Joanne Levy’s Book of Elsie is heart-warming, fun and unapologetically Jewish from the start. Elsie is a Jewish pre-teen who is focused on one thing: her Purim costume of Queen Esther. One day when she goes to temple, however, Elsie is greeted with the bad news: the synagogue is closing, and the Purim party is canceled for financial reasons. … More The Book of Elsie by Joanne Levy
Emilio, another Cuban kid whose family owns the bike shop across the street from La Rosa Blanca, has always been in Clary’s life. And despite Clary’s insistence that she hates him, it is evident they know each other inside and out, from what food the other likes and dislikes, inside jokes, and clever and funny banter that kept me wanting more. … More With Love, Echo Park by Laura Taylor Namey
Allister Thompson spent his youth dividing his time between working as an editor for Toronto-based publishers and touring with a rock band. He is also the author of an alternate history sci-fi novel, The Music of the Spheres. … More 5 Questions for Allister Thompson
The story is a unique twist on classic alphabet books, adding excitement and whimsy to learning the alphabet with an adult fan of the Hip. … More The Tragically Hip ABC Book by The Tragically Hip and illus. by Clayton Hanmer, Julia Breckenried, Monika Melnychuck, and Bridget George
Stink and the Hairy, Scary Spider is a great tool to help readers with their arachnophobia as it provides a how-to guide to ease readers fear and learn about the eight-legged creatures. … More Stink and the Hairy, Scary Spider by Megan McDonald, illus. by Peter H. Reynolds
While life and happiness might be defined differently for every reader, this story encourages observation and patience, and will inspire readers to reflect on their own connections to life, food, time, and care. … More I Would Give You My Tail by Tanya Tagaq, illus. by Qavavau Manumie
“I now understand that I need to write and I enjoy it immensely. It’s self-expression and creativity, it’s restorative, it’s liberating. It’s recently been full-time. I only wish I had devoted myself to this sooner.” … More 5 Questions for Wayne Ng
Read back over our most popular reviews and interviews this year! … More The Young Adulting 2024 Year in Review
Magic amongst the trees, a rumour of a devil, and friends going missing—Camp Twisted Pine is not the pleasant summer camp that was promised. Booksmart Naomi, who prefers the indoors, was already hesitant about the camp before hearing of its legends… … More Camp Twisted Pine by Ciera Burch
So if you’re looking for independent books that tell home-grown, weird, serious, strange, and joyful stories to pass on to a reader in your life, why not consider some of our favourites from Canadian Indie presses this 2024 season? … More Young Adulting’s Year-End Book Recommendations from Indie Publishers
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