Category: Age

My Lala by Thomas King, illus. Charlene Chua

June 20, 2023

As any harried parent or caregiver will tell you, stickers are perfect for rewarding and placating children’s behaviour. Didn’t cry at preschool today? You deserve a sticker! Ate all your broccoli? Take two! Whether they are used as a reward or to motivate behaviour, stickers are popular with young children and a boon for parents. In My Lala, a picture book by Governor General Award-winning author, Thomas King, stickers are used to denote possession. Not a terrible thing, especially when you have siblings or are forgetful. However, Lala uses them everywhere, and I mean everywhere. … More My Lala by Thomas King, illus. Charlene Chua

Heart Sister by Michael F. Stewart

June 15, 2023

Emmitt’s world comes crashing down the day his twin sister Minnie is officially declared brain-dead following a devastating accident. His family is on the brink of falling apart, and the thread holding them together has snapped. With nothing to lose, Emmitt sets out to make a film starring all the fortunate recipients that received an organ from his 16-year-old twin — a film that he hopes will piece his family back together and mend his mother’s shattered heart.  … More Heart Sister by Michael F. Stewart

House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland

June 8, 2023

What if you weren’t at all who you thought you were?

Iris Hollow and her two sisters Vivi and Grey went missing mysteriously ten years ago. When they returned home one month later, their dark hair turned white, their eyes went black, and strange, magical things started happening around them. No one knows what happened to them during the month they were gone, and neither do the three girls. One day, Grey disappears again, leaving her sisters a cryptic note. Iris and Vivi set out in search of her, but the clues reveal that Grey and their parents have been keeping a much more dark and ominous secret from them. … More House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland

Below the Surface by Allison Finley

June 6, 2023

A buried treasure has the potential to refresh a town’s understanding of its own history. In Below the Surface, thirteen-year-old, curly-haired Theo is on summer break uncovering Cedarbrook’s most puzzling mysteries. The river under Sawyer’s Bridge is Theo’s favourite place in the town, but the bridge is said to be haunted by the ghost of an old traveller. He isn’t convinced, and instead visits regularly to search for treasure. That is, until he finds a pocket watch linked to the ghost, and the rumours begin to feel more possible. … More Below the Surface by Allison Finley

Growing Up Trans: In Our Own Words Edited by Lindsay Herriot & Kate Fry

June 1, 2023

Growing Up Trans: In Our Own Words provides a space for transgender and non-binary youth to share the experiences and challenges they face growing up.

This anthology features poems, essays, stories, letters, memoirs, and art by transgender and non-binary youth from across Canada. … More Growing Up Trans: In Our Own Words Edited by Lindsay Herriot & Kate Fry

This Game of War by Ed Butts

May 30, 2023

Remembrance Day ceremony is tomorrow, but Teddy Nugent already has plans of his own. Instead of joining his classmates and teacher in going to the ceremony arena to listen to boring speeches, watch a procession of war veterans and sing ‘In Flanders Fields’, Teddy plans to attend the War Games competition at the Super Comics store and compete against the best players in town. … More This Game of War by Ed Butts

The Boy Who Lost His Spark by Maggie O’Farrell, illus. Daniela Jaglenka Terrazzini

May 16, 2023

‘The Boy Who Lost His Spark’ is a chapter book disguised as a picture book. Younger readers will enjoy the story when read aloud, and the illustrations are captivating for all ages. As the reader gets older, they will learn new ways to appreciate the beauty of the prose, allowing for the audience to grow into the book. … More The Boy Who Lost His Spark by Maggie O’Farrell, illus. Daniela Jaglenka Terrazzini

Like A Hurricane by Jonathan Bécotte, transl. Jonathan Kaplansky

May 11, 2023

Jonathan Bécotte has approached a complex and highly personal experience with an endearing sense of childlike wonder. This is a story that not only retells the shared experiences of queer youth, but actively engages the reader in the emotional toll of coming out. … More Like A Hurricane by Jonathan Bécotte, transl. Jonathan Kaplansky