Black History Month Reading Recommendations

Black History Month Reading Recommendations

Celebrate the diversity of Black Canadian experiences all year long by checking out any of these recent and award-winning releases by and about Black Canadian authors. A list with even more of our recent favorites can be found on our online catalogue.

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Photo of the book cover Hold My Girl

Fiction – Hold My Girl by Charlene Carr

With themes of racial identity, loss and betrayal, this emotional novel centred around a difficult moral question beautifully explores the complexities of motherhood. Recommended for fans of Heather Marshall and Ashley Audrain.

Place a hold online…

 

Photo of the book cover In the Upper Country

Fiction – In the Upper Country by Kai Thomas

The fates of two unforgettable women–one just beginning a journey of reckoning and self-discovery and the other completing her life’s last vital act–intertwine in this sweeping, powerful novel set at the terminus of the Underground Railroad.

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Photo of the book cover Uncertain Kin

Short Story Fiction – Uncertain Kin by Janice Lynn Mather

For readers of Frying Plantain and Scarborough, a luminous, mesmerizing collection of linked stories about the lives of woman and girls in The Bahamas, from rising literary star and Governor General’s Award-finalist Janice Lynn Mather.

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Photo of the book cover Even Thought I Knew the End

Fantasy/Novella – Even Though I Knew the End by C.L. Polk

A magical detective dives into the affairs of Chicago’s divine monsters to secure a future with the love of her life. This sapphic period piece will dazzle anyone looking for mystery, intrigue, romance, magic, or all of the above in a small but powerful package.

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Photo of the book cover Dream of No One but Myself

Poetry/Prose – Dream of No One but Myself by David Bradford

An expansive, hybrid, debut collection of prose poems, self-erasures, verse, and family photo cut-ups about growing up in a racially trinary, diversely troubled family an award-winning poet.

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Photo of book cover My Ackee Tree

Memoir – My Ackee Tree by Suzanne Barr

This memoir from Toronto-born chef, Suzanne Barr is full of food, family and her battle with the stereotypes of being a Black female cook who eventually became a culinary star in an industry beset by dated practices and landlords with too much power. For fans of The Measure of My Powers and Notes from a Young Black Chef.

Place a hold online…

 

Photo of the book cover Batter Royale

Young Adult Graphic Novel – Batter Royale by Leisl Adams

This Forest of Reading-nominated graphic novel debut sees a biracial teen girl competing in a reality baking competition with her friend in a fish-out-of-water style romantic comedy about climbing out of the circumstances you’re in and making your dreams come true.

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Photo of the book cover Until we Break

Young Adult Fiction – Until We Break by Matthew Dawkins

From Jamaican-born Watty award-winning author and poet, Matthew Dawkins comes a YA romance that sees an injured aspiring ballerina forced to reassess her life aspirations with help from a talented street artist. This book deals with important topics including mental health, grief and racial justice. Be sure to join us Feb 16th for a virtual Author Talk with this talented debut novelist.

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Photo of the book cover Delicious Monsters

Young Adult Fantasy – Delicious Monsters by Liselle Sambury

An evocative and mind-bending new psychological thriller that follows two Black teen girls navigating the treacherous past of a mysterious mansion ten years apart. Perfect for fans of true crime and cold cases from the best-selling, Governor-General award nominated author of Blood like magic.

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Photo of book cover Beatrice and Croc Harry

Middle Grade Fiction – Beatrice and Croc Harry by Lawrence Hill

One of Canada’s most celebrated author’s debut novel for young readers in which a brave and resilient young Black girl searches for identity and healing when she finds herself stranded in a magical forest with only a talking crocodile for a companion.

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Photo of the book cover Dear Black Child

Picture Books – Dear Black Child written by Rahma Roodah, illustrated by Lydia Mba

With gorgeous artwork, this new picture book celebrates Black joy in a moving and lyrical tribute to and affirmation of Black children around the world by an exciting new author and illustrator duo.

Place a hold online… 

Alzheimer’s Awareness Month Reading Guide

Alzheimer’s Awareness Month Reading Guide

January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and we’re sharing some great fiction and non-fiction resources for anyone experiencing this disease (either personally or as a caregiver). A list with additional items in our collection can be found on our online catalogue.

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Cover image of In Love by Amy Bloom

Non-Fiction Memoirs – In Love by Amy Bloom

A powerful memoir by a New York Times bestselling author who shares her painful experience living through her husband’s diagnosis with Alzheimer’s and later supporting him in his decision to end his life on his own terms through a medically assisted death in Switzerland.

Place a hold online…

 

Image cover of Four Umbrellas by June Hutton

Non-Fiction Memoir – Four Umbrellas by June Hutton and Tony Wanless

A Canadian writing couple share their journey through early-onset Alzheimer’s. Available in print, ebook and audiobook.

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Image book cover of On Pluto

Non-Fiction Memoir – On Pluto by Greg O’Brien

For close to 10 years, writer Greg O’Brien, diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, has chronicled its progression as an embedded reporter inside the mind of this monster of a disease. Taking detailed notes and working off cognitive reserve, O’Brien offers an illuminating blueprint of strategies, faith, and humor needed to fight this disease, a day-to-day focus on living with Alzheimer’s, not dying with it.

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Cover image of Living in the Moment

General Non-Fiction – Living in the Moment by Elizabeth Landsverk

Perfect for caregivers and patients, this is a great guide to overcoming challenges and finding moments of joy in Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Available as an e-book and e-audiobook.

Place a hold online…

 

Cover image of How Lulu Lost her MInd

Fiction – How Lulu Lost Her Mind by Rachel Gibson

A mother-daughter story about living life to the fullest when the end is in sight. Told with heart and humor this book is a great look at the challenges of caring for a parent with Alzheimer’s disease.

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Cover image of Still Alice

Fiction – Still Alice by Lisa Genova

From New York Times bestselling author and neuroscientist Lisa Genova, Still Alice is still the definitive–and illuminating–novel about Alzheimer’s disease. Also a major motion picture starring Oscar winner Julianne Moore.

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Cover image of the film The Father

Films – The Father

An academy award nominated film starring Anthony Hopkins in which a man suffering from Alzheimer’s refuses all assistance from his daughter as he tries to make sense of his changing circumstances. He begins to doubt his loved ones, his own mind and even the fabric of his reality.

Place a hold online…

 

Image cover of The Notebook

Films – The Notebook

Based on the classic Nicholas Sparks book, this is still one of the most beautiful and heartbreaking love stories about a couple who lose each other to Alzheimer’s.

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Cover image of The Space Between Lost and Found

Middle Grade Fiction – The Space Between Lost and Found by Sandy Stark-McGinnis

A great middle grade fiction book about a young girl dealing with her mother’s early-onset Alzheimer’s.

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Cover image of Roll with It

Middle Grade Fiction – Roll With It by Jamie Sumner

Twelve-year-old Ellie, who has cerebral palsy, finds her life transformed when she moves with her mother to small-town Oklahoma to help care for her grandfather, who has Alzheimer’s Disease.

Place a hold online…

 

Cover image of The Way Back Home

Middle Grade Fiction – The Way Back Home by Allan Stratton

When Zoe Bird’s grandmother is put in a home due to her worsening Alzheimer’s, Zoe decides to break her out to search for her long-lost uncle.

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Cover image for Really and Truly

Picture Book – Really and Truly by Émilie Rivard; illustrated by Anne-Claire Delisle

Charlie’s grandpa used to tell him all kinds of magical stories when he was young. But now a terrible disease has stolen away Grandpa’s memory, his words, and even his smile. Charlie decides to try to reconnect with his grandpa by telling him some of the old stories they used to share.

Place a hold online…

The Best of 2022

The Best of 2022

There were some amazing books published throughout 2022 and library staff are happy to share their top picks for the year. A list with even more of the year’s favourites can be found on our online catalogue.

 

Image of the book cover for Looking for Jane

Historical Fiction – Looking for Jane by Heather Marshall

Incredibly timely and beautifully written! This was inarguably one of Staff’s favourite books of the year and we’re lucky enough to call this debut, BESTSELLING Canadian author a local treasure! We can’t wait to see what she writes next!

Place a hold online…

Image of the book cover of Lessons in Chemistry

Historical Fiction – Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

This feminist historical fiction debut was utterly AMAZING!!! If you want to read about a smart, funny, strong-willed resilient woman look no further. The tag line alone had us hooked from the start: “Children set the table. Your mother needs a moment to herself.” 

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Image of the book cover for Remarkably Bright Creatures

Fiction – Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

A deeply moving and humanistic story about the power of friendship, learning to overcome grief and grappling with loss and mortality told through the eyes of a dying Octopus and the older woman he befriends.

Place a hold online…

 

Image of the book cover The Maid

Mystery/Thriller – The Maid by Nina Prose

Another unforgettable Canadian debut with a protagonist you won’t be able to help rooting for as she tries to clear her name for a murder she didn’t commit!

Place a hold online…

 

Image of the book cover Daughter of the Moon Goddess

Fantasty Fiction – Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan

A captivating debut YA fantasy inspired by the legend of Chang’e, the Chinese moon goddess, in which a young woman’s quest to free her mother pits her against the most powerful immortal in the realm. 

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Image of the book cover for The Bodyguard

Romance – The Bodyguard by Katherine Center

A feel good romcom full of fake dating and lots of laughs as a female body guard is forced to protect a famous actor.

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Image of the book cover Run Towards the Danger

Non-Fiction/Memoir – Run Towards the Danger by Sarah Polley

Oscar-nominated Canadian actor/director/screenwriter speaks up in this collection of essays in which she reflects on her life as a child actress on Road to Avonlea, living with a disabled body due to scoliosis, losing her mother at a young age, her experience with sexual abuse, chronic pain, endometriosis and high risk pregnancies, being a working mother and so much more.

Place a hold online…

 

Image of the book cover How to Keep House while Drowning

Non-Fiction/Memoir – How to Keep House While Drowning by K.C. Davis

A relatable and helpful mental health guide written by a neurodiverse mother with ADHD who struggled trying to manage the simple things of life like cleaning and the various mundane, never-ending chores that often feel overwhelming and anxiety-inducing, especially with tiny humans during a pandemic.

Place a hold online…

 

Image of the book cover for The Summer of Bitter and Sweet

Young Adult Fiction – The Summer of Bitter and Sweet by Jenny Ferguson

A wonderful debut YA novel featuring Lou, a demi/asexual Métis girl living on the Canadian prairies. Ferguson masterfully balances the light with the dark as Lou struggles with generational trauma, family secrets and her sexuality over a summer working with her friends at the family creamery.

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Image of the book cover Con Pollo

Picture Book – Con Pollo by Jimmy Fallon and Jennifer Lopez

Con Pollo: A Bilingual Playtime Adventure is an engaging and hilarious picture book that serves young readers as an introduction to basic Spanish vocabulary, brought to life by superstar team-up Jimmy Fallon and Jennifer Lopez.

Place a hold online…

 

Staff holiday favourites

Staff holiday favourites

Wishing you the very merriest this holiday season, Huron County Library staff have shared some of their favorite books, movies and CDs to help get you in the holiday spirit. A list with even more of our favourites can be found on our online catalogue.

 

Cover of the Charlie Brown Christmas DVD

Family Movies – A Charlie Brown Christmas 

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without Snoopy’s garishly decorated dog house and Charlie Brown’s sad little tree. – Margot, Branch Assistant

Place a hold online…

Cover of the National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation DVD

Family Movies – National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

Christmas traditions in my home include turning up Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton’s Once Upon a Christmas album and watching National Lampoons Christmas Vacation. – Trina, Branch Manager

Place a hold online…

 

Cover image of The Family Stone DVD

Family Movies – The Family Stone

The Family Stone is all about one family’s experience of coming together during the holiday season. One of the sons brings home his girlfriend to meet the family, which leads to all sorts of hilarity. And unknown to most of the family, devastating news awaits them all. Starring multiple big name actors, The Family Stone is warm-hearted, funny, real, and just the right amount of corny. – Hamilton, Branch Assistant

Place a hold online…

 

Book cover of In A Holidaze

Fiction – In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren

Reading Christina Lauren’s book In a Holidaze feels exactly like stepping into your favourite Hallmark Christmas special. It’s a perfect festive Rom-Com to enjoy over the holidays while sipping hot cocoa. – Danielle, Branch Manager

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Book cover of The Christmas Secret

Fiction – The Christmas Secret by Karen Swan

I love Karen Swan’s books but her Christmas stories are my favourite! The Christmas Secret is full of family secrets, some fascinating details about the Scotch whisky business and of course a touch of romance. I couldn’t put it down! – Megan, Branch Assistant

Place a hold online…

 

Book cover of A Child's Christmas in Wales

Fiction – A Child’s Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas

A beautiful telling of Christmas traditions from a child’s perspective. First written as a piece for radio, the book evokes warm holiday memories and feelings. It is a perfect book to read with family or to cozy up with over the holiday. I found myself making fruit cake after reading this book. – Christa, Branch Manager

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Book cover of Little Blue Truck's Christmas

Picture Book – Little Blue Truck’s Christmas by Alice Schertle

We love all of the Little Blue Truck books but the Christmas one is our favourite. The expected rhyme and rhythm is there and the twinkling lights on the last page never disappoint readers – young and old alike. – Beth, County Librarian and Director of Cultural Services

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Book cover of Happy All-idays

Picture Book – Happy All-idays by Cindy Jin

A beautifully illustrated board book featuring a diverse cast of characters who celebrate the holidays in different ways. – Shannon, Branch Assistant

Place a hold online…

 

CD Cover for A Legendary Christmas

Holiday Album – A Legendary Christmas by John Legend

I think holiday music should always have a jazzy feel. Perfect background music while you bake Christmas cookies! – Rachel, Branch Assistant

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Cover of Sarah McLachlan's Wintersong

Holiday Album – Wintersong by Sarah McLachlan

My go-to holiday CD is the perfect mix of classics along with a few of her own. – Jenni, Deputy County Librarian

Place a hold online…

 

Remembrance Day Reading Guide

Remembrance Day Reading Guide

In honour of Remembrance Day, Huron County Library staff have put together a list of notable new and favourite books that focus on some of the forgotten stories from the men, women, children (and animals) who fought and served during the First and Second World Wars. The full reading list can be found on our online catalogue.

 

Book cover of The Dressmakers of Auschwitz

Non-Fiction/Biography – The Dressmakers of Auschwitz by Lucy Adlington

A powerful chronicle of the twenty-five Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp inmates who used their sewing skills to survive the Holocaust by stitching beautiful clothes at an extraordinary fashion workshop, the Upper Tailoring Studio. Established by Hedwig Höss, the camp commandant’s wife, these women were forced to produce fashionable garments for Nazi wives to wear to SS functions in the hopes it would save them from the gas chambers.

Place a hold online…

 

Book cover of The Diamond Eye

Fiction – The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn

A vividly written historical fiction account based on the real life of Russian history student turned sniper, Mila Pavlichenko. Dubbed ‘Lady Death,’ Mila racked up 309 official kills before being sent to America as part of a Soviet delegation trying to garner American support on the Eastern front.

Place a hold online…

 

Book cover of Sisters in Arms

Fiction – Sisters in Arms by Kaia Alderson

An incredible debut historical fiction novel about the true story of the Six Triple Eight, the only all-Black battalion of the Women’s Army Corps, who made the dangerous voyage to Europe to ensure American servicemen received word from their loved ones during World War II.

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Book cover of Cher Ami and Major Whittlesey

Fiction – Cher Ami and Major Whittlesey by Kathleen Rooney

An extremely interesting look at the role homing pigeons played during World War I written from the perspective of one of the most famous of them all, Cher Ami, a real bird who was awarded the French Croix de Guerre with palm for his heroic service.

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Book cover of Great or Nothing

Young Adult Fiction – Great or Nothing by Joy McCullough, Caroline Tung Richmond, Tess Sharpe & Jessica Spotswood

A creative YA reimagining of the Little Women sisters told from their individual perspectives as America enters the War in 1942. A different author writes each sister in this heartwarming coming of age story told both in prose and verse.

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Book cover of Louisa June and the Nazis in the Waves

Middle Grade Book – Louisa June and the Nazis in the Waves by Laura Elliott

A moving middle grade novel that highlights the efforts of an ordinary fishing family as they help to spot German U-boats off the East Coast after America joins the War in 1942. A great look at the way the War affected Americans on the home front and the ways they helped the cause.

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Book cover of Hidden on the High Wire

Middle Grade Book – Hidden on the High Wiare by Kathy Kacer

As the Nazis come to power in Germany and her father is taken away, a young Jewish high wire performer and her mother are forced to hide in plain sight traveling around with a new circus during World War II.

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Book cover of Just a Girl

Middle Grade Book – Just a Girl by Lia Levi

An award-winning memoir translated from Italian to English and adapted for young readers follows the life of Lia Levi, a Jewish Italian girl who grew up during a difficult time of racial discrimination and war, and discovered light in unexpected places during World War II.

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Book cover of Sergeant Billy

Picture Book – Sergeant Billy by Mireille Messier

This charming true story follows Sergeant Billy from his small prairie town to the trenches of World War I and back, through harrowing moments, sad moments, moments of camaraderie and moments of celebration.

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Book cover of Finding Winnie

Picture Book – Finding Winnie by Lindsay Mattick

A picture book about real life Captain Harry Colebourn, a Canadian veterinarian who rescued a bear cub on his way to Europe and took her with him during World War I.

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