TEACHERS’ FAVOURITE READS By Cynthia Bifolchi

TEACHERS’ FAVOURITE READS

By Cynthia Bifolchi

We asked Catholic teachers on social media what books they would recommend to their fellow educators. What we got back was a rich list of great books, both for personal enjoyment and for the classroom. Happy reading!

“Any books by Indigenous authors. Start with Thomas King, Tanya Talaga, Waubgeshig Rice, Cherie Dimaline, and Bob Joseph.” Mary, Ottawa

“Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer, and Embers by Richard Wagamese. Both of these books are food for the soul.” Sherry, PVNC

“Mindset by Carol Dweck. My copy is six years old and I still go through it today. Great for education but also for other aspects of life.” Anne, Sudbury

“You Are Special by Max Lucado. In this day and age, every child needs the reminder they are special and a gift from God. The most important lesson? We are special because we are the children of the Maker.” Madelaine, Halton Elementary

“The Crippled Lamb by Max Lucado. I love this book!” Bridget, Toronto Elementary

“Father John Dear wrote a great book called Put Down Your Sword that I regularly reference in my Religion classes. He brilliantly captures Jesus’ gospel of non-violence.” Tim, Huron-Perth Secondary

“Seven Fallen Feathers by Tanya Talaga tells the true story of seven Indigenous teens who went missing or were found dead in Thunder Bay within a short period of time. Talaga exposes the failure of the police department to thoroughly investigate, and the systemic racism behind the story. It is both challenging and easy to read.” Kelly, York

“Graham Green’s short story ‘The Hint of an Explanation’ deals with the problem of evil, and reconciles agnostic objections to the existence of a loving God in a compelling and intelligent way. Graham Greene’s novels are also excellent!” Taunia, Windsor Essex Secondary “The best book I ever read to my class was Restart by Gordon Korman. It’s a heartwarming story about friendship and standing up for what’s right. So many teachable moments. My students say it’s one of the best books they have ever read.” Paula, Dufferin-Peel Elementary

“Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt. There are so many worthwhile pausing points and meaningful teaching moments, and rich quotes and language latent with metaphors. Relatable and relevant for students.” Stephanie, York

“Sorta Like a Rockstar by Matthew Quick. This was one of the best young adult novels I’ve ever read. It’s an incredible story about resilience, optimism, and the uplifting power of community.” Erin, Halton Secondary

“Beartown by Fredrik Backman – as a new Canadian resident working in education, it brought home how much goes into kids playing hockey and their behind the scenes struggles. Yes, it’s set in Sweden, but the hockey way of life is the same!” Louise, Ottawa

Cynthia Bifolchi is Social Media Assistant in the Communications and Government Relations departments at the OECTA Provincial Office.