Towering girl learns to courageously stand tall

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This article was published 16/11/2024 (675 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Sidura Ludwig’s Swan: The Girl Who Grew (Nimbus, 304 pages, $20, hardcover) is the true and fascinating story of a young girl who grew to be almost eight feet tall.

Growing up in Nova Scotia in the 19th century, Anna Swan was part of a close, loving family that struggled to meet their daily needs. When her younger sister needed medical care, Anna agreed to let herself be put on display to earn money; she was called the “The Giantess of Nova Scotia.” However, she always remembered her mother’s words: “Stand tall. This is what good Highland stock looks like.” She needed to face down a greedy and unscrupulous neighbour before she could profit from her exposure.

Written in blank verse from the viewpoint of Anna as a 12-year-old girl, this is a beautiful tribute to the courage and resiliency of a young woman who faced incredible odds in seeking acceptance from the world around her. It is also the incredible story of a real woman who amazed thousands of people around the world during her lifetime.

Originally from Winnipeg, Sidura Ludwig now lives in Thornhill, Ont. She has worked as a radio journalist, a communication specialist in the UK, and a copywriter for not-for-profit organizations. For ages 8-12.

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What is it like to start school with a name that brands you as an enemy alien?

In Waltraut (Heritage House, 224 pages, $15, paperback) by Winnipeg author Gabriele Goldstone, that’s the challenge faced by an 11-year-old girl.

When Waltraut moves to a new home shortly after the Second World War, she finds speaking German is regarded as traitorous and her family is regarded with suspicion. Can she ever feel accepted? Can she only feel at home in German school? If she had the name of a heroine from her favourite mystery books, would that maker her acceptable?

As the daughter of German immigrants, Goldstone has lived many of the events and felt many of the feelings in this novel. She has written books for both children and young adults, including Crow Stone, Tainted Amber and Broken Stone. Set in Winnipeg with plenty of streets and places that will be familiar to local readers, Waltraut is a thoughtful mid-level novel that will resonate with anyone who has trouble fitting into a new situation. Ages 9-12.

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Young book lovers will feel a bond with Hana in I Want to Read All the Books (Simon & Schuster, 48 pages, $24, hardcover), by author and illustrator Debbie Ridpath Ohi.

Hana has a million questions: Where does rain come from? Do dogs sweat? What do crocodiles eat? She sets out to find the answers in all the books in her home and her neighbourhood.

Only when her mother takes her to the library does she realize it’s impossible to read all the books, but maybe she can share them. Hana’s book club is a success as she and her friends share their favorite books together.

Ohi has written or illustrated over 20 books for young people. Her artwork here, done with Adobe Photoshop using hand-drawn textures, is appealing, with amusing and expressive faces. For ages 6-9.

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With text in both English and Anishinaabemowin, Boozhoo! Hello! (Groundwood, picture book, $22, hardcover) by Anishinaabe clan member Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley is a feast for the eyes.

With brilliant illustrations of familiar woodland creatures, this talented Indigenous author and artist’s work will catch any young reader’s attention. The words are translated by Mary Ann Corbiere, who grew up on Manitoulin Island with Ojibwe as her first language. For ages 3-6.

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Helen Norrie is a Winnipeg writer and reviewer who enjoys the variety and creativity of children’s books.