About BC Books Online
BC Books Online was created for anyone interested in BC-published books, and with librarians especially in mind. We'd like to make it easy for library staff to learn about books from BC publishers - both new releases and backlist titles - so you can inform your patrons and keep your collections up to date.
Our site features print books and ebooks - both new releases and backlist titles - all of which are available to order through regular trade channels. Browse our subject categories to find books of interest or create and export lists by category to cross-reference with your library's current collection.
A quick tip: When reviewing the "Browse by Category" listings, please note that these are based on standardized BISAC Subject Codes supplied by the books' publishers. You will find additional selections, grouped by theme or region, in our "BC Reading Lists."
Description
Every morning, a young girl walks her grandmother to the Aajibaichi Shala, the school that was built for the grandmothers in her village to have a place to learn to read and write.
The narrator beams with pride as she drops her grandmother off with the other aajis to practice the alphabet and learn simple arithmetic. A moving story about family, women and the power of education—when Aaji learns to spell her name you’ll want to dance along with her.
Women in countless countries continue to endure the limitations of illiteracy. Unjust laws have suppressed the rights of girls and women and kept many from getting an education and equal standing in society. Based on a true story from the village of Phangane, India, this brilliantly illustrated book tells the story of the grandmothers who got to go to school for the first time in their lives.
Orca Book Publishers is pleased to offer Grandmother School in two accessible editions. The audiobook features alternate text descriptions of images, including the cover. The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 3 to 5
- Grade:
- p to k
- Reading age:
- 3 to 5
Awards
- , Saskatchewan Young Readers' Choice Awards - Shining Willow
- Short-listed, Forest of Reading Blue Spruce Award
- Short-listed, The Egghead - The Doug Wright Award for best kids’ book
- Winner, BC and Yukon Book Prizes - Christie Harris Illustrated Children's Literature Prize
- Commended, Ontario Library association (OLA) Best Bets
- Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens, starred selection
Editorial Reviews
"The connection between the little girl and the grandmother is the touching heart of this story."
— Canadian Children's Book Centre (CCBC) Canadian Children’s Book News
“Joy is evident on the page—and infectious...A spirited book about gender, age, rights, and the importance of education.”
— Kirkus Reviews
“Offers its readers a poignantly lively picture book that expressly reveals the power and freedom found in words for women across the world. How great a treat it will be to read this book in a grandmother’s lap. Highly Recommended.”
— CM: Canadian Review of Materials
“Gorgeous…Colors are crisp and contemporary…Provides a surprising angle to the growing body of children’s books about gender inequality and the continued work of pioneers like Aaji.”
— Booklist
“A moving story about family, women and the power of education―when Aaji learns to spell her name you’ll want to dance along with her.”
— Here Wee Read
“A wonderful and poignant story about the need for literacy and how vital learning to read is.”
— The Globe and Mail
