Indigenous anthology an inspiring resource

You Were Made for This World: Celebrated Indigenous Voices Speak to Young People (Tundra, 120 pages, hardcover, $29), edited by Stephanie Sinclair and Sara Sinclair, is a thoughtful book that will speak to the reality of many children ages nine and up, especially those of Indigenous heritage.

Forty contributors, including Tanya Tagaq, Wab Kinew, Cherie Dimaline and other notable Indigenous artists, professionals and activists, remind children how Indigenous lives were devalued, but that their survival and accomplishments give this generation hope and opportunity.

This collection of stories is a worthy purchase as a gift and an important book to have in a school library as an example of how truth and reconciliation are being put into practice.

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The Wishing Leaf by Kallie George (Abrams Books, 40 pages, hardcover, $24) is a charming story to read to little ones ages 2-5, particularly those who resist going to sleep.

As the first snows appear, all the little animals give up waiting for the last leaf to fall from a tree. But Bear sticks it out so he can make a wish on it. When the leaf finally breaks off the branch, he realizes he wants what every bear wants in winter, a warm snuggle and a deep sleep.

Paola Zakimi’s endearing illustrations show the bear wearing a warm wool hat and Mama Bear in a scalloped apron. Her subtle shades of orange and brown evoke autumn days.

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Home for Margaret by Denise Davy (Nimbus, 32 pages, hardcover, $22) is based on a true story, and can help children understand the complex reasons that cause people to experience homelessness.

Children aged 6-8 will see themselves in the caring little girl who wants to help. Illustrator Bérengère Delaporte sketches realistic images of a woman trying to survive the harsh winter in a tent.

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What does it take to be a champion? The personal stories of athletes who reached the top of their game are found in From Challenge to Champion: 12 Inspiring Sports Stories for New Readers (Z Kids, 144 pages, softcover, $14) by Winnipegger Skyler Trepel.

Children aged 6-9 will be moved and motivated as they learn about the hurdles athletes such as Lionel Messi Simone Biles, Patrick Mahomes and Jessica Long faced and how they overcame them. Lorenzo Fornaciari draws convincing action illustrations.

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The popularity of graphic novels can’t be denied, and Stuart Gibbs combines a murder mystery with effective and entertaining illustrations by Ward Jenkins in Space Case: The Graphic Novel (Simon & Schuster, 360 pages, $20).

Dashiell is a 12-year-old boy in a typical community — except that community is on the moon. Curiously, the base commander doesn’t think anything is amiss when a beloved elder scientist dies in unusual circumstances. Dashiell and a newly arrived girl explore the nooks and crannies of their confined environment to figure out which quirky, nerdy science-type adult could be responsible.

There’s lots of humour as well as thoughtful deductions that make this a compelling read for kids ages 8-12.

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Teen pop singer Sasha is at the top of the charts in Wavelength (Groundwood, 408 pages, softcover, $19), by Winnipegger Cale Plett.

But all Sasha wants to do is to escape the confines fame imposes. They fake a new identity, enrolling in high school where new friends invite them into a band. How can Sasha take part, yet keep their secret?

Plett sets a driving pace for characters who engage in chest-thumping banter as they explore their identities, their relationships and worry about the future.

Will the truth set Sasha free? High school students will want to find out.

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Harriet Zaidman is a novelist for young people. Her latest, What Friends Are For, is set in 1983 during the abortion debate in Canada. It launches on Thursday at 7 p.m. at McNally Robinson Booksellers.