English Language Arts 6-9 Bibliography

Titles and Descriptions - T

Tag Team
Take the Stairs
The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup and a Spool of Thread
Tales From Here and There
Tales of Don Quixote
Tales of the Norse Gods
Teaching Grammar in Context
Teaching Reading in Middle School
Teaching Reading in Social Studies, Science, and Math
Teaching Struggling Readers: Articles From the Reading Teacher
Tell Me a Tale
Telling Tales: Storytelling in the Family. 2nd ed.
That Fine Summer
Theories of Relativity. 1st ed.
Theseus
The Thief Lord
Three Wishes: Palestinian and Israeli Children Speak
Through Indian Eyes: The Native Experience in Books for Children
Through the Eyes of a Child: An Introduction to Children's Literature. 6th ed.
Throwaway Daughter
Tiger in Trouble. 1st ed.
The Tinderbox. 1st Tundra ed.
Topher
Touch The Earth
Touching My Father's Soul: A Sherpa's Journey to the Top of Everest
Tracking Triple Seven
The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet With Related Readings
Trailblazers of the Modern World Series
Trapped In Ice
Travel Adventure Books Series
Trial By Fire
Truth
Truth and Lies
Tunnels of Treachery: Another Moose Jaw Adventure
Tunnels of Tyranny: A Fourth Moose Jaw Adventure
Turning Points
21C Twenty-First Century Series


Tag Team (Print-Fiction). Kropp, Paul. (New Series Canada). High Interest Publishing (CHNT), 2002. 88 p. ISBN 0-9731237-0-2 ($9.95 pbk.).

(CAN) This high-interest novel resonates with issues faced by many adolescents. Jes struggles with his self-concept as he encounters challenges on many fronts. Often the target of bullies due to his small stature, Jes reluctantly accompanies a friend to join the wrestling club. To his surprise, he learns that size is not important in the wrestling arena. As Jes begins to experience success in this sport, he also starts to develop self-confidence, even though he continues to encounter negative and discouraging comments from his peers and his step-father.

Decision making and conflict resolution come into play, offering students opportunities to consider alternative behaviours.
Suggested Use: Grade 7; Personal and Philosophical Context
Other Use: Health Education: Grades 6 to 9
Initiative: Career Development

 

Take the Stairs (Print-Anthology). Krossing, Karen. Second Story Press (UTP), 2003. 183 p. ISBN 1-896764-76-2 ($9.95 pbk.).

(CAN) Take the Stairs is a collection of short stories that deals with some of the important issues that teens face today such as abuse, abortion, death, AIDS, suicide, runaways, and racism. The novel’s 13 characters are interconnected in that they all live in the same rundown apartment which is notoriously called “The Building,” a place they cannot wait to leave. The teens cope with some difficult circumstances, but they still have a feeling of hope in their lives.
Suggested Use: Grade 9; Social, Cultural, and Historical Context
Other Use: Health Education: Grades 6 to 9

 

The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup and a Spool of Thread (Print-Fiction). DiCamillo, Kate and Ering, Timothy Basil, illus. Candlewick Press (CDS), 2003. 272 p. ISBN 0-7636-1722-9 ($25.99 hdc.).

DiCamillo has written a tale of mice and men where she explores the nature of love, hope, and forgiveness. Despereaux Tilling, the new baby, is different from the other mice. This story is told in four parts. The first book relates Despereaux’s sad story, in which he falls in love with the Princess Pea and meets his cruel fate of being banished to live in the dungeon with the rats.

The second book introduces another character that differs from his peers. Chiaroscuro is a rat that loves the light and hates the dark dungeon. His love of light causes him to end up in the Queen’s soup.

The third book describes a young peasant girl named Miggery Sow, who has huge cauliflower ears. All Miggery dreams about is wearing the crown of the Princess Pea.

The fourth book returns to the dungeon-bound Despereaux and connects the lives of the mouse, the rat, the girl, and the princess in the resolution of the dramatic plot.

Children will identify with this unlikely cast of characters and cheer with the final outcome of the story. Teachers will like the introduction of a “vocabulary lesson” at the end of each chapter.

This book won the Newbery Medal in 2004.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Imaginative and Literary Context
Initiative: Abilities Awareness

 

Tales From Here and There (Print-Anthology). Alvermann, Donna, et al. (Heath Middle Level Literature Series). D. C. Heath & Co. (NEL), 1995. 128 p. ISBN 0-669-32103-6 ($12.95 pbk.).

This American anthology contains prose, poetry, and activities related to folklore. The book contains retellings of myths from around the world and suggestions for storytelling and holding a storytelling festival. Included are a table of contents, definitions and pronunciation of difficult terms, brief author biographies, numerous illustrations, and a glossary of literary terms.
Suggested Use: Grade 8; Imaginative and Literary Context
Other Use: Social Studies: Grades 7-9

 

Tales of Don Quixote (Print-Fiction). Nichol, Barbara. Tundra Books Inc. (ULS), 2004. 203 p. ISBN 0-88776-674-9 ($22.99 hdc.).

This book is a retelling of a famous classic, The Tales of Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes. Nichol’s retelling is entertaining to read, and she has written in a tone that rings true for the time the book was originally written. The book retains the humour of the knight’s errant character and reveals his idealistic and impractical nature. Don Quixote of La Mancha wants to right the wrongs in the world and win fame as a knight. He travels the Spanish countryside in search of adventure on his faithful horse, Rociante, accompanied by his squire Sancho Panza. This is a significant piece of literature that merits discussion in classrooms.

This book was a finalist for the Nautilus Book Award in 2005.
Suggested Use: Grade 8; Social, Cultural, and Historical Context

 

Tales of the Norse Gods (Print-Fiction). Picard, Barbara Leonie. Oxford University Press (OUP), 2001. 151 p. ISBN 0-19-275116-6 ($8.95 pbk.).

This resource highlights the struggle of legendary heroes against giants, beasts, and evil dwarves. Students will witness the courageous battles and bravery in these stories about the Viking gods. The stories told by the Norsemen, also known as the Vikings, are about a nation of people who loved to boast of its strength in battle and bravery against all odds. Familiar gods like the Loki, the god of firelight, and Odin, the king of all gods, will delight students.
Suggested Use: Grade 9; Imaginative and Literary Context
Initiative: Multicultural Content and Perspectives

 

Teaching Grammar in Context (Print-Non-Fiction). Weaver, Constance. Boynton Cook Publishing, Inc. (PRN), 1996. 288 p. ISBN 0-86709-375-7 ($41.11 pbk.).

(WNCP) The rationale and practical ideas in this resource provide teachers with easily accessible information for helping students at all levels to learn and apply grammatical concepts in the revision and editing stages of the writing process. This is an excellent resource for assisting teachers in understanding and carrying out grammar instruction in meaningful contexts. The book includes a table of contents, an index, a detailed reference list, and a glossary of grammatical terms.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Teacher Reference
Other Use: English Language Arts 10; English Language Arts 20; English Language Arts 30

 

Teaching Reading in Middle School (Print-Non-Fiction). Robb, Laura. Scholastic Canada Ltd. (SCH), 2000. 318 p. ISBN 0-590-68560-0 ($34.99 pbk.).

This resource describes a developmentally appropriate reading program for adolescents. The author believes that a workshop environment and block scheduling are the most effective means of increasing literacy development in young students. Her theory maintains that readers’ workshop is an ideal environment for high-energy students who love to chat and socialize, are working toward independence in reading and yearn for more responsibility. Robb gives practical advice on managing a readers’ workshop and discusses techniques for pairing students, minimizing classroom disruptions, and gradually introducing new activities. Strategically placed charts and boxes of text answer basic questions and help to guide teachers. The differences between terms such as skill and strategy, assessment and evaluation are explained both through research and classroom examples.

This is a valuable resource for educators at many career stages. Although this book refers to the teaching of Middle Level students, it presents strategies that are useful for upper Elementary Level students.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Teacher Reference
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades K to 5

 

Teaching Reading in Social Studies, Science, and Math (Print-Non-Fiction). Robb, Laura. Scholastic Inc. (SCH), 2003. 384 p. ISBN 0-439-17669-7 ($40.99 pbk.).

Scaffolding instruction within a three-part framework, Robb presents strategies that support students before, during, and after engagement with informational texts. The chapters detail methods for actively involving students in the reading process, applications of the strategies in content areas within lesson formats, and a reflection guide to deepen understanding of reading experiences. This responsive teaching resource presents a wealth of ideas for building students’ repertoire of reading strategies and bolstering their comprehension of informational material.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Teacher Reference
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades K to 5; Mathematics: Grades 1 to 5; Mathematics: Grades 6 to 9; Science: Grades K to 5; Science: Grades 6 to 9; Social Studies: Grades 1 to 5; Social Studies: Grade 6; Social Studies: Grades 7-9

 

Teaching Struggling Readers: Articles From the Reading Teacher (Print-Non-Fiction). Allington, Richard L., ed. International Reading Association (OLA), 1998. 311 p. ISBN 0-87207-183-9 ($34.25 pbk.).

(WNCP) This resource focuses on teaching struggling readers and presents 32 easy-to-read articles from The Reading Teacher, a journal of the International Reading Association. Based on current research, these articles offer a balanced view of important topics and issues such as the role of phonics and spelling. Although the book focuses on how to assist struggling readers, many of the strategies discussed can be applied to all readers. The book includes valuable information on home-school relationships, effective and practical instructional strategies, and a variety of assessment strategies that help teachers make sense of what students do as readers.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Teacher Reference
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades K to 5

 

Tell Me a Tale (Print-Anthology). Alvermann, Donna, et al. (Heath Middle Level Literature Series). D. C. Heath & Co. (NEL), 1995. 126 p. ISBN 0-669-32091-9 ($12.45 pbk.).

This American anthology contains poetry, short stories, and excerpts of novels relating traditional tales to students’ storytelling experiences today. The book includes a table of contents, suggested activities, numerous colour illustrations, a glossary of literary terms, dictionary support for difficult vocabulary, and brief biographic notes on the authors.
Suggested Use: Grade 9; Imaginative and Literary Context; Multigenre

 

Telling Tales: Storytelling in the Family. 2nd ed. (Print-Non-Fiction). De Vos, Gail, Harris, Merle and Lottridge, Celia Barker. University of Alberta Press (GBW), 2003. 204 p. ISBN 0-88864-402-7 ($29.95 pbk.).

(CAN) This book, a collection of stories about the art of storytelling, is written by three renowned storytellers to provide teachers and parents with ideas to explore the magic of “tales” with their children. The authors share their expertise and experience warmly and with humour. The content is divided into four sections:

1. “Once Upon a Time” - to emphasize the value of story
2. “Stories From the Family Tree” - to encourage families to discuss their stories
3. “Developing and Learning to Tell Stories” - to provide guidelines for shaping and telling stories
4. “Universal Tales” - to discuss nursery rhymes, traditional folklore, and folklore in popular culture.

The last section moves from the traditional well-loved oral culture to the messages in books, films, and computer games. This resource will guide teachers in the presentation of this art form to help students develop their ability to tell stories.
Suggested Use: Grade 9; Communicative Context; Imaginative and Literary Context; Teacher Reference

 

That Fine Summer (Print-Fiction). Manuel, Ella and Woolridge, Aileen, illus. Breakwater Books Ltd. (BRE), 1995. 93 p. ISBN 1-55081-107-X ($9.95 pbk.).

(CAN) Mahala is a young girl who lives in Fox Cove, a fishing town in Newfoundland. Much to her mother’s dismay, Mahala does not want to dress pretty and go shopping; rather, she wants to work on a fishing boat with her grandfather. When the rest of the family moves into St. John’s for the summer where her father teaches summer school, Mahala convinces her mother that she needs to stay and help her grandfather with his chores. That summer, Mahala learns more than just fishing. She learns about life and friendship.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Personal and Philosophical Context

 

Theories of Relativity. 1st ed. (Print-Fiction). Haworth-Attard, Barbara. HarperCollins Canada Ltd. (HCP), 2003. 200 p. ISBN 0-00-639299-7 ($15.99 pbk.).

(CAN) In Theories of Relativity, Haworth-Attard has written about the harsh reality of young runaways living on the street. The author’s style of describing life on the street is neither rosy nor depressing – it is very realistic. Dylan Wallace calls himself the “throwaway” child. His mother has three children fathered by different men. On his 16th birthday, his mother throws him out because his mouthy presence might prevent her from marrying her fiancé. Dylan struggles with the challenges he has received in life, yet he tries to avoid a life of crime and drugs. Haworth-Attard provides a strong cast of secondary characters including Amber who shows how difficult it is for someone to extricate herself from street life once she becomes part of it. Dylan reads from Einstein’s book about his theories of relativity and time, and Dylan has his own theories about life based on his own experiences. Dylan is a clever young man who has been dealt some rather harsh circumstances, but readers will watch him grow and witness the true potential of this young adult as he matures trying to survive on the street.

Teachers should note that the street language may be offensive to some.
Suggested Use: Grade 9; Personal and Philosophical Context

 

Theseus (Print-Fiction). McCaughrean, Geraldine. Oxford University Press (OUP), 2003. 89 p. ISBN 0-19-274199-3 ($10.95 pbk.).

This book offers a retelling of the Greek story of Theseus, a story that is strongly patriarchical. It begins, for example, with the king longing for a son, and women are valued mostly for their looks and for their ability to bear sons. However, in the end, it is a woman, the queen Phaedra, who gets revenge on Theseus. The story, as is common in traditional narrative, features all manner of violence including clubbing of both innocents and enemies, snapping of necks, offering of human sacrifices, and chopping and hacking of everyone who gets in the way. It also features references to sorceresses and oracles. The story is beautifully written in a complex style suitable for strong readers.

Teachers should note that while the violence in this story is integral to the narrative, it may be unappealing to some readers.
Suggested Use: Grade 8; Imaginative and Literary Context

 

The Thief Lord (Print-Fiction). Funke, Cornelia. Scholastic Inc. (SCH), 2002. 349 p. ISBN 0-439-40437-1 ($23.99 hdc.). ISBN 0-439-42089-X ($10.99 pbk.).

Two urchin brothers are offered protection by a gang of street children and their ringleader, the Thief Lord. Embroiled in a life of petty crimes, the two boys yearn for an opportunity to leave this venue. As a detective uncovers the identity of the Thief Lord and the location of the boys’ hideaway, the plot takes a surprising twist. Elements of fantasy are intertwined as the ruffians steal a piece of a magic carousel that possesses the power to change a child to an adult and vice versa. The beauty of Venice combined with a suspenseful plot will leave many readers spellbound.
Suggested Use: Grade 7; Imaginative and Literary Context

 

Three Wishes: Palestinian and Israeli Children Speak (Print-Non-Fiction). Ellis, Deborah. Groundwood Books (HCP), 2004. 110 p. ISBN 0-88899-645-4 ($12.95 pbk.).

(CAN) Ellis chronicles the stories of adolescents from both Israel and Palestine. After reading this book, students will understand that there are more similarities than differences between the children from both countries. After hearing the stories of the children who deal with war and conflict daily, readers will be amazed that they have any wishes and hope for the future.

Teachers should note that this book is written in the words of children who live with war, death, and terror. Teacher guidance and support for the material is highly recommended.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Communicative Context; Personal and Philosophical Context; Social, Cultural, and Historical Context
Initiative: Multicultural Content and Perspectives

 

Through Indian Eyes: The Native Experience in Books for Children (Print-Non-Fiction). Slapin, Beverly and Seale, Doris, eds. (Contemporary American Indian Issues Series). UCLA American Indian Studies (UCLA), 1998. 246 p. ISBN 0-935626-46-8 ($25.00 U.S. pbk.).

This book is a collection of articles that explore the impact of stereotyping in children’s books about First Nations People. Poetry, art and stories by First Nations people accompany the essays. The heart of this volume, however, is the section that includes reviews of children’s and young adult books, most of which were published from the 1950s to the late 1980s. Teachers reading this section will want to revisit their collections, and re-evaluate the books that are on the shelf. The book also contains a section entitled “How to Tell the Difference.” This section contains valuable information about what to look for when evaluating or choosing books about First Nations peoples. The guidance in this book is excellent, and very necessary for teachers, librarians and parents who want to include exemplary literature containing First Nations content in their collections.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Teacher Reference
Other Use: Canadian Studies; English Language Arts: Grades K to 5; Native Studies: Grade 10; Native Studies: Grade 11
Initiative: First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Content and Perspectives

 

Through the Eyes of a Child: An Introduction to Children's Literature. 6th ed. (Print-Non-Fiction). Norton, Donna E., Norton, Saundra E. and McClure, Amy. Prentice Hall Inc. (PRN), 2003. 589 p. ISBN 0-13-042207-X ($115.16 hdc.).

Designed as a text for children’s literature courses in university departments of education, English, and library science, this book is a good resource for teachers, librarians, and students of children’s literature. Norton gives a useful overview of the subject and presents thought-provoking discussions of issues in children’s literature. Many new titles are included and are evident in the text, bibliographies, and illustrations that are reproduced in full colour throughout the volume.

Tucked into a pocket inside the back cover is a CD-ROM containing a database of more than 3, 000 books, accessible by categories such as author, title, illustrator, genre, and reading level.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Teacher Reference

 

Throwaway Daughter (Print-Fiction). Ye, Ting-xing. Random House of Canada Limited (ULS), 2003. 295 p. ISBN 0-7704-2921-1 ($8.99 pbk.).

(CAN) Dong-Mei, an abandoned Chinese orphan, is adopted as an infant by a Canadian couple and becomes known as Grace Parker. The Chinese government has a very strict one-child policy, and there is a cultural preference for male children to carry on the family name. Throwaway Daughter follows Grace’s quest to learn more about her birth, culture, and family. Grace’s adoptive mother, Jane, is sensitive to her adopted daughter’s culture, but she has difficulty when Grace wants to go back to China to explore her Chinese heritage.

This novel will lead to some interesting discussions surrounding the issues of gender selection and sensitivity.

Throwaway Daughter was nominated by the Saskatchewan Young Readers Choice Willow Awards Committee for a 2004 Snow Willow nominee.
Suggested Use: Grade 8; Social, Cultural, and Historical Context
Initiatives: Gender Equity; Multicultural Content and Perspectives

 

Tiger in Trouble. 1st ed. (Print-Fiction). Walters, Eric. Beach Holme Publishing Ltd. (LPGD), 2001. 180 p. ISBN 0-88878-420-1 ($8.95 pbk.).

(CAN) In this exciting sequel to Tiger by the Tail, Sarah and her brother Nick spend a week at an exotic animal farm where they learn of the unscrupulous owners’ illegal scheme of selling endangered animals. The two siblings must once again come to the rescue of innocent animals as an overheard conversation details the plans to slaughter a tiger for the medicinal value of its body parts. A dangerous plan involving the assistance of a neighbour who operates a similar farm is subsequently hatched to save the animal. This suspenseful novel explores environmental and ethical issues in today’s society.
Suggested Use: Grade 7; Environmental and Technological Context; Personal and Philosophical Context
Other Use: Science: Grades 6 to 9

 

The Tinderbox. 1st Tundra ed. (Print-Fiction). Brandis, Marianne. Tundra Books Inc. (ULS), 2003. 171 p. ISBN 0-88776-626-9 ($14.99 pbk.).

(CAN) In this first book of a historical trilogy, Brandis depicts the struggles of a young girl, Emma, and her brother John after they are orphaned by a fire. The children are looked after by their neighbours, the Wilburs, until their aunt, Mrs. McPhail, appears on the scene. Suddenly, Emma is faced with many choices and decisions when Mrs. McPhail reveals her plans of selling the farm and having the children move to York to live with her. Should Emma marry and remain on the farm or move to the city? Students will witness growing up in 19th century Canada as Emma, the protagonist, learns the lessons of responsibility and how to survive in a difficult and sometimes hostile world.

This book would work well as an independent read or literature circle selection.
Suggested Use: Grade 7; Social, Cultural, and Historical Context

 

Topher (Print-Fiction). Horrocks, Anita. Stoddart Kids (FHW), 2000. 211 p. ISBN 0-7737-6092-X ($9.95 pbk.).

(SK) Liam and his family inherit a cabin north of Prince Albert. Liam just wants to fix it up and sell it. Thirty years ago, Liam’s older brother ran away and drowned near the cabin after a bitter argument with his dad who, upon hearing the news, committed suicide. Liam’s children are puzzled by their father’s attitude, so they set out to discover what happened. What they discover is quite different from what Liam believes happened.

Students who enjoy mysteries will find this a satisfying novel, and those who enjoy fantasy will be intrigued by the extrasensory images that one of the children experiences.
Suggested Use: Grade 9; Personal and Philosophical Context; Social, Cultural, and Historical Context

 

Touch the Earth (Print-Anthology). Barry, James, Huser, Glen and Siamon, Glen. (Nelson Mini-Anthologies Series). Thomson Nelson (NEL), 1993. 128 p. ISBN 0-17-603945-7 ($9.45 pbk.).

(CAN) This collection of articles and poems illustrates the varied ways in which concerned world citizens are working to help the environment. Included are a table of contents and an eight-page photograph insert.
Suggested Use: Grade 7; Multigenre

 

Touching My Father's Soul: A Sherpa's Journey to the Top of Everest (Print-Non-Fiction). Norgay, Jamling Tenzing. HarperCollins Publishers, Inc. (HCP), 2002. 316 p. ISBN 0-06-251688-4 ($19.95 pbk.).

Many books have been written about climbing Mount Everest, but this one written by Jamling Norgay, a Sherpa guide, is a tribute to his father who climbed with Sir Edmund Hilary and reached the summit in 1953. In this book, Norgay describes his Everest summit experience of leading the IMAX team during the tragic 1996 summer climbing experience. He parallels his journey with his father’s experience, drawing heavily on his culture, his religious beliefs as a Buddhist, and of the climbing rituals of the Sherpas. Norgay consistently provides insight into the reverence and respect his people have for the mountain. What many westerners attribute to the individual’s culmination of strength and perseverance, the Sherpas believe is a gift of faith.

It would be interesting for students to compare Touching My Father’s Soul with The Climb and Into Thin Air (both are annotated in this bibliography) to observe the different perspectives. Korman’s fiction Everest trilogy is also included in this bibliography.
Suggested Use: Grade 9; Personal and Philosophical Context; Social, Cultural, and Historical Context

 

Tracking Triple Seven (Print-Fiction). Bastedo, Jamie. Red Deer Press (FHW), 2001. 215 p. ISBN 0-88995-238-8 ($12.95 pbk.).

(CAN) A teenaged urban boy, grief-stricken from the loss of his mother, is sent to live with his workaholic father in the Canadian North. Lured by the work of a team of biologists, Benji becomes involved in the tracking of a female grizzly bear named Triple Seven. Named for a collar transmitter device, the wily bear helps the young boy come to terms with his loss. Alternating between the boy’s and the bear’s point of view, readers bear witness to grizzlies’ fight for survival and the protection of their cubs. Based on scientific knowledge, this novel presents an enthralling view of life on the tundra and the coexistence of its inhabitants.
Suggested Use: Grade 7; Environmental and Technological Context
Other Use: Science: Grades K to 5; Science: Grades 6 to 9

 

The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet With Related Readings (Print-Fiction). Shakespeare, William. (The Global Shakespeare Series). Thomson Nelson (NEL), 1997. 176 p. ISBN 0-17-606613-6 ($24.95 pbk.). Teacher's Guide - ISBN 0-17-606614-4 ($49.95 pbk.).

A friendly edition in magazine format, this resource provides sidebars giving information about the action, explanations of difficult words or phrases, as well as cross-references to related literature that is included at the end of the book. The resource contains colour illustrations, questions for discussion or writing, introductory information about Shakespeare and his theatre, and a map.

The teacher’s guide contains plot summaries and activities for use prior to, during, and after reading.
Suggested Use: Grade 9; Plays

 

Trailblazers of the Modern World Series (Print-Non-Fiction). Please refer to the title: J. K. Rowling.

 

Trapped in Ice (Print-Fiction). Walters, Eric. Viking Penguin (CDS), 1997. 205 p. ISBN 0-14-038626-2 ($8.99 pbk.).

(CAN) In her journal, 13-year-old Helen records her family’s experiences during the 1913 Canadian Arctic expedition. This historical novel tells of the courage and ingenuity of the captain, Robert Bartlett. It also depicts the events leading to the ship’s entrapment in Arctic ice, and the hardships suffered by Helen and the crew as they trek across shifting ice in extreme weather conditions.
Suggested Use: Grade 7; Environmental and Technological Context; Social, Cultural, and Historical Context

 

Travel Adventure Books Series (Print-Non-Fiction). Please refer to the title: Jungle Islands: My South Sea Adventure.

 

Trial by Fire (Print-Fiction). Dalton, Sheila. Napoleon Publishing/RendezVous Press (CDS), 1998. 207 p. ISBN 0-929141-63-6 ($8.95 pbk.).

(CAN) Running serves as a method of escaping past and present conflicts for the troubled 17-year-old First Nation protagonist. Placed in an abusive foster home, Nathan’s life is fraught with obstacles ranging from an addicted mother to racist schoolmates. Accusations of arson set Nathan on an investigation to clear his name. His pursuit of the arsonist places the boy in dangerous predicaments that ultimately result in Nathan realizing that he does not have to be a victim of his circumstances. This fast-paced novel culminates with a mature Nathan reflecting that “in the future he’d be running towards, not away from, something.”
Suggested Use: Grade 9; Personal and Philosophical Context
Other Use: Health Education: Grades 6 to 9
Initiative: First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Content and Perspectives

 

Truth (Print-Fiction). Kyi, Tanya Lloyd. Orca Book Publishers Ltd. (ORC), 2003. 108 p. ISBN 1-55143-265-X ($9.95 pbk.).

(CAN) Truth has been carefully written for reluctant readers. The book, written in the first person, has the reader gather clues alongside the protagonist to solve the crime. A high school reporter investigates the brutal murder of a neighbour during a party. The investigation turns stale when the students utilize a “code of silence.” Determined to find the truth, reporters Jen and Scott piece the clues together and find themselves in danger. This resource addresses the issues of peer pressure, bullying, partying, covering up a murder, and taking responsibility for one’s actions.
Suggested Use: Grade 8; Personal and Philosophical Context

 

Truth and Lies (Print-Fiction). McClintock, Norah. Scholastic Canada Ltd. (SCH), 2004. 202 p. ISBN 0-439-96919-0 ($6.99 pbk.).

(CAN) In the sequel to Hit and Run and prequel to Dead and Gone (annotated elsewhere in this bibliography), McClintock has written another suspenseful mystery that will appeal to young readers. Mike is at the centre of attention in this murder mystery because a witness has identified him near the crime scene. His alibis do not check out with the police, and the people around him find it difficult to trust Mike because he has lied to them in the past. Mike must find evidence to prove his innocence before he is convicted for the murder of his classmate, a crime he did not commit.
Suggested Use: Grade 7; Imaginative and Literary Context

 

Tunnels of Treachery: Another Moose Jaw Adventure (Print-Fiction). Bishop, Mary Harelkin. Coteau Books (FHW), 2003. 288 p. ISBN 1-55050-270-0 ($8.95 pbk.).

(SK) This is the third book in Bishop’s adventure series. Young readers will learn about the discrimination against Chinese-Canadians in the 1920s through the time-travel experience of the twins, Kami and Eddie. The twins learn first-hand what their grandparents experienced as they were forced into work gangs at laundry and grocery stores. The government forced the people to pay a head tax to become legal immigrants. As the plot develops, readers will witness a period of history in Saskatchewan that is not usually discussed.

This book was nominated by the Saskatchewan Young Readers’ Choice Willow Awards Committee for a Diamond Willow Award in 2004.
Suggested Use: Grade 7; Social, Cultural, and Historical Context
Initiative: Multicultural Content and Perspectives

 

Tunnels of Tyranny: A Fourth Moose Jaw Adventure (Print-Fiction). Bishop, Mary Harelkin. Coteau Books (FHW), 2005. 238 p. ISBN 1-55050-316-2 ($8.95 pbk.).

(SK) Set in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, this is the fourth book in Bishop’s adventure series. Andrea Talbot and her brother Tony go back to the 1920s to search for a notebook that is important to their dying Grandpa. During their time in the past, they again encounter the Klu Klux Klan. This time the Klan is persecuting the Chinese immigrants who live in Moose Jaw. In the end Andrea and Tony recover the lost notebook and also discover the fate of Grandpa’s friend Jack who vanished so long ago. As in previous novels in this series, Andrea is a strong, brave, female character.

Tunnels of Tyranny was a nominee for the 2005 Saskatchewan Book Award for Children’s Literature.
Suggested Use: Grade 7; Social, Cultural, and Historical Context
Initiatives: Gender Equity; Multicultural Content and Perspectives

 

Turning Points (Print-Anthology). Please refer to the “Currently Out of Print but Still Useful Learning Resources” section.

 

21C Twenty-First Century Series (Video). Please refer to the title: Marketing Game.