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Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Martin Luther King, Jr.

When I was in grade 11, I took a course called Lifetime Sports.  We went running and did square dancing, all the usual, but we also went skating, curled, played raquetball, tennis and golf.  The hope was we’d find activities that we’d take with us and maybe learn more about once we finished compulsory physical education.  I know you are all really busy with your school work and even finding Read More …

Sunday is November 11, Remembrance Day, the day we stop at 11:00 to be silent and remember those who have fought and given their lives so that we can live in freedom.  This year is the 100th anniversary of the Armistice of the Great War, the First World War.  Whether you just participate in one of the school ceremonies on Friday, or also attend one on Sunday, take some time Read More …

We are now settling into Autumn.  The weather flips between rain and sun, usually with a good breeze in between.  With more inclement weather comes the desire to hibernate; instead of opening yet another screen, open a book.  There are new books appearing daily on the New Books display, both fiction and non-.  One of my favourite new non-fiction books is A History of Children’s Books in 100 Books.  While Read More …

As we come to the long weekend, Tuesday and a new school year loom.  I hope you’ve all had a great summer and had some time to relax, to rest, and to rejuvenate.  I’ve done a bunch of reading (no surprise there!).  I went to the public library and browsed through the Mystery section, hit a few secondhand bookstores, and downloaded audio books for my phone. Yesterday, I filled the Read More …

We’re into our 3rd week here at Mountain.  Lots of busyness seems to be the norm at this time of year.  But don’t forget to take time to relax and rejuvenate.  Work-time is more efficient when you’ve had a break.  And that’s where the library comes in – a good book, a quiet space, a comfy chair. We have lots of new books and old favourites as well.  Whether you have Read More …

Perennially popular, science fiction has been particularly prevalent in YA fiction through the sub-genres of dystopia and speculative fiction.  Think Hunger Games, Divergent, and The Scorpion Rules. Classic dystopia is set in a “perfect” world that spirals out of control, turning into a bleak, oppressed society. These are new or alternative worlds, or futuristic societies characterised by degradation in values, social hierarchy, terror and oppression. Tone and mood are dark.  The worlds Read More …

We are in the middle of Freedom to Read week.  This year, it seems to me to be more important than ever to consider the right for each of us to choose our reading matter (and by extension, our thoughts).  We seem to suddenly be living in a climate of uncertainty: politicians espousing “Canadian values” (whatever those might be – and who gets to decide?), “alternative facts”, and revisionist history.  It’s easy Read More …

Valentine’s is over and done.  Maybe you’re like me and didn’t get any of those yummy little cinnamon hearts and so are feeling a bit blue.  What might help brighten your day?  How about a funny book?  Well, you’re in luck – this month’s genre is Humour.  You will find humour in a wide range of other genres.  What do we find comical? Well the definition of what’s funny is: Read More …

Realistic, Contemporary Fiction Young adult realistic fiction is a category set in a contemporary, realistic setting. It’s often written in the first person point of view, and is marked by the emotional, evocative voice of young adult books.  These books address problems, issues, and life circumstances of interest to young adult readers.   – relationships – family / friendship – coming of age   There is significant overlap between genres Read More …