I would like to introduce you to some famous Canadian books. Of course, there are numerous prize lists for different categories; I have therefore chosen 7 characteristically Canadian books that will give you a taste of the history of our literary culture.
- A Classic Tale for Teen Girls:
Anne of Green Gables, by Lucy Maud Montgomery
The first in a series, this novel introduces Anne Shirley, an 11-year old orphan girl with an imagination that sees her through life’s many twists and turns. You may already know this novel as a classic of Canadian literature; it has sold over 50 million copies and been translated into 20 languages. The author, Lucy Maud Montgomery, began writing at the age of nine and became, over the course of her career, one of Canada’s best known writers world-wide.
More about Lucy Maud Montgomery: http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/montgomery-lucy-maud/
- A Gothic Novel for Teen Boys:
This Dark Endeavor (The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein #1), by Kenneth Oppel
This story follows the life of the young Victor Frankenstein who explores the world of alchemy in order to save a loved one. Kenneth Oppel, a contemporary Canadian author, has written some twenty books and received several awards for his highly imaginative novels.
More about Kenneth Oppel: http://www.kennethoppel.ca/index.shtml
- A Collection of Stories for Older Teens and Adults:
Dear Life: Stories, by Alice Munro
This collection of 14 short stories tells of the defining moments in the lives of various characters. Canadian author Alice Munro won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2013 and holds numerous other literary awards. She is considered one of the most important English-speaking writers of our time.
More about Alice Munro: http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/alice-munro/
- A Nature Story for the Whole Family:
Never Cry Wolf, by Farley Mowat
A classic piece of nature writing, this work is an account of the author’s observations during a summer spent studying wolves in Northern Canada. His perception of these wild animals is transformed as he recognizes their high level of intelligence and sociability. The work was so successful that it was made into a Walt Disney film. The late Mowat was an environmentalist who advocated living in harmony with nature.
More about Farley Mowat: http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/farley-mowat/
- An illustrated Story for Preschoolers
Franklin’s New Friend, by Paulette Bourgeois
This is one of many Franklin stories, all of which follow the adventures of the world’s best-loved turtle and his friends. This very popular Canadian series has been translated into 21 languages and sold over 30 million copies world-wide.
More about Paulette Bourgeois: http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/contributor/paulette-bourgeois
- A Picture Book for Children
The Hockey Sweater, by Roch Carrier
This story illustrates the Canadian passion for our national sport of hockey, a passion that begins in early childhood. A classic of Quebecois and Canadian literature, this book is often read by Canadian primary students in school, inspiring our national sports culture.
More about Roch Carrier: http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/the-hockey-sweater/
- A Poetic Novel for Adults
Le fou de l’île, by Félix Leclerc (in French)
This French novel tells the story of a man whose behaviour and speech annoy the residents of an island by challenging their own bad habits. Félix Leclerc, one of Quebec’s literary giants, was also a great poet, singer-songwriter, playwright, actor, and broadcaster.
More about Félix Leclerc: http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/felix-leclerc/
Tell me, which books would you like to read? Which one do you find the most appealing?