Summer Reading with Canadian Authors

The Ottawa Public Library is back to share some of their favourite books. This month’s post was submitted by Elizabeth Fosbery Richardson, Children’s Programming and Public Services Assistant at the Ruth E. Dickinson Branch.

With summer fast approaching, why not take some time to indulge in some great new titles by Canadian authors available from the Ottawa Public Library?

One Giant Leap by Thao Lam

This wordless picture book is a great choice for adventure lovers and those with big imaginations. It perfectly captures every child who dreams of becoming an astronaut or an explorer every time they put on their snowsuit. Perfect for “reading” together.

Cranky Chicken series by Katherine Battersby

These early chapter books are a perfect choice for emerging readers. Watch adventures unfold between two unlikely friends – a cranky chicken and a cheerful worm. Each book features three hilarious stories as these friends learn to conquer their fears and expand their comfort zones. Grades 1-3.

Nguyen Kids series By Linda Trinh

The Nguyen siblings have just lost their beloved grandmother, but she’s left each of them something special, maybe even magical. The three siblings aren’t sure how to feel about things - they’re not like their cousins who have strong ties to their Vietnamese culture, but at the same time they feel different than their white friends at school. This new early chapter book series tells the story of each of the siblings and how they overcome difficulties using the gifts that their grandma has left them.  Grades 2-4.

Lost & Found by Mei Yu

When Mei learns she’s moving to Canada, she’s super excited. But that excitement turns to anxiety and fear when she arrives – new language, new kids and new foods. She turns to her art to help her communicate her feelings and solve problems. This graphic novel is a great choice for kids who love inspiring stories. Grades 1-4.

The Racc Pack by Stephanie Cooke

Meet the Bins – a family of racoons (and maybe an opossum), who live in the city of Toronto, scavenging neighbourhoods, never meeting a dumpster they couldn’t dive. When they come across a new store throwing away perfectly edible food, they hatch a plan so that no food is ever wasted again. This first book in a new series is ideal for grades 2-5 who love funny graphic novels.

Alterations by Ray Xu

Kevin is having a terrible week. He brought a century egg to school for lunch and now everyone is calling him Egg Boy. People notice him, and not always in a good way. Can Kevin learn to live up his own expectations for himself as the perfect Asian son and grandson while being true to himself? This graphic novel is perfect for fans of authors Jerry Craft or Kelly Yang. Grades 4 and up.

Mortified by Kristy Jackson

When Belinda, the shyest, most awkward girl in the school has dreams of starring in the school play, she turns to her best friend to put a confidence spell on her. Unfortunately, it seems the spell is more of a curse. Can Belinda overcome one disaster after another to be able to audition? This hilarious new novel is recommended for grades 4 and up.

Summer Scares 2024: Middle Grade Horror

Does your middle grader love scary books, but you have no idea what to recommend? Look no further! The Horror Writers’ Association (HWA) (along with NoveList, ECSCO, Booklist, Book Riot and United for Libraries) has created their Summer Scares 2024 list, and it is amazing! Summer Scares is a reading program intended to encourage readers’ as well as librarians to embrace horror and provides an annual list of recommended horror titles! (HWA, 2024).

This year’s titles were selected by author Clay McLeod Chapman and a panel of six library workers who selected three titles for adult, teen and middle grade.

The middle grade picks are:

Ophie’s Ghost by Justina Ireland

During a horrible night in 1922, Ophie’s father was murdered by a lynch mob. It was also the first time she saw a ghost. Trying to start anew, Ophie and her mother move from Georgia to Pittsburg, but the ghosts remain. Ophie befriends a ghost names Clara who cannot remember how she died, and she soon becomes entangled in this mystery trying to help Clara find out what happened to her...

The Nest by Kenneth Oppel

Steve’s baby brother is very sick. He is shuffled back and forth from the hospital regularly, worrying him greatly. One night, Steve dreams of a wasp queen, who offers him a chance to fix all that is wrong with his baby brother. All he has to do is agree. Steve is intrigued and concerned at the same time, and has a huge decision to make as both choices will have a consequence.

My Aunt is a Monster- by Reimena Yee

This title is a graphic novel that depicts the adventures of Safia, who is taken in by her reclusive Aunt Whimsy when her parents die in a fire. Safia is blind...and she can’t see that her aunt is a monster- with blue fur, horns, taloned feet and three yellow eyes. Aunt Whimsy used to be an adventurer, and is called out of retirement when word comes out that her former rival has reappeared and is causing trouble... Safia and her aunt take the trip of a lifetime, across the globe in search of her rival... and to stop her evil plans....

The Hazeldean Branch of the Ottawa Public Library will be holding a Summer Scares book club on July 23 @ 2:30 pm featuring The Nest by Kenneth Oppel. One can register online via our the OPL website for this program.

Check out some more of the previous HWA Middle Grade Summer Scares7/2556296939 picks on our Bibliocommons book list:

https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/list/share/76017677/2556296939

Also, for more information and older Summer Scares selections, check out:

Summer Scares Middle Grade Webinar

Summer Scares 2024 Programming Guide

HWA ANNOUNCES SUMMER SCARES READING PROGRAM 2024 Spokesperson and Timeline

Summer Scares Archive

Ordinary Folks, Extraordinary Lives - Recommendations from the Ottawa Public Library

Ottawa Public Library is back to share some great books with us. This month, Véro Dupuis from the Sunnyside branch has a list of inspiring biographies in picture book format for you.

Freddie the Flyer / by F. Carmichael, D Metcalfe-Chenail and A. Loreen-Wulf

Meet Freddie Carmichael, the first Indigenous commercial pilot in the Arctic! Fascinated by planes from a young age, he spent decades flying all sorts of people through the Mackenzie Delta in the North West Territories: reindeer herders, biologists, geologists, people needing medical help and even trappers and their whole dog teams. As well as founding several airlines over the years, he trained a whole generation of Indigenous pilots and mechanics. The beautiful paintings in this book will make you want to travel to the beautiful North.

Swimming With Sharks / by Heather Lang and Jordi Solano

Eugenie Clark was never afraid of sharks. As a child, she would frequently visit them at the New York Aquarium and tried to learn everything about them, but she had so many questions which were left unanswered. Later as an adult trying to gain an education as an oceanographer in the 1940s, she had to face rejection both for being a woman and for her Japanese heritage. Yet through her tenacity, she achieved her goals, became a world-renowned scientist dubbed ‘The Shark Lady’, and was still going on dives in her nineties.

Mario and the Hole in the Sky / by Elizabeth Rusch and Teresa Martínez

Many of us remember the Ozone Hole Crisis of the early 90s; for the first time, the general public became aware of human’s negative impact on our planet. This book is the story of Mario Molina, the Mexican American chemist who alerted the world’s scientific community of the dangers of CFCs aerosols and saved the world back from the brink of environmental destruction. The back pages of this book reaffirm the hopeful message of Mario’s story – that history proved that it is possible for people to come together and reverse global catastrophes.

Breaking the Ice / by Angie Bullaro ad C. F. Payne

Being a woman in hockey is tough. Being a woman in hockey who plays with men is tougher. Being a woman playing in the National Hockey League is not tough – it is simply not possible. Except for that one time, back in 1992, when Canadian goaler Manon Rhéaume, 21 years old, was invited to play with the Tampa Bay Lightning… An inspiring story of courage and dedication to read to your young hockey players at home. (Également disponible en français sous le titre ‘Briser la glace’).

A Voice Named Aretha / by K. Russell-Brown and L. Freeman

R.E.S.P.E.C.T. ! No doubt, you’ve heard (and sung!) Aretha Franklin’s song before. Did you know she was the very first woman inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame? Get to know the story of the shy girl from Detroit who became The Queen of Soul – a hard worker who navigated the pitfalls of show business, a philanthropist who never stopped showing up for her hometown of Detroit, and a stirring performer who brought President Obama to tears!

Good Morning, Sunshine / by L. Schultz Nicholson and A. Carter

Joey Moss might be a local hero in his hometown of Edmonton, but his story deserves to be told across Canada and beyond. Born with Down Syndrome in a family of thirteen, Joey worked for the Edmonton Oilers for 35 years (!), working hard in the equipment room, lifting players’ spirits up in the dressing room with his cheerful personality, and drumming up excitement during games with his enthusiastic rendition of ‘O Canada’ on the jumbotron. He used his fame to help fundraise money for people with disabilities. His sister Pattie summed his life best : “Joey was given love and he gave love back.”

Make the most of your library card and enjoy all these great books at home with your children! If you don’t have a card yet, you can sign up for one here.

Spooky Books for the Halloween Season - Ottawa Public Library Recommendations

The Ottawa Public Library is back to share some of their favourite books. This month’s post was submitted by Elizabeth Fosbery Richardson, Children’s Programming and Public Services Assistant at the Ruth E. Dickinson Branch.

Don’t read these titles in the dark!

With spooky season upon us, why not take some time to indulge in some fun and creepy new titles from the Ottawa Public Library?

Monsters in the Fog by Ali Bahrampour

As Hakim the donkey travels up the mountain, he encounters a goat who warns him of monsters on the misty and twisty trail. In this cleverly illustrated picture book, we find that things are not always as they appear. Children and adults alike will have fun trying to guess the shapes.

Creepy Tales! series by Aaron Reynolds

Things always start out great for this school-aged rabbit, but then things always seem to go from bad to worse. Follow Jasper in these fun read-aloud books, as he tries to outsmart some spooky carrots, a persistent pair of underwear and a relentless crayon. Titles are also available in French.

You're Invited to a Creepover series By P.J. Knight

In this new graphic novel series, adapted from the chapter book series of the same name, readers are sure to be spooked! Perfect for fans of the Goosebumps series.

Area 51 Files series by Julie Buxbaum

When Sky is sent to live with her uncle, she never imagined that she’d end up solving mysteries in Area 51! Follow Sky, her pet hedgehog and her new friend Elvis (who also happens to be an alien), as they try to keep themselves and the residents of Area 51 safe, in this funny new illustrated chapter book series.

Shakti by SJ Sindu

Shakti and her best friend Xi have discovered that the three mean girls in school have put a curse on the town. When Shakti tries to draw on her own magical powers, she accidentally summons Kali Ma, who represents destruction. Can she learn to find peace and tame Kali Ma before she destroys the town and everyone in it? This graphic novel is a great choice for those who love mythology and stories about magic.

 The Stars Did Wander Darkling by Colin Meloy

When something mysterious is unearthed by a construction company in a quiet seaside town, and all of the adults begin acting strange, it’s up to the kids to figure out what’s gone wrong before it’s too late. Perfect for fans of Stranger Things or author Neil Gaiman. Grades 4 and up.

Great Graphic Novels - Recommendations from the Ottawa Public Library

Ottawa Public Library is back to share some great graphic novels books with us. This month’s post is by Lise Dumas, Supervising Librarian, Children's and Teen Services at the Greely, Metcalfe, Osgoode and Vernon Branches of Ottawa Public Library.

The graphic novels for kids I have read have been surprising, informative, entertaining, and beautiful. Many have been based on the author’s own experiences, which open a window into other kids’ lives. This may also allow a child to recognize similar experiences they have encountered in their own life. Other favourites have been pure fantasy, which is a wonderful way to escape into another world altogether.  

For those of you who love graphic novels, Ottawa Public Library has a wonderful collection for all ages.  Here are some of my favourite children’s selections this year:  

Parachute Kids by Betty C. Tang

Ages 9—12

Ten-year-old Taiwanese Feng-Li, with her two older siblings, is left by their parents in America when their visas expire. The children are undocumented and must live without drawing undo attention to themselves, all while trying to learn a new language and culture. They must deal with frightening obstacles, racist bullying, finding one’s own identity and making friends. The author uses beautiful vibrant colours for the images. The texts are either in white balloons when they are speaking English or Yellow balloons when speaking in Chinese.

Squished by Megan Wagner Lloyd and Michelle Mee Nutter

Ages 8-12

Avery, an eleven-year-old who is feeling sleep deprived and squished in a house with six other siblings. She is vying for her own room and concocts a scheme to make money to convert the basement into another bedroom. It is a heartwarming tale about the importance and the love of family. The images on the page are large, easy to follow and beautiful.

Picture Day by Sarah Sax

Ages 8-12

Seventh-grader, Viv is tired of the same look and routine. On picture day, she cuts her own hair and becomes a school style influencer. In doing so, however, she starts to lose sight of the most important people in her life: her mom and her best friends. The drawings are simple, fun and expressive.

Four Eyes by Rex Ogle and Dave Valeza

Ages 8-12

Sixth-grader Rex must not only contend with being one of the only boys at school who has not undergone a growth spurt, but also weak eyes that require dreaded glasses and a best friend who decides to hang out with the class bully. Rex must find a new way to fit in at school and learn to ask and accept help. Fans of Jerry Craft and Raina Telgemeier will appreciate this book.

Pearl of the Sea by Anthony Silverston, Raffaella Delle Donne and Willem Samuel

Ages 10-13

This beautifully rendered graphic novel is about making unlikely friends, such as sea monsters, and recovery after experiencing loss and grief. This story is about how teenage diver Pearl and sea creature Otto heal each other, while battling outside forces. This graphic novel is located in our teen collection.

Clementine Fox and the Great Island Adventure by Leigh Luna

Ages 9-15

Fantasy graphic novel for young readers, Clementine Fox has some exciting adventures with her friends and family. Vivid colours and fun extras at the end of the book will delight younger readers.

Cat’s Cradle: The Mole King’s Lair by Jo Rioux

Ages 8-12

This sequel to Cat's Cradle: The Golden Twine (2022) is full of action and adventure as Suri, imp Caglio and monstrously large dog Byron, continue their quest to locate Monster’s Cradle. The trio end up in a cave with a troll king, and with the assistance of a thief named Kolya, will attempt a daring escape with a treasure of gold.

Scurry by Mac Smith

10+

Stunning webcomic that is now in print, animal lovers will be mesmerized by the movie-like images. In this story, humans have disappeared from the earth, leaving the animals that depended on them to fend for themselves. House mice Wix and friends are desperately looking for food and ways to survive, while being hunted by feral cats and other predators. They are helped in their struggles by animals of all kinds. Fans of the Redwall books by Brian Jacques will love this tale.