Bad BoyBBC Shakespeare SeriesBe Prepared to SpeakBearing Witness: Stories of the HolocaustBecoming Brave: The Path to Native American ManhoodThe Beekeeper's ApprenticeBefore WingsBehind the Wheel: Poems About DrivingBeing With HenryBest Practice: New Standards for Teaching and Learning in America's Schools. 2nd ed.Between Worlds: A Collection of Writings on the Canadian Immigrant ExperienceBeware of the Furrow That ShinesBeyond Safe BoundariesBeyond the Chocolate WarBeyond the Myth: The Story of Joan of ArcBig BurnThe Black DonnellysBless the Beasts and the ChildrenBlitzcatBlood Lines: Long and Short StoriesBlood Red Ochre: Changes Novel PackThe Blue Jean CollectionBlue Skin of the SeaBone DanceBone From a Dry SeaBorn HutteriteBorn HutteriteBrave New Worlds: The Science Fiction PhenomenonBreaking Free: A Cross-Cultural AnthologyBreaking Through: A Canadian Literary MosaicBreakthroughs: An Integrated Advanced English ProgramBreathing In, Breathing Out: Keeping a Writer's NotebookBridges 4(SK) Teenage sexuality and amateur hockey are two themes explored in this novel. A.J. Brandiosa is angry and confused about his parent’s divorce and his best friend’s homosexuality. His rage spills out on the ice when he plays hockey. He gradually begins to realize he must accept things he cannot change.
Suggested Use: Decisions
(Video). Please refer to the titles: Macbeth, and The Merchant of Venice.
(Video). (Toastmasters International Communication Series). Toastmasters International (CCS), 1995. 20 min. Order no. KTSPVD ($159.95).
As an expert coaches his neighbour through the steps in preparing and presenting a speech, he provides suggestions for speechwriting, practising, controlling stage fright, voice modulation, and delivery techniques.
Suggested Use: Language Resource
(Print-Anthology). Rochman, Hazel, and McCampbell, Darlene Z., eds. Orchard Bks., Inc. (GAG), 1995. 135 p. ISBN 0-531-09488-X ($21.95 hdc.).
This is a collection of essays, short stories, political cartoons, poetry, and novel excerpts by and about Holocaust victims. The selections offer a personal perspective on the gradual evolution of this nightmare. Note: Some of the selections contain graphic scenes of violence.
Suggested Use: Equality; Short Prose
(Print-Non-Fiction). Thom, Laine. Chronicle Books (RAI), 1992. 120 p. ISBN 0-8118-0163-2 ($26.50 pbk.).
(I/M) Numerous colour photographs and evocative first person accounts in this resource are a testament to the integrity of the Plains Aboriginals' way of life. In particular, the book looks at the traditional journey of a boy on his path to manhood. Included are photographs of archival clothing and ceremonial objects, as well as visuals of the landscape that shaped events ranging from bison hunts to the massacre at Wounded Knee.
Suggested Use: Challenges; Short Prose
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9; Arts Education: Secondary Level
In this mystery narrated by Megan Follows, a young woman meets Sherlock Holmes and soon becomes partners with him as they find themselves on the trail of kidnappers. The two sleuths soon realize that the mystery will only be solved when they have identified the mysterious person who seems bent on killing both Holmes and the girl.
Suggested Use: The Unknown
(Print-Anthology). Goh, Maggie and Stephenson, Craig. Rubicon Publishing Inc. (RUB), 1989. 140 p. ISBN 0-921156-10-3 ($15.00 pbk.). Teacher's Resource Book - ISBN 0-921156-14-6 ($31.45 pbk.).
(CAN) This anthology of short prose and poetry includes recent literature of immigrants from several countries and cultures. The 21 selections are grouped into three sections: pre-departure fears and expectations, transitional views in which immigrants see their home as both where they've been and where they are now, and finally, immigrants' redefined celebration of home. Included are a table of contents and brief biographic notes on the writers. This resource is also being considered for other courses.
Suggested Use: Canadian Frontiers and Homeland; Equality; Multigenre
(SK) Ina Gifford Van Dyck recalls growing up near Harris, Saskatchewan about 110 kilometres southwest of Saskatoon where her father homesteaded. The second of eight surviving children, Ina had to take on adult responsibilities after her mother died in childbirth and her older sister moved to Saskatoon. With a distraught and distant father, five younger siblings to worry about and the Depression beginning, young Ina faced several exceptionally trying years. The recollections are often of unhappy times, but this highly personal story also provides accessible and authentic local history. The writing style would provide a good model for students when interviewing grandparents or other persons. Suggested Use: Canadian Frontiers and Homeland
(Print-Fiction). Sacks, Margaret. Puffin Bks. (PBC), 1989. 156 p. ISBN 0-14-034407-1 ($5.99 pbk.).
This novel, written during the apartheid era in South Africa, highlights the contrasting freedom and oppression among the country's different racial groups. Elizabeth is an adolescent who does not question her privileged life of wealth and educational opportunity until she begins to examine the brutality and illegal surveillance imposed upon people in the anti-apartheid movement. This is an easily read book, suitable for reluctant readers. See also: Waiting for the Rain.
Suggested Use: Equality
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9
(Print-Fiction). Cormier, Robert. Bantam Books of Canada Inc. (BAN), 1996. 288 p. ISBN 0-440-90580-X ($6.99 pbk.).
The sequel to The Chocolate War, this novel deals with cruelty, intrigue, and deceit within the Trinity School campus. Obie, a member of the Vigils organization, confronts the face of evil as he struggles to end the Vigils' manipulation of others' lives.
Suggested Use: Decisions
(Print-Fiction). Choyce, Lesley. Thistledown Press Ltd. (THI), 1995. 215 p. ISBN 1-895449-43-X ($7.50 pbk.).
(CAN, I/M) Set in the Maritimes, this novel focuses on how two teenagers deal with environmental pollution and its effects, both on wildlife and on humans. The characters show initiative as they fight bureaucracy to save their small town. This short, easily read novel lends itself to discussion about environmental issues, relationships, and death.
Suggested Use: Environment and Technology
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9
(Print-Non-Fiction). Kelley, Thomas P. Firefly Books Ltd. (LRDC), 1993. unp. Order no. 8061 ($10.45 pbk.).
(CAN) The Donnelly feud, probably the most notorious and violent in Canada's history, began in 1847 shortly after the Irish immigrant James Donnelly arrived in Lucan, Ontario. It ended in 1880 with the massacre of most of the family. This is an interesting and easily read account of the tragedy.
Suggested Use: Canadian Frontiers and Homeland
(Print-Fiction). Swarthout, Glendon. Simon & Schuster, Inc. (DIS), 1990. 189 p. ISBN 0-671-52151-9 ($7.50 pbk.).
When six maladjusted boys at a summer camp witness the killing of a bison, they are outraged. The boys, who have been largely ignored by their affluent parents, are determined to prove that they can work together to save other bison in the park. Through their efforts, the boys grow in their understanding of conservation issues and learn to value themselves. Teachers are advised to identify and address stereotypes in this novel.
Suggested Use: Challenges
(Print-Fiction). Westall, Robert. McClelland & Stewart Limited (MCC), 1989. 231 p. ISBN 0-330-31040-2 ($6.99 pbk.).
A lost cat finding her way home is the vehicle used in this story to depict the dangers and fears of both the military and civilian population during the bombing of Britain. This is a heartwarming tale of a lost cat who endears itself to many people on its journey home. This story contains content suitable for mature readers.
Suggested Use: Challenges
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9
(Print-Anthology). Rendell, Ruth. Doubleday Canada Limited (DOU), 1996. 183 p. ISBN 0-385-25550-0 ($26.95 hdc.).
This is a collection of 11 suspenseful and often quirky stories about murder. The following stories are included in the index of selections: Clothes, The Man Who Was the God of Love, and The Strawberry Tree. Teachers are advised to preview the stories to select those best suited to the needs, interests, and maturity levels of their students.
Suggested Use: The Unknown; Decisions; Equality; Short Stories
(Print-Fiction). Major, Kevin. (MulitSource Series). Doubleday Canada Limited (LRDC), 1989. 147 p. Multisource Novel Pack (5) - Order no. 8180 ($22.55 pbk.).
(CAN, I/M) Alternating chapters in this compelling novel focus on the lives of two 15 year old boys: David, a present-day Newfoundlander, and Dauoodaset, an early 19th century Beothuk struggling for survival. David's new classmate Nancy (Shanawdithit) provides a mysterious bridge between the boys' worlds, and allows the reader to understand the reasons for the tragic annihilation of the Beothuk. This book lends itself to discussion about the pervasive nature of racism, past and present.
Suggested Use: The Unknown
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9
(Print-Anthology). Carver, Peter, ed. Thistledown Press Ltd. (LRDC), 1992. 240 p. Order no. 7927 ($10:50 pbk.). Teacher's Guide - Order no. 7928 ($29.05 pbk.).
(SK) The 19 short stories in this collection were selected following a national writing contest. They are generally characterized by settings which present a strong sense of the Canadian urban environment. Included are a table of contents and short biographic notes on the writers.
Suggested Use: Decisions; Environment and Technology; Short Stories
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9
(Print-Fiction). Salisbury, Graham. Dell Distributing (BAN), 1992. 215 p. ISBN 0-440-21905-1 ($4.99 pbk.).
This episodic novel presents 11 vignettes that chronicle Sonny Mendoza's search for the memory that will explain his fear of the sea. Set in a Hawaiian fishing village, the stories illustrate the interactions between Sonny and his cousin, and the lessons his father teaches him about what is important in life, both on land and at sea. Sonny gradually realizes that in order to understand his relationship with his surroundings, he must communicate with his father. This is an engaging story about a youth's growing maturity and sense of identity.
Suggested Use: Environment and Technology
(CAN) This novel beautifully captures the drift and dance of two teenagers whose lives are embraced by spirits of the dead. The two protagonists, Alexandra Sinclair, who lives in Lethbridge, Alberta with her single mom, and Lonny LeFreniere, who lives miles away on the Manitoba plains, are sympathetic, sensitive and likeably flawed. Both enjoy a loving yet unconventional family, and their eventual meeting is preceded by dream sequences that are both poetic and revealing. Please note that this novel contains sensitive issues and language that may be uncomfortable for some students.
Suggested Use: The Unknown
(Print-Fiction). Dickinson, Peter. Doubleday & Co. Inc. (DOU), 1992. 199 p. ISBN 0-440-21928-0 ($5.99 pbk.).
Alternating chapters in this novel relate the events at a crucial time in the lives of two young girls: Li, an early sea-hominid on Africa's shoreline, and Vinny, whose father is part of an archeological team exploring the same site four million years later. This is an engrossing perspective on a controversial theory of evolution.
Suggested Use: Environment and Technology
(Print-Fiction). Hofer, Samuel. Hofer Publishers (HFP), 1991. 140 p. ISBN 0-9693056-4-8 ($12.95 pbk.).
Each episode in this book is a lively description of the lighter moments as well as the difficulties encountered by Hutterites at the Old Lakeville colony. The book includes incidents related to the communal lives of Hutterites and their reactions to those from "out in the world."
Suggested Use: Canadian Frontiers and Homeland
(SK) This video expresses several people's perceptions about personal faith and the struggle to balance people's desire for individual freedom with the security of a regulated life within a community. Through interviews with members of a Hutterite colony and two former members, Mary Wipf and Sam Hofer, author of Born Hutterite, this video juxtaposes the viewpoints of those who have left the colony with those who have chosen to remain. Included is footage showing daily life within the colony, as well as the former members' struggle to earn a living on the outside.
Suggested Use: Canadian Frontiers and Homeland; Decisions
Other Use: English Language Arts 20
This video provides an excellent overview of science fiction print and video through the years. Classic films and novels, pulp fiction, B movies, and the special effects wizardry of science fiction adventure epics are included in this comprehensive documentary. Clips from popular films including Terminator, Dark Star, and Star Wars help make the program a visually enriching experience.
Suggested Use: The Unknown
(Print-Anthology). Borovilos, John, ed. Prentice
Hall Ginn Canada (PRN), 1995. 278 p. ISBN 0-13-307430-7 ($12.10 pbk.).
(CAN) The short stories and poems in this anthology explore similarities and differences of people throughout the world. Selections, which are of varied length and theme, are accompanied by questions for oral or written response as well as suggestions for comparative study of related literature. Although predominantly Canadian, the book also contains selections from writers in Europe, Asia, South America, and Africa. The table of contents lists genre, authors' roots, their present residence, and the setting of each selection. Included are brief author biographies and contents by theme. This book is also being considered for other courses.
Suggested Use: Equality; Multigenre
(Print-Anthology). Borovilos, John. Prentice Hall Ginn Canada (LRDC), 1990. 318 p. Order no. 6183 ($21.60 pbk.).
(CAN) In this anthology of prose and poetry with a multicultural focus, the emphasis is on the cultural experiences of immigrants and minorities. Prose selections include short stories, personal and formal essays, and journal articles. Representation from prominent Aboriginal, Métis, and Inuit, as well as immigrant personalities presents a striking view of the varied experiences encountered by minorities. The Student Handbook provides author biographies and response questions for each selection, general activity suggestions, an index of selections by theme, an index of authors, and a resource list for further study. This book is also being considered for other courses.
Suggested Use: Canadian Frontiers and Homeland; Equality; Multigenre
(CAN) This theme-based resource offers an audiocassette of clear, culturally diverse selections supported by accompanying listening activities in the integrated-skills student resource. The audiocassette selections are renditions of interviews, anecdotes, speeches, and poems from recognized personalities. The student resource prepares students for the listening experiences, guides them through the readings, and follows up with a variety of activities. Also included are additional texts and visuals, along with speaking, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing activities related to each theme. The ten units in this kit provide useful listening experiences to supplement appropriate thematic courses of study. This resource is also being considered for Media Studies 20. Note: The audiocassette contains dated racial terminology.
Suggested Use: Challenges; Environment and Technology; Equality; The Unknown
(Print-Non-Fiction). Robinson, S. D., et al. Prentice Hall Ginn Canada (LRDC), 1987. 331 p. Order no. 5615 ($36.70 hdc.). Teacher's Guide - Order no. 5616 ($42.65 hdc.).
(CAN) This language and communication resource provides suggested activities to accompany sections about the writing process in several genres, viewing and visual literacy, literary elements, persuasive language, varied speaking and listening experiences, and the development of languages, including Aboriginal and Inuit languages. The book contains a detailed table of contents, index and numerous black and white photographs.
Suggested Use: Language Resource