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2016 Recommended SPRING / SUMMER Reading

The Wordfest Youth Program has prepared a hand-picked list of titles released or to be released —

everything from elementary school grade fiction and nonfiction to YA titles. There is something in

this list for everyone aged 3+!

Click on a title below or scroll down the list.

The Animals' Ark by Marianne Dubuc.................................................................................... Age Range: 3 to 6

Poppy's Best Paper by Susan Eaddy ....................................................................................... Age Range: 3 to 7

Change of Heart by Alice Walsh ............................................................................................. Age Range: 4 to 8

Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty .................................................................................... Age Range: 5 to 8

WHY? by Nikolai Popov ......................................................................................................... Age Range: 5 to 8

Cody and the Mysteries of the Universe by Tricia Springstubb ........................................... Age Range: 7 to 10

Fluffy Strikes Back by Ashley Spires ..................................................................................... Age Range: 7 to 10

Amazing Water: An Introduction to Classical Music by Ana Gerhard ................................. Age Range: 7 to 10

The Wild Robot by Peter Brown ........................................................................................... Age Range: 8 to 11

OCDaniel by Wesley King ..................................................................................................... Age Range: 8 to 12

Grandpa’s Great Escape by David Walliams ........................................................................ Age Range: 9 to 12

The Dark Island by Scott Chantler ........................................................................................ Age Range: 9 to 12

What Elephants Know by Eric Dinerstein ............................................................................ Age Range: 9 to 13

Sophie Quire and the Last Storyguard by Jonathan Auxier ................................................. Age Range: 9 to 13

Sea Change by Frank Viva ............................................................................................... Age Range: 10 and up

The Boy at the Top of the Mountain by John Boyne .......................................................... Age Range: 10 to 14

Lightfinder by Aaron Paquette ....................................................................................... Age Range: 12 and up

The Hill by Karen Bass ..................................................................................................... Age Range: 12 and up

Being Jazz My Life as a (Transgender) Teen by Jazz Jennings ......................................... Age Range: 12 and up

You Know Me Well by David Levithan and Nina LaCour ................................................ Age Range: 13 and up

Beware That Girl by Teresa Toten .................................................................................. Age Range: 14 and up

Devil and the Bluebird by Jennifer Mason-Black ............................................................ Age Range: 14 and 17

Every Exquisite Thing by Matthew Quick ....................................................................... Age Range: 15 and up

MOONSHOT by Hope Nicholson and Various ................................................................. Age Range: 16 and up

Asking For It by Louise O'Neill ........................................................................................ Age Range: 16 and up

Shining: The Story of a Lucky Man by Abdi Aden & Robert Hillman .............................. Age Range: 16 and up

The End of Protest by Micah White ................................................................................ Age Range: 17 and up

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The Animals' Ark by Marianne Dubuc Age Range: 3 to 6

With sweet, warm illustrations, this is a creative and child-friendly version

of the well-known journey story. The playful animal drawings are filled with

details and sly jokes, making them great fun for children to spend time

with. With the focus on how the different species fare individually and

together, it can work as an exploration of animals and their unique

behaviors. It could easily spark discussions about how children might use

cooperation, respect and kindness in trying circumstances as well.

Poppy's Best Paper by Susan Eaddy Age Range: 3 to 7

More than anything, Poppy wants to be a verrrry famous writer. She's sure

Mrs. Rose will pick her paper to read to the whole class! Trouble is, she

has tall ambitions but is short on effort, and her jealousy takes over when

her best friend's paper is chosen instead. In the end, Poppy discovers that

she has to get out of her own way if her big dreams are going to come

true.

Change of Heart by Alice Walsh Age Range: 4 to 8

The remarkable story of honourary Newfoundlander Lanier Phillips, who

survived a shipwreck during the Second World War and went on to

become a civil rights activist, is told for children in this heartwarming,

vibrantly illustrated picture book.

Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty Age Range: 5 to 8

The creators of the New York Times bestselling picture books Rosie

Revere, Engineer and Iggy Peck, Architect are back with a story about the

power of curiosity in the hands of a child who is on a mission to use

science to understand her world.

Ada Twist, Scientist, from powerhouse team Andrea Beaty and David

Roberts, is a celebration of STEM, perseverance, and passion.

(To be released in September- other titles in the series are already available!)

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WHY? by Nikolai Popov Age Range: 5 to 8

A frog dressed in long johns sits on a rock, peacefully smelling flowers.

Out of the ground pops a mouse (in overalls) with an umbrella. A new

friend? Hardly. Despite escalating battles, there's no visible death or

physical injury; Popov's intent seems to be to surprise readers a bit, then

to provoke their thoughts and discussion.

"A strong anti-war message and lithe, incandescent artwork propel this

affecting wordless picture book," said PW of this "forceful allegory."

Cody and the Mysteries of the Universe by Tricia Springstubb Age Range: 7 to 10

Cody’s best friend, Spencer, and his parents are moving in with his

grandmother right around the corner, and Cody can’t wait. In this second

adventure, Spencer’s new-school jitters, an unexpected bonding with a

teacher over Mozart, and turf-claiming kids next door with a reason for

acting out are all part of Cody’s experiences as summer shifts into a new

year at school.

Understated illustrations subtly reinforce these diverse identities and bring

the cozy world to life. A perennial message, "different strokes for different

folks," delivered with affection and tolerance, 21st-century style.

Fluffy Strikes Back by Ashley Spires Age Range: 7 to 10

Fluffy Vandermere, the cat sergeant in charge of P.U.R.S.T. (Pets of the

Universe Ready for Space Travel), works tirelessly to protect the world

from alien (aka bug) domination.

This hysterical graphic novel by talented artist Ashley Spires is a spin-off

from her successful Binky series (Binky is a member of P.U.R.S.T.). Just

as in the Binky books, dry wit and slapstick humor abound here as the

animals oh-so-seriously go about their jobs. This is a perfect book for

emerging readers who are looking for something more challenging than a

picture book that doesn't have too much text..

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Amazing Water: An Introduction to Classical Music by Ana Gerhard Age Range: 7 to 10

A children’s guidebook to the fantastical characters and creatures found in

classical music.

An original and interesting way for younger listeners to discover amazing

classical music, this book pairs three centuries of music history with

stunning and evocative illustrations. The accompanying CD features 20

excerpts from various recordings performed by world-class luminaries

The Wild Robot by Peter Brown Age Range: 8 to 11

When robot Roz opens her eyes for the first time, she discovers that she is

alone on a remote, wild island. Why is she there? Where did she come

from? And, most important, how will she survive in her harsh

surroundings? Roz's only hope is to learn from the island's hostile animal

inhabitants. When she tries to care for an orphaned gosling, the other

animals finally decide to help, and the island starts to feel like...

"This strong debut middle grade novel by the acclaimed picture book

author/illustrator is a first purchase for most middle grade

collections."―School Library Journal, starred review

OCDaniel by Wesley King Age Range: 8 to 12

Daniel is the back-up punter for the Erie Hills Elephants. He spends

football practice perfectly arranging water cups—and hoping no one

notices. Actually, he spends most of his time hoping no one notices his

strange habits, especially his best friend Max, and Raya, the prettiest girl

in school.

From the author of Incredible Space Raiders from Space! comes a brand-

new coming-of-age story about a boy whose life revolves around hiding his

obsessive compulsive disorder—until he gets a mysterious note that

changes everything.

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Grandpa’s Great Escape by David Walliams Age Range: 9 to 12

This book is about a twelve year old boy named Jack and his grandfather,

who was a famous pilot during the second world war. However, as

Grandpa gradually becomes older, he starts to believe that the war is still

happening, so he starts calling his grandson ‘Squadron Leader’ and is

always devising plans to defeat Hitler. An exquisite portrait of the bond

between a small boy and his beloved Grandpa – this book takes readers

on an incredible journey with Spitfires over London and Great Escapes

through the city in a high octane adventure full of comedy and heart.

The hotly-anticipated next novel from #1 bestselling author, David

Walliams.

The Dark Island by Scott Chantler Age Range: 9 to 12

In this thrilling sixth installment of Scott Chantler's popular Three Thieves

graphic novel series, the separate adventures of twins Dessa and Jared

play out simultaneously and seem poised to intersect as the book ends.

Dessa, along with Topper and Fisk, has managed a daring landing onto

the flying island of Astaroth, where she hopes to find her long-lost brother.

Instead, they discover a bizarre world where three children are being held

by a mysterious and rarely seen man they call the Toymaker.

These fast-paced books, with loads of brilliantly depicted action scenes

and just enough humor, are hugely appealing to both boys and girls.

What Elephants Know by Eric Dinerstein Age Range: 9 to 13

In the borderlands between Nepal and India during the 1970s, an orphan

boy overcomes adversity to save his village and become a great elephant

driver. Abandoned in the jungle as a baby and cared for by wild dogs

known as dholes, Nandu is rescued by an elephant, Devi Kali, and the

head of a royal elephant stable, Subba-sahib. But one day Nandu spoils

the king’s attempt to shoot a tiger, perhaps influencing the king’s decision

to close the elephant stable

This earnest tale will appeal especially to budding naturalists.

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Sophie Quire and the Last Storyguard by Jonathan Auxier Age Range: 9 to 13

You've met Peter Nimble. Now meet Sophie Quire in a new, unforgettable

quest.

Fans of Jonathan Auxier’s Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes will be

happy to see the author returning to familiar characters in Sophie Quire

and the Last Storyguard (Puffin Canada), in which Sophie is a 12-year-old

bookmender enlisted to help Peter and Sir Tode with a mysterious volume.

Sea Change by Frank Viva Age Range: 10 and up

One summer can change your whole life. As soon as school lets out,

Eliot's parents send him to the very edge of the world: a fishing village in a

remote part of Nova Scotia. And what does the small town of Point Aconi

have to offer? Maggots, bullies and grumpy old men. But along the way,

Eliot discovers much more - a hidden library, starry nights and a

mysterious girl named Mary Beth.

Critically acclaimed author and artist Frank Viva (Outstanding in the Rain)

brings us this warm, funny and innovatively designed coming-of-age story.

The Boy at the Top of the Mountain by John Boyne Age Range: 10 to 14

When Pierrot becomes an orphan, he must leave his home in Paris for a

new life with his aunt Beatrix, a servant in a wealthy Austrian household.

But this is no ordinary time, for it is 1935 and the Second World War is fast

approaching; and this is no ordinary house, for this is the Berghof, the

home of Adolf Hitler. Pierrot is quickly taken under Hitler's wing and thrown

into an increasingly dangerous new world: a world of terror, secrets, and

betrayal from which he may never be able to escape.

A beautiful story by the author of The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

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Lightfinder by Aaron Paquette Age Range: 12 and up

Written & illustrated by Aaron Paquette Lightfinder is a Young Adult

fantasy novel about Aisling , a young Cree woman who sets out into the

wilderness with her Kokum (grandmother), Aunty and two young men she

barely knows. They have to find and rescue her runaway younger brother,

Eric. Along the way she learns that the legends of her people might be real

and that she has a growing power of her own. Things are not always what

they seem and danger surrounds them at every turn.

Winner of the 2015 Burt Award for First Nations, Metis and Inuit Literature.

The Hill by Karen Bass Age Range: 12 and up

Sometimes scared is the smartest thing you can be. Jared’s plane has

crashed in the wilderness, and Kyle is first on the scene. When Jared

insists on hiking up the highest hill in search of cell phone reception, Kyle

hesitates; his Cree grandmother has always forbidden him to go near it.

There’s no stopping Jared, though, so Kyle reluctantly follows. Nothing in

the forest surrounding them seems right. In fact, things seem very wrong.

And worst of all, something is hunting them.

Inspired by the real story of a remote plane crash and by the legends of

her Cree friends and neighbours, Karen brings eerie life—or perhaps

something other than life—to the northern Alberta landscape in The Hill.

Being Jazz My Life as a (Transgender) Teen by Jazz Jennings Age Range: 12 and up

In her remarkable memoir, Jazz reflects on these very public experiences

and how they have helped shape the mainstream attitude toward the

transgender community. But it hasn’t all been easy. Jazz has faced many

challenges, bullying, discrimination, and rejection, yet she perseveres as

she educates others about her life as a transgender teen.

Teen activist and trailblazer Jazz Jennings—named one of “The 25 Most

Influential Teens” of the year by Time—shares her very public transgender

journey, as she inspires people to accept the differences in others while

they embrace their own truths.

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You Know Me Well by David Levithan and Nina LaCour Age Range: 13 and up

Who knows you well? Your best friend? Your boyfriend or girlfriend? A

stranger you meet on a crazy night? No one, really?

Mark and Kate have sat next to each other for an entire year, but have

never spoken. For whatever reason, their paths outside of class have

never crossed.

Told in alternating points of view by Nina LaCour and David Levithan, ,

You Know Me Well is a deeply honest story about navigating the joys and

heartaches of first love, one truth at a time.

Beware That Girl by Teresa Toten Age Range: 14 and up

The Haves. The Have-Nots. Kate O’Brien appears to be a Have-Not. Her

whole life has been a series of setbacks she’s had to snake her way out

of—some more sinister than others. But she’s determined to change that.

She’s book smart. She’s street-smart. Oh, and she’s also a masterful liar.

For fans of We Were Liars, The Girl on the Train, and Gone Girl, this

powerful psychological thriller with multiple mysteries is set against the

backdrop of the megawealthy elite of New York City. Toten delves into the

mesmerizing yet dysfunctional world of those who manipulate but seem

ever so charming. With its gripping pace and Hitchcockian twists, Beware

That Girl will keep readers guessing until the very last line.

Devil and the Bluebird by Jennifer Mason-Black Age Range: 14 and 17

Blue Riley has wrestled with her own demons ever since the loss of her

mother to cancer. But when she encounters a beautiful devil at her town

crossroads, it’s her runaway sister’s soul she fights to save. The devil

steals Blue’s voice—inherited from her musically gifted mother—in

exchange for a single shot at finding Cass. Armed with her mother’s

guitar, a knapsack of cherished mementos, and a pair of magical boots,

Blue journeys west in search of her sister.

"A magical-realist adventure laced with folk guitar and outcast drifters

unpacks the bonds of family—those we are born into and those we

choose." Kirkus (Starred review)

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Every Exquisite Thing by Matthew Quick Age Range: 15 and up

Nanette O'Hare is an unassuming teen who has played the role of dutiful

daughter, hardworking student, and star athlete for as long as she can

remember. But when a beloved teacher gives her his worn copy of The

Bubblegum Reaper--a mysterious, out-of-print cult classic--the rebel within

Nanette awakens. As she befriends the reclusive author, falls in love with a

young but troubled poet, and attempts to insert her true self into the world

with wild abandon, Nanette learns the hard way that rebellion sometimes

comes at a high price.

A celebration of the self and the formidable power of story by the author of

The Silver Linings Playbook

MOONSHOT by Hope Nicholson and Various Age Range: 16 and up

MOONSHOT brings together dozens of creators from across North

America to contribute comic book stories showcasing the rich heritage and

identity of indigenous storytelling.

From traditional stories to exciting new visions of the future, this collection

presents some of the finest comic book and graphic novel work in North

America. The traditional stories presented in the book are with the

permission from the elders in their respective communities, making this a

truly genuine, never-before-seen publication. MOONSHOT is an incredible

collection that is sure to amaze, intrigue and entertain!

Asking for It by Louise O'Neill Age Range: 16 and up

In a small town where everyone knows everyone, Emma O'Donovan is

different. She is the special one - beautiful, popular, powerful. And she

works hard to keep it that way. Until that night. Now, she's an

embarrassment. Now, she's just a slut. Now, she is nothing.

BOOK OF THE YEAR AT THE IRISH BOOK AWARDS 2015. The award-

winning, bestselling novel about the life-shattering impact of sexual

assault, rape and how victims are treated. For fans of Caitlin Moran,

Marian Keyes and Jodi Picoult.

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Shining: The Story of a Lucky Man by Abdi Aden & Robert Hillman Age Range: 16 and up

Abdi Aden’s story begins like any other – he’s a happy kid from a loving

family, living in soccer-mad Somalia. Then in 1991 civil war breaks out in

Mogadishu, and Abdi’s world falls apart. What follows next is Abdi’s

harrowing story of survival when, at just 15-years-old, he’s forced to flee

the violence and death squads and make his way to Kenya. From there

the journey takes a sickening twist, as the refugee camp turns out to be as

dangerous as what Abdi has been fleeing from.

Despite what he has gone through, Abdi is a most inspiring man, who is

constantly thankful for his life and what he has.

The End of Protest by Micah White Age Range: 17 and up

Despite global challenges—catastrophic climate change, economic

collapse and the decline of democracy—White finds reason for optimism:

the end of protest inaugurates a new era of social change. On the horizon

are increasingly sophisticated movements that will emerge in a bid to

challenge elections, govern cities and reorient the way we live.

In this provocative playbook, White offers three bold, revolutionary

scenarios for harnessing the creativity of people from across the political

spectrum. Rigorous, original and compelling, The End of Protest is an

exhilarating vision of an all-encompassing revolution of revolution.