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During International Development Week this past February, the Manitoba Council for International Cooperation created reading lists for global citizens – for both adults and children.

Reading is one of the best tools we have for starting to think like a global citizen. It’s one of the first ways we learn to relate with people from diverse backgrounds. Books expose us to the experiences of people who are different from us, but who share similar challenges, hopes and aspirations to our own lives.

During this time when so many are working and learning from home or searching for new books while physically distancing, we decided to create a very simple online book club. Here are 3 books from the middle years, high school and adult age ranges on our book lists, that are also available for download from the Winnipeg Public Library. Why not try a new book to get your students or family thinking globally?

No matter where you are on your global citizenship journey, and no matter what issues you care about, it’s never too late to learn something new or experience a different perspective.

Don’t have a library card? Register online here or view this guide to using eBooks, and which online resources are available. You can also order these books from many local booksellers – some are offering curbside pickup or delivery options, as well as digital versions.

Happy reading – and stay tuned for a virtual book club for adults around the books below! We will post a new book for each age range from April-June, so stay tuned to the blog or subscribe to receive posts directly to your inbox.

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Books for April:

Middle Years (Gr. 5-8):

The Breadwinner, by Deborah Ellis. Available online as an audiobook and eBook from the Winnipeg Public Library.

This is an award-winning novel about loyalty, survival, families, and friendship under extraordinary circumstances during the Taliban’s rule in Afghanistan.

• Read with your students or child at home, and discuss with this guide from the author, which includes activity ideas.

Highschool (Gr. 9-12):

A Land of Permanent Goodbyes, by Deborah Ellis. Available online as an audiobook from the Winnipeg Public Library.

A powerful novel of refugees escaping from war-torn Syria, powerfully told by a journalist who witnessed the crisis firsthand.

• Read with your students or child at home, and discuss with some of these questions.

Adult:

A Thousand Farewells, by Nahlah Ayed. Available online as an eBook from the Winnipeg Public Library.

A uniquely personal insight into the Middle East from one of Canada’s most respected foreign correspondents.

• Read with a friend, and discuss virtually with some of these questions for non-fiction books.