Children’s books with Canadian content

This booklist celebrates Canadian Children's Book Week, bringing the magic of books and reading to children across the country.

Learn more about it at https://bookweek.ca/.

The Western Counties Regional Library booklist provides readers with names of books and other material recommended by library staff. All recommendations are posted at www.westerncounties.ca under Recommended Reading with links to the catalogue.

New Kid by Jerry Craft

Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Gene Luen Yang, New Kid is a timely, honest graphic novel about starting over at a new school where diversity is low and the struggle to fit in is real, from award-winning authorillustrator Jerry Craft.

The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander

The Newbery Award-winning author of The Crossover pens an ode to black American triumph and tribulation, with art from a two-time Caldecott Honoree.

Meet Yasmin! by Saadia Faruqi

In this compilation of four separately published books, Pakistani American second grader Yasmin learns to cope with the small problems of school and home, while gaining confidence in her own skills and creative abilities.

How to Spot a Sasquatch by J. Torres

On a camping trip with the Junior Rangers, Jay feels like the odd one out. He's determined to get a photo of Bigfoot – but none of his friends believe Bigfoot exists. Meanwhile, Sass the Sasquatch and her curious forest friends are playing practical jokes on the campers. On the last day of camp, disaster strikes when Jay falls into a rushing river. Sass comes out of the woodwork just in time to save his life.

In the Key of Nira Ghani by Natasha Deen

Nira Ghani has always dreamed of becoming a musician. Her Guyanese parents, however, have big plans for her to become a scientist or doctor. Nira's grandmother and her best friend, Emily, are the only people who seem to truly understand her desire to establish an identity outside of the one imposed on Nira by her parents. When auditions for jazz band are announced, Nira realizes it's now or never to convince her parents that she deserves a chance to pursue her passion.

Treasure by Mireille Messier

In this gorgeously illustrated picture book, a brother and sister explore their surroundings, looking for treasure.

Bloom by Kenneth Oppel

It was just rain. But after the downpour, odd black plants begin to shoot up. Suddenly they are everywhere. They take over fields and twine around houses. They bloom and throw off toxic pollen and feed. Strangely, three

Salt Spring Island teens seem immune. Anaya, Petra and Seth. What's their connection? What's their secret? A week ago, they wouldn't have thought they had one. But they'd better figure it out fast because the invasion has already begun.

Trending: How and Why Stuff Gets Popular by Kyra Vermond

Established middle-grade author Kira Vermond and cartoonist Clayton Hanmer team up in this fun and accessible nonfiction look at fads. In four short chapters, the book explores what a fad is, how the latest crazes catch on, and what makes us jump on the bandwagon. Finally, it looks at the fascinating and even frightening effects of fads both modern and historic. Comicstrip illustrations, an upbeat tone, and reader-friendly text make this a fun and timely tool for young readers who are building critical thinking skills in the age of fake news and a world gone viral.

Sam & Eva by Debbie Ridpath Ohi

Sam does not want Eva to add to his drawing, but when the scene comes to life and gets out of control, she helps him escape.