Nonfiction

Why Humans Work

Part of the nonfiction Orca Think series for middle-grade readers, this illustrated book explores why we work and why people around the world end up in the jobs, careers and professions they do.

A Boy Named Tommy Douglas

Tommy Douglas wasn’t from a wealthy family, or big for his age as a boy. But he was inspired by a tragic childhood accident, and never forgot the other unfortunate children whose parents couldn’t afford to pay surgeons. He became a fiery politician, who is known today as the Father of Medicare, and acknowledged as our greatest Canadian.

The Witness Blanket

This nonfiction book for middle-grade readers, illustrated with photographs, tells the story of the making of the Witness Blanket, a work by Indigenous artist Carey Newman that includes items from every residential school in Canada and stories from the Survivors who donated them.

Fashion Forward

Part of the nonfiction Orca Footprints series for middle-grade readers, this book explores the social and environmental issues in the fashion industry and how kids can make it more sustainable.

Salmon

Part of the Orca Wild series, this nonfiction book for middle-grade readers explores the iconic life cycle of salmon, their contributions to the ecosystem and their struggle for survival. Illustrated with photos throughout.

Fresh Air, Clean Water

Part of the nonfiction Orca Think series for middle-grade readers, this illustrated book explores our right to a healthy environment and introduces the stories of people fighting for change.

Every Last Drop

Part of the nonfiction Orca Footprints series for middle-grade readers, this book explores one of our most precious resources: water.

A Fair Deal

Part of the nonfiction Orca Footprints series for middle-grade readers, this book looks at trade from the perspective of making it fair for all people.

Shelter

Part of the nonfiction Orca Think series for middle-grade readers, this illustrated book answers the questions young people have about homelessness and its causes, effects and possible solutions, and what we can all do to help.

What Animals Want

Part of the nonfiction Orca Think series for middle-grade readers, this illustrated book gives young readers the tools to think about the physical, social and emotional needs of pets, farm animals and wild animals using the Five Freedoms.

Unstoppable

Ten very different disabled women, from neurosurgeon Dr. Karin Muraszko to environmental activist Greta Thunberg, who are making a difference in the world.

Conservation Canines

This nonfiction book for middle readers examines the lives of dogs who work with humans to find new ways to solve environmental problems. Included are stories and examples of dogs working in the field to conserve wildlife.

Upstream, Downstream

Part of the nonfiction Orca Footprints series for middle-grade readers, this book examines our relationships with watersheds and what we need to do to protect them for future generations.

Govern Like a Girl

Kate Graham introduces us to the thirteen women who have become first ministers (provincial premiers and, in one case, prime minister) in Canada, and shows how their strength and ingenuity led them each to govern like a girl.

Growing Up Trans

This illustrated nonfiction anthology is a collection of stories, essays, poetry and art by transgender youth.

Growing Up Elizabeth May

This nonfiction biography introduces middle-grade readers to Elizabeth May. The story of her lifelong environmental and political activism will inspire the next generation.

Trash Talk

This illustrated book of nonfiction for middle-graders shows how people all over the world are working to keep our planet from drowning in a sea of garbage.

Finding Home

Part of the nonfiction Orca Think series for middle-grade readers, this illustrated book offers a look at how human migration has changed the world.

Design Like Nature

Part of the nonfiction Orca Footprints series for middle readers, in this book young readers discover innovations and inventions inspired by nature.

Nature Out of Balance

Part of the nonfiction Orca Footprints series for middle readers and illustrated with color photographs. Find out about the global problem of invasive species, the good and the bad, and what you can do to support the ecosystems around you.

Chinese New Year

Part of the nonfiction Orca Origins series, Chinese New Year is illustrated with color photographs throughout. Readers will learn how a simple gathering of family and friends grew into a weeklong, worldwide festival.

What Kids Did

If a Tree Falls

Part of the nonfiction Orca Footprints series for middle readers and illustrated with color photographs. Find out how global deforestation affects the planet and what you can do to keep forests healthy for future generations.

Return from Extinction

This nonfiction book for middle readers tells the story of the northern elephant seal, from being hunted to near extinction less than 100 years ago to their thriving population of more than 250,000 today. Illustrated with photos from the author.