Titles and Descriptions - N

The National Series
Nelson Canadian Dictionary of the English Language: An Encyclopedic Reference
Nelson Language & Writing Series
Nelson Language Arts 6
Nelson Mini-Anthologies Series
Nelson Spelling Series
Nelson Spelling 6
New Series Canada
A Night to Remember
No Place for Kids
No Signature
No Time to Say Goodbye: Children's Stories of Kuper Island Residential School
Nobody's Child
Northern Frights Series
A Nose for Adventure
Now Playing: Drama and Micro-Drama

The National Series (Video). Please refer to the titles: Cyber Bullying and Hana’s Suitcase.

Nelson Canadian Dictionary of the English Language: An Encyclopedic Reference (Print-Non-Fiction). Thomson Nelson (NEL), 1997. 1,694 p. ISBN 0-17-604726-3 ($34.95 hdc.).

(CAN, WNCP) In this tabbed edition, clear definitions for each relevant part of speech are accompanied by pronunciation, etymology, suffixes, verb endings, usage notes, and illustrative sentences when relevant, cross-references, numerous illustrations, variants, regional meanings, and idioms. This is an encyclopedic resource that includes entries for numerous historical and modern figures from Canada and the world in the fields of the arts, politics, and the sciences. The dictionary contains a section giving historical, political, and statistical information about Canada, 16 pages of colour maps, and information on Indo-European roots.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Language Resource

Nelson Language & Writing Series (Print-Non-Fiction). Hodgkinson, David and Aker, Don. Thomson Nelson (NEL), 1998. Order numbers follow.

Recommended titles in this series include the following:

(CAN, WNCP) These resources connect spelling, vocabulary development, grammar, usage and style, and mechanics within the writing process. The student texts are divided into four main sections: narration, description, exposition, and persuasion. The books combine short multigenre reading selections, mini-lessons, practice exercises, and skill development activities in a high-interest, colourful format. The resources build on the ideas and experiences of students’ lives and encourage meaningful language use through the writing process. They emphasize flexibility in assignments, promote pair and group work, and focus on engaging students in authentic activities to build a community of learners. A table of contents and an index are included.
Suggested Use: Grade 7; Grade 8; Language Resource

Nelson Language Arts 6 (Print-Anthology). Thomson Nelson (NEL), 1998. Order numbers follow.

Recommended titles in this series include the following:

(CAN, WNCP) These anthologies, with their inclusive Canadian content integrate the six strands: reading, writing, listening, speaking, viewing, and representing to ensure the achievement of English language arts learning objectives. A variety of genres, media texts, and learning strategies are presented in an organized and engaging format supported by appealing illustrations, photographs, and graphics. The resource components consist of two student texts, each containing three units. The student texts are divided into six nonsequential thematic units, each focusing on one language literacy context: personal, information, media, social, technical, or cultural.

Writers Express: A Handbook for Young Writers, Thinkers, and Learners supports the development of student reading, writing, and oral expression. It is divided into four parts: “The Process of Writing,” “The Tools of Learning,” “The Forms of Writing,” and “The Proofreader’s Guide.” The introduction to each unit in each teachers guide for Nelson Language Arts makes links to topics in this student handbook, including page references. Grade 6 students will require teacher support in using this resource.

The supplementary readings for the Grade 6 Nelson Language Arts program contain reading selections and follow-up activities. These resources provide opportunities to continue exploring genres and topics addressed in the corresponding student texts.

Each teacher’s guide contains an introduction, individual lesson plans, and instructional strategies for each selection in the student texts. Goals for each unit are clearly stated and organized and make strong cross-curricular connections. Criterion-based authentic assessment, both informal and formal, includes self-evaluation as well as peer and teacher evaluation.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Language Resource; Multigenre

Nelson Mini-Anthologies Series (Print-Anthology). Please refer to the titles: Explore the Unknown, Larger Than Life (see the “Currently Out of Print but Still Useful Learning Resources” section), Let Me Tell You (see the “Currently Out of Print but Still Useful Learning Resources” section), Mystery Maze (see the “Currently Out of Print but Still Useful Learning Resources” section), Now Playing: Drama and Micro-Drama (see the “Currently Out of Print but Still Useful Learning Resources” section), Personal Best: The Sports Experience, Skits & Scenes (see the “Currently Out of Print but Still Useful Learning Resources” section), Spirit of Adventure (see the “Currently Out of Print but Still Useful Learning Resources” section), Touch the Earth, Turning Points (see the “Currently Out of Print but Still Useful Learning Resources” section), and Where in the World? (see the “Currently Out of Print but Still Useful Learning Resources” section).

Nelson Spelling Series (Print-Non-Fiction). Please refer to the title: Nelson Spelling 6.

Nelson Spelling 6 (Print-Non-Fiction). Kekewich, Deb and Kekewich, Jim. (Nelson Spelling Series). Thomson Nelson (NEL), 1997. 144 p. ISBN 0-17-606559-8 ($23.45 pbk.). Teacher's Resource - ISBN 0-17-606564-4 ($69.45 coil-bound).

(CAN, WNCP) This resource encourages students to identify spelling patterns and to create and use personal spelling lists as supports in their writing. Each lesson contains a list of words related to the focus pattern, activities devoted to listing other words with the pattern, and sight-sound relationships. As well, sections include a focus on language and spelling strategies, a supporting writing process, connections to vocabulary in subject areas, and short literature selections illustrating the spelling pattern. The book contains a table of contents listing the patterns and strategies, a word list, and a concluding chapter of additional activities.

The teacher’s resource provides suggestions for teaching and assessment, sample evaluation and activity templates, and suggestions for mini-lessons.

Teachers are advised that this resource is listed as a source of mini-lessons rather than as a program of study.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Language Resource

New Series Canada (Print-Fiction). Please refer to the titles: Hitting the Road and Tag Team.

A Night to Remember (Print-Non-Fiction). Lord, Walter. The Bantam Dell Publishing Group (ULS), 1997. 224 p. ISBN 0-553-27827-4 ($10.99 pbk.).

The classic account of the sinking of the Titanic after the fatal collision with an iceberg is recounted in this book. Lord interviewed more than 60 survivors to record the behaviour of the passengers and the crew. Some people sacrificed their lives while others fought like animals to survive.
Suggested Use: Grade 9; Social, Cultural, and Historical Context

No Place for Kids (Print-Fiction). Lohans, Alison. Roussan Publishers Inc. (LHN), 1999. 99 p. ISBN 1-896184-50-2 ($5.95 pbk.).

(SK) In Alison Lohan’s No Place for Kids, contemporary subjects such as death, abandonment, child abuse, and homelessness are dealt with in a way that helps children explore these issues and think of their own ability to deal with adversity and survive. Sisters Sarah and Jennifer leave their alcoholic father in search of an aunt in Vancouver after being faced with possible sexual abuse from one of their father’s friends. Along the way, they enter the dangerous world of the homeless. The plot and characters are well developed, and the author makes good use of Canadian settings.

Literature circle discussions could be lively when talking about the issues arising from this novel.
Suggested Use: Grade 7; Personal and Philosophical Context

No Signature (Print-Fiction). Bell, William. Seal Books (ULS), 1995. 167 p. ISBN 0-7704-2706-5 ($7.99 pbk.).

(CAN) Ten years after last seeing his father, Wick receives a postcard stamped with only the word DAD. Although Wick feels that the impersonal stamp symbolizes his father’s indifference, its appearance precipitates a search for a father whom Wick barely remembers. Wick is shocked to discover that his father’s continued attempts to maintain contact have been thwarted by his mother. Wick also learns that, although his father has obviously cultured musical tastes, his inability to read has cost him his marriage and access to his son, and has required his father to find ingenious strategies for surviving in a literate world. And when Wick’s homosexual friend commits suicide, it is Wick’s father who provides the wisdom and support to comfort the adolescent. This is an easily read resource suitable for mature readers.
Suggested Use: Grade 8; Personal and Philosophical Context

No Time to Say Goodbye: Children's Stories of Kuper Island Residential School (Print-Fiction). Olsen, Sylvia, Morris, R. and Sam, A. Sono Nis Press (SNP), 2002. 172 p. ISBN 1-55309-121-6 ($9.95 pbk.).

(CAN) This novel is the fictional story of five young people from the Tsartlip First Nations who were sent to the Kuper Island Residential School. The government and the churches took children from their homes for long periods of time, during which they were not permitted to see their families. The authors try to deal with some of the abuses that occurred such as mandatory haircuts, sexual abuse, poor food, loneliness, and humiliation over bedwetting. Readers witness the struggle of the students to survive in such a harsh culture.

This book was nominated by the Saskatchewan Young Readers’ Choice Awards for a Snow Willow Award in 2003.
Suggested Use: Grade 8; Social, Cultural, and Historical Context
Initiative: First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Content and Perspectives

Nobody's Child (Print-Fiction). Skrypuch, Marsha Forchuk. Dundurn Press Limited (UTP), 2003. 248 p. ISBN 1-55002-442-6 ($12.99 pbk.).

(CAN) This sequel to The Hunger presents a chilling account of genocide and its aftermath. Survivor of the 1909 Adana massacre, orphaned siblings, an aunt, and a friend scramble to survive amongst turmoil and violence. Finding protection in an orphanage, the Armenians again face the threat of persecution by the Turks. Separated, each faces horrifying events and the steadfast belief that they will again be reunited. Skrypuch offers a gripping account of the suffering endured by the Armenian people and their constant quest for peace. A list of websites, print, and media resources is appended.
Suggested Use: Grade 8; Social, Cultural, and Historical Context

Northern Frights Series (Print-Fiction). Please refer to the title: The Loki Wolf.

A Nose for Adventure (Print-Fiction). Scrimger, Richard. Tundra Books Inc. (ULS), 2000. 176 p. ISBN 0-88776-499-1 ($9.99 pbk.).

(CAN) Alan is off to New York from his home in a small town in Ontario to spend some time with his dad. The trip turns out to be more adventuresome than he expected. His dad is not at the airport to meet him. His flight partner is almost kidnapped. Lost in the big city, Alan meets up with some shady characters. Finally, the alien from Jupiter shows up, this time in the nose of a stray dog, to assist Alan. In addition to providing the reader with adventure and humour, this easily read book explores the sadness and loneliness that most children experience from time to time.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Imaginative and Literary Context

Now Playing: Drama and Micro-Drama (Print-Anthology). Please refer to the “Currently Out of Print but Still Useful Learning Resources” section.