Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
"Trevor Noah, host of The Daily Show, shares his remarkable story of growing up in South Africa, with a black South African mother and a white European father at a time when it was against the law for a mixed-race child like him to exist. In a country where racism barred blacks from social, educational, and economic opportunity, Trevor surmounted staggering obstacles and created a promising future for himself, thanks to his mother's unwavering love and indomitable will."
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Ms. Heather Dow teaches Science 10, Life Science 11 E, Anatomy & Physiology 12
and coaches Grade 8 Girls Basketball. In her free time she enjoys skiing, hiking, camping, and "chasing after my crazy toddlers." She also enjoys memoirs and good fiction novels. Why did she pick this book? "Trevor Noah is able to weave humour and reality into his TV program The Daily Show, so I'm interested to learn more about his life! " Why should students read it? "Trevor Noah is hilarious, and he also had a CRAZY upbringing in South Africa. This book will make you laugh and make you appreciate your life!" 
Key teacher, Ms. Erin French, coaches Junior Field hockey. She likes to spend her free time with her dog.
Ms. French's favourite genre is biography. So why did she select this one? "I love Trevor Noah. It's a great life story with humour throughout." |
From the Ashes by Jesse Thistle
"In this heart-warming and heart-wrenching memoir, Jesse Thistle writes honestly and fearlessly about his painful past, the abuse he endured, and how he uncovered the truth about his parents. Through sheer perseverance and education - and newfound love - he found his way back into the circle of his Indigenous culture and family."
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Ms. Catherine Underwood teachers Art 11/12, coaches Senior Field Hockey, and sponsors the Kenya Service Project. In her spare time she enjoys: trail running, skiing, hiking, and hanging with her kids.
PE teacher, Ms. Ashleigh Gold, coaches field hockey, soccer and sponsors Round Square. In her free time, she enjoys mountain biking, skiing, trail running, playing field hockey and spending time with her family.
Ms. Gold's favourite genre is historical fiction. So why pick this book? "In the end, it is a memoir of a Canadian aboriginal man who hit rock bottom and was able to recover and thrive." Why should students pick this book? "I think it's good for students to read about others and their paths." |
Know My Name: A Memoir by Chanel Miller
"American author Chanel Miller writes about being sexually assaulted in January 2015, as well as the aftermath and subsequent court case People v. Turner."
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Dean of Student Life and Leadership, Ms. Samantha Weiss, coaches Girls Rugby and sponsors Encounter. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with family and friends, preferably in the outdoors.
Ms. Weiss is a fan of biographies. She chose this one because: "It comes highly recommended and it's a memoir (fav genre!)." Why should students read it: "The story of a survivor - an important read for all." |
Mamba Mentality by Kobe Bryant
"In the wake of his retirement from professional basketball, the NBA great nicknamed "The Black Mamba” has decided to share his vast knowledge and understanding of the game to take readers on an unprecedented journey to the core of his legendary “Mamba mentality.”
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Head of Math, Mr. Andy Wong, coaches Senior Boys basketball and Tennis.
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Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland by Patrick Radden Keefe
"Documents the notorious abduction and murder of I.R.A. Troubles victim Jean McConville in 1972 Belfast, exploring how the case reflected the brutal conflicts of Northern Ireland and their ongoing repercussions."
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Math teacher, Ms. Darien Allan, coaches Junior Girls Field Hockey. In her free time, she like to: read, do puzzles, learn, hike, and visit with family and friends. Her favourite genres are mystery, historical novels and popular fiction. So why choose this memoir: "It was recommended by a colleague and I really like learning about Ireland. It is intriguing, surprising, enlightening, and true."
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Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
"The founder of the Equal Justice Initiative in Montgomery, Alabama recounts his experiences as a lawyer working to assist those desperately in need, reflecting on his pursuit of the ideal of compassion in American justice."
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Senior Key teacher, Ms. Sarah Rossoni, teaches Law 12 and sponsors Backpack Buddies. She love to travel and will read any genre, but historical fiction and political thrillers are her favourite.
Of this novel she explains: "I'm a bit of a crime junkie and I'm always drawn to stories about wrongful convictions. This book is about a poor black man in Alabama who spends years on death row for a crime he didn’t commit. It’s a gripping story you can’t forget long after the book is over." Why should students pick this book? "This is such a page turner for anyone interested in how race, class, and setting impact the American justice system. One reviewer called Just Mercy a modern version of Harper Lee's classic novel To Kill a Mockingbird—high praise!" 
Law 12 and AP World History, Ms. Kim Mulder, sponsors Thunderbird Mentoring. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, reading, gardening and riding my bike!
Ms. Mulder's favourite genres are true crime and history. Of this novel she explains: "I want to know why and how, the justice system can fail people." She encourages students to read this book: "Because this book will feed your mind!" |
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
"An activist, speaker and philanthropist offers a memoir wrapped in a wake-up call that reveals how women can reclaim their true, untamed selves by breaking free of the restrictive expectations and cultural conditioning that leaves them feeling dissatisfied and lost."
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Head of Mackenzie House, Ms. Kimberley Desjardins,
sponsors Young Round Square. She loves to bike, ski, surf, cook, travel, read and spend time with her husband, little boy and dog. She enjoys historical fiction. So why did she chose this book? "It seemed inspired, a powerful re-imagining of one's life and how you show up for yourself versus expectations of others." Why should students pick this? "It's a book with the contrasts of difficulty and joy spanning many ages. It's got lots to think about - humour, sex, religion, self worth, body image, feminism, LGBTQ2S+ and empowerment." |
