Catherine Coles
Coles’ Notes
The staff of the County of L&A Libraries are avid readers and always eager to share their favourite books. Here we bring you a list of some of the reads we’ve recently enjoyed. This month you’ll find a heartfelt hockey memoir, a sweet juvenile novel that combines mystery and laughs, and two charming picture books for young readers.
Coleen recently enjoyed Cat Problems by John Jory
“My excitement piqued when I saw the title Cat Problems by John Jory, illustrated by Lane Smith – and it did not disappoint. I am the owner of two cats, and as I paged through the adventures of this entitled kitty, I could not help but laugh out loud. From stealing each other’s sleeping spots, running from the vacuum to announcing the presence of any small furry creature that happens to be within 50 feet of the house – all of your cat’s daily activities are pictured here. Lane Smith uses clever textures and imitates almost every facial expression you have seen on your cat. Lots of opportunities for children to vocalize along with the story and for the adults – don’t forget to go to the back flap – where you can meet William and Lulu. This picture book gets two “paws” up.”
Patricia recently enjoyed Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling
“Recently my son and I listened to Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus. It had us taking the long way home, both of us laughing and me crying at moments. This compelling book addresses some big topics: bullying, being armless, Tourette’s and friendship. It is set in a rundown western themed theme park called Stagecoach Pass in Arizona. The park has many long time employees who are an interesting cast of characters. Aven was born without arms. She loves to tell wild and elaborate stories about how she lost her arms, this sometimes gets her into trouble but it also helps her cope. Aven is a strong young girl who has very supportive parents. Connor has Tourette’s. One of his tics is that he barks. Connor is lonely, dealing with his parents’ divorce and needs a champion – he finds this in Aven and her parents. Together Aven and Connor build a remarkable friendship based on kindness and wanting the best for each other. Together they work together to solve a mystery and dig up clues hidden in an old, locked up building on the grounds of Stagecoach Pass.”
Marg recently enjoyed I Have No Secrets by Penny Joelson
“Fourteen year old Jemma lives with Cerebral Palsy and is confined to a wheelchair unable to communicate. She resides with loving foster parents and two other fostered children and has a home healthcare provider named Sarah who is like family. People tend to confide their deepest, darkest secrets to her knowing that she cannot speak and is unable to reveal those secrets so when Sarah’s no good boyfriend Dan confides to Jemma that he might just be responsible for the murder of a young man who recently went missing in their neighborhood she is extremely frustrated that she is unable to tell anyone. Then Sarah goes missing and Jemma is convinced that Dan is responsible but unfortunately she is unable to voice her concerns. When new technology becomes available which allows Jemma to communicate she and her twin sister, with whom she has recently become reunited with after being separated at birth, set out to convince her parents and prove to the police that Dan is responsible for the murder and for Sarah’s disappearance.”
Kristin recently enjoyed If I Couldn’t Be Anne by Kallie George
If you are looking for a beautiful read-aloud picture book inspired by the beloved children’s novel Anne of Green Gables, then look no further! In this magical story, we are privileged to view Anne’s boundless imagination in full swing as she wonders about who and what she would be if she were not Anne. She daydreams about what life would be like if she were an invisible friend, a princess in a palace, a fearless tightrope walker or a frost fairy just to name a few! Page by page, we follow along with Anne’s thoughts as they are brought to life with stunning pastel and coloured pencil art by Genevieve Godbout that perfectly encompasses the spirit and curiosity of young Anne.”
Julie recently enjoyed Call Me Indian by Fred Sasakamoose
“At the age of seven, Fred Sasakamoose was taken from his family and sent to a residential school. His time at the school is filled with horrors but his talent in hockey probably saved him. In his memoir, Call Me Indian he tells his story starting with the trauma of being sent to the school but how he persevered and went on to become the first Treaty Indigenous player to play in the NHL. Through the power of sport he has influenced many others and has sat on the NHL Diversity Task Force. If you enjoyed Richard Wagamese’s Indian Horse, Saskamoose’s life was the inspiration for this book. This timely read would be a perfect addition to your reading list for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30.”
All of these titles can be reserved from your branch of the County of Lennox & Addington Libraries or online at CountyLibrary.ca.