Monthly Book Recommendations - July

Integra Youth
1 day ago
5 min read

As the month of July starts, the month of Canada starts with Canada Day as the first day! Living in Canada is a privilege for many communities as they have escaped difficult times to be here and Canada has accepted them as citizens. Canada is one of the most multicultural countries and we should appreciate living in a country, which is inclusive to all communities. Also, July is THE month for summer as school’s ended and temperatures start to rise. Here are the few must-read books this July!

Elementary - Fiction

Just One Goal! by Robert Munsch, and illustrated by Michael Martchenko

Here’s a short description from Goodreads…

“In classic Robert Munsch style, this warm, fun story of community and hockey takes a hilarious turn. With the excitement and pace of a real hockey match, the River Rink Rats play their final game on their new rink. The pressure is on; the crowd is watching; Ciara has the puck; the crowd keeps watching; the ice starts to...CRACK!; Ciara keeps playing; the ice starts to drift; the crowd starts running; Ciara shoots to SCORE and—”

The book teaches young readers important life skills through the story of Sierra, a determined girl who dreams of building a hockey rink in her snowy town. As she overcomes obstacles like harsh weather and a frozen river, Sierra shows perseverance, leadership, and problem-solving skills, all while rallying her friends to work as a team. This humorous and energetic story encourages kids to follow their passions, never give up, and believe in the power of working together - making it a fun and meaningful read for young audiences. Also, ice hockey is Canada’s national winter sport, making the book an interesting read during Canada Day.

Elementary - Nonfiction

Meet Terry Fox by Elizabeth MacLeod, and illustrated by Mike Deas

Here’s a short description from Goodreads…

“In Meet Terry Fox, the legendary story of how Terry Fox came to run the Marathon of Hope is ―his love of sports as a child and teenager; his devastating bone cancer diagnosis; the hospital stay that inspired him to do something to raise awareness about this disease; the poignant moment he dipped his artificial leg in the waters of St. John’s, Newfoundland; and the heartbreaking moment he ended his run. This was also the moment his truly inspiring legacy began.”

The book introduces young readers to the inspiring true story of Terry Fox, a Canadian hero who attempted to run across the country with a prosthetic leg to raise money for cancer research. Through clear storytelling and engaging illustrations, the book teaches resilience, courage, and compassion, showing how one person's determination can make a lasting difference. The book shows how to face adversity with strength, set meaningful goals, and the impact of helping others - making this an empowering and educational read for children.

Middle School - Fiction

The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

Here’s a short description from Goodreads…

“They open a door and enter a world NARNIA...the land beyond the wardrobe, the secret country known only to Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy...the place where the adventure begins. Lucy is the first to find the secret of the wardrobe in the professor's mysterious old house. At first, no one believes her when she tells of her adventures in the land of Narnia. But soon Edmund and then Peter and Susan discover the Magic and meet Aslan, the Great Lion, for themselves. In the blink of an eye, their lives are changed forever.”

This is considered to be one of the most popular timeless fantasy novel that follows four siblings—Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy—as they discover the magical world of Narnia, ruled by the evil White Witch. Guided by the noble lion Aslan, they learn to face fears, make brave choices, and stand up for what’s right. Through its thrilling adventure, the story teaches young readers about courage, forgiveness, loyalty, and the battle between good and evil. With rich imagination and deep moral lessons, it encourages children to think critically about character, responsibility, and hope.

Middle School - Nonfiction

A Stranger at Home by Christy Jordan-Fenton, Margaret Pokiak-Fenton, and illustrated by Liz Amini-Holmes

Here’s a short description from Goodreads…

“Traveling to be reunited with her family in the arctic, 10-year-old Margaret Pokiak can hardly contain her excitement. It’s been two years since her parents delivered her to the school run by the dark-cloaked nuns and brothers. Coming ashore, Margaret spots her family, but her mother barely recognizes her, screaming, “Not my girl.” Margaret realizes she is now marked as an outsider. And Margaret is an outsider: she has forgotten the language and stories of her people, and she can’t even stomach the food her mother prepares. However, Margaret gradually relearns her language and her family’s way of living. Along the way, she discovers how important it is to remain true to the ways of her people—and to herself.”

This is a powerful true story about a young Inuit girl, Margaret, returning home after two years at a residential school. Expecting a joyful reunion, she instead finds herself feeling like an outsider in her own family and culture. The book teaches young readers about identity, resilience, and the lasting impact of residential schools on Indigenous communities. Through Margaret’s emotional journey of reconnecting with her heritage and regaining her place at home, readers gain empathy, cultural awareness, and an important understanding of truth and reconciliation.

High School - Fiction

This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki, and illustrated by Jillian Tamaki

Here’s a short description from Goodreads…

“Every summer, Rose goes with her mom and dad to a lake house in Awago Beach. It's their getaway, their refuge. Rosie's friend Windy is always there, too, like the little sister she never had. But this summer is different. Rose's mom and dad won't stop fighting, and when Rose and Windy seek a distraction from the drama, they find themselves with a whole new set of problems. It's a summer of secrets and sorrow and growing up, and it's a good thing Rose and Windy have each other.”

This coming-of-age graphic novel follows two friends, Rose and Windy, during a summer at the lake that is filled with quiet moments, family tension, and growing awareness of the adult world around them. Through expressive artwork and thoughtful storytelling, the book explores themes of adolescence, emotional growth, friendship, and the complexity of family relationships. It teaches young readers to navigate change, understand their emotions, and think critically about the world as they mature, making it a reflective and relatable read for older tweens and teens.

High School - Nonfiction

Highway of Tears: A True Story of Racism, Indifference, and the Pursuit of Justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls by Jessica McDiarmid

Here’s a short description from Goodreads…

“A searing account of the missing, and murdered, Indigenous women of Highway 16, and an indictment of the society that failed them. For decades, Indigenous women have gone missing, or been found murdered, along an isolated stretch of highway in northwestern British Columbia. The highway is known as the 'Highway of Tears', and it has come to symbolize a national crisis. Highway of Tears is a powerful story about our ongoing failure to provide justice for missing, and murdered, Indigenous women, and a testament to their families and communities' unwavering determination to find it.”

This book follows a stirring investigation into the disappearances and murders of Indigenous women along Highway 16 in northwestern British Columbia—often referred to as the Highway of Tears. Through poignant narratives and interviews with families, McDiarmid reveals how systemic racism, neglect by law enforcement, and societal indifference allowed thousands of cases—over 1,200 on this route alone and potentially up to 4,000 across Canada—to remain unresolved while victims were dismissed as runaways . Young readers and adults alike gain crucial insights into the importance of empathy, critical examination of institutional failures, and the value of amplifying marginalized voices. This powerful true story teaches the essential lessons of justice-seeking, the dangers of indifference, and the ongoing need for social accountability.

Written By: Krisha L