First published in 1995, In Flanders Fields: The Story of the Poem by John McCrae, written by well-known author, Linda Granfield, is perhaps one of the most enduring books shared with Canadian children on November 11. In addition to this book, Granfield has also written more than 30 other non-fiction books on war and remembrance... Continue Reading →
Novels for Remembrance
(Photo Credit: The National War Memorial at night in Ottawa, Ontario, was captured by my talented friend and photographer, Celeste Odono!) (A version of this article first appeared in Kingston Neighbours magazine, November, 2021.) Remembrance Day is a somber event across Canada, especially in military communities. While November 11th provides a necessary and meaningful opportunity... Continue Reading →
Spooktacular Books For All Ages
"When the mist rises, and the smiling man comes walking, you must avoid large places at night.""Don't panic. That's the first rule of survival. Never panic." -- Katherine Arden, Small Spaces (An abridged version of this article first appeared in Kingston Neighbours magazine, October, 2021.) Is there any other holiday as popular cross-culturally in North... Continue Reading →
#IndigenousReads: Spotlight on Canadian Author David A. Robertson
“My dad always used to say that our story isn’t a story of trauma. We have trauma in our history, in our lives, in our family. But really our story is a story of resiliency and a story of cultural reconnection and a story of love. I feel like that will help people understand what... Continue Reading →
Be My Valentine: Love, Friendship and Boundaries in Children’s Books
"This is MY hair. It's great that you love it. I love it too. But please, just look and don't touch without my permission." ~~ Aria, in Sharee Miller's Don't Touch My Hair! (A version of this article first appeared in Kingston Neighbours magazine, February, 2021.) Ah, Valentine’s Day: roses and romance, cards and candlelight,... Continue Reading →
Open Heart, Open Mind
"After all these years, I was still the kid in the closet, too frightened to cry over something I couldn't control ... In that moment, I understood that, to rescue the part of me still locked in that closet, I would have to admit my vulnerability. I would have to let my beautiful tears flow."... Continue Reading →
Lisa’s Book List #5: Books that Celebrate the Spirit of Giving
"There he searched out the poor and down-hearted, never happier than when he was giving something away." -- Jeff Brumbeau, The Quiltmaker's Gift (A version of this article first appeared in Kingston Neighbours magazine, December, 2020.) December means celebration! Many religions and cultures have holidays this month: Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa. And while traditions differ, these... Continue Reading →
Lisa’s Book List #4: War, Peace and Remembrance — Books to Help Young People Understand History
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.At the going down of the sun and in the morning,We will remember them. ~ Ode of Remembrance from the poem, For The Fallen, Laurence Binyon, 1914 The National War Memorial in Ottawa, Ontario, at night.... Continue Reading →
Lisa’s Book List #3: YA novels about Mental Health
"Stop hiding in the darkness,step out into the light.The sky is filled with all these stars,so come and kiss the night. Infinity is waiting,calling you by name.The world is yours for the taking,so take it just the same."~ Kyler's song lyrics, in L.D. Crichton's novel, All Our Broken Pieces These latest YA novels cover a... Continue Reading →
Be an Anti-Virus Hero!
"Some people wear masks,in public you might see.It’s to stop the virus,from jumping to you and me. When the virus is about,listen to what the doctors say.They might say to social distance,to keep the virus away." ~~ Vicki Schofield, Anti-Virus Heroes We are living in extraordinary times. COVID-19 has utterly disrupted every aspect of our... Continue Reading →
Lisa's Book Corner 