November 2 is I Read Canadian Day, a nationwide initiative that celebrates the richness, diversity and breadth of Canadian literature. This event was started in 2019 by author Eric Walters to support and promote Canadian authors to children across the nation.

“This is about Canadian books. This is about all the voices that make us up.” – Eric Walters

To mark the day, we’re showcasing some of our fantastic Canadian materials. The Decoda Literacy Library supports Canadian authors by proudly acquiring as many Canadian works as possible. Although this special day is focused on young people, we also have lots of wonderful resources for adult learners. Check out the video below for an introduction to I Read Canadian Day and be sure to check out their resources to support young readers.

For Children

• Robert Bateman : the boy who painted nature by Margriet Ruurs.
• Let’s eat : sustainable food for a hungry planet by Kimberley Veness.
• My heart fills with happiness by Monique Gray Smith.
• The seal garden by Ian McAllister and Nicholas Read.
• Welcome song for baby by Richard Van Camp.

Books by Canadian Authors for Youth and Adults

• Celestine Aleck: The sun and the moon, Taking care of Our Mother Earth, Why ravens and wolves hunt together, The great blanket of moss, The cedar tree : the heart of our people
• Terry Barber. The library has 42 titles by Terry, here are a selection: David Suzuki, Emily Carr, Lucy Maud Montgomery, Fact and Opinion : Finding Textual Evidence
• Bill Helin: Gift of the salmon
• Lucy Maud Montgomery: Clare West adapted the Canadian classic, Anne of Green Gables for emerging readers. Part of the Oxford Bookworms series.
• Orca authors: Norah McClintock, Diane Tullson, Alex Van Tol, Carrie Mac, James Heneghan, John Wilson, Elizabeth MacLeod, Melodie Campbell, Monique Polak, and many more!

Resources about Canada

• Check out this list of resources about Canada!

News

• The Westcoast Reader showcases Canadian news stories to help learners develop reading and language skills through newsworthy articles about living in British Columbia and Canada. It also serves as an introduction to Canadian daily newspapers.

So on November 2, dedicate 15 minutes to reading Canadian! Post your reading event by following or tagging @IReadCanadian and using the hashtag #IReadCanadian.

For more Canadian resources in the Decoda Literacy Library, please contact the librarian by emailing Lea at library@decoda.ca.