What are you Reading in 2025?

1. Out of the Depths by Isabelle Knockwood  NF  Firsthand accounts of what it was like for students that attended the Shubenacadie residential school.

2. Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann  NF  I’ve seen the movie and now read the book. So sad to read what was happening to the Osage. Racism and greed killed many good people.

3. The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters Fiction  I Loved this! Great characters, and I loved how the story was told between the 2 main characters. The story is haunting, sad and hopeful.
4. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
5. Little Fires Everywhere by Cheleste Ng I really enjoyed this! Good story with good twists and relatable characters.
6. Causeway: A passage from innocence by Linden MacIntyre A look back in time, during the author’s life, when the causeway, to Cape Breton, was being built. MacIntyre talks about living in 2 worlds. The old ways of his Gaelic grandparents on the mountain and the expected boom to come to Port Hawkesbury, and Cape Breton as a whole because of the causeway. Very interesting read.
7. Bluenose Ghosts by Helen Creighton - Written by one of Canada’s best known folklorist. A collection of “ghost” stories from around Nova Scotia. I’m thankful for her work. Many great stories, music, and customs were captured. I first read this when I was in grade 6??

It’s 2024! Let’s get reading!

1. True Newfoundlanders: Early homes and families of Newfoundland and Labrador by Margaret McBurney and Mary Byers NF
2. The Life and Crimes of Hoodie Rosen by Isaac Blum - A TRCA 2024 nominee. Realistic Fiction. A great story. Learned a lot about the Orthodox Jewish community. This story showcases the culture clash within the community that this group has moved to. Anti Semitism, coming of age         
3. Global Hot Spots: Israel and Palestine by Paul Mason  Non-Fiction
4. The Summer of Bitter and Sweet by Jen Ferguson Y/A Realistic fiction A TRCA 2024 nominee
5. As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouch Y/A Realistic Fiction. TRCA nominee. Great story! Learned a lot about Syria and the conflicts that are happening there.
6. Welcome to St. Hell: My trans teen misadventure. Graphic novel Great story!
7. We Deserve Monuments by Jas Hammonds Y/A Realistic fiction. TRCA 2024 nominee. Internal Family conflict: loss of father, issues of abandonment, alcohol abuse.  Racism and LGTBQ2+ theme Really enjoyed this story.
8. Hopeless by Colleen Hoover Y/A Realistic fiction
9. BraidingSweetgrass for Young Adults by Robin Wall Kimmerer NF a TRCA 2024 nominee. I read the original version of this and loved it and this adaptation is awesome! Love it.
10.  The Women by Kristin Hannah Historical fiction. (Adult). This is a great story!Reminded me of the show M.A.S.H.. Getting the nursing perspective and learned how women weren’t respected and seen during this not so long ago time.
11. A Stone on Their Cairn: A Cape Breton saga by Kevin S. MacLeod I really enjoyed this. A circle of life story with spinkings of the Gaelic throughout.
12. Butterbox Survivors: Life after the Ideal Maternity Home by Robert Hatlen  An interesting look into the lives of the people that survived the home. Interesting perspectives and experiences.
13. Highway of Tears: A true story of racism, indifference and the pursuit of justice for missing and murdered indigenous women and girls by Jessica McDiarmid. Very informative and heartbreaking.
14. Emma by Jane Austen
15. I’m from Nova Scotia: Exploring my Black Heritage by Andrea Noylander-Marsman and Ahnaleigh Simmonds. From the Celebrate Canada series. A really great introduction to Black Heritage in Nova Scotia.
16. A Child of East Preston by Wanda Thomas Bernard  I enjoyed learning what Wanda has overcome in her life to get to where she is today. The positive belief  and perseverance it took to take tragedy and harsh situations and turn them into a force to do better is very inspiring.
17. The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
18. Indian School Road: Legacies of the Shubenacadie Residential School by Chris Benjamin. A great read for anyone wanting to have a better understanding of the impacts of residential schools and the importance of reconcilitation.

Reading List 2023

1. Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover Young Adult (Mature theme) Story was good but it reminded me of 50 Shades of Grey. There are troubling aspects regarding the main character’s relationship.
2. The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom - A good quick read. Life perspective. Good conversation can be based on the book’s theme.
3. The Pearl by John Steinbeck - Super old story. I’m enjoying it. The forever old human theme of greed, fear and ambition.
4. The White Stag by Kate Seredy - A retelling of the story of Attila
5. The Shipping News by Anne Proulx  -  I really enjoyed it. Loved the setting of Newfoundland
6. The Red Pony by John Steinbeck  - Not what I hoped….
7. Fire Keeper’s Daughter  by Angeline Boulley I really liked this. Enjoyed the plot and liked reading about an indigenous character in modern times and practicing her culture.
8. Highland Settler: A portrait of the Scottish gaels in Cape Breton and Eastern Nova Scotia  by Charles W. Dunn
9. The Wave by Todd Strasser : Interesting look at fascism and how quickly we can turn on eachother.
10. Women talking by Miriam Toews Based on true events that took place in a Mennonite community. Women coming to terms with their power to make choices.
11.  The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd Historical fiction. This story takes place in the South during the 1950’s. Civil Rights movement. A young girl trying to understand where she belongs and finding the truth about her mother.
12. The Memory Keeper’s Daughter by Kim Edwards Interesting look at how secrets can shape your life and how people with Downs Syndrome were treated.
13.  Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption by Stephen King. Loved the movie, one of my favs, and the book was good too.
14.  When the World Didn’t End: Poems by Caroline Kaufman This is about the author’s trauma and how she sunk so deeply and found her way back.
15.  The girl from the sea by Molly Knox Ostertag  Graphic Novel A cute story about being yourself and living your life. LGTBTQS+ theme.
16. Victory. Stand! Raising my fist for justice  by Tommie Smith Graphic novel. Good read. I enjoyed learning where he came from and the obstacles he had to overcome. Civil Rights movement
17.  Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
18.  Girls Need not Apply: Field notes from the Forces  by Kelly S. Thompson. I really enjoyed this! Anyone interested in going into the military should read this. An eye opener as to what is happening within a culture that is slow to change.
19. How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories by Holly Black
20.  Verity by Colleen Hoover. It was a good read. Has an interesting twist.
21. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid (Adult) Great story about love and what one is willing to do to keep it. LGBTQ theme
22. Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck - Great story! Set during the depression in the mid western states. I loved the characters and was so interested in the challenges they faced. So sad in one sense but uplifting in the other. Tried and true displaying human greed, desperation and triumph.
23. Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery. A sweet, uplifting story set in PEI about an orphan that was mistakenly sent to Green Gables. I never in all my life thought I’d read and enjoy this, but I thoroughly did. Great escape from today’s violence and hard looks at life. Coming of age story.
24. House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland  Y/A Was a good read. The story is dark, set in modern times but characters get lost in an in between world for the dead. Abductions, LGBTQ characters, pagan rituals
25. Black Dog, Dream Dog by Michelle Superle 9-12 yr olds - Selected this story because the dog on the cover reminded me of my dog. Nice story that brings two characters together through the love of the dog.
26. Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving (Audio book) I enjoyed this very descriptive reading. If you are looking to enhance your vocabulary try this! Disney’s version is quite similar to the original. A story about finding your place in a small town and competing for the heart of your crush.
27. Bodily Harm by Margaret Atwood: I got through it.
28. The Tin-Lined Trunk by Mary Hamilton 9-12 yr olds - A good introduction of  home children. What it may have been like for them before being sent to Canada and what may have happened to them once there.
29. Corpses, Coffins and Crypts: A history of burial  by Penny Colman. Very interesting read regarding the customs surrounding death.

Reading List 2022!

1.  The ABCs of Black History by Rio Cortez- Picture book
2. Counting in Mi’Kmaw by Loretta Gould Board book - beautiful artwork – English/Mi’Kmaw
3. Mi’Kmaw Culture for everyday of the week by Alan Syliboy– Board book beautiful artwork – English/Mi’Kmaw
4. Mi’Kmaw Animals by Alan Syliboy – Board book - beautiful artwork – English/Mi’Kmaw
5. From the heart of Africa: A book of wisdom Collected by Erica Walters- Picture book - Aphorisms from Africa
6. Mi’Kmaq campfires stories of Prince Edward Island by Julie Pellissier-Lush Picture Book
7. The Elders are watching by David Bouchard – Picture book- Great for two eyed seeing and environmental gratitude
8. Murder Book: A graphic memoir of a true crime obsession by Hilary Fitzgerald Campbell Graphic Novel Y/A – Great characters, interesting perspectives on true crime – discusses racism and sexism -  Really liked this!
9. Barry Squires, full tilt by Heather Smith – A TRCA book Y/A Covers Biases, racism, body image, anger issues, socio-economics, baby blues. Has coarse language, witty.
10.  Ancestor Approved: Intertribal stories for kids edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith  Best suited for elementary school age. Stories written by various authors that weave into one.
11.  Trans mission: my quest to a beard by Alex Bertie (Memoir) Very informative, really enjoyed this. I like the layout. Some coarse language.
12.  Once a girl always a boy: A family memoir of a transgender journey by Jo Ivester. Great to get their perspectives. Good read
13.  Make your bed: Little things that can change your life…and maybe the world  

by Admiral William H. McRaven    Good motivational read

14.  Quit like a woman: The radical choice to not drink in a culture obsessed with alcohol  by Holly Whitaker   Adult read. Coarse language. An informative look at how media and society impair our judgment of the true toxicity of alcohol and its effects on us. Whitaker shares how she changed her life.
15.  Gone to the Woods  by Gary Paulsen  (Middle School) Interesting autobiography of Paulsen’s early life. I really enjoyed this.
16.  Half Broke Horses  by Jeannett Walls  A true-life novel about the author's grandmother’s life. I found it to be a very interesting read. Loved that Wall’s grandmother bucked traditional roles. A strong female indeed! Chapters are short and sweet. Great for those that get overwhelmed with all the pages!  
17.  The Silver Star by Jeannette Walls
18.  What I Leave Behind by Alison McGhee  Y/A - Realistic fiction. This story is laced with lyrics. Mainly David Bowie’s Space Oddity.  Story touches on sexual assault, suicide, grief and doesn’t go in great depth on these things. Just enough to feel what the main character is feeling. Although there are 199 pages, there are only words on half of those pages…so 100 pages of words but the pages aren’t full. Maybe great for reluctant readers.
19.  If I Tell You the Truth by Jasmin Kaur  Y/A Realistic fiction Punjab community, undocumented immigrant, sexual assault, marginalized communities
20.  Against My Will by Sophie Crockett  (Memoir) Asperger syndrome, OCD, anorexia, self-harm, anxiety and depression
21.  A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson  Y/A Mystery fiction. A good murder mystery read. Had some good twists. Has a sequel!
22.  Heartstopper by Alice Oseman    Graphic Novel. Some coarse language LGBTQ+, bullying - Based on Netflix series.
23.  I Hope You’re Listening by Tom Ryan Y/A Mystery/Thriller It’s a page turner…. Main character identifies as gay examines missing person cases through podcast. Some coarse language, drug use. Stay at home dads
24.  Searching for Calamity: The life and times of calamity Jane by Linda Jucovy
25.  Lord of the Flies by William Golding
26.  Life how short Eternity how long: Gravestone carving and carvers in Nova Scotia by Deborah Trask
27.  Heartstopper Vol. 2 by Alice Oseman Graphic Novel. Some coarse language LGBTQ+, bullying
28.  Heartstopper vol. 3 by Alice Oseman Graphic Novel. Some coarse language LGBTQ+, eating disorder
29.  North American Indian Mythology
30.  Manfred Saves the Day: A Graphic Novel by Caitlin Major. Adult read. The storyline is simple but can be entertaining, especially when cats have men as pets. Having said that, one might think that the author dislikes men and wants to humiliate them.
31.  Witches! The Absolutely True Tale of Disaster in Salem by Rosalyn Schanzer    A look into the past regarding the Salem witch trials. As I read this, I couldn’t stop thinking about how ridiculous this whole situation was. How gossip and lies destroyed innocent lives. How this gossip and lies turned seemingly rational people, totally irrational. Scary stuff… Unfortunately, I can think of many examples from today that are equally as scary.
32.  David Suzuki’s Green Guide by David Susuki & David R. Boyd
33.  Frankenstein by Mary Shelley - Great story…. Love how it was written.
34.  Dracula by Bram Stoker
35.  Doug Knckwood Mi’Kmaw Elder: stories, memories, reflections by Doug Knockwood

What is Ms. White Reading?                                          

It's a new year and I'm continuing on with my reading streak. Last year I read 22 stories from March to the end of December 2020. I've learned a lot from these stories and was entertained. I even cried at the end of one... Here's to another year of great reads! 

Reading List 2021

1) Stamped: Racism, Anitracism, and You by Jason Reynold

2) The Outside Circle: A Graphic Novel by Patti LaBoucane-Benson

3) Punching The Air  by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam

4) Surviving the City Vol. 1 by Tasha Spillett  Graphic Novel

5) Surviving the City: Vol. 2 From the Roots Up by Tasha Spillet   Graphic Novel

6) 12 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act by Bob Joseph

7) Skellig by David Almond

8) My Name is Mina by David Almond

9) E** Stories for Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaur Jaswal Y/A

10) Hearts Unbroken by Cynthia Leitich Smith

11) They Called Us Enemy by George Takei Graphic novel. Interesting read.

12) White Fragility: Why it's so hard for white people to talk about racism.  By Robin Diangelo

13) I Killed Zoe Spanos by Kit Frick Y/A I really enjoyed this story. Mystery/thriller

14) I'm Still Here. Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown

15) Genesis Begins Again by Alicia D. Williams Great story.

16) How To Be An Antiracisit by Ibram X. Kendi

17) Ghost Collector by Allison Miller

18) Dear Martin by Nic Stone

19) Leon's Story by Leon Walter Tillage

20) Princess Academy by Shannon Hale

21) Gone by Michael Grant

22) Go Ask Alice    Anonymous

23) Seven Fallen Feathers: Racism Death and Hard Truths in a Northern city by Tanya Talaga

24) Scary stories to tell in the dark (All 3)

25) Wolf by Wolf by Ryan Graudin Y/A

26) The Daily Stoic – A daily read

27) If I go Missing Graphic Novel – MMIWG

28) Royal Murder: The deadly intrigue of ten sovereigns NF

29) Braiding Sweetgrass

30) Powwow Summer

31) Winter Room by Gary Paulsen

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What am I reading?

I've found my love for reading again!!! Since March, I've been devouring biographies and lots of fiction. I've decided to make a list of what I've read and currently reading. I just want to see how big this list can get ... :) 

 1) Sigmund Freud (Biography)

 2) Emily Carr (Autobiography)

 3) Paulina Johnson (Biography)

 4) No Fixed Address by Susan Nielsen (12 & up)

 5) Monday's Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson (YA)  

 6) The Lying Woods by Ashley Elston (YA)

 7) The Sentimentalists  by Johanna Skibsrud (Adult)

 8) Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom (Teen & Up)

 9) The List  by Patricia Forde  (YA)

10) Shout by Laurie Halse Anderson  (YA)

11) My Side of the Mountain  By Jean Craighead George(8-12)

12) The Legend of Sleepy Hollow - Hoopla audio book

13) Full Cicada Moon  by Marilyn C. Hilton(8-12)

14) Scythe by Neal Shusterman (12 & up)

15) The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Adapted by Shannon Lowry  (Murder & Mystery Graphic Novel)

16) Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman - Hoopla audio book

17) This Place: 150 Years Retold

18) The ABC's of LGBT+

19) The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller - Overdrive audio book

20) The Incredible Journey  by Sheila Burnford

21) Where the Red Fern Grows

22) Turtle Island: The story of North America's First People by Eldon Yellowhorn