Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery 

(in honour of International Friendship Day, August 1)

This classic novel tells the story of Anne Shirley, an imaginative and lively young girl who is mistakenly sent to live with an elderly brother and sister, Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, on Prince Edward Island, Canada. Despite the initial mix-up, a deep bond of friendship forms between Anne and the Cuthberts, particularly with Marilla. The book follows Anne’s journey as she grows up, navigates school life, and finds friendship with her kindred spirit, Diana Barry. It beautifully depicts the joys and challenges of friendship, along with the themes of love, loyalty, and self-discovery.

 

 

Unsettling Canada: A Wake-up Call by Arthur Manuel and Grand Chief Ronald M Derrickson

(in honour of World Indigenous Peoples Day, Aug 9)

This powerful book addresses the historical and ongoing struggles faced by indigenous peoples in Canada. It explores themes of land rights, resource extraction, indigenous governance, and the impacts of colonialism. Unsettling Canada offers insights into the experiences, resilience, and resistance of indigenous communities and sheds light on the call for justice and self-determination. It critically examines the relationship between indigenous peoples and the Canadian government, providing a thought-provoking perspective on the challenges and opportunities faced by indigenous communities in the country.

 

Great Elephant Chase by Gillian Cross

(in honour of World Elephant Day, August 12)

This adventure-filled novel follows the story of Bertie and his orphaned elephant, Ned, in the 19th century. When the circus they are part of catches fire, they embark on a daring journey across Europe to find safety and a new home for Ned. Along the way, they encounter various challenges and meet fascinating characters. The Great Elephant Chase not only showcases the bond between Bertie and Ned but also provides insight into the historical treatment of elephants in circuses and the changing attitudes towards animal rights.

 

Underdogs by Mariano Azuela

(in honour of International Youth Day, August 12)

While it may not be a book solely dedicated to young people, it portrays the transformative potential of a group of young revolutionaries in the midst of the Mexican Revolution. The story follows a group of villagers who rise up against a brutal regime and showcase their bravery and resilience in the face of oppression. Although the book explores themes of war and struggle, it highlights the determination and idealism of the young protagonists, demonstrating their ability to challenge the status quo and bring about positive change in their community.

 

Strength in What Remains by Tracy Kidder

(in honour of World Humanitarian Day, August 19)

This non-fiction book tells the inspiring true story of Deo, a young man who survives the genocide in Burundi and seeks refuge in the United States. Deo arrives in New York City with limited resources and faces numerous challenges, but he overcomes adversity through his determination and finds help from compassionate individuals. As he rebuilds his life, Deo is driven by a deep desire to improve the lives of others, eventually returning to Africa to establish a clinic in his home country. Strength in What Remains explores the resilience of the human spirit and sheds light on the importance of humanitarian action in the face of crisis and displacement.

 

That’s What She Said: What Men Need to Know (and Women Need to Tell Them) About Working Together by Joanne Lipman

(in honour of Women’s Equality Day, August 26)

This thought-provoking book examines gender equality within the workplace and offers insights into the challenges that women face. It highlights the importance of gender balance and the need for inclusive collaboration between men and women for progress. Lipman delves into various workplace dynamics and provides practical advice for both men and women to foster greater gender equality and a more inclusive work environment. That’s What She Said promotes understanding, empathy, and actionable steps towards achieving women’s equality in professional settings.