By Spencer Miller, Editorial Coordinator, Top Grade
Top Grade: CanLit for the Classroom is a sampling and promotion program coordinated by the Association of Canadian Publishers’ Children’s Committee. All books are carefully selected from among the best new titles from Canadian publishers.
During my first week of middle school, my class made a visit to the library where a friendly school librarian gave us a tour through the bookshelves. When introducing us to the non-fiction section, organized a little differently than the rest, she commented that “If you know where to look, you can find information about any topic on earth.”
I can remember spending hours during subsequent library visits reading about everything from video games to dragon mythology to superstar athletes. Despite growing access to the internet, I didn’t know how to navigate the web. Instead, I searched for answers to my questions and satisfied my curiosity in the pages of books.
Does the non-fiction section still hold the same wonder for young readers? I think so! There’s something about being able to pull a book off the shelf and hold it in your hands, knowing that there’s (not-so) hidden knowledge inside.
As the Editorial Coordinator for the Top Grade: CanLit for the Classroom program, I’ve been reintroduced to the wonder of children’s non-fiction. I’ve been blown away by the quality and variety of non-fiction books for kids in Canadian children’s publishing. I can say with confidence that some of the most creative and imaginative writing for children is happening in non-fiction books.
While today’s learners can quickly look up facts online, there’s no replacing the research and presentation that goes into a non-fiction book. Children’s non-fiction writers and illustrators know how to make ideas and concepts come alive in the minds of their readers. They know how to make learning fun and encourage readers to explore and engage with the world around them.
Here are some of my favourite recent Canadian non-fiction books for kids to spark curiosity and exploration!
K–3
Rock? Plant? Animal? How Nature Keeps Us Guessing is an interactive guessing game that features some of nature’s most unusual “species.” Each page features a realistic illustration of either a rock, plant, or animal. Readers have to study each image and guess what they are looking at—then turn the page to find the answer.
My highlight: This book will surprise you! I couldn’t believe what I was seeing with my own eyes.
One Tiny Bubble is the story of our Last Universal Common Ancestor, a.k.a. LUCA, the itty-bitty organism that every unique life form on earth can be traced back to. This poetic and informational picture book shares scientific concepts using easy-to-understand language and reveals how all living things are connected.
My highlight: LUCA is presented as a loveable little organism and reminds us that we are all connected.
In Boobies, curious readers are guided by a group of silly animals to learn everything there is to know about boobies or breasts. All mammals have breasts, including dogs, cats, cows, tigers, and even you. The book expands on more similarities and differences between humans and other mammals.
My highlight: While sure to elicit a few giggles, this book encourages us all to celebrate our bodies!
4–6
The Museum of Odd Body Leftovers is an illustrated tour of our “leftover” body parts that reveals the bizarre and fascinating science of evolution. Parts of our body—like wisdom teeth and goosebumps—have a lot to teach us about our past. Readers are introduced to scientific concepts like natural selection and adaptation.
My highlight: Your reading experience is designed to feel like you’re visiting a museum—each spread of pages feels like you’re standing in front of a new display or exhibit!
Superpower? The Wearable-Tech Revolution is a deep dive into the field of wearable technology that takes a closer look at its origins, key inventions, and applications in society, now and in the future. The book challenges readers to think critically about technology and asks if innovation can go too far.
My highlight: The book spotlights kid and teen inventors, designers, and engineers who are leaders in the wearable-tech movement.
If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It: How 25 inspiring individuals found their dream job showcases twenty-five individuals of different backgrounds, genders, and abilities who have found their dream jobs. Real-life experts share their diverse pathways to career fulfillment.
My highlight: “Pro tips” from real professionals give young readers practical advice to start preparing for the future.
7–10
Sky Wolf’s Call: The Gift of Indigenous Knowledge details how Indigenous Peoples throughout North America have observed, experimented, and interacted with plants, animals, the sky, and the waters over millennia.
My highlight: From an award-winning team, this is one of the first books to cover traditional ecological knowledge for young readers.
Searching Beyond the Stars: Seven Women in Science Take On Space’s Biggest Questions takes readers deep into space to capture the awe and intrigue of some of the biggest questions we can ask. These questions are answered through the profiles of seven remarkable women scientists.
My highlight: Seeing through an intersectional lens, the book speaks powerfully about the impacts of sexism and racism in the field of astronomy.
Her Courage Rises: 50 Trailblazing Women of British Columbia and the Yukon is a collection of inspiring life stories of fifty extraordinary historical women from British Columbia and the Yukon. The collection introduces readers to a diverse group of women who shaped history and defied the expectations and gender norms of their times.
My highlight: Beautiful book design and charming illustrations make this a book you will want to hold in your hands and turn through the pages.
11–12
Heroines, Rescuers, Rabbis, Spies: Unsung Women of the Holocaust shares the overlooked history of nine ordinary women who took extraordinary measures to save lives during the Holocaust. These personal stories will help readers appreciate the roles women played during World War II.
My highlight: There is an obvious depth of care and research that went into each carefully written profile.
My highlight: Eye-catching layouts and captivating photography gives this book all the feel of a glossy fashion magazine.
In #BlackInSchool, Habiba Cooper Diallo offers up her high school journal for publication with the intent to shed light on her experiences as a Black female student. She documents, processes, and resists the microaggressions, stereotypes, and outright racism she experienced in school.
My highlight: Real excerpts from the author’s high school journal feel like a generous gift to young readers.
Spencer Miller graduated from the University of Calgary with degrees in English and Education. He participated in various projects examining the potential of children’s literature in the classroom as an undergraduate researcher. He is currently a secondary school teacher in Montréal/Tiohtià:ke. You can follow more of Spencer’s passion for books on Instagram @YACanadaBooks.