RRMM April 2022

APRIL 2022

RECOMMENDED READS, MOVIES & MORE!

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Spring Picture Books for Kids! PLUS OUR LISTS OF... short stories, movies, YA books on the perils of fame & MUCH MUCH MORE!

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Short Story Compilations for When

Family Furnishings

by Alice Munro A collection of twenty-four stories by the esteemed Alice Munro that pull no emotional punches despite their brief length.

Paris for One and Other Stories

by Jojo Moyes One novella and eight short stories by Me Before You author Jojo Moyes. While lighter and breezier than her usual fare, it is no less engaging. Expect plenty of romance and women finding themselves.

The Book of Swords

Sixteen original stories by some top-notch sword and sorcery authors, including George R. R. Martin and Scott Lynch. The epic drama and solid world-building that the genre is known for but packed into bite-sized stories.

When We Were Birds

by Maria Mutch Governor General Literary Award finalist Maria Mutch has crafted stories that run the gamut from beautiful to disturbing. Poetically written, these imaginative tales of magical realism are not for the birds.

The Relive Box

by T.C. Boyle Quirky characters and offbeat situations abound in these stories; in one, characters become addicted to reliving their past; in another, a man sets out to make a 5-pound burrito. T.C. Boyle writes with a discerning eye for the human condition.

www.vaug

n You’re Short on Reading Time Flight or Fright

by Stephen King and Bev Vincent Flying is safer than any form of ground travel, and yet so many have a primal fear of being enclosed in a long metal tube hurtling through the air at 900km/h. These stories of high-flying horror won’t help with aerophobia but are still fun reads.

Invisible Blood

If you want suspenseful, gritty crime stories that won’t keep you up all night to see their conclusion, then this collection is for you. Lee Child’s Jack Reacher appears alongside stories from Jeffery Deaver, Mary Hoffman, and others.

If It Bleeds

by Stephen King Texts from beyond the grave, the end of the world, a vampire that feeds on negative emotions, and a Faustian bargain await you in this collection of four novellas from the weird and wonderful mind of Stephen King.

You Think It, I’ll Say It

by Curtis Sittenfeld This collection is literary fiction for those who can’t stand literary fiction. Sittenfeld’s characters will stay with you long after your brief glimpse into their stories is over.

Straight Outta Dodge City

Do you enjoy westerns? How about horror? Fantasy? If any of these genres are your jam, then dive into the Weird Wild West. Dinosaur cowboys, a haunted six-shooter, a golem, and more await you in the 14 tales in this third anthology of its kind.

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RECOMMENDED READS, MOVIES & MORE! APRIL 2022

9

Fantastic Movies to Watch on Nationa

The Grizzlies

In this insightful sports drama film, a high school teacher believes he can help his Inuit students find a sense of belonging and purpose. Watch how their lives are transformed when they are introduced to the sport of lacrosse.

The Cuban

A cross-cultural drama film portraying the special bond between an elderly Cuban musician with dementia and his caretaker. Embark on this emotional journey of friendship, love, and music.

Maudie

A biographical movie about Maud Lewis, one of Canada’s most outstanding folk artists.

She suffers from severe arthritis but manages to find joy and comfort in painting. A heartbreaking story about pain and hope.

Bon Cop, Bad Cop

A dark comedy-thriller film about two police officers, one from Ontario and the other from Quebec, who are forced to work together to solve a murder. Watch how they learn to cooperate despite their professional and cultural differences.

Remember

The plot follows an elderly man with dementia who sets out to kill the Nazi guard responsible for the death of his family. A well-crafted thriller film that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the last second.

www.vaug

al Canadian Film Day Stories We Tell

A thought-provoking documentary film written and directed by Sarah Polley. She explores her family secrets by interviewing the storytellers who share their own version of the truth.

The Captive

It’s been eight years since Cassandra went missing. Will police and her parents be able to unravel the mystery of her disappearance? A psychological thriller film that will grasp your attention right from the opening scene.

Indian Horse

This heartfelt story centers on a young First Nations boy who is separated from his family and taken to a residential school. Despite all the misery and pain, he develops a unique passion for hockey which becomes his salvation.

Daughter of the Wolf

In this thriller movie, a military specialist sets out to find her son’s kidnappers. She is determined to fight her way through the cold and danger to save her son.

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RECOMMENDED READS, MOVIES & MORE! APRIL 2022

8

YA Books about the Perils of Fame

Shine

by Jessica Jung After six years of training to become a K-pop star, Rachel Kim is close to achieving her dream, but will the pressures of fame be too much? A fast-paced look at the world of K-pop written by Jessica Jung, former member of Girls’ Generation.

Not Your #lovestory

by Sonia Hartl When an embarrassing moment with a cute guy goes viral, YouTuber Macy sees it as a money-making opportunity. But as much as she needs the cash, is it worth faking a relationship? A realistic look at what drives the desire for fame.

Muted

by Tami Charles Denver thinks she’s about to get her big break when she meets famous R&B star Sean “Mercury” Ellis, but her chance at fame comes at a price. This gritty novel in verse explores the dark side of the music industry.

Influence

by Sara Shepard A rising social media star becomes entangled in a murder mystery in this dramatic thriller from Sara Shepard and Internet sensation Lilia Buckingham.

www.vaug

Hello, Sunshine

by Leila Howland After being rejected from 11 colleges, Becca Harrington heads to LA to become an actress. An honest look at the road to success starring an engaging and relatable teen you’ll want to root for.

The Princess and the Fangirl

by Ashley Poston An actress tired of being the face of a franchise trades places with a lookalike fan in this retelling of The Prince and the Pauper. A love letter to cons that looks at the dark side of fandoms while delivering plenty of romance.

Royce Rolls

by Margaret Stohl In this laugh-out-loud sendup of reality TV, seventeen-year-old Bentley must get her family’s Kardashian-style TV series renewed for one last season in order to save the family fortune.

Kind of a Big Deal

by Shannon Hale When aspiring Broadway star Josie finds herself transported into the stories she reads, her literary adventures lead her to some hard truths about what success really means. A coming-of-age story full of whimsy and wordplay.

ghanpl.info

RECOMMENDED READS, MOVIES & MORE! APRIL 2022

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YA Novels that will Murder your Sp

The Perfectionists

by Sara Shepard Five girls at Beacon High band together to play a prank on the school’s most popular boy, but they become the prime suspects when he turns up dead in the exact way they plotted. From the author behind Pretty Little Liars.

All Fall Down

by Ally Carter Three years ago, a gruesomely scarred man murdered Grace’s mother. Or did Grace hallucinate the whole thing? Set in Embassy Row in a fictional European country, expect political intrigue along with plenty of action and an examination of grief.

I Woke up Dead at the Mall

by Judy Sheehan The afterlife is a mall for Sarah Evans and some other newly-dead teens. Murdered at her father’s wedding, Sarah works through her new status in (non)life while trying to stop another killing. Humour and a fast pace make this a breezy read.

The Hanging Girl

by Eileen Cook Skye gets involved in a fake-kidnapping to make some cash and follow her middle-class friend Drew to New York. Things don’t work out as expected, and suddenly Skye needs to avoid becoming part of the body count in this compelling mystery.

You’re Next

by Kylie Schachte A YA take on the hard-boiled detective novel, with a flawed young woman in the starring role. With a knack for investigation and an ex-CIA grandfather egging her on, Flora digs deep to find the truth surrounding the murder of her old flame Ava.

www.vaug

pare Time B*witch

by Paige McKenzie Murder and magic, B*witch’s strength lies in its well-developed and diverse characters. Two feuding covens in a small town band together to solve the murder of one of their own, but an anti-magic sentiment in the country complicates things.

Havenfall

by Sara Holland Havenfall inn hosts a conference between Earth and two magical realms every year. This year a murder forces teenage Maddie to take over as head of proceedings. As if that unwanted responsibility wasn’t enough, a sealed off realm is coming back.

The Woods Are Always Watching

by Stephanie Perkins On a last-hurrah grad trip in Pisgah National Forest, two teens find themselves on the run from a serial killer. It’s a creepy, fast-paced horror that will have you looking over your shoulder the next time you take a walk in the woods.

Long Way Down

by Jason Reynolds 15-year-old Will steps into an elevator with a hidden gun to avenge his brother, a victim of gun violence. The doors open on each floor, admitting a ghost from Will’s past with knowledge to share. Being written in freeverse enhances the story.

City of Saints & Thieves

by Natalie C. Anderson Congolese refugee Tina has dedicated her life to protecting her mixed-race half-sister and getting revenge on rich, white Mr. Greyhill, who she’s sure murdered her mother. Racial and economic tensions abound in this compelling and gritty thriller.

ghanpl.info

RECOMMENDED READS, MOVIES & MORE! APRIL 2022

10

Picture Books for Spring

When Spring Comes

by Kevin Henkes A group of children patiently wait for spring. The use of repetition and alliteration make this a great story to read aloud with little ones.

Albert’s Tree

by Jenni Desmond Fresh out of hibernation, Albert is ready to greet his favourite tree. But why does it sound like it’s crying? A charming and funny story of friendship.

Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring

by Kenard Pak A young boy and his dog say hello to all the signs of spring on their daily walk. The rhythmic text makes this a great book to read aloud.

Plant the Tiny Seed

by Christie Matheson A fun, interactive book with vibrant illustrations that teaches young children how a seed grows into a flower.

Happy Springtime!

by Kate McMullan This bright, cheerful picture book is a celebration of spring and the promise of new beginnings it brings.

www.vaug

Bloom

by Deborah Diesen A mother and daughter plant flower bulbs in the fall and wait for them to bloom in the spring. A touching story of growth, change, and the love between a mother and daughter.

Soaked!

by Abi Cushman A grumpy bear complains about wet weather, but his friends prove that rain doesn’t have to ruin the fun in this hilarious story about friendship and optimism.

The Spring Book

by Todd Parr With colourful illustrations, this book is a look at all things spring, from ever-changing weather to holidays and pesky allergies.

Spring for Sophie

Sophie learns the signs of spring in this beautifully illustrated story.

by Yael Werber

Bears and Blossoms

by Shirley Parenteau A group of bears sets out to enjoy a picnic on a blustery spring day in this sweet story full of adventure.

ghanpl.info

RECOMMENDED READS, MOVIES & MORE! APRIL 2022

10

Earth Day Reads for Children

Earth Day

by Molly Aloian Earth Day is an annual event to raise awareness about the need to take care of our environment. Learn about the origins of this beautiful celebration and the ways you can get involved.

Activists Assemble

by Ben Hoare Air pollution, deforestation, and climate change are some of the major issues threatening our planet. It’s time to make wiser choices to build a better future for everyone!

Our Environment

by Jacques Pasquet Informative and well-designed, the book explains the importance of five essential environmental elements and encourages us to take immediate actions to keep our planet healthy.

Be the Change for the Environment

by Megan Kopp Caring for the planet is everyone’s responsibility. Accessible and delightful, this guide shows how children can create an action plan to make our world a more environmentally-friendly place.

What A Waste

by Jess French Visually engaging and insightful, the book talks about different types of waste and shows what to do to become less wasteful. The power to make a positive impact is in our hands.

www.vaug

Reduce Waste

by Nick Winnick Discover simple and practical strategies for reducing waste and saving the environment. It’s important to build a green mindset and be more conscious about our choices.

Leaving Our Mark

by Nancy Dickmann Human activity generates harmful carbon affecting the environment. Find out what changes we can make to our daily routine to limit our carbon footprint and contribute to fighting global warming.

The Problem With Plastic

by Ruth Owen This impactful resource explores the plastic pollution crisis and shows what to do about it. Our young readers will be motivated to make caring for nature part of their lives.

Saving the Earth

by Camilla De la Bédoyère Why is our planet in danger? Where does all the waste go? How can we save the Earth? Through thought-provoking discussions and beautiful illustrations, the author answers these questions and many more.

True Green Kids

by Kim McKay and Jenny Bonnin This innovative guide introduces 100 things we can do to make the planet a healthier one. Let’s develop more sustainable habits and share the true green message with our family and friends!

ghanpl.info

RECOMMENDED READS, MOVIES & MORE! APRIL 2022

RECOMMENDED

READS, MOVIES AND MORE! is published monthly by the Marketing & Communications Department in collaboration with the Public Service Team of Vaughan Public Libraries.

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APRIL 2022