Here are some wonderful, new novels for young readers to curl up with – at home or in school.
The Party Diaries by Mitali Banerjee Ruths, illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel, is a fun series of early read chapter books. Fairy Tale Puppy Picnic, the newest installment, is the story of Priya who runs a successful business planning parties, always with a good cause. This time she organizes a puppy party to benefit endangered wild dogs in Africa. The early chapter books are divided into chapters and use mostly speech bubbles. Bright illustrations add to the contents. The story includes how Priya deals with her tasks (making lists, planning ahead), handles anxiety, learns new skills and more. But mostly it focuses on topics that readers will enjoy and learn from. There is also information on the wild dogs and their habitat. Simple books that work on many levels!
ISBN 978-1-338-89690-9, Scholastic
The Go-Between by Jennifer Maruno is based on a true story. Set on British Columbia’s west coast in the 1920’s, Sumi is the 12 year old daughter of a Japanese family. She was born in Canada but discriminated against by many white Canadian people. Sumi takes her sister’s place to work as a housemaid for a doctor on the Sunshine Coast, enabling her sister to get trained as a dressmaker. The setting, the strike at a cannery, as well as most of Sumi’s other experiences, are all based on the author’s mother-in-law’s life in BC as a young Japanese girl. Spunky Sumi loves reading the newspaper and wants to become a reporter. But the treatment she encouters as a girl of Asian descent makes it clear that she may not have that choice. The story is a fascinating read, both as Sumi’s story but also as a historical account. Highly recommended as a good read that can lead to classroom discussions on discrimination and racial tensions.
ISBN 978-088995-7312, Fitzhenry & Whiteside
Ephemia Rimaldi by Linda Demeulemeester is a wonderful read. Set in the early 1900’s during the time of suffragists, in a fictional town, and in a traveling circus – this is a refreshingly different setting for a fun adventure story in which a spunky girl fights for equal rights. The tone of the book reminds me of the great books by Eva Ibbotson. Ephemia was raised by an aunt who believed in women’s rights and equality, who encouraged her to go to college and taught her to believe she could do anything. But the father who abandoned her as a baby, turns out to be a stern ringmaster who is not waiting for his daughter to become part of the circus. However, Ephemia has her own strong will and soon sets out to make things better for all people, and animals, at the circus.
Highly recommended for readers who enjoy a good read.
ISBN 978-0889957299, Red Deer Press
Closer To Far Away by Kristin Butcher is a wholesome, old fashioned novel. Fans of books like Anne of Green Gables and Little House on the Prairie will enjoy emerging themselves in this story which is set in 1921, rural Saskatchewan on the Canadian prairies. Lucy has just lost her mother and tries desperately to hold together her family. She cooks and cleans for her older and younger brothers and her dad. But running a household besides her school work is proving too difficult. Besides, her older brother is getting involved with a friend who is nothing but trouble. When her father hires help, Lucy feels like she failed her family. Will her little brother forget all about their beloved mother? Will the older one leave home? Lucy’s struggles will resonate with middle grade readers.
ISBN 978-0889957497, Red Deer Press
Margriet Ruurs is the author of many award winning books for children. She conducts author presentations at International Schools.