Reading List for young learners

Anne of Green Gables
by Lucy Maud Montgomery

Beloved by millions around the world, Anne of Green Gables details the fictional adventures of orphan Anne Shirley, who goes to live with the Cuthberts on Prince Edward Island. This is the first of six books in the Anne series.

Four Pictures by Emily Carr
by Nicolas Debon

Written and illustrated in comic strips, this book traces the life of artist Emily Carr through four of her paintings, beginning with a trip to a remote West Coast village and ending with Carr setting out through the forest and reaching her full potential as an artist.

It's Catching: The Infectious World of Germs and Microbes
by Jennifer Gardy
Illustrated by Josh Holinaty

Explore the world of germs and diseases – from the common cold to the Ebola virus! Microbiologist and disease detective Jennifer Gardy’s playful book uncovers the invisible microbes that have shaped human history and provides information on bacteria, DNA, genomes and more.

Le pit à papa
by Angèle Arsenault, Marie-France Comeau, Marie Cadieux
Illustrations by Jean-Luc Trudel

Angèle Arsenault takes readers on an Acadian adventure with the story of Petites Lunettes and her father, a mechanic with a weakness for cars. As cars become intertwined with her life, eventually taking her away from her beloved island home, Petites Lunettes discovers that some cars have wings!

Shannen and the Dream for a School
by Janet Wilson

This book tells the inspiring story of Shannen Koostachin, the people of Attawapiskat and their fight to have a new school built in their remote Northern community. Through her passionate advocacy, Shannen launched an Indigenous educations rights movement across Canada.

The Circle Game
by Joni Mitchell
Illustrated by Brian Deines

Joni Mitchell’s lyrics tell the story of a boy uncovering a sense of wonder as he explores the world around him – catching a dragonfly in a jar, skating on a frozen river, watching falling stars. As he grows into adulthood, his dreams may have changed, but new possibilities open up.

The Two Sisters
by E. Pauline Johnson
Illustrated by Sandra Butt

The Two Sisters is based on a First Nations legend of two young girls who help to bring lasting peace to the world when they grow up. Exploring the universal themes of Creation, courage and peace, the book also includes a reference section with information on the history of Coast Salish cultures.

Una Huna: What is this?
By Susan Aglukark
Illustrated by Danny Christopher and Amanda Sandland

Susan Aglukark tells the story of Okpik, a young girl who loves living in the North with her family and puppy. When the arrival of a captain from the south leads to new discoveries and changes in her village, she comes to a powerful realization with the help of her grandmother.

Viola Desmond Won’t Be Budged!
by Jody Nyasha Warner
Illustrated by Richard Rudnicki

Through vibrant illustrations and oral-style prose, author Jody Nyasha Warner tells the story of civil rights activist Viola Desmond, as she courageously refuses to give up her seat in a movie theatre after being told to leave a “whites only” section in 1946.

5 histoires de personnalités sportives remarquables (French only)
by Stéphane Garneau

This book outlines the lives and accomplishments of five Canadian sports heroes: wheelchair racer and celebrated Paralympian Chantal Petitclerc, Serge Savard, Jean-Luc Brassard, Sylvie Fréchette and Annie Pelletier. Every chapter concludes with quizzes and questions to inspire reflection and analysis.