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Margriet Ruurs

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Global books for global kids – the following brand new titles allow readers to read a variety of viewpoints about people in different cultures.

InA Single Dreadlock, written by Xaiver Michael Campbell, illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes, Lovie was always the same as the other kids in Jamaica. But now that he lives in Newfoundland, he looks different. Especially his hair. Lovie misses his grandma who would smooth his hair down and braid it, something his dads can’t do properly. And when he gets teased in class, he really misses his grandma. As a surprise, she shows up at Channukah time! With jars of hair grease and a whole lot of love and wisdom that help Lovie to be proud of his dreadlocks.

Groundwood Books, ISBN 978-1-77306-938-8

The Sunshine Project is Uma Krishnaswami’s newest title in the Book Uncle trilogy. Set in India, three best friends are assigned school projects. But they have to work with different students from their class. While delving deeper into the city’s commitment to building a new factory to produce solar panels, they discover that it is not as positive as you might think. A coastal village and wilderness area are threatened by the factory. The children involve everyone in their neighborhood, making new friends along the way, and work hard to convince the mayor that there are better ways to accomplish his goals. Weaving in family, sports and every day settings, this is a fun story for young readers.

ISBN 978-1-77946-053-0, Groundwood Books

Words Matter by Anita Fitch Pazner, with art by Sophie Casson is a small but incredibly important book for today. The subtitle is The Story of Hans and Sophie Scholl and the White Rose Resistance. This deceptively simple story tells us of the beginning Nazi movement in Germany, where a financial depression leaves people desperate for a new, dynamic leader. But Hitler uses freedom of speech to spread lies and make the people afraid – afraid of those who are different from themselves. 

At first Hans and Sophie are excited to join a youth movement. But soon, their upbringing of sharing ideas and reading many books, leads them to see the truth. 

The book uses a powerful refrain throughout the story to show the importance of words. When books get burned, people will follow. And so Hans and Sophie have to make a choice – to do what is wrong or to stand up for what is right.

A fabulous, and important, book to help readers of all ages understand the past and navigate the future. 72 pages, labeled ages 9-12.

Groundwood Books, ISBN 978-1-77306-970-8

Gandhi, a Manga Biography by Kazuki Ebine.

Through his quietly powerful leadership and influential use of nonviolent resistance in India’s struggle against the British Raj, Mahatma Gandhi became one of the most revered figures of the modern era. While history has recorded Gandhi’s words and deeds, the man himself has been eclipsed by maxims of virtuosity that seem to have little resonance in our everyday lives. In Gandhi, the third volume in our exciting new manga biography series, created in conjunction with Emotional Content, Kazuki Ebine combines a gripping narrative with stunning illustrations to share Gandhi’s inspiring and deeply human story with a whole new generation of readers. Developed in conjunction with Emotional Content.

ISBN 978-0143120247, Penguin Books

Careful What You Wish for by Mahtab Narsimhan is the perfect high interest, low vocabulary novel for tech savvy teens. Eshana does not have much of a social life. While she does have one best friend, she is envious of girls who hang out together in groups. And, even though her parents and computer class teacher have warned her about visiting unknown websites, she is attracted to a wonderful looking site that draws her in with a fairy tale setting and the promise of wishes come true. 

And what else would she wish for than friends, no more school bully and money?! Little did Eashana realize that her wishes would come at a cost. Too high a cost. Will she be able to break the spell cast online? And will she be better off in the end? A gripping read for middle school.

ISBN 978-1-4598-3400-2, Orca Books

Margriet Ruurs is the author of many books for children. She is available for author visits and writing workshops at International Schools: www.margrietruurs.com

Margriet Ruurs

GLOBAL BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

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All of the people featured in these titles, have made a difference in the lives of others. Books to inspire and to lead to classroom discussions!

Malala, My Story of Standing Up for Girls’ Rights, written by Malala Yousafzai with Patricia McCormick.

This is a wonderful nonfiction chapter book, helping young readers to understand the story of Malala, why she is so well known and why she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The narrative puts into context the political situation in Pakistan in 2010 – 2020. It helps us to visualize family life for girls in Muslim countries and to see how difficult life is during extremists’ terrorism, but written in a child-friendly text. ISBN 978-0-316-52715-6, Hachette

Chasing a Star

Chasing A Star by Norma Charles is a novel set in the 1950’s and based on the real Canadian Olympic gold medal skater Barbara Ann Scott. Sophie admires the Canadian icon from a distance and treasures the doll, given to her by an aunt, that is based on the real life Olympic skater. Sophie can’t believe it when she discovers that her idol is actually coming to visit her city. Not only does Sophie get a chance to meet her, she actually manages to foil a plot to harm the famous skater. A wholesome, old-fashioned story for readers to sink their teeth in. ISBN 978-1-55380-077-4, Ronsdale Press

Seeker of Knowledge, the Man who Deciphered Egyptian Hieroglyphs, by James Rumford

This is the true story, an awesome, inspiring story, of a seven year old boy in France. He becomes enthralled with the idea of going to Egypt. One day a scientist shows him hieroglyphs. When he learns that no one can read them, he vowed to unlock their secret. And through hard work and studying, and with help from the Rosetta Stone, he does. He becomes the one to unlock the code of hieroglyphs and allow the world to learn about ancient Egyptians.  ISBN 0-395-97934-X, Houghton Mifflin

Wangari Speaks Out, Wangari Maathai. This small but powerful hardcover book is part of a fascinating series published by Groundwood Books. All books in this series are speeches given by change makers. Wangari Maathai was a social and environmental activist. She was the first woman in East and Central Africa to earn a doctorate degree and the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. In this, her acceptance speech, Wangari gives vital information about growing food and protecting the environment. Commentary in the back section of the book makes the information accessible to young readers, adds layers of understanding and encourages them to apply this knowledge to their own actions.  ISBN 978-1773069562, Groundwood Books

My Mother Was a Nanny

My Mother Was a Nanny by Laura James is a lovely tribute to multitasking mothers anywhere. This one lives in New York and came from Antiqua. Like most mothers, she can do anything – cook, clean, work hard, be a good listener and a teacher. And this special mom even has a very special surprise for her children at the end. A good story to share when discussing mothers or celebrating Mother’s Day. ISBN 978-1-77306-830-5, Groundwood Books

Margriet Ruurs writes, reads and reviews books from her home on a small Canadian island. She is available for author presentations at your school: www.margrietruurs.com

Margriet Ruurs

GLOBAL BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

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Celebrate differences in cultures, countries and people by using great picturebooks with all grade levels.

Sundays Are for Feasts

Sundays Are For Feasts, written by Leila Boukarim and illustrated by Ruaida Mannaa, is the story of Yasmine whose other home is across the ocean and where she spends her summers. The highlights of those summers are food and family. And when her grandfather decides that Yasmine can make the hummus, she is worried. Will she know how? Will they like her hummus. Text and illustrations take us through the process, step by step. The art even shows labels on bottles and jars in Arabic. When the meal is served, even her grouchy uncle approves of Yasmine’s hummus. The book offer the recipe and makes you hungry enough to try it! ISBN 978-1-77306-907-4, Groundwood Books

The Most Beautiful Thing I Have Ever See, by Nadia Devi Umadat, illustrated by Christine Wei, might be one of the most beautiful picturebooks I’ve ever read…. A small girl lives in a faraway place with her family and many friends. But when terrible things happen they are forced to leave. After living in a cramped room with many others, the girl and her family  get to board an airplane to start living in a new country. She doesn’t understand the words of her new teacher. And the recess bell scares her. But soon enough she learns new words. She even learns about different seasons – one of which brings snow, which she has never seen. Many of the things she sees are new and different. But the most beautiful thing is when people from many nations gather, wearing different clothes, to become new citizens in the country that is now home. The story is beautifully written. It doesn’t happen often that a picturebook brings tears to my eyes, but this one did. It is such an important story that it should be in every classroom to share and discuss. ISBN 978-1-77260-314-9, Second Story Press

The Great Expedition

The Great Expedition by Peter Carnavas is a wonderful picturebook to use with children of a wide age range. Written as if a major exploration of land is taking place, Robert and Will are handed over an important parcel to deliver their… ‘senior officer’. Their expedition is joined by others who soon fall to the wayside as they cross dangerous territory and face hardships like running out of water. WheN, against all odds, they do manage to reach their destination, the team looks back across the terrain they crossed. It turns out to be their own backyard and playground. A fun story to read aloud and discuss how you can turn any trip into a major expedition and how explorers plan ahead. ISBN 978-1-77278-321-6, Pajama Press

Everybelly

Everybelly by Thao Lam is an appealing picturebook with fun collage art of bellies! Big bellies and floppy bellies, tattooed bellies and bulging bellies. When Maddie spends the day at the pool, all she sees is everyone’s bellies. A unique book of fun illustrations that will appeal to kids. After reading and discussing this kid’s viewpoint, make your own wonderful collage art of feet of noses, or other parts of the body. ISBN 978-1-77306-764-3, Groundwood

Margriet Ruurs shares books with people around the world. Contact her now to book author presentations at your school for the next school year: www.margrietruurs.com

Margriet Ruurs

GLOBAL BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

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Interesting, and perhaps slightly scary books for Halloween and beyond!

Broom for Two

Broom For Two by Jennifer Maruno, with art by Scot Ritchie, is a funny story about a Little Witch has is learning how to fly her broomstick. She always flies in circles and lands with a bump. The other witches laugh at her because her broomstick looks tattered and scratched. And when Little Witch goes for her flying test, she does not pass because her broomstick dips and doodles. But one night, when lightning strikes, Little Witch is the only one who hears Ramshackle Rat’s cries for help when his house is struck. And as she rescues him to bring him to her own home, her broomstick runs smooth as can be. The extra weight of a friend is just what she needed. A fun story for little readers, but also for those about to get their learner’s permit! ISBN 978-1-77278-320-9, Pajama Press

Zoom In On Zombies

Zoom in on Zombies by Kari-Lynn Winters and Catherine Rondina is a deliciously gross book that will appeal to elementary school readers. From explanations of our fascination with the walking dead, to unusual facts about animals, this book is chock full of stinky information. It even has lots of zombie jokes. The book looks at zombie behaviour of cockroaches and sloths. But it also has survival tips and fascinating tidbits about ecosystems. A good book to use around Halloween! ISBN 978-1554556083, Fitzhenry & Whiteside

Eli and the Real Live Dead Mummy

Eli and the Real, Live, Dead Mummy, written by Sam Fisher, illustrated by Judy Hilgemann, is a great story for kids who are collectors, dreamers or mummy scientists. Even better, it is based on a true event. Eli loves to explore. He climbs mountains and digs for treasure. But one day he has a bad fall and is taken to the hospital for x-rays. And there, to his utter surprise, he spots of real, live, dead mummy. But no one else sees it and no one believes Eli until the doctor brings him in for his x-ray and there is the mummy from the Royal Ontario’s Egyptian Display. It is also in for x-rays. And the kind doctor even gives Eli and x-ray image to keep. ISBN 978-0889957-305, Red Deer Press

Margriet Ruurs is the Canadian author of over 40 books for children. Her next title is Celebrations Around The World, Kids Can Press. Book her for author visits to your school, here:

www.margrietruurs.com

Margriet Ruurs

GLOBAL BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

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Welcome to a new school year. Start it off right by sharing books in the classroom!

Bounce!

Bounce! by Robert Munsch with art by Michael Martchenko is yet another wild story by Munsch – a much welcome romp in a hospital bed. Two sisters scrape a knee and get hauled off in an ambulance. But when they are placed in a waiting room, they get tired of waiting and soon discover the bed has buttons. Buttons to move the bed up, and down, and down and up! Until the entire bed folds double with the sisters inside. Funny doctors show up with interesting instruments, until the janitor saves the day by fixing the bed. Typical Munsch fantasy that will delight many young readers! ISBN 987-1-0397-1004-7, Scholastic Canada

It’s My Brain!

It’s My Brain by Elise Gravel is a deceptively simple picturebook about brains. Adorable critters explain how our brains work and how each one is unique. Senses send messages to our brain, which in turns sends signals to other bodyparts to act on it. Your brain helps you to stay safe and is always learning new things. It explains how we all learn at different speeds and in many different ways. Brains also need to be looked after with healthy foods, sleep, even helmets. This is a great book to discuss feelings, perceptions and different ways of thinking or having opinions. ISBN 978-1-0397-1009-2, North Winds Press/Scholastic

Help the Strong Cheetah: An Acorn Book (The Inside Scouts #3)

Inside Scouts Help the Strong Cheetah by Mitali Banerjee Ruths, with art by Francesca Mahaney is part of the Inside Scouts series of early chapter books. The pages have very little text and the book is more like a graphic novel for beginning readers. Written by a medical doctor, the stories all focus on a physical problem that is fixed by the scouts who can travel inside a body to fix a problem. In this story, the scouts help a cheetah with leg cramp. Back pages explain some of the physiology in simple terms. ISBN 978-1-338-89504-9-50599, Scholastic

Mrs. Nobody

Mrs. Nobody by Y.S. Lee, with art by Marie Lafrance tells the story of Alice and her imaginary friend, Mrs. Nobody. Together they get up to no good – cut their hair, draw on walls, and are in separable. Until they start to argue. Mrs. Nobody is bossy and Alice has had enough. She knows she has to speak up and follow her heart. Alice learns to find her own voice and make her own decisions in this imaginary world.

ISBN 978-1773-068381, Groundwood Books

Today I Am is a collection of short stories by twelve different authors, edited by Jael Richardson. Each of the stories deals with the theme of ‘belonging’. Have you ever felt left out, like you were the one who did not belong? In a new city, a new school? These stories are placed in regular families in a variety of circumstances, like Thanksgiving Dinner, in a new school where one is a minority, but also on different planets. From sci-fi to realistic fiction, from free verse to graphics. These stories will appeal to anyone who has needed the courage to feel find themselves and feel accepted. ISBN 978-1-4431-9235-4, Scholastic

Margriet Ruurs reads, reviews and writes books from her home in BC, Canada. She conducts author visits to schools around the world.

www.margrietruurs.com

Margriet Ruurs

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In his book The Butterfly Lion, Michael Morgurpo writes, ‘I met the best friends I ever had in books.’  Books can be your best friends and best friends in school are important to all children. Here are some great books about books ánd friendships. A good way to start off a new school year!

Welcome The New Kid/The New Kid Welcome, by Suzanne Slade, illustrated by Nicole Miles, is a story told forward and backward. The text, printed in the center of the book, is used one way from start to end, and then used from end to start in the other half of the book. Interestly, this changes the story of how to welcome a new child in a school. Do you make friends and include him? Or do you feel that it is not necessary to welcome him and leave him alone instead? An interesting story concept that will be fun to read and discuss with students, especially when a new student is coming or at the start of a new school year. ISBN 978-0-593-42632-6, Random House Kids

Yours in Books by Julie Falatko, illustrated by Gabriel AlborozoOwl loves reading but his neighbourhood is noisy and there are too many interruptions. He embarks on a correspondence with B. Squirrel who runs a lovely book shop. Squirrel tries to send Owl helpful books and has many suggestions for Owl to share books with the critters around him. Not only does Owl read to the little ones, he also starts baking and making crafts with them. Through the love of books, each makes new friends and, together, they have a fabulous tea party and Owl ends up reading books to a wider audience. A beautiful picture book to share and have a classroom tea party, this is one of those wonderful books that kids will remember fondly. ISBN 978-1-951836-20-7, Cameron Kids

Books Make Good Pets by John Agard, with illustrations by Momoko Abe, is a fun picturebook to share out loud when introducing new readers to the library. ‘Books make good pets and they don’t need to go to the vet!’ is the repeated sentence in this poetic story. The lovely illustrations compare books to birds or puppies, rodents or lizards. And the books win out every time because they set your imagination soaring. ISBN 978-1-4083-5988-4, Hachette Childrens

Is There A Boy Like Me? by Kern Carter is a wonderful novel for teens, perhaps especially for kids in international schools. London is a teenager. Like many teens, he faces complex friendships in school. He also has a lot of parental pressure on having to be the best in many areas, including in coding class which his father wants him to take but in which he himself is not at all interested. His own passion is drawing, reading and writing but his father believes there is no future in that. London navigates between these obstacles while trying to stay true to himself and his best friend, who happens to be a girl. Teen pressure at school and parental pressure at home don’t make life easy for this fourteen year old but London uses his talents and unleashes both critique and support when he creates web-comics that go viral. Not only does this lead new friendships, it also realizes London’s dream of writing a graphic novel. A fun and interesting read.

ISBN 978-1-4431-9842-4, Scholastic Canada

Book Two in the Nish series by Isabelle Picard is called Northern Lights. Nish in Innu means ‘two’ and is linked to the experience of being an indigenous person as well as to the fact that the two main characters in this novel are twins.

Leon and Eloise and their family have moved south from the Arctic to Quebec. Not only do the twins have to learn French, they have to go to a new school and make new friends. Students in international schools will be able to relate to their story of trying to fit in, make friends and pursue their interests in a new environment. The book uses some sentences and words in Innu and also shows the kids’ connections with old friends via text messages.  ISBN 978-1-0397-0455-8, Scholastic Canada

Margriet Ruurs writes books for children and makes new friends in international schools around the world when she conducts author visits. http://www.margrietruurs.com

Margriet Ruurs

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From Africa to Asia and around the world, these picturebooks are perfect for all ages. One is even published in two languages: English and French on the same page – great to use in an international classroom. Have fun reading books and exploring other cultures!

Shake The Mango Tree/Secouez Le Manguier. This bilingual story is written by Ruth Beardsley and illustrated by Jackson Muthoni is the story of Rupat who was born in Congo, Africa. His family lived on a small plot with goats and chickens. Growing up, he loved the sweet fruit their mango tree. But when he was a teenager, civil war broke out. His father had managed to hide him from soldiers but one day, his village was attacked and Rupat managed to escape. He walked and walked and walked for days, weeks, months Together with others, he slept in hiding places. They scrounged for food but were so hungry. Until one day they came upon a mango tree. They shook and pulled and then filled their bellies with juicy mangoes, just like at home. A map show the route Rupat walked to finally reach a UN refugee camp in Burundi where, eventually, he met a woman who became his wife. Now they have children and were accepted to immigrate to Canada where they all study and work hard. And any time Rupat eats a mango, he is reminded of long ago, his home in Africa.

A good story to discuss what it means to become a refugee and to settle in a new environment. The story is published in both English and French on the same page.

ISBN 978-1-0383-29592, Friesen Press

The Light from my Menorah, Celebrating Holidays around the World, written by Robin Heald, illustrated by Andrea Blinick is a gorgeous picturebook to share in classrooms around the world. A child looks at the light of the menorah in the windowsill. He knows that it reminds of a miracle and wonders about that. The light travels far around the world. Is that the miracle? We see a church and a woman with a crown of candles. There’s a tree hung with lights, too. Then the light travels fast across mountains and water. Is that the miracle? We see a buddha figure and floating candles, lanterns and marigolds. The light swirls around people in different clothing, eating different foods before returning to where it started. In the end, seeing light in different cultures is the miracle. The back pages explain similar customs that celebrate many different beliefs: Diwali, Kwanzaa, St. Lucia Day, Christmas and more. All focused on light. Perhaps focusing on similarities is more important than seeing differences. ISBN 978-1-77278-289-8, Pajama Press

Sometimes I Eat With My Hands by Kid Haile is a good picturebook to share with young kids in an international school since they may recognize the different foods and the different ways f eating.With a fork, with a spoon or with your hands. Watermelon, soup or brociolli. But Feven’s favourite food is prepared when her grandmother comes. Then the entire family eats injera and they all use their hands. ISBN 978-1-77306-924-1, Groundwood Books

Suki’s Kimono by Chieri Uegaki, with art by Stéphane Jorisch, is not a new book but a lovely one nonetheless. And perfect to have in an international school! Spunky Suki is excited about her first day of school. Her older sisters want to wear cool clothes but Suki wants to wear the beautiful kimono her grandmother gave her. It reminds her of the day they dances at a festival. She wants to wear her Japanese sandals, geta, but her sisters discourage her. “You’ll get laughed at,” they warn. But Suki just wants to wear her beautiful Japanese clothes. She makes a friend on the swings and, in class, she shows her kimono with its lovely wide sleeves. She dances in front of the whole class. After then, instead of laughing, Suki gets applause. A good story to instill pride in one’s heritage – unusual as it may be.

ISBN 1-55337-084-8, Kids Can Press

Margriet Ruurs travels the world to speak at international schools. She is the author of over 40 books for children and loves making friends in different cultures.

www.margrietruurs.com

Margriet Ruurs

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Readers can also be writers. And all writers should be readers. Here are some wonderful books about books or writing.

Yours in Books, by Julie Falatko, lovely illustrated by Gabriel Alboroza, is the perfect picturebook for all booklovers – both in text and art. Grumpy Owl lives alone and wants peace and quiet to read books. The entire book is an exchange of letters between Owl and Squirrel, who owns a bookshop, all delivered by Snail. The letters start off formal but the two become friends as Owl orders books and Squirrel tries to send him titles he might like. But the noisy neigborhood children keep interfering. Owl doesn’t know what to do when the children keep coming, making a mess of his house and wanting to hear stories. Not only is this a wonderful story of the love of books, but also of making friends and sharing. ISBN 978-1-951836-20-7, Cameron Kids

Biblioburro, a True Story from Colombia, by Jeanette Winter, is the lovely, true tale of Luis who loves books. When his wife tells him that he has enough books in their house, Luis and his two donkeys – Alfa and Beta, start sharing the beloved books with people in remote villages. Now, the people of the hillsides look forward to Luis’ regular visits when they can get more books to read. And people around the world have heard of his mobile library. With simple text and lovely illustrations, this picture book is perfect for younger students. ISBN 578-1-4169-9778-8, Simon and Schuster

Best Wishes – Like A Boss by Sarah Mlynowski and Hena Khan is a fun chapter book. Maya Amir has a hard time making decisions. She really wants to be president of her school’s environmental club. Should she put her hand up? Would they vote for her? By the time Maya makes up her mind, it’s too late. Later that day, Maya receives a mysterious package and finds a beautiful, magical bracelet. With the help of online friends, Maya discovers that the bracelet will grant her a wish. But she has a hard time deciding until she does so inadvertently. Her wish comes true – she becomes a true leader, not just of her environmental club, but of her class, her school and ultimately her country. Could she get world leaders to agree on climate change while she is in charge? A fun read with a bit of magic. ISBN 978-1-5461-0269-4, Scholastic

Two Tales of Twenty-Six, written by Stephanie Simpson McLellan and illustrated by Mike Deas, is an unusual chapter book for beginning readers.  One side features Liam and the Letters, a tale about a boy struggling to learn how to read. He wrestles his way through the letters that seem to jumble and jut everywhere. But slowly Liam starts to recognize them: the first letter of his name, the letters in the stop sign and much more. Until one day, when the seasons have changed, he has untangled all 26 letters of the alphabet and can read the entire story about a mouse who sets of on a dangerous journey past cats. Liam is thrilled. And when the story ends, you turn the book around and there…. is the story of the mouse and twenty six cats! In Walter and the World the mouse faces obstacles, too, but by wise observation he too, manages to learn a new skills by the time the seasons change. And at the happy ending of his adventure, you can turn the book around and read the other side again. A clever, endearing story that beginning readers will likely fondly remember for the rest of their life. The text and art form a wonderful coherent whole that jointly tell the story. ISBN 978-0889957466, Red Deer Press

Half Truths, Carol Baldwin

In this excellently written historical fiction novel for teens, Anna Katherine (Kate) lives in North Carolina, in 1950. Her tobacco grower father can’t afford to send her to college but Kate dreams of becoming a newspaper reporter. To achieve her dream in that era, she is even willing to move to Charlotte and stay with her strict grandparents.

The period and setting are reminiscent of To Kill A Mockingbord. As Kate snoops around her grandparents’ house and meets more people, she uncovers many half-truths. The town, too, is torn over unequality between whites and blacks. Do reporters cover things up or do they have a responsibility to report the whole truth? 

“Journalists have lots of opportunities to speak the truth. I hope you do it,” her black friend Lilian tells her. 

Between forming new friendships, going to a new junior highschool and caring for her goat, Kate has plenty of problems. And while exploring her grandmother’s attic, Kate unearths a secret that rocks her world and her new friend Lillian’s too. The shocking discovery reveals half-truths that threaten the girls’ friendship. 

Through a mentorship with a newspaper editor, Kate realizes that journalism requires honesty. But if she reveals what she has learned, what price will she pay?

This book deals admirably with racial discrimination and segregation. The language is historically accurate and depictions of southern towns, segregation, KKK activities and relationships are all depicted based on thorough research. Written with sensitivity and historical accuracy this book encourages critical thinking, empathy, and discussions about past and present social issues. Highly recommended. ISBN-13 :  978-1957656854, Monarch Educational Services

Margriet Ruurs writes books for children and reads nonstop. She conducts author workshops at International Schools and is available for the 2025/26 school year: www.margrietruurs.com

Margriet Ruurs

GOBAL BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

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These new titles are not just great reads. They also focus on the importance of friendship and helping each other, making valuable tools for any classroom.

The One and Only Question by Norma Charles and Andrea Charles, illustrated by Ken Daley, is a great picture book to use in schools or anywhere else! Zeke starts at a new school and is very worried that he will be teased because of his skin colour. The first day does not start of great. Zeke knows it will not be a good day. He does not expect much. His teacher doesn’t smile, his lunch is soggy, he doesn’t win a race. But then a bigger kid doesn’t call him names but compliments him. And, to his surprise, Zeke’s first day at his new school is not so bad after all! And who knows, tomorrow may even be better! A great story for kids to recognize themselves, and a perfect tool for educators and parents to discuss racial discrimination and bullying.

ISBN 978-1-77306-965-4, Groundwood Books

Here is a great article about this book, by the author, for educators:

Norma Charles on Teaching and Writing

The Lion and The Bird by Marianne Dubuc is a tender, touching story. This akmost wordless picturebook works on many levels and for many ages. Lion is satified, working in his garden. But when a wounded bird lands in his garden, he gently nurses it and, throughout that winter, Lion and Bird hang out together. They read, they eat, they tell tales by the fireplace. But when spring arrives, and Bird’s flock returns, Bird flies off. Lion is sad and lonly but tends his garden as he did before. His garden flourishes but Lion is lonely. Until one Fall day, Bird returns to spend winter with his favourite friend. A beautifully illustrated book that subtly shows the joy of friendship.

ISBN 978-1-59270-151-3, Enchanted Lion Books

Shanti Fights For Her Rights by Marcia E. Barss is a novel about Shanti, a 15 year old girl in a village in India. Shanti loves school but her father is making plans to have her married. In their culture, women obey the men in their families and both Shanti and her mother are powerless to convince him otherwise. Until Shanti visits her married sister in a nearby village and learns about a community support group in which women help each other to the betterment of their village. Shanti learns about new laws and ways to make her father see the benefit of a girl’s education. With the help of her friends, things change for the better – both for Shanti and for their community. The book is based on a real NGO in India called Tharuni which supports girls and women to combat child marriages and increase health and nutrition. A fascinating read for young people anywhere to become aware of how others live.

This is a great book to help celebrate International Women’s Day in schools, especially when paired with books I previously discussed: I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai and Burying The Moon by Andrée Poulin.

ISBN 978-1-989833-32-2, OC Publishing

Stopping The Shots by Lorna Schultz-Nicholson is a good novel that hockey lovers won’t be able to put down. Mike, and his brothers Eric and Liam, live on a farm in Alberta. And, like good Canadian kids, they love nothing better than to play hockey. The realistic story is full of exciting games but also of brother rivalry and worry about their family farm. Mike, as the oldest, feels responsible for his younger brother. But this story also shows that everyone should take ownership of their own behavior and its consequences. When Eric has an accident, he finally sees that he can’t blame his brother and needs to change his own behavior. And Mike learns that honesty is more important than new hockey pads. A page turner!

ISBN 978-1-0397-0119-9, Scholastic Canada

Margriet Ruurs is the writer of over 40 books for children. She visits International Schools around the world:

www.margrietruurs.com

Margriet Ruurs

GLOBAL BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

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What is life like for other people in different places? How was life in different times? We can find facts online but the best way to create empathy and understanding is through books and good stories.

The Moon’s Journey by Beryl Young, illustrated by Sean Huang, is based on the true story of an Irish family immigrating to Canada in the 1950’s. Faith is sad to leave home. She has to give away her dearest possessions, including her dog, and say goodbye to the house she loves. She will also miss the moon that always shone in the night sky. But her brother promises to ask the captain of the ship that will take them across the ocean, to tow the moon behind the ship. All through the voyage, Faith worries because the moon is not there, in the cloudy, foggy skies. But she is happy to see her father again, who takes them from Pier 21 in Nova Scotia to their new house, where a kitten awaits her. And when the family gathers outside that night, a bright full moon greets them over their new home. A lovely story about immigration and moving to a new place. ISBN 978-088-9957-473, Fitzhenry & Whiteside

One World, One Day by Barbara Kerley is not a new book by any means. But it is a perfect book. Especially for international schools. With sparse language and gorgeous photos, this picturebook shows that people, and especially children, around the world do similar things in their daily lives. They wake up, make breakfast, go to school albeit in many different ways. They have chores or homework and spend time with their families. A perfect book that will interest readers of all ages and can lead to wonderful shared reading, discussions and writing of personal stories in the classroom. ISBN 978-1-4263-0460-6, National Geographic Partners (I also see a Scholastic edition. If you can’t find it in your local bookstore, you can order it online at: www.betterworldbooks.com)

The Bluest Sky by Christina Diaz Gonzalez is a novel set in the 1980’s in Cuba. Héctor has grown up in a country under communist regime. He doesn’t really know his father, who spoke out against the regime and consequently spent time in prison and was then exiled to the USA. Now his mother wants to leave, too. But if that fact becomes known, his family would be labeled as traitors and their lives would be in danger. Does Héctor really want to know his home country, his friends and family? Will he leave everything behind and find freedom in the US or will it cost his family their lives? This exciting story paints a realistic picture of what life was life in Cuba in the 1980’s.

ISBN 978-0-593-37279-1, Random House Kids

Book Uncle and Me by Uma Krishnaswami is a fun chapter book for young readers based in a city in India. Yasmin and her friends are upset when they discover that the Free Little Lending Library on the street near their apartment building has been ordered to close. But the books Book Uncle has lent them, encourage Yasmin to take action. Upcoming city elections help her to get her teacher and class involved. Many letters to the candidates running for mayor help to get Book Uncle back in business. A fun read for booklovers and young activists. ISBN 978-1-55498-808-2, Groundwood Books

Margriet Ruurs writes books for children in Canada. She reads all the time and presents writing workshops at International Schools. Book now for the next school year: www.margrietruurs.com