Monday October 11 was International Day of the Girl—an annual reminder of how important it is to celebrate the strength, health, empowerment and accomplishments of women and girls. This year’s theme is “My Voice, Our Equal Future.” We believe that by amplifying the voices of girls, we can create a more equitable future for all. Here are just some of our favourite BC-published books about women’s issues, joys, struggles and accomplishments.
Hockey with Dad by Willie Sellars, illustrated by Kevin Easthope (Caitlin Press & Dagger Editions)
Hockey with Dad is the follow up to the award-winning book, Dipnetting with Dad. Big Sister bonds with her family through their shared connection to hockey and learns about the sport’s history and connection to her Secwépemc culture and community.
Grasshopper by Tatiana Ukhova (Greystone Books)
A charming picture book that will encourage girls to explore the natural world and consider the important impact they can make on the environment and those around them.
Little Wolf by Teoni Spathelfer, illustrated by Natassia Davies (Heritage House Publishing)
Little Wolf has a hard time adjusting when her family moves to the big city. Eventually, she learns to find connections to her Heiltsuk culture everywhere she goes. This captivating book used contemporary Indigenous themes and artwork to teach girls the importance of staying true to their roots.
Flourishing and Free: More Stories of Trailblazing Women of Vancouver Island by Haley Healey (Heritage House Publishing)
An inspiring collection featuring women who helped shape the history of Vancouver Island. The collection includes stories on Sylvia Stark, who was born into slavery in Missouri and went on to become a homesteader on Salt Spring Island; Barbara Touchie (Sičquuʔuƛ), who dedicated forty years of her life to revitalizing and sharing the Nuu-chah-nulth language; and many more.
Trudy’s Healing Stone by Trudy Spiller (Medicine Wheel Education)
Author Trudy Spiller shares traditional Gitxsan knowledge and practices to help children process difficult emotions, like sadness, anger, and frustration in this captivating picture book.
Phyllis’s Orange Shirt by Phyllis Webstad (Medicine Wheel Education)
This book introduces children to Phyllis Webstad (nee Jack), a residential school Survivor and the voice behind the Orange Shirt Day movement in Canada. An accessible and important book that showcases the strength of survivors.
Undoing Hours by Selina Boan (Nightwood Editions)
A moving debut from an emerging voice, this collection of poems share stories of meeting family, love and heartbreak, and learning new ways to express and understand the world around us. Poet Selina Boan also explores what it means to be a white settler–nehiyaw woman navigating her identity.
Pebble Swing by Isabella Wang (Nightwood Editions)
A highly anticipated debut collection by Isabella Wang exploring the connection between language and family. Wang’s poems attempt to piece together the aftermath of the Chinese Cultural Revolution and the loss of her grandmother, while showcasing her own experience as an immigrant and writer.
Monster Sisters and the Mystery of the Stone Octopus by Gareth Gaudin (Orca Book Publishers)
A follow up to The Mystery of the Unlocked Cave, this whimsical title features sisters Enid Jupiter and Lyra Gotham as they solve mysteries and try to discover why their sleepy town has become overrun by giant scary monsters.
Our Trip Around the World by Renate Belczyk (RMB | Rocky Mountain Books)
Trailblazers Renate Belczyk and her friend Sigrid were some of the first young women to travel the world alone in the 1950s—something that was almost unheard of at the time! In this travelogue, Belczyk shares stories about their journeys to England, France, Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Canada, Japan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Egypt, Turkey, Macedonia, and Greece.
Park Bagger: Adventures in Canada’s National Parks by Marlis Butcher (RMB | Rocky Mountain Books)
An inspiring collection of stories and photos by explorer Marlis Butcher, who dedicated her life conquering all of Canada’s National Parks—many of them so remote that they have no road access or infrastructure of any kind!
Picket Fences by Emma L.R. Hogg (Tidewater Press)
A heartwarming and witty story about fresh starts and coming of age. The story centers around best friends Sloane and Stephie, who realize they won’t be able to move forward with their lives until they come to terms with an old tragedy.
Walking Away from Hate: Our Journey through Extremism by Jeanette & Lauren Manning (Tidewater Press)
Told from the perspective of both Lauren and her mother Jeanette, Walking Away from Hate showcases Lauren’s descent into the world of white supremacy and extremism, her life within the movement and her ultimate reconnection with her family, proving that love can triumph over hate.
Maison Rouge: Memories of a Childhood in War by Liliane Leila Juma (Tradewind Books)
A heartbreaking memoir about a family torn apart by civil war. Author Liliane Leila Juma went from a protected and secure family life, through a series of brutal conflicts and her father’s murder.
Anna Carries Water by Olive Senior (Tradewind Books)
A powerful story about Anna, a young girl growing up in Jamaica. Anna fetches water from the spring every day, but she can’t carry it on her head like her older brothers and sister. Her determination and hardwork will help her achieve her goals.