New ebooks From Canadian Indies
Description
A splash of paint, a place to sit, a popup park or playground bring life and a sense of fun to our cities.
Neighborhoods where people look out for each other, eat together, make art and build community are healthier, happier, greener and cleaner. Journey around the world to discover how people have been dreaming up new ways to ensure their cities and neighbourhoods are creative, inclusive and environmentally sustainable.
These placemaking ideas can be big — like the skateboard park built on the grounds of an orphanage in Nairobi, Kenya — or small — like the painted rock snake that winds along a beach in Toronto, Ontario. Together, we can create public spaces where everyone belongs. Includes a list of ideas for children to get involved in their neighborhoods, along with a glossary and sources for further reading.
The ThinkCities series is inspired by the urgency for new approaches to city life as a result of climate change, population growth and increased density. It highlights the challenges and risks cities face, but also offers hope for building resilience, sustainability and quality of life as young people advocate for themselves and their communities.
Key Text Features
fact
further information
further reading
glossary
historical context
illustrations
resources
references
Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.1
Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.6
Determine an author's point of view or purpose in a text and explain how it is conveyed in the text.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 8 to 12
- Grade:
- 3 to 6
Awards
- Commended, Ontario Library Association Best Bets
Editorial Reviews
[The illustrations match] the upbeat tone of the narrative with street scenes featuring groups of residents and visitors casually lounging on, strolling past, or otherwise enjoying the results of these many types of [placemaking] initiatives.
— Booklist
A lively exposition of creative community-building projects.
— Kirkus Reviews
Brimming with laughter and joy, City of Neighbors is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
— Quill & Quire
City of Neighbors is an outstanding narrative nonfiction book to inspire community action and galvanize positive change.
— CM: Canadian Review of Materials
Brightly colored artwork ... exude a warmth and energy befitting a book about engaging communities.
— School Library Journal
The text intermingles with colourful, joyful, and whimsical illustrations ... The book is aspirational, encouraging individual youngsters to be their own advocates in improving their neighbourhoods.
— Canadian Children's Book News
Along with colorful illustrations, this book is filled with suggestions and examples of what students can do to help their city neighborhood gain a sense of community.
— School Library Connection
