Series

There are lot of different types of insects in Nunavut. Learn about what defines an insect, as well as their life cycle, metamorphisis, and adaptions. This science book provides information about what different insects look like, where they live, what they eat, their behaviour, and other interesting facts about them, along with colourful illustrations and photographs.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 10.

This book is part of the Junior Field Guide series. Perfect for learning all about living things in the Arctic! These Junior Field Guides give information and interesting facts about the different animals that live in Nunavut. Books in this series also share traditional knowledge about living things and teach the traditional Inuit value of environmental stewardship.

Additional Information
32 pages | 10.00" x 7.50" | Paperback

Plants, animals, insects and fish are moving in. Invasive species threaten local ecosystems and the planet’s biodiversity, but are they all as bad as we think they are? In Nature Out of Balance: How Invasive Species Are Changing the Planet author Merrie-Ellen Wilcox profiles all-star invasive species around the world, starting in her own neighbourhood, and warns that humans are the most invasive species of all. We find out how and why species become invasive, what we can do to stop their spread and whether it’s time to think differently about invasive species that are here to stay.

Reviews
“A well-written volume on a distinctly important topic for youngsters to be aware of as they grow into their role of guardians of the ecosystems. Highly Recommended.” — CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“The balance of hope against the potentially stressful subject leaves readers informed and energized rather than defeated. Handy and lucid, this slim volume makes an important topic digestible.” — Kirkus Reviews

“A high-quality introduction to a topic not often covered in books for middle graders.” — School Library Journal

Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the Orca Footprint series. Kids today inhabit a world full of complex—and often mystifying—environmental issues. Orca Footprints aim to help kids answer their questions about the state of the natural world with well-researched, simply-expressed information and powerful images. With topics such as food production, water, cycling and sustainable energy, these books will inspire kids to take action.

In Nature Out of Balance, we find out how and why species become invasive and practical tips about what we can do to stop their spread.

Globalization means that new invasive species are being found around the world every day, threatening the biodiversity of our neighborhoods, cities, countries and the planet as a whole.

The author has studied ecological restoration and examines invasive species starting in her own backyard.

This book offers a unique perspective on invasive species and how it might be time to rethink how we coexist with them.

Invasive species are often described as the most overlooked environmental threat in the world (in the US they cause $120 billion a year in damage, in BC alone they cost farmers $50 million a year). 

Recommended for ages 9 to 12

Additional Information
48 pages | 8.00" x 9.50"

On the Playground: Our First Talk About Prejudice focuses on introducing children to the complex topic of prejudice.

Crafted around a narrative between a grade-school-aged child and an adult, this inquiry-focused book will help children shape their understanding of diversity so they are better prepared to understand, and question, prejudice witnessed around them in their day-to-day lives and in the media. Dr. Jillian Roberts discusses types of discrimination children notice, what prejudice means, why it's not okay, how to stand up against it and how kids can spread a message of inclusion and acceptance in the world around them.

Reviews
"A heartfelt…tool to provoke conversations about prejudice and bullying."— Kirkus Review, October 2018

"Parents, teachers, and counselors will find this book to be a handy resource for discussing bullying, as it provides credible ways for children (and adults) to view themselves as active upstanders for others."— Booklist, November 2018

Educator Information
The World Around Us series introduces children to complex cultural, social and environmental issues that they may encounter outside their homes, in an accessible way. Sidebars offer further reading for older children or care providers who have bigger questions. For younger children just starting to make these observations, the simple question-and-answer format of the main text will provide a foundation of knowledge on the subject matter.

Themes / Keywords: racism, ableism, sexism, diversity, inclusion, bullying, inquiry-based, discrimination.

Recommended Ages: 6-8

This book is available in French: Et si on parlait des PRÉJUGÉS ?

Additional Information
32 pages | 10" x 8.5" | Paperback

Learn about the different plants that grow in the Arctic. Despite the cold climate, many plants grow in Nunavut and have important uses. This book provides information about some of these plants, what they look like, how they grow, and how they are used.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 10.

This book is part of the Junior Field Guide series. Perfect for learning all about living things in the Arctic! These Junior Field Guides give information and interesting facts about the different animals that live in Nunavut.

Additional Information
32 pages | 10.00" x 7.50" | Colour illustrations and photographs | Paperback

In this chapter book biography by award-winning author Christine Day, readers learn about the amazing life of Maria Tallchief--and how she persisted. 
 
Maria Tallchief loved to dance, but was told that she might need to change her Osage name to one that sounded more Russian to make it as a professional ballerina. She refused, and worked hard at dancing her best, becoming America's first prima ballerina. Many famous American ballets were created for Maria!

Complete with an introduction from Chelsea Clinton, black-and-white illustrations throughout, and a list of ways that readers can follow in Maria Tallchief's footsteps and make a difference!

Reviews 
"A rich, clear picture of how one iconic Native dancer persisted." --Publishers Weekly
 
"Inspiringly shows how Maria Tallchief persisted and made her dreams come true." --Kirkus Reviews

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 9.

This book is part of the She Persisted series, a chapter book series about women who spoke up and rose up against the odds.

Additional Information
80 pages | 5.38" x 7.69" | Paperback

There are 150 million people experiencing homelessness worldwide, and that number is increasing every year. Homelessness is not a choice, yet it exists in almost every community. But why are people homeless? Who are they? What can you do? In Shelter: Homelessness in Our Community, readers will get answers to these complex questions. They’ll learn about the root causes of homelessness and its effects, and what people and organizations around the world are doing to address the problem. It shares the personal stories of people who live on the street and the adults and kids who work with them. As a former homeless-shelter worker, author Lois Peterson encourages young people to approach the issue with knowledge and compassion. She dispels some of the myths about homelessness and makes the case for why everyone deserves a safe, permanent place to call home.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 9 to 12.

This book is part of the Orca Thinks series.

Answers the often difficult questions young people have about homelessness in a straightforward, compassionate and age-appropriate way.

Themes: Homeless Shelters, Poverty, Substance Abuse, Mental Health, Affordable Housing 

Additional Information
120 pages | 7.00" x 9.00" | Hardcover 

To the Gitxsan of Northwestern British Columbia, Nox Ga’naaw is a storyteller, speaking truths of the universe. After Nox Ga’naaw, the frog mother, releases her eggs among the aquatic plants of a pond, the tiny tadpoles are left to fend for themselves. As they hatch, grow legs, and transform into their adult selves, they must avoid the mouths of hungry predators. Will the young frogs survive to spawn their own eggs, continuing a cycle 200 million years in the making?

Book four of the Mothers of Xsan series follows the life cycle of the Columbia Spotted Frog. Learn about why this species is of special significance to the Gitxsan and how Nox Ga'naaw and her offspring are essential to the balance that is life.

Reviews

Educator & Series Information
Recommended ages: 9 to 12 

This is the fourth book in the Mothers of Xsan series, which uses striking illustration and lyrical language to bring the poetry of the Xsan ecosystem to life. The traditional Gitxsan formline art and language weave together throughout the stories in this series to paint a vivid picture of the Gitxsan people. 

Mothers of Xsan is a collection of stories that connects the world to the matrilineal society of the Gitxsan people, located in the Pacific Northwest Interior of British Columbia. Each book in the Mothers of Xsan series showcases the depth and importance of the knowledge that has been gathered and shared through this unique style of storytelling. The stories of life cycles, connection to the land, and language are told from the perspective of the animals from the Gitxsan’s traditional territory.

The series presents scientific knowledge in language and a format that is accessible.

Additional Information
32 pages | 6.50" x 10.00"

Follow along as award-winning author Hetxw’ms Gyetxw (Brett D. Huson) introduces young readers to a pack of gray wolves. New pups have just begun to open their eyes, one of which is a striking black female. Every day, her ears grow larger, her eyesight gets sharper, and her legs stretch farther. As she learns to hunt, play, and run with her pack, instinct pulls her to explore beyond her home territory. Will the young wolf’s bold spirit help her find a new pack of her very own?

Learn about the life cycle of these magnificent canines, the traditions of the Gitxsan, and how gray wolves contribute to the health of their entire ecosystem.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended ages: 9 to 11

This is the fifth book in the Mothers of Xsan series, which uses striking illustration and lyrical language to bring the poetry of the Xsan ecosystem to life. The traditional Gitxsan formline art and language weave together throughout the stories in this series to paint a vivid picture of the Gitxsan people. 

Mothers of Xsan is a collection of stories that connects the world to the matrilineal society of the Gitxsan people, located in the Pacific Northwest Interior of British Columbia. Each book in the Mothers of Xsan series showcases the depth and importance of the knowledge that has been gathered and shared through this unique style of storytelling. The stories of life cycles, connection to the land, and language are told from the perspective of the animals from the Gitxsan’s traditional territory.

The series presents scientific knowledge in language and a format that is accessible.

Additional Information
32 pages | 6.50" x 10.00" | Paperback

Do you know your watershed address? We all have one, whether we live high up in a mountain, on an inland prairie or near the coast. A watershed is an area of land that channels rain and snowmelt into streams, rivers and oceans. Our lives are deeply intertwined with land and water and all the connections between them. Day-to-day activities—like brushing our teeth, eating a meal, getting a ride in a car or even using an electronic device—have consequence for our own or someone else's watershed.

Over the centuries we've changed the land by farming it, cutting down the trees on it, digging into it and building on it. We've also learned how to control water—where it goes and how much flows. Upstream, Downstream explores the consequences of the pressures people place on watersheds and highlights some of the heroes making a difference for watersheds around world.

Reviews
“The combination of Rae’s interests and expertise has produced a book that will inform and engage young readers and encourage them to make a difference by getting involved. Highly Recommended.”— CM: Canadian Review of Materials

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 9 to 12.

Looks at the good and the bad of our interactions with watersheds around the world.

Includes examples of people, including kids, doing positive things for the environment.

Introduces several basic concepts in biology and hydrology and illustrates them with real-world examples.

This book is part of the Orca Footprint series. Kids today inhabit a world full of complex—and often mystifying—environmental issues. Orca Footprints aim to help kids answer their questions about the state of the natural world with well-researched, simply-expressed information and powerful images. With topics such as food production, water, cycling and sustainable energy, these books will inspire kids to take action.

Additional Information
48 pages | 8.00" x 9.50" | Hardcover 

When it comes to explaining physical, cultural and religious differences to children, it can be difficult to know where to begin. What Makes Us Unique? provides an accessible introduction to the concept of diversity, teaching children how to respect and celebrate people's differences and that ultimately, we are all much more alike than we are different. Additional questions at the back of the book allow for further discussion.

Educator & Series Information
Child psychologist Dr. Jillian Roberts designed the Just Enough series to empower parents/caregivers to start conversations with young ones about difficult or challenging subject matter. Other books in the series deal with birth, death, separation and divorce. 

Recommended for ages 3 to 5

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.50" x 8.50"

For some kids, ways they can help eliminate racial injustice might be hard to see. After all, they are taught that people in society are all equal under the law. So why then does racial conflict still exist? And what can they as individuals do about it right now? One way is for white children to understand the unearned advantages they were born with based solely on the colour of their skin. This concept is called white privilege and this book will help children of all races understand it, see how it affects them and find ways to speak out and take real action against it.

White Privilege: Deal with it in all fairness provides scenarios, quizzes and Q&As that develop readers’ understanding of the subject using situations that are realistic and that easily relate to their everyday lives. The topic is approached from three points of view: those who are “privileged,” those who identify as “racialized” and those who want to be allies.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 9 to 14.

The Deal With It series helps adolescents cope with conflicts in everyday life and promote peaceful homes, schools, and communities.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.50" x 11.02" | Library Binding

Let's flock together to save wild birds.

Wild birds are everywhere, from the dry deserts to the icy poles. We see them soaring overhead, paddling across water, flitting through trees, pecking at the ground or our backyard bird feeders and singing from fence posts. Birds contribute to the health of the planet and provide pleasure for millions of people, but wild birds are in trouble. Today, almost 200 bird species are critically endangered. They are threatened by habitat loss, invasive species, climate change, pesticides, plastics in the environment, human-made structures and other animals. Bird’s Eye View looks at why wild birds are important, why they need help and what young people all over the world are doing and can do to give wild birds a boost.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 9 to 12.

Key Features:

• Wild birds are in trouble around the world. In this book, kids learn what they are can do, in their own backyards, to help convserve them.
• There is a widespread and thriving birding community of people all over the world who are invested in the future of birds, from scientists, to birders, to backyard enthusiasts and the general public. The book features approximately ten profiles of young birders and what they’re doing, around the world, to protect birds and their habitats.
• The author is a biologist, conservationist and passionate about birds and other wildlife. She’s a director of the Thetis Island Nature Conservancy and the Cowichan Community Land Trust.

This book is part of the Orca Wild series that examines the intricacies of animals, ecosystems, humans and our relationships to each other.

Keywords / Topics: bird conservation, ornithology, endangered species, habitat loss, young birders

Additional Information
144 pages | 7.50" x 9.00"

It matters! Looking for solutions in our chemical world.

Chemical World: Science in Our Daily Lives explores some of the materials—all of which are made of basic chemical elements—that humans use or come into contact with in their day-to-day lives. Some of these chemicals are naturally occurring—clay, mercury, lead. Others have been synthesized by chemists during the past 150 years and used in a bewildering array of products ranging from roof shingles to toothpaste. Many chemical inventions, as well as naturally produced chemicals, have had profound effects on food supply, developing medicines and creating hosts of useful items for modern life.

Despite people using both natural and synthetic chemicals with (mainly) good intentions, some chemicals have had unintended negative consequences. Chemical residues have contaminated ecosystems the world over and are compromising the health of many ecosystems, animals and humans. The goal of Chemical World: Science in our Daily Lives is to introduce readers to basic chemistry and chemical history, and to show how chemicals are used for particular reasons but sometimes turn out to be harmful to environmental and human health. It invites readers to take a look at the world around them and ask questions about what’s in their environment and how the things they use and eat every day can affect their own health and the planet’s health.

Educator & Series Information 
Teaches kids about the good and the bad of the chemical world around them and what people are doing to get rid of chemicals that are harmful to people and the planet.

Includes examples of youth around the world doing positive things for the environment.

Introduces several basic concepts in biology and chemistry and illustrates them with real-world examples.

This book is part of the Orca Footprint series. Kids today inhabit a world full of complex—and often mystifying—environmental issues. Orca Footprints aim to help kids answer their questions about the state of the natural world with well-researched, simply-expressed information and powerful images. With topics such as food production, water, cycling and sustainable energy, these books will inspire kids to take action.

Recommended for ages 9-12.

Keywords: history of chemistry, science, pollution, environmental health, contamination, chemistry, nature

Additional Information
48 pages | 8.00" x 9.50"

There are lots of fishes in the Arctic!

Learn about the different types of fishes that live in Nunavut waters. This non-fiction science book provides information about what different types of fishes look like, where they live, what they eat, and other interesting facts about them, along with colourful illustrations and photographs.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 10.

This book is part of the Junior Field Guide series. Perfect for learning all about living things in the Arctic! These Junior Field Guides give information and interesting facts about the different animals that live in Nunavut.

Includes some traditional knowledge about the animals included.

Curriculum Connections: Supports science units on the natural environment and animals of the arctic.

Simpler, classroom-ready version of the adult book Common Fishes of Nunavut. Includes one spread per species, with information like where they live, what they eat, what they look like, and other facts. Includes a glossary of English biological terms at the back. 

Additional Information
32 pages | 7.50" x 10.00" | Paperback 

Every day more of the world’s forests disappear. Trees are cleared for agriculture, lost in wildfires and harvested for the valuable products they supply. Called the lungs of the planet, forests play a critical role in climate moderation. What happens when they’re gone? Are replanting and afforestation efforts helping?

In If A Tree Falls: The Global Impact of Deforestation, author Nikki Tate gives an accessible and balanced look at forest practices throughout history, the growth of industry and the fight for preservation. Global deforestation affects us all. Find out what you can do to protect forests today and keep them healthy for future generations.

Reviews
“Impressively detailed, this is a valuable addition to the nonfiction shelf.” — Kirkus Reviews

“Add this informative book on a topic of urgent concern to your collection. Highly Recommended.” — CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“Reader-friendly and informative…An enlightening purchase for all nonfiction collections.” — School Library Journal

Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the Orca Footprint series. Kids today inhabit a world full of complex—and often mystifying—environmental issues. Orca Footprints aim to help kids answer their questions about the state of the natural world with well-researched, simply-expressed information and powerful images. With topics such as food production, water, cycling and sustainable energy, these books will inspire kids to take action.

Recommended for ages 9-12.

Additional Information
48 pages | 8.00" x 9.50" | Hardcover | Colour Illustrations and Photographs