English
Books (6)
Synopsis:
From the author of White Horse (“Twisty and electric.” —The New York Times Book Review) comes a terrifying and resonant novel about a woman who uses her unique gift to learn the truth about her sister’s death.
Olivia Becente was never supposed to have the gift. The ability to commune with the dead was the specialty of her sister, Naiche. But when Naiche dies unexpectedly and under strange circumstances, somehow Olivia suddenly can’t stop seeing and hearing from spirits.
A few years later, she’s the most in-demand paranormal investigator in Denver. She’s good at her job, but the loss of Naiche haunts her. That’s when she hears from the Brown Palace, a landmark Denver hotel. The owner can’t explain it, but every few years, a girl is found dead in room 904, no matter what room she checked into the night before. As Olivia tries to understand these disturbing deaths, the past and the present collide as Olivia’s investigation forces her to confront a mysterious and possibly dangerous cult, a vindictive journalist, betrayal by her friends, and shocking revelations about her sister’s secret life.
The Haunting of Room 904 is a paranormal thriller that is as edgy as it is heartfelt and simmers with intensity and longing. Erika T. Wurth lives up to her reputation as “a gritty new punkish outsider voice in American horror.”
Reviews
“The Haunting of Room 904 deftly mixes humor, scares, and the weight of personal and generational grief. The book is a heady, haunting, righteous, and spiritual exploration of our political mess through the lens of paranormal exploration and, sometimes even scarier, interpersonal relationships. You’ll want to follow Erika and her Olivia into any dark, creaky room.” —Paul Tremblay, New York Times bestselling author of Horror Movie and A Head Full of Ghosts
“The Haunting Of Room 904 is an electric terrifying journey into the world beyond the veil. Erika T. Wurth has created a mind bending tale of loss and love and the devastating cost of grief. You don't want to miss this!” —S. A. Cosby, author of All the Sinners Bleed and Razorblade Tears
Additional Information
320 pages | 6.12" x 9.25" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
A compelling investigation into supernatural events and local lore on Vancouver Island.
Vancouver Island is known worldwide for its arresting natural beauty, but those who live here know that it is also imbued with a palpable supernatural energy. Researcher Shanon Sinn found his curiosity piqued by stories of mysterious sightings on the island—ghosts, sasquatches, sea serpents—but he was disappointed in the sensational and sometimes disrespectful way they were being retold or revised. Acting on his desire to transform these stories from unsubstantiated gossip to thoroughly researched accounts, Sinn uncovered fascinating details, identified historical inconsistencies, and now retells these encounters as accurately as possible.
Investigating 25 spellbinding tales that wind their way from the south end of the island to the north, Sinn explored hauntings in cities, in the forest, and on isolated logging roads. In addition to visiting castles, inns, and cemeteries, he followed the trail of spirits glimpsed on mountaintops, beaches, and water, and visited Heriot Bay Inn on Quadra Island and the Schooner Restaurant in Tofino to personally scrutinize reports of hauntings. Featuring First Nations stories from each of the three Indigenous groups who call Vancouver Island home—the Coast Salish, the Nuu-chah-nulth, and the Kwakwaka’wakw—the book includes an interview with Hereditary Chief James Swan of Ahousaht.
Reviews
"Sinn offers a grounded approach to understanding how the folklore developed. He is also out to bust some myths. That is, to distinguish fact from fiction and not be afraid to hurt some feelings along the way." — Otaku No Culture blog, September 2017
"I really encourage everyone to pick up the book. There are a lot of great stories, a lot of great history, and again, things you're just not going to find anywhere . . . it's all really fascinating."— The Ghost Story Guys Podcast, October 2017
Additional Information
376 pages | 5.50" x 8.00"
Synopsis:
A powerful return to the forest, where trees have heartbeats and roots are like brains that extend underground. Where the color green calms us, and the forest sharpens our senses.
In The Heartbeat of Trees, renowned forester Peter Wohlleben draws on new scientific discoveries to show how humans are deeply connected to the natural world.In an era of cell phone addiction, climate change, and urban life, many of us fear we’ve lost our connection to nature—but Peter Wohlleben is convinced that age-old ties linking humans to the forest remain alive and intact.
Drawing on science and cutting-edge research, The Heartbeat of Trees reveals the profound interactions humans can have with nature, exploring:
- the language of the forest
- the consciousness of plants
- and the eroding boundary between flora and fauna.
A perfect book to take with you into the woods, The Heartbeat of Trees shares how to see, feel, smell, hear, and even taste the forest.
Peter Wohlleben, renowned for his ability to write about trees in an engaging and moving way, reveals a wondrous cosmos where humans are a part of nature, and where conservation and environmental activism is not just about saving trees—it’s about saving ourselves, too.
Reviews
“As human beings, we’re desperate to feel that we’re not alone in the universe. And yet we are surrounded by an ongoing conversation that we can sense if, as Peter Wohlleben so movingly prescribes, we listen to the heartbeat of all life.” —Richard Louv, author of Our Wild Calling and Last Child in the Woods
“Astonishment after astonishment—that is the great gift of The Heartbeat of Trees. It is both a celebration of the wonders of trees, and a howl of outrage at how recklessly we profane them.” —Kathleen Dean Moore, author of Earth’s Wild Music
“As Peter Wohlleben reminds us in The Heartbeat of Trees, trees are the vocabulary of nature as forests are the brainbank of a living planet. This was the codex of the ancient world, and it must be the fine focus of our future.” —Dr. Diana Beresford-Kroeger, author of To Speak for the Trees and The Global Forest
Additional Information
264 pages | 5.50" x 8.50" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
Jennifer Manuel skilfully depicts the lonely world of Bernadette, a woman who has spent the last forty years living alone on the periphery of a remote West Coast First Nations reserve, serving as a nurse for the community. This is a place where truth and myth are deeply intertwined and stories are "like organisms all their own, life upon life, the way moss grows around poplar trunks and barnacles atop crab shells, the way golden chanterelles spring from hemlock needles. They spread in the cove with the kelp and the eelgrass, and in the rainforest with the lichen, the cedars, the swordferns. They pelt down inside raindrops, erode thick slabs of driftwood, puddle the old logging road that these days led to nowhere."
Only weeks from retirement, Bernadette finds herself unsettled, with no immediate family of her own—how does she fit into the world? Her fears are complicated by the role she has played within their community: a keeper of secrets in a place "too small for secrets." And then a shocking announcement crackles over the VHF radio of the remote medical outpost: Chase Charlie, the young man that Bernadette loves like a son, is missing. The community is thrown into upheaval, and with the surface broken, raw dysfunction, pain and truths float to the light.
Additional Information
304 pages | 6.00" x 9.00"
Synopsis:
Are trees social beings? In this international bestseller, forester and author Peter Wohlleben convincingly makes the case that, yes, the forest is a social network. He draws on groundbreaking scientific discoveries to describe how trees are like human families: tree parents live together with their children, communicate with them, support them as they grow, share nutrients with those who are sick or struggling, and even warn each other of impending dangers. Wohlleben also shares his deep love of woods and forests, explaining the amazing processes of life, death, and regeneration he has observed in his woodland.
After learning about the complex life of trees, a walk in the woods will never be the same again.
Includes a Note From a Forest Scientist, by Dr.Suzanne Simard
Published in partnership with the David Suzuki Institute
Synopsis:
Before discovering native healing methods, Herb Nabigon could not imagine a life without alcohol. His powerful autobiography, The Hollow Tree, tells the story of his struggle to overcome addiction with the help of the spiritual teachings and brotherly love of his elders.
Nabigon had spent much of his life wrestling with self-destructive impulses, feelings of inferiority and resentment, and alcohol abuse when Eddie Bellerose, an Elder, introduced him to the ancient Cree teachings. With the help of healing methods drawn from the Four Sacred Directions, the refuge and revitalization offered by the sweat lodge, and native cultural practices such as the use of the pipe Nabigon was able to find sobriety.
The Hollow Tree is one person's testament to the power of indigenous culture to heal. Herb Nabigon's healing journey guided him to a life of kindness, honesty, courage, and humility.
Teen Books (2)
Synopsis:
Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed.
Soon afterward, his death is a national headline. Some are calling him a thug, maybe even a drug dealer and a gangbanger. Protesters are taking to the streets in Khalil’s name. Some cops and the local drug lord try to intimidate Starr and her family. What everyone wants to know is: what really went down that night? And the only person alive who can answer that is Starr.
But what Starr does—or does not—say could upend her community. It could also endanger her life.
Reviews
“Beautifully written in Starr’s authentic first-person voice, this is a marvel of verisimilitude as it insightfully examines two worlds in collision. An inarguably important book that demands the widest possible readership.”— Booklist
“In her debut novel, Angie Thomas creates what might be one of the decade’s most vivid voices in YA fiction. Though the appalling scenario depicted here is sadly familiar, Thomas’s clear and honest writing moves beyond sound bites to represent the real people and communities behind the headlines.” — Shelf Awareness
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 14+
Additional Information
464 pages | 5.50" x 8.25" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
A teenage girl walks home in a burgeoning blizzard, happy to have an unexpected snow day. Ignoring an Elder’s warning about the terror the blizzard holds, she finds herself alone in her home with an unseen presence stalking and tormenting her. What does it want? And will she survive?
Reviews
"Aviaq Johnston’s graphic novel The Haunted Blizzard draws readers into a chilling tale of mystery and unease. The story follows a young girl, Nita, sent home when school closes due to a blizzard. Along the way, her grandmother warns her the storm is filled with dark forces, but Nita brushes off the caution and continues home alone. As the storm rages, Nita soon realizes she should have heeded her grandmother’s words—something sinister is lurking in the blizzard. Johnston blends suspense with cultural wisdom in this gripping, forty-page story that leaves readers on edge and eager for more." - Debra H., Elementary School Teacher, Indigenous Books for Schools
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 12 to 18.
This title is included in the Indigenous Books for Schools database from the Association of Book Publishers of BC. It's recommended for Grades 8 to 12 for Art, Drama, and English Language Arts.
Additional Information
40 pages | 7.00" x 9.00" | Hardcover
Kids Books (7)
Synopsis:
“Long ago, there lived great giants in the Arctic.”
But where did they go? Learn all about the famous giants of the North, including Inukpasuksuk, Nuvuja, and others. Why do winds from the south bring warm weather? What happens when the giant in the sky gets upset? The Great Giants of the Arctic answers these questions and more using simple language for young readers to enjoy.
This stunningly illustrated bilingual picture book serves as an early-level introduction to the rich, mysterious world of Inuit mythology. Adapted by author and linguist Jaypeetee Arnakak with the intention of teaching Inuktitut as as a second language, The Great Giants of the Arctic can be enjoyed by Inuktitut language learners and curious young readers alike.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 6.
Bilingual: Inuktitut and English
Additional Information
36 pages | 8.50" x 8.50"| Hardcover
Synopsis:
Two young grizzly bears pay a surprise visit to Alert Bay, BC, in a picture book based on true events.
Two curious young grizzly bears go on a very long swim, far from their usual home in the Great Bear Rainforest. They crunch tart red cranberries in the bog then dig for crabs on the beach. They wander through backyards and feast on plums. Then they sniff something even more delicious—mmm, barbecued salmon. But a village full of people is no place for grizzly bears, no matter how sweet the plums or how tasty that salmon smells. Time for a helicopter ride home!
The Great Grizzlies Go Home tells the story of the bears’ adventurous journey, ending in their safe relocation back to the mainland. Featuring detailed watercolour paintings, engaging text and a concluding section with bear safety tips, the book will capture the imagination of readers young and old.
Reviews
“Judy Hilgemann has illustrated a beautiful story that tells of the challenges grizzly bears and our communities face as we learn to coexist and be more respectful of the natural world.”- Michael J. Audain, OC OBC, Founder, Grizzly Bear Foundation
“With heartwarming illustrations alongside a grizzly-bear-sized adventure, The Great Grizzlies Go Home is a true story of two sibling bears that went on a roller coaster of an island-hopping journey through the Great Bear Rainforest.” -Ian McAllister, Executive Director, Pacific Wild
“What an important story! In a time when bears are compelled to come closer to towns, the role of conservation officers and the important jobs they do need to be told. With lovely art and chock full of wonderful facts, this tale teaches and entertains!” -Robert Budd, Co-author, Northwest Coast Legends series
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.
Additional Information
32 pages | 8.50" x 11.00"
Synopsis:
A tender picture book about loss, intergenerational love and the power of family keepsakes, from acclaimed author Thomas King and for fans of Memory Jars.
After Nana passes away, Xavier, his mother and Comet the kitten all head up to Nana's attic to help clean it up.
At first, Xavier is a little nervous. Though there are no dragons up there, it looks like a dragon's cave — it's gloomy, dusty and full of cobwebs. But as Xavier explores the attic, he discovers all kinds of interesting things:
An old tricycle
Two monkeys made out of coconuts
A scrapbook full of photographs
A rocking horse with gold and red stars stuck to its neck
At the bottom of one box, Xavier finds a strange piece of fabric. It's thick, soft and green, and it makes his mother's eyes wet with memories.
As Xavier learns more about this keepsake, he discovers more about his family and himself in this gorgeous picture book about intergenerational love and the power of memory.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 7.
Additional Information
40 pages | 8.81" x 11.25" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
An engaging look at how the animals, people, and seasons within an ecosystem are intertwined.
To the Gitxsan people of Northwestern British Columbia, the grizzly is an integral part of the natural landscape. Together, they share the land and forests that the Skeena River runs through, as well as the sockeye salmon within it. Follow mother bear as she teaches her cubs what they need in order to survive on their own.
The Mothers of Xsan series uses striking illustration and lyrical language to bring the poetry of the Xsan ecosystem to life.
Awards
- Animal Behavior Society's Outstanding Children's Book Award
- 2020 Manuela Dias Design and Illustration Awards, Children's Illustration winner
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 9 - 12.
This is the second book in the Mother of Xsan series, which uses striking illustration and lyrical language to bring the poetry of the Xsan ecosystem to life.
Additional Information
32 pages | 6.50" x 10.00"
Synopsis:
A pitch-perfect story about sibling bonds and Anishinaabe cultural traditions, from the bestselling author of SkySisters.
Serenity is following her brother, Big Ed, to his fishing spot on Hawk River. Big Ed explains that the river is named for the Hawk, Gekek, the Keepers of the river and their Protectors. “They see things far off in the distance, things we can't,” he tells Serenity. Later, when Big Ed gets in trouble while fishing, Serenity follows the Hawk's shadow to come to her brother's aid. Bestselling author Jan Bourdeau Waboose showcases Indigenous storytelling traditions in this compelling picture book featuring Ojibwe words and cultural practices. Karlene Harvey's brightly colored illustrations stunningly capture the natural world of the bush. The sibling relationship, full of teasing and admonitions, is pitch-perfect, and will be relatable to readers of any age. This captivating book, with its rich narrative and riveting climax, is a wonderful choice for reading aloud. It's an excellent accompaniment to social studies lessons on cultures, local and global communities, and Indigenous Peoples. It also offers a perfect opportunity to encourage children to notice the natural world where they live.
Reviews
"The Hawk Shadow is a rich and tender story by Jan Bourdeau Waboose, an Anishinaabe author from the Bear Clan in Northern Ontario, with illustrations by Karlene Harvey, a Tsilhqot’in and Syilx artist from Vancouver. It follows Serenity and her big brother, Big Ed, as they journey to Hawk Lake to fish. Along the way, Serenity meets the Hawk Shadow, a river guardian who sees beyond the visible world and guides her through a moment of crisis. Rooted in Waboose’s family and community traditions, the story is infused with Indigenous Knowledge, love, and respect for the land. The Hawk Shadow is more than a tale of kinship and adventure; it’s a poetic reflection of Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Being." - Anika L., Middle School Teacher, Indigenous Books for Schools
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 7.
This book is included in the Indigenous Books for Schools database from the Association of Book Publishers of BC. It is recommended for K to 6 classrooms for English Language Arts.
Additional Information
32 pages | 10.00" x 9.00" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
This is a book for anyone, of any age, who cares about rivers.
This story of the Columbia River is unique. Told from the river’s perspective, it is an immersive, empathetic portrait of a once-wild river and of the Sinixt, a First People who lived on the mainstem of this great western river for thousands of years and continue to do so even though Canada declared them “extinct” in 1956.
The book’s re-release comes at a critical time for natural systems and for reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples across North America. The Colville Confederated Tribes, representing over 3,000 Sinixt People, recently won a precedent-setting case in the Supreme Court of Canada affirming that Aboriginal Rights do not stop at the border. The important story of the Sinixt weaves together with the ongoing ecological impact of hydropower development on the Columbia and its tributaries.
Central to the story is the joyous spirit of salmon, once a free swimmer in the Columbia’s currents north of the border but now blocked from ancestral spawning grounds by Grand Coulee and other dams. Restoring migratory fish indigenous to the Upper Columbia will require transboundary cooperation. With Indigenous Nations on both sides of the US–Canada border now leading the way, many are hopeful that the fish will return.
Lavishly illustrated by Nelson, BC, designer Nichola Lytle, this portrait of a globally significant river will inspire anyone who reads it to care about the future of the salmon, a fish that unites all of us in its quest for freedom and possibility.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.
Additional Information
96 pages | 9.50" x 8.50" | Paperback
Synopsis:
Author Deidre Havrelock’s and illustrator Aphelandra’s The Heartbeat Drum is an uplifting picture book biography of a Cree activist and musician who founded an Indigenous hand drumming group, led by women and children, that spreads joy, healing, and unity
nisôhkisinân (We are strong) . . .
ninikamonân (We are singing) . . .
mîna nika-âhkamêyimonân (And we will continue) . . .
Whenever young Carol Powder sang along to her family’s music, her heart felt light and full of joy. Learning from her grandfather, Moshum, Carol listened closely to the drums’ heartbeat until one day Moshum made her a drum of her very own. As Carol grew up, she passed down her songs to her children, grandchildren, and many women in her community, just as Moshum taught her—even as women and children became increasingly excluded from sitting at the drum. Despite those who disapproved, she formed her own drumming group called Chubby Cree.
Today, Carol and her group share their music to advocate at climate events, to honor residential school survivors at special ceremonies, and to spread healing for anyone who needs it. Empowering and joyfully illustrated, The Heartbeat Drum is a radiant celebration of preserving Indigenous traditions, finding your voice, and speaking out.
Includes both an author’s note and illustrator’s note, as well as a personal note from Carol Powder herself.
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.
Additional Information
40 Pages | 9" x 11" | Hardcover




















