If you manage to put the right book into the hands of a young reader, fiction can get them hooked on reading. Below are some wonderful new novels that really draw the reader into a new world. Whether it is fantasy or realistic fiction, these books will be valuable additions to any (classroom) library.
Out of the Valley of Horses by Wendy Orr is a magical story. Young readers who like magic, adventure and horses will love it! Orr is a skilled storyteller and has expertly woven real elements into a mystical tale. The author has created a fascinating new world that will captivate readers’ imagination. A family, a camping trip in a van, a pandemic which changes the world, and a valley from which there is no escape. The book’s main characters are children who are strong and smart and solve the main problem – all the ingredients needed for a spellbinding tale. Honey and her brother Rumi are the heroes, assisted by horses with superpowers that seem as real as the valley in which they live. A touch of Pippi Longstocking combined with a setting as magical as that of Orr’ popular book Nim’s Island, with a sprinkling of ancient fairy tale dust and plenty of magical horses, make this a must-read. ISBN 978-1-77278-311-7, Pajama Press
Nish by Isabelle Picard is told in an authentic voice that places this novel in a refreshingly real setting that has been missing in children’s books. ‘Nish’ means ‘two’ in the language of the Innu, the people of northern Quebec. Eloise and Leon are 14 year old twins. People in their aboriginal village speak French and Innu and some English. Each of them tells their own story in alternating chapters. The teens have adventures that are realistic and interesting to read, both for children who will finally recognize their own setting in a book, as well as for young readers who can learn what life is like in a different place in North America.
Leon loves hockey. He and his friends take part in regional competitions and have to fly to the big city for a tournament. Eloise films around her village as she and her teenage friends make a video for a school project. An interesting read based in a place that is rich in stories but not often used in contemporary books. ISBN 978-1-4431-9723-6, Scholastic
The Party Diaries’ Top Secret Anniversary, written by Mitali Banerjee Ruths and illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel, is fun chapter book for early readers with lots of illustrations. Priya, the returning main character from other books in the series, has started her own Party business. While planning a secret anniversary party, she has to do research, make invitations, plan decorations and much more. All the while, Priya keeps notes and shares her crafts with readers so that they, too, can plan special parties. In addition to just having fun, she also raises awareness and support for manatees, an endangered species. ISBN 978-1-338-79990-3, Scholastic
A Bucket of Stars by Suri Rosen is a wonderful novel for young teens to sink their teeth in. Written in a powerful voice reminiscent of Susin Nielsen or Kate Di Camillo, this is the story of Noah and his older brother. They move to their father’s home town not long after losing their mother. Their father has lost all interest and has given up on his passion: the stars in the night sky. Noah misses how his father used to teach him about constellations and galaxies. While his brother hooks up with new skateboarding friends, Noah meets Tara who loves to make films. Unwittingly, the two encounter a crew of unscrupulous characters, get blamed for the destruction of a heritage home and find evidence of much wrong doing in their new home town.
This is a wholesome page turner sprinkled with amazing true facts about our solar system. A great book to put in the hands of students or to use as a classroom read aloud in grade 5 and up. ISBN978-1-4431-9279-8, Scholastic Canada
Margriet Ruurs writes books for children and conducts author presentations at International Schools. She is now taking bookings for the 24/25 school year.