Forest of Reading 2015

Each year, the Ontario Library Association (OLA) presents a reading program " designed to cultivate a love of reading for people of all ages:  Each year public and school libraries offer the program to more than 1 quarter million participants. There are eight programs, each containing 10 titles bey Canadian authors.  To be eligible to vote in an individual program, readers must finish a minimum of 5 titles from 10 nominated program.

For School-Aged Readers

	Program Name	Grade Range	Book Type
	Blue Spruce™	JK–grade 2	picture books
	Silver Birch®	Grades 3–6	fiction / non-fiction
	Red Maple™	Grades 7–8	fiction, non-fiction (every other year)
	White Pine™	Grades 9–12	fiction, non-fiction (every other year)
	Le Prix Peuplier	varies	picture books
	Le Prix Tamarac	varies	chapter books
	Le Prix Tamarac Express	varies	shorter chapter books or mature picture books

For Adults

	Program Name	Grade Range	Book Type
	Golden Oak™ Awards	adults learning to read, ESL	fiction
	Evergreen™ Award	adults of any age	fiction, non-fiction

Here are the titles for this year's OLA Forest of Reading Program

BLUE SPRUCE
The Day My Mom Came To Kindergarten	Maureen Fergus,
The Highest Number in the World	Roy Macgregor, Genevieve Despres
Kenta and the Big Wave	Ruth Ohi
Loula is Leaving for Africa	Anne Villeneuve
Man with the Violin	Kathy Stinson
Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress	Christine Baldacchino
Most Magnificent Thing	Ashley Spires
My Blue is Happy	Jessica Young
Oddrey and the New Kid	Dave Whamond
Young Frank, Architect	Frank Viva
SILVER BIRCH - FICTION
Creature Department	Robert Paul Wetson
Dial M for Morna - Dead Kid Detective Agency	Evan Munday
Hidden Agenda of Sigrid Sugden	Jill MacLean
Madman of Piney Woods	Christopher Paul Curtis
Me & Mr. Bell	Philip Roy
Night Gardener	Jonathan Auxier
Red Wolf	Jennifer Dance
Saving Houdini	Michael Redhill
September 17	Amanda West Lewis
Striker	David Skuy
SILVER BIRCH - NON FICTION
50 Body Questions: A Book That Spills Its Guts	Tanya Lloyd Kyi
Annaleise Carr: How I Conquered Lake Ontario to Help Kids Battling Cancer	Annaleise Carr as told to Deborah Ellis
Big Book of Hockey for Kids	Eric Zweig
Cat Champions: Caring for our Feline Friends	Rob Laidlaw
Every Last Drop: Bringing Clean Water Home	Michelle Mulder
Extraordinary Life of Anna Swan	Anne Renaud
From Vimy to Victory: Canada's Fight to the Finish in World War 1	Hugh Brewster
History of Just About Everything: 180 Events, People and Inventions That Changed the World	Elizabeth MacLeod
It's a Feudal, Feudal World	Stephen Shapiro
Zoobots: Wild Robots Inspired by Real Animals	Helaine Becker
SILVER  BIRCH - EXPRESS
Be a Wilderness Detective	Peggy Kochanoff
Every Day is Malala Day	Rosemary McCarney
The Fly	Elise Gravel
From There to Here	Laurel Croza
The Great Bike Rescue	Hazel Hutchins
How to Save a Species	Jonathan Baillie
Kung Pow Chicken #1 Let's Get Cracking	Cyndi Marko
My Name is Blessing	Eric Walters
Prove it, Josh	Jenny Watson
Seconds	Sylvia Taekema
RED MAPLE - FICTION
The Boundless	Kenneth Oppel
The Comic Book War	Jacqueline Guest
Dead Man's Switch	Sigmund Brower
How to Outrun a Crocodile When Your Shoes Are Untied	Jess Keating
Outside In	Sarah Ellis
Rule of Three	Eric Walters
The Strange Gift of Gwendolyn Golden	Philippa Dowding
Summer Days. Starry Nights	Vikki VanSickle
Unspeakable	Caroline Pignat
Zomboy	Richard Scrimger
RED MAPLE - NON FICTION
Growing Up, Inside and Out	Kira Vermond
It's Catching: The Infectious World of Germs and Microbes	Jennifer Gardy
The Last Train: A Holocaust Story	Rona Arato
Legends, Icons & Rebels: Music That Changed the World	Robbie Robertson
Looks Like Daylight: Voices of Indigenous Kids	Deborah Ellis
Pay It Forward Kids: Small Acts, Big Change	Nancy Runstedler
Real Justice: Sentenced to Life at Seventeen: The Story of David Milgard	Cynthia J. Parton
Start Cooking From Scratch: What You Should Know about Food and Cooking	Sarah Elton
We Are Canada	Rika Saddy
Why Do We Fight? Conflict, War, and Peace	Niki Walker
LE PRIX PEUPLIER
Le cadeau des frères Bravo	Caroline Merola
Je suis riche!	Angele Delaunois
Je veux un animal de compagnie	Jennifer Couëlle
La limace	Elise Gravel
Ma petite boule d'amour	Jasmine Dube
Meuh où est Gertrude?	Benoit Dutrizac
Rocheux anniversaire, Léopold!	Isabelle Gaul
Une Charlotte olympique	Mireille Messier
La vie rêvée de Crapaud la grenouille	Carine Paquin
Le voleur de couche	Nadia Sevigny
LE PRIX TAMARAC
Victor Cordi (anomalie maléfique)	Annie Bacon
Cocorico!	Francois Gravel
La fabuleuse histoire de Jérémy Leloup	Gilles Tibo
Le journal de guerre d'Émilio	André Jacob
Max et la belle inconnue	Olivier Challet
Destination Monstroville 01 - Moche Café	Nadine Descheneaux
Pas question que les criminels dormant	René Cochaux
La patate cadeau ou la vraie histoire de la poutine râpée	Diane Carmel Léger
La plus grosse poutine du monde	Andrée Poulin
Quatre Filles de génies	Emmanuelle Bergeron
LE PRIX TAMARAC - EXPRESS
Le catalogue de robots	Jean-Pierre Guillet
Embrouilles à Embrun	Mireille Messier
Guiby : Une odeur de soufre	Sampar (Samuel Parent)
Il m'énerve, ce William Parker!	Alain M. Bergeron
Julie et Alexis le Trotteur	Martine Latulippe
Lucie Wan en danger	Agnes Grimaud
Mission... à donner le frisson!	Lili Chartrand
Moi, zèbre bouchard	Myriam De Repentigny
Pablo trouve un trésor	Andrée Poulin
Tsuki, princesse de la Lune	Suzanne de Serres

Title image and table from the OLA website

There's something to learn from bookish Ontario

Books tend to require more effort and yield less immediate gratification than video games, Facebook, TV and other electronic enticements, columnist Henry Aubin notes.

MONTREAL - Two things are discouraging about young Quebecers' reading skills.

The first is the nationwide-reading test whose results came out this week: Quebec's eighth-graders scored "significantly lower" than Canadian students as a whole. (Quebec's English public schools ranked fifth among the provinces. Their counterparts in French schools fared far more poorly than in the previous test in 2007.)

The other thing that's discouraging is that no solution for this problem exists in Quebec.

To be sure, the schools teach kids how to read and require book reports, and the provincial government's "Action Plan on Reading" is beefing up our thin school libraries. But meanwhile, the habit of reading fiction outside of class - simply for fun - is becoming less common.

The causes are obvious. Books tend to require more effort and yield less immediate gratification than video games, Facebook, TV and other electronic enticements. As well, there's no great public pressure to encourage leisure reading.

Many parents - even those with a laudable desire to see their children acquire a solid education - don't see how reading has much to do with so-called "fields of the future": information technology, medicine, finance, business, etc. They'd rather that Susie and Johnny learn Mandarin than immerse themselves in "useless" fiction.

Or perhaps not so useless.

The brain has to work harder to understand a character in a book than in a movie, where pictures do most of the work. Novels allow readers to put themselves more deeply in other people's place. That, according to a study by Raymond Mar at York University, might be one reason why people who start reading fiction at a young age tend to acquire more empathy than non-readers. Note that, according to a University of Michigan study, empathy appears to be in decline among young people.

Another related spinoff, notes Rick Wilks, the head of a leading children's publisher, Toronto's Annick Press, is that young readers tend to grow up to be more involved in their communities. "A greater understanding of others," he says, "leads to a greater engagement in society."

The question is how to encourage reading at a time of so much electronic competition.

The Ontario Library Association has an ingenious answer.

In the 1990s, dismayed by young people's low interest in reading, it borrowed a concept from Texas and invited students in elementary and secondary schools to act as judges in deciding which novels are best for their particular age group. Last year, 250,000 students from 3,500 schools and libraries cast votes.

Wilks, who is also co-chair of the National Reading Campaign, calls the concept "wildly successful."

Here's how it works in the case of Red Maple Award, as the contest for seventhand eighth-graders is called. Librarians and other volunteers screen some 100 novels published by Canadian authors within the previous two or three years, then select 10 finalists. The students can read any five, and then they vote for the one they liked most. They receive no grade and write no book report. They take part voluntarily because, as voters, they "own" the contest.

As well, the books are part of the school buzz - the kids argue among themselves about each, sharpening their analytical skills.

Every May, school buses carrying 8,000 students converge at Toronto's Harbourfront for the opening-of-the-envelopes ceremonies. I chanced to be at one of these several years ago as an ill-fated author (I didn't win), and the enthusiasm of the kids and the professionalism of the organizing blew me away.

Quebec has nothing like this. Indeed, the head of the youth section of the L'Association des bibliothécaires du Québec/Quebec Library Association, Ekaterina Alkova, told me Wednesday she hadn't heard of Ontario's solution. She said, "Nothing is being specifically done by the association for children."

School libraries in all provinces are welcome to join the Ontario-based contests, which also include a French-language category. (on the web: tinyurl. com/78qrtno)

And as for that nationwide test on which Quebec did so poorly, guess which province was No. 1 overall in Canada. That's right, Ontario - and by a long shot.

haubin@montrealgazette.com

Photograph by: David Blaine and Susan Kerr, Postmedia News files


Read more: http://www.montrealgazette.com/There+something+learn+from+bookish+Ontario/5793435/story.html#ixzz1fIdfyMvh

2012 Blue Spruce™ Nominees: the final 3 books

Roslyn Rutabaga and the Biggest Hole on Earth!
Marie-Louise Gay

Roslyn Rutabaga is an exuberant, feisty young rabbit with a vivid imagination. One day Roslyn wakes up with a plan. She will dig the biggest hole on earth.

Not a tiny mouse hole.
Not a medium-sized rabbit hole.
The Biggest Hole on Earth!

With her father's quiet encouragement, Roslyn sets out on her big adventure. Obstacles abound -- a grumpy worm, a grouchy mole and a bone-hogging dog get in her way. Will she find a pirate's treasure or a dinosaur bone? Will she meet a penguin? Anything could happen!

Marie-Louise Gay has written and illustrated this humorous and endearing tale as an ode to the imagination and determination of children, who create their own worlds out of the little things in life.
----
A very cute story and it is great to see a Dad in a story actively encouraging a child and joining in the fun! I also enjoyed the obstacles Roslyn runs into and the use of the backyard environment and inhabitants to help explore her immediate world. Lots of fun!



Small Saul
Ashley Spires

From the creator of Binky the Space Cat, a hilarious story about an unconventional little pirate.

Ahoy there! Will this sweet little pirate find his place aboard The Rusty Squid or will he be forced to walk the plank?

When Small Saul joins the crew of The Rusty Squid, it doesn't take long for the other pirates to notice something is very different about this tiny fellow. He was born to sing sea shanties, bake pineapple upside down cakes and redecorate, not to hold a sword and plunder. Being rough and tough just isn't in his nature.

Small Saul learned at Pirate College that pirates only care about three things: their ship, being tough and lots and lots of treasure. Can Small Saul show these ruffians that despite his gentle spirit, he's worth his weight in gold? With treasure chests of laughs, Small Saul's high-seas adventure is a light-hearted celebration of individuality, perseverance and being true to one's self.
---
This book gives a great message that everyone has value and a place in the world. Students will learn that it is OK to be different and that it's all about being the best you, you can be!



Stanley's Little Sister
Linda Bailey, Bill Slavin

Stanley's home life goes awry when he suddenly finds himself with a new, feline "sister." Making friends with this perplexing creature is not easy. Stanley's big, friendly sniff is met with an abrupt THWACK! from the cat's paw. "ROWP!" yelps Stanley. No fair!

Even less fair is the way his people blame him for causing trouble when all he's trying to do is make friends! Is it Stanley's fault the cat doesn't understand dog talk? Given time and a bit of mutual understanding, can peace and purring reign in Stanley's house?

Young readers familiar with the "dog's eye view" of Stanley and his world will rejoice at the addition of Fluffy the cat.
---
As a pet 'owner' since the age of 3, I recognised the relationship between Stanley and Fluffy. Their antics could easily be witness in my home. Daily.
This would also be a great story for anyone trying to navigate the changes when someone new comes into their life - new baby in the family, step-siblings or even someone joining their circle of friends.

**Images and book descriptions taken from the OLA site.

2012 Blue Spruce™ Nominees: the next 3 books

Making the Moose Out of Life
Nicholas Oldland

From the creator of Big Bear Hug comes the comic-adventure story of a mild-mannered moose who learns how to take life by the antlers. This moose may live in the wild, but he doesn't act it — he watches from the sidelines as his friends have fun. Every now and then, he wonders if he's missing out on anything.

When the moose finally takes a chance and goes on a solo sailing trip, a raging storm carries him far from everything he knows. Will he curl up in a ball and cry, or make the most of it?

The moose's unlikely hero-journey is a lighthearted, contemporary fable that celebrates living life to the fullest.
---
A good enjoyable, humorous story. Great for story telling time and lends itself to all kinds of follow up activities and discussions with students.



Noni Says No by Heather Hartt-Sussman, Geneviève Côté

Noni can do many things: she can give her baby brother his bottle, she can help her mother in the kitchen, and she can even walk over to her friend Susie’s house. But Noni just can’t say “no.” When she was very small, it was easy saying “no” to everybody, but now that she has a best friend, she wants to please. Noni can’t say “no” to her friend, even when it means she has to hand over a precious toy, or when it means agreeing to a hideous haircut, or even giving up her bed at a sleepover. But when Noni finally finds her voice, the consequences are not what she – or the reader – expects.

Heather Hartt-Sussman’s story, complemented by the playful illustrations of Geneviève Côté, is a comforting exploration of friendship and of the importance of trusting one’s own judgment. Many children (as well as many adults) will root for Noni as she learns that you can stand up for yourself and still be a good friend.
---
A great message about children's right-to-pass. While some colleagues I spoke to thought that this book may encourage students to be contrary in the classroom (Did we read the same book?) I think that they missed the point of the story. Maybe some of their pages stuck together. This book will be fabulous for any young student who needs to find their own voice. Being empowered to say 'no' can help students when faced with peer pressure, bullying and those instances when they really just don't want to join in.


One Hockey Night by David Ward, Brian Deines

For Owen, winter is all about hockey. It’s December, and his family has just moved to the east coast. He’s shovelled snow. He’s practised shots in the driveway. But he hasn’t skated on ice. Now it’s Christmas Eve, and it’s time for a secret to be revealed!

A hockey story – and a holiday story – with a heartwarming Canadian setting.

2012 Blue Spruce™ Nominees: the first 4 books

A Flock of Shoes by Sarah Tsiang, Qin Leng

Abby loves her pink and brown sandals with the lime green trim, and she wears them wherever she goes. But as summer draws to a close, Abby’s mom announces that it’s time for the sandals to go. Abby is determined to keep them on — until one day, while swinging at the park, her sandals flip off and fly away. All winter long, Abby wonders what her sandals are up to. Postcards of sandy white beaches and glorious sunsets reassure her that they are having a wonderful time in far away places.

Come February, Abby realizes that she has also grown to love her cozy, comfy boots. As the warm weather comes, she watches sadly as they march off, but a swish in the sky announces the return of her pink and brown sandals — all ready for another summer of fun. Full of whimsy, this circular tale is enhanced by rich, evocative language and delicate pastel illustrations that are sure to delight any young child.
---
This book shows excellent use of imagination in a very original story. The motions Abby experiences can be used by students to make connections in many ways. Perhaps they are leaving summer camp friends, visiting distant family, moving or even playing their last game on a sports team - anything where the event is seasonal or temporary and the leaving causes sadness but eventually the new setting/people become just as valuable.



Giraffe and Bird by Rebecca Bender

It’s true that getting along can be difficult, but Giraffe and Bird don’t even try. When Bird makes a face, Giraffe sticks out his tongue; when Bird tweets in his ear, Giraffe invades Bird’s personal space. And so it goes. Bird can’t put up with Giraffe’s bad breath; Giraffe can’t abide it when Bird eats too much fiber and then…Well, you know. If you ask them, Giraffe and Bird will tell you: they can’t stand each other. One day Giraffe loses his patience and Bird is fed up. “Scram!” says Giraffe. “Get lost!” says Bird. And so they do.

You would think they’d be happy now, but you might be wrong. Without each other, how will Bird and Giraffe weather the coming storm?

A hilarious debut by author and artist Rebecca Bender, Giraffe and Bird combines a clever text introducing synonyms with bright, expressive art to tell the funny and slightly tender story of two enemies who eventually realize they are much better off together.
----
This is my favorite book from this years selections! I thought it was fantastic! The illustrations really enhance the story and made me love the characters. However, I not not at all sure that students will "get" the humour in this book or will understand the frenemies nature of their relationship. I hope they do because I really enjoyed it.



Kiss Me! (I'm a Prince!)
Heather McLeod, Brooke Kerrigan

“If you kiss me, I’ll turn into a prince!” says the frog. But Ella thinks that a talking frog is much more interesting than living like a princess in a castle. And during his stay with Ella and her family, Prince Frog discovers a world of fun beyond the castle gates.
---
This book has a cute idea with a good message about following your own ideals and not needing to conform to the traditional endings. I found it to be a little drawn out but note that students may not notice the pacing as much as I did. I really liked the portrayal of Ella as sporty, intelligent and aware of herself. She came across as any girl in the illustrations and was not limited to a traditional princess nor a traditional tomboy. She was Ella. I also liked that the book showed that Ella thought through her decision about kissing the frog prince - what the consequences would be for her and for him.




The Little Hummingbird
Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas

This inspiring children’s book—a revised edition of the award-winning Flight of the Hummingbird—is based on a South American indigenous story about a courageous hummingbird who defies fear and expectations in her attempt to save the forest from fire. The illustrated story is supplemented by a natural and cultural history of hummingbirds, as well as an inspiring message from Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai. The evocative artwork by internationally renowned Haida artist Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas complements the optimistic tale that encourages everyone to take responsibility for their home and the planet.
----
I can see several uses of this title beyond story time. It is a great book for use by eco-clubs and for Earth Day activities. Explaining elections and how every vote counts to primary students could be helped by this story. The illustrations could also be inspirational for creating art work during native studies by students. This book illustrated the message of every person making a difference, no matter how small.



**Images and book descriptions taken from the OLA site.