Jennifer Maruno Livres

Facing the challenges of being the only Japanese student in her new school due to wartime policies, Michiko finds solace in baseball, where her skills shine. However, her identity is questioned when everyone assumes she is a boy. Caught between societal expectations and her passion for the game, she must decide whether to conform and quit or to embrace her talent and pitch with all her might, challenging both her peers and the prejudices around her.

Set in 1647, the story follows ten-year-old Etienne, who craves adventure and seizes an opportunity to escape his mundane life by taking the place of an orphan bound for Fort Sainte-Marie. As he embarks on this journey with the voyageurs, he forms a friendship with a Huron boy named Tsiko, who introduces him to the rich culture and traditions of his people, leading to a transformative experience filled with discovery and growth.

Set against the backdrop of the Second World War, a fatherless teenager named Richard finds companionship with a former soldier in St. Catharines, Ontario. Eager to escape his circumstances, he lies about his age to enlist and participates in army training in Britain. As he navigates the challenges of war, Richard experiences the harsh realities of conflict, witnessing the Battle of Britain and sustaining injuries during the Blitz, shaping his journey from youth to maturity amidst turmoil.

Set against the backdrop of World War II, the story follows ten-year-old Michiko, who grapples with her Japanese identity after her family faces hardship following the bombing of Pearl Harbor. With the men away working on the railway, the women and children must navigate their new reality. Michiko's life begins to improve when a former Asahi baseball star becomes her teacher, helping her embrace her heritage and find hope amidst adversity.

The story follows nine-year-old Michiko as she navigates the harsh realities of being a Japanese-Canadian during a time of government-sanctioned discrimination. After her father is forcibly removed, she and her family embark on a difficult journey to the interior of British Columbia, where they confront local prejudice and endure a brutal winter. As she faces the emotional challenges of her first Christmas without her father, Michiko's resilience and spirit shine through in the face of adversity.

Set against the backdrop of a residential school, the story follows 14-year-old Jonny Joe, an orphaned white boy navigating life among Native students. After a failed escape with his friend Ernie, they find refuge in a mountain cave, only to emerge in a Native village from the past. This journey explores themes of identity, belonging, and the impact of history on personal lives, as Jonny grapples with his differences and the rich cultural heritage surrounding him.

A little witch faces a challenge when her broom is ruined, but with the help of an unexpected friend and a determined spirit, she embarks on a journey to reclaim her ability to fly. This enchanting tale blends perseverance and magic, beautifully illustrated by Scot Ritchie, showcasing themes of friendship and resilience.

Set against the backdrop of the 2011 tsunami in Japan, this poignant story follows Hana and her family as they navigate the challenges of loss and resilience. The narrative explores themes of courage and strength in the face of overwhelming adversity, highlighting the emotional journey of a family striving to rebuild their lives after a natural disaster. Through their struggles, the book captures the profound impact of such events on personal and communal levels.

Moose's journey of self-discovery begins when he finds a park pavilion, leading him to seek a roof of his own. With the help of his friends Beaver, Bear, and Squirrel, he constructs a permanent shelter, but soon finds it more burdensome than beneficial. Struggling with sleep and mobility, Moose grows frustrated as his friends can only offer advice based on their own experiences. When a storm dismantles his roof, he discovers the freedom and joy of living without it, ultimately appreciating the open sky above as the perfect shelter.

In a collage-filled world in which a child's beloved toy rabbits come to life to hang the stars and polish the sun, Jennifer Maruno and Miki Sato create a rhyming bedtime tale that is full of depth and rich colour.