World Book Giving Day Book List
Did you know that February 14 is International Book Giving Day? To celebrate, we asked Alberta publishers which of their books they would give as a gift, and why. Find their recommendations below. And don’t worry, you can “gift” these books to yourself as well– we won’t tell!
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION THROUGH EDUCATION
By Yvonne Poitras Pratt, Sulyn Bodnaresko
Educators have a special role in furthering truth and reconciliation in education, but many struggle to understand exactly what that means and how to accomplish it. Truth and Reconciliation Through Education is the perfect gift for a teacher looking for guidance in this area.
Published: May 29, 2023 by Brush Education
ISBN: 9781550599336
Available as an accessible eBook
BRAVE LIKE THE BUFFALO
By Melissa Allan, illustrated by Jadyn Fischer-McNab
Brave Like the Buffalo is a children’s book with a message that will inspire all readers to face the storms in their lives with the help of their support systems and with a brave mindset. We would gift this book to a classroom library or parents with young children.
Melissa Allan 
Published: Sep 12, 2023 by RMB | Rocky Mountain Books
ISBN: 9781771606431
Available as an accessible eBook
YYC POP
Ed. Sheri-D Wilson
YYC Pop is a perfect gift for anyone who has dreamed of writing. This collection is the work of real Albertans sharing (extra)ordinary stories. From students, first-time poets, and a mayor to established wordsmiths such as Jann Arden and Aritha van Herk.
Published: Apr 26, 2020 by Frontenac House Ltd.
ISBN: 9781989466100
HOW TO READ LIKE YOU MEAN IT
By Kyle Conway
This book is for the reader who wants to learn how we can open ourselves to others and to ideas that scare us by reading difficult texts. As the authors says, “To read like you mean it is to find ways to live with other people, exploring their worlds as they explore yours.”
Kyle Conway 
Published: Jul 25, 2023 by Athabasca University Press
ISBN: 9781771993746
Available as an accessible eBook
TO THE RESCUE! EMERGENCY VEHICLES
By Genevieve Boyer
To The Rescue is the perfect gift for young readers who devour books loaded with facts to satisfy their inquisitive personalities.
Genevieve Boyer
Published: Sep 01, 2023 by Blue Bike Books
ISBN: 9781989209400
Available as an accessible eBook
THE RANGELAND DERBY
By Glen Mikkelsen
I would gift this book to a die-hard Calgary Stampede fan that is looking to dive into the history of the rangeland derby, a uniquely Canadian sport.
Glen Mikkelsen 
Published: Mar 01, 2023 by Folklore Publishing
ISBN: 9781773110134
Available as an accessible eBook
THE RAINBOW, THE MIDWIFE, AND THE BIRDS
By Raymond Yakeleya
Filled with interactive supplementary resources (a film, video game, phone app and virtual art gallery), The Rainbow, The Midwife and The Birds is a perfect gift for children.
Raymond Yakeleya 
Published: May 31, 2023 by Durvile Publications
ISBN: 9781988824574
Available as an accessible audiobook
MOLLY OF THE MALL
By Heidi L.M. Jacobs
Molly of the Mall is roughly based on Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice— except it is set in West Edmonton Mall— and would make a great gift for a Jane Austen and romance lover.
Heidi Jacobs 
Published: May 15, 2019 by NeWest Press
ISBN: 9781988732596
Available as an accessible eBook
COQ
By Ali Bryan
There’s enough tenderness and laugh-out-loud moments in Coq to please just about anyone! It would make a great gift when paired with Roost.
Ali Bryan 
Published: May 01, 2023 by Freehand Books
ISBN: 9781990601255
Available as an accessible eBook
BUSHCRAFT
By Mors Kochanski
Bushcraft is an in-depth guide that includes all the practical skills and knowledge essential for survival in the wilderness and is an ideal gift for the outback enthusiast in your life.
Mors Kochanski 
Published: Mar 15, 2016 by Lone Pine Publishing
ISBN: 9781772130072
Available as an accessible eBook
THE SIGNS OF NO
By Judith Pond
We would gift this book to everyone who appreciates the power— and the contradictions — of middle age womanhood. Deeply observed and immersive, melancholy, humours, and wise, The Signs of No is an unforgettable story of loss, love, and transformation.
Judith Pond 
Published: Feb 15, 2024 by University of Calgary Press
ISBN: 9781773854823
Available as an accessible eBook
POSEIDON & CLEITO
By Andrew J. Peters
We would gift Poseidon and Cleito to readers who have devoured similar mythology-based fiction, such as Song of Achilles, Circe, and other favorites.
Poseidon & Cleito
Andrew J. Peters 
Published: August 29, 2016 by EDGE Science Fiction & Fantasy Publishing
ISBN: 9781770531871
ALBERTA BLUE
By Pat Hatherly, illustrated by Jesse Horne
With beautiful illustrations and soothing verse, Alberta Blue is an ideal gift for parents of young children.
Pat Hatherly 
Published: Oct 10, 2021 by Red Barn Books
ISBN: 9781989915028
ALL THE WORLD’S A MALL
By Rinny Gremaud; Translated by Luise von Flotow
Travel enthusiasts, cultural critics, business and economic students, and journalists would all enjoy reading Rinny Gremaud’s smart and wry writing in All the World’s a Mall. The book appeals to a broad audience interested in the cultural, economic, and social dimensions of global consumerism and urban development.
Rinny Gremaud
Published: Sep 22, 2023 by University of Alberta Press
ISBN: 9781772127126
Available as an accessible eBook
Looking for more gift recommendations? Ask your local independent bookseller— they’re a wealth of information!
“No Definition of Alberta Culture is complete without recognizing the herculean efforts of Alberta publishers to bring the prodigious talents of Canadian writers to eager readers everywhere.”
~ Steve Budnarchuk, Audreys Books