I READ CANADIAN DAY, February 17, 2021, is a national day of celebration of Canadian books for young people (and everyone). This is a day dedicated to ‘reading Canadian.’ The purpose is to raise awareness of Canadian books and celebrate the richness, diversity and breadth of Canadian literature. We have a wealth of talent in our country!

CANADIAN NONFICTION FOR YOUNGER READERS

The title says it's for younger readers, but anybody can and should read these. For older readers it's an easy introduction to all kinds of fabulous people and wonders of the world.

The Eagle Mother (Mothers of Xsan) by Hetxw'ms Gyetxw (Brett D. Huson), & Natasha Donovan (Illustrations) (series)

The Eagle Mother is a book loaded with information about the eagle life cycle. What makes it unique is how it puts this information into a context of Gitxzan ways of knowing their world.

The Grizzly Mother by Hetxw'ms Gyetxw (Brett D. Huson), & Natasha Donovan (Illustrations) (series)

The focus on mothers in this series parallels the matrilineal kinship system of the people. In this instance, we learn about the grizzly mother’s behaviour as it pertains to certain times of the year. These times are connected to the Gitxzan calendar of moons. Don't miss The Salmon Mother by this team.

How to Become an Accidental Genius by Frieda Wishinsky, Elizabeth MacLeod, & Jenn Playford (Illustrations)

This collection is chock full of fascinating information about scientists, mathematicians, inventors and all kinds of remarkable individuals who are geniuses for many different reasons.

How to Promenade with a Python (and Not Get Eaten): A Polite Predators Book by Rachel Poliquin & Kathryn Durst (Illustrations)

This has enough facts, farce and fear to engage readers of all ages. I learned not to go anywhere near pythons! This is the first in a new series.

It Began with a Page: How Gyo Fujikawa Drew the Way by Kyo Maclear & Julie Morstad (Illustrator)

This glorious work of art pays homage to the first children's book author to integrate characters with different skin colours in her work. She had to fight with her publishers to do it.

The Lady with the Books: A Story Inspired by the Remarkable Work of Jella Lepman by Kathy Stinson & Marie Lafrance (Illustrator)

Following the second world war, Jella Lepman created a travelling collection of books from 20 different countries. She believed that the books would build bridges between children from different parts of the world and reduce the possibility of another war.

Mary, Who Wrote Frankenstein by Linda Bailey & Júlia Sardà (Illustrator)

In this delightfully gothic picture book we learn how Mary Shelley came to be the author of the first horror novel. We discover that a story like Frankenstein has its roots in many different kinds of experiences.

Meet Elsie MacGill by Elizabeth MacLeod & Mike Deas (series)

This book is a brilliant introduction to this amazing woman's life. She lived a life of many 'firsts.' Born in 1905, she was the first Canadian woman to get an engineering degree and the first woman in the world to to get her master's degree in aeronautical engineering. Getting polio in her twenties might have slowed her down a bit, but it sure didn't stop her! So Far this series introduces readers to some impressive Canadians including: Willie O'Ree, Tom Longboat, and Terry Fox.

Mr. Gauguin's Heart by Marie-Danielle Croteau, Isabelle Arsenault (Illustrator), Susan Ouriou (Translator)

This introduction to Paul Gauguin informs us readers how he became an artist. It's full of whimsy, sadness, and beauty.

Ocean Speaks: Marie Tharp and the Map That Moved the Earth by Jess Keating & Katie Hickey (Illustrations)

Marie Tharp had to deal with the challenges of not being appreciated or respected for her work because she was a woman. Using data collected by male scientists, she collated it and created the first map of the ocean showing an underwater mountain range. This provided proof of tectonics and continental drift.

Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean's Most Fearless Scientist by Jess Keating & Marta Álvarez Miguéns (Illustrator)

Eugenie Clark was born at a time when it was very challenging for women to be more than wives and mothers. She dove into her passion for sharks and eventually earned her PHD. The world is much wiser about sharks because of her advocacy and work.

This Is Your Brain on Stereotypes: How Science Is Tackling Unconscious Bias by Tanya Lloyd Kyi & Drew Shannon (Illustrations)

This provides plenty of information to help readers understand how stereotypes and bias work. Not only that, it includes ideas and strategies individuals can implement to try and deal with their own prejudices.

You Are Never Alone by Elin Kelsey & Soyeon Kim (Illustrations)

With lyrical text and gorgeous art, these creators make the interconnectedness of life here on our blue planet very clear. The positive, scientifically based message is that our relationships benefits us in remarkable ways. They remind us that "Mother Nature has your back."