sponsored by TD Bank Group;
• Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award ($20,000), Sponsored by A. Charles Baillie;
• Norma Fleck Award For Canadian Children's Non-Fiction ($10,000), Sponsored by the Fleck Family Foundation;
• Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People ($5,000), Sponsored by the Canadian Children’s Book Centre’s Bilson Endowment Fund;
• Amy Mathers Teen Book Award ($5,000), Sponsored by Amy Mathers' Marathon of Books;
• Jean Little First-Novel Award ($5,000);
• Arlene Barlin Award for Science Fiction and Fantasy ($5,000), Sponsored by Elly Barlin-Daniels; and
  
• David Booth Children’s and Youth Poetry Award ($3,500), Sponsored by Shelly Stagg Peterson.

 (n.b. The French-language award short lists will be announced in October and winners celebrated in November.)

Here are the short lists for each award category, as announced by the Canadian Children's Book Centre:

TD Canadian Children's Literature Award

Borders
Written by Thomas King
Illustrated by Natasha Donovan
HarperCollins

The Fabulous Zed Watson!
Written by Basil Sylvester and Kevin Sylvester
Illustrated by Kevin Sylvester
HarperCollins

Growing Up Trans: In Our Own Words
Edited by Dr. Lindsay Herriot and Kate Fry
Orca Book Publishers

A Kid is a Kid is a Kid

Written by Sara O’Leary

Illustrated by Qin Leng

Groundwood Books

Reviewed here

 

On the Trapline

Written by David A. Robertson

Illustrated by Julie Flett

Tundra Books

Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award

 

Hare B&B
Written by Bill Richardson
Illustrated by Bill Pechet
Running the Goat Books & Broadsides
Reviewed here

Lala’s Words
Written and illustrated by Gracey Zhang
Orchard Books

On the Trapline
Written by David A. Robertson
Illustrated by Julie Flett
Tundra Books 

Time is a Flower
Written and illustrated by Julie Morstad
Tundra Books

We All Play / kimêtawânaw
Written and illustrated by Julie Flett
Greystone Kids

Norma Fleck Award For Canadian Children's Non-Fiction

Boy from Buchenwald: The True Story of a Holocaust Survivor
Written by Robbie Waisman with Susan McClelland
Bloomsbury Children’s Books

The Girl Who Loved Giraffes and Became the World’s First Giraffologist

Written by Kathy Stinson

Illustrated by François Thisdale

Fitzhenry & Whiteside

Growing Up Trans: In Our Own Words
Edited by Dr. Lindsay Herriot and Kate Fry
Orca Book Publishers

Mad for Ads: How Advertising Gets (and Stays) in Our Heads
Written by Erica Fyvie
Illustrated by Ian Turner
Kids Can Press

The Power of Style: How Fashion and Beauty Are Being Used to Reclaim Cultures
Written by Christian Allaire
Illustrated by Jacqueline Li
Annick Press

Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People

Dear Peter, Dear Ulla
Written by Barbara Nickel
Thistledown Press

Elvis, Me, and the Lemonade Stand Summer
Written by Leslie Gentile
DCB

Second Chances
Written by Harriet Zaidman
Red Deer Press

Stealing Home
Written by J. Torres
Illustrated by David Namisato
Kids Can Press

Traitors Among Us
Written by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch
Scholastic
Reviewed here

Amy Mathers Teen Book Award

Blood Like Magic
Written by Liselle Sambury
Margaret K. McElderry Books

If I Tell You the Truth
Written by Jasmin Kaur
HarperCollins

Iron Widow
Written by Xiran Jay Zhao
Penguin Teen Canada

Misfit in Love
Written by S.K. Ali
Salaam Reads

 

The Project
Written by Courtney Summers
Wednesday Books

Reviewed here

Jean Little First-Novel Award

Elvis, Me, and the Lemonade Stand Summer
Written by Leslie Gentile
DCB

Living with Viola
Written and illustrated by Rosena Fung
Annick Press

 

Thanks a Lot, Universe

Written by Chad Lucas

Amulet Books

Reviewed here 

 

 

 

 

Arlene Barlin Award for Science Fiction and Fantasy

Blood Like Magic
Written by Liselle Sambury
Margaret K. McElderry Books  

 

Hunting by Stars: A Marrow Thieves Novel
Written by Cherie Dimaline
Penguin Teen Canada

 

Iron Widow
Written by Xiran Jay Zhao
Penguin Teen Canada

Sisters of the Snake
Written by Sarena Nanua and Sasha Nanua
HarperTeen

Spell Sweeper
Written by Lee Edward Födi
HarperCollins

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

David Booth Children’s and Youth Poetry Award

 

The Book of Selkie
Written and illustrated by Briana Corr Scott
Nimbus Publishing

A Great Big Night
Written by Kate Inglis
Illustrated by Josée Bisaillon
Nimbus Publishing

I Talk Like a River
Written by Jordan Scott
Illustrated by Sydney Smith
Neal Porter Books

Our Corner Store
Written by Robert Heidbreder
Illustrated by Chelsea O’Byrne
Groundwood Books

Summer Feet
Written by Sheree Fitch
Illustrated by Carolyn Fisher
Nimbus Publishing

 📚📚📚

The winners of these awards will be announced on September 29, 2022 at a ticketed event at Harbourfront but also via a free streamed event (register at https://festivalofauthors.ca/event/ccbc-2022-awards-ceremony/) in partnership with the Toronto International Festival of Authors.