This posting features all but 2 books released in 2026:
4 Novels + 1 Short stories + 2 chapter books + 1 graphic novel + 4 YA Nonfiction selections.
GO by Deborah Ellis / short stories
There are 11 stories in this collection, each story with the name of a character. The book is divided into three sections 1. On Your Mark. II. Get set. III Go. Each of the 13 year-old characters has troubles to overcome. Each is burdened with an awful character who makes their life miserable. Each character has hopes for a better life. Brodie (appears in all three sections) is sent to jail for a crime he did not commit. His parents don’t protect him. Joan is being forced to give up her bedroom when her cantankerous grandmother comes to live with her family. Bastien was a ‘boy nobody wanted’ tries to settle into his new foster home, but when the family is forced to evacuate the home because of forest fires, decides to head out on his own. Liberi, in Rome, is forced to sell fake purses Nadira lives in the land of sand and moutains and as one of “The Watched’ must be obedient to the evil headmaster. Janine learns that her father had given birth to a girl in Manila. Deborah Ellis brilliantly captures the turmoils of these young characters. Even though these people are not completely innocent (stealing from a parent’s wallet, stealing a purse, robbing homes, grave-robbing) readers are likely to sympathize with each character, especially as the teenagers combat the cruelty of the adults in their lives. Most of all, these are compelling stories of resilience as each character fights to hang on, take action, and plan for a better future, ready to GO forward.
This is the third collection or stories (Sit; Step) collection by one of Canada’s most outstanding authors for young people. Deborah Ellis is a treasured author for her books centred on justice and belonging. She has donated $2 million in royalties to organizations such as Right To Learn Afghanistan All royalties from the sale of Go will be donated to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR,, The UN Refugee Agency. Deborah Ellis’s books must be read.
GOODBYE, FRENCH FRY by Rin-Rin Yu / Chinese American Identity
Ping-Ping is a young Chinese American girl. She is bright. She is talented. she is a loving daughter and sister. She excels in mathematics, she is know for her ability to weave beautiful bracelets, she is a prodigious piano player, she is doing extremely well in her taekwondo classes. However, Ping-Ping she is upset about some things that have come her way: She’ would prefer to have an American name (Megan) to make her life easier; she now needs to wear glasses; she is being bullied at school by a boy who calls her ‘French Fry’ and she has just learned that her father, because of a potential new job, might be moving he family to Kenya. Most of all, Ping-Ping is given thought to her Chinese culture. With this debut novel, the author, invites readers to enjoy and understand the joys of being a young Chinese girl, to think about Chinese heritage, to celebrate Chinese customs (the preparation of Chinese New Year is informative and thoughtful. Whether Chinese American or not, many young readers will connect to the adjustments that a middle-age child goes through and many are likelyl to connect to Ping-Ping’s story of dealing with life’s ups and downs. Congratulations Rin-Rin Yu for an honest, amusing and heartwarming story.
WOMBAT WAITING by Katherine Applegate / verse novel
Any new novel by Katherine Applegate is worth celebrating. I’m so fond of her work (Crenshaw, Home of the Brave, Wishtree, Odder, The One and Only Ivan (quartet). I particularly enjoy when her books are written in free verse style. Wombat Waiting is a gem. Wombat is a dog. A nameless dog. An orphan dog, a homeless dog. “Stout and sturdy, stubby-legged with silly ears that look like furry cookies” does in fact make her resemble a wombat. Wombat hear’s voices that hopefully guide the animal to her destiny: “The right way is the wrong way. The wrong way is the right way.” The setting of this story is Souther California and communities are being evacuated because of the danger of threatening fires. Those who have been forced to leave their homes have found some refuge in rescue shelters. Wombat has found salvation on a bench in town but tends to avoid any association with passers-by, that is until he meets young Henry, who just might find a home, at long last, for Wombat (“Someone /Somewhere/ Someplace needed her). Katherine Applegate has told a story about compassion and resilience. The free verse style works beautifully to not only capture the episodes in one stray dog’s life and her outlook on life but to tell a story about dangerous fires that have threatened many communities. This novel is another anthropomorphic gem , another moving story, from Katherine Applegate.
Excerpts
“By late morning the fires seemed / to have changed course again, and the sky changed too. /An ugly ochre sun /struggled to be seen / through sickening / thick brown haze.” (p. 122)
“Barnabas had perfected the / art of waiting,/ Turns out if you don’t think about/ tomorrow or yesterday / if you focus on now / and now alone – /today will take care / of itself.” (P. 242)
>>> SPOTLIGHT ON SECOND STORY PRESS: Fall 2026 releases <<<
Hats off to Second Story Press for there commitment for publishing multicultural literature. Four out of five titles below are part of a series. Two releases are chapter books that continue a series
ALINA IN HER ROOTS by Shdnaaz Nanji; illus Beena Mistry (chapter book)
This is a story about stories, family stories that Alina has heard of Niroibi, Kenya. She is excited about her trip Africa where she will learn more about food and culture and family that are part of her heritage. Alina’s visit with her cousin Safi takes her on new adventures and grows new stories about the place that is part of her roots. This is the third title in the series (Book One: Alina in a Pinch; Book Two; Alina in the Deep)
THE DOG HEIST b y Dani Jansen
Is stealing a dog such a bad idea? When his parents split up, Caleb is forced to move to a new town where he befriends (sort of) Valery who is lonley and hurt since her best friend abandoned her. With the threatening approach of a hurricane, Caleb and Valery are determined to rescue, Lyra, a dog who has been terribly neglected by their neighbour. Many readers will be connect to the story of a family falling apart, of the challenge of making new friends (who they may or may not have anything in common with), preparing to survive a hurricane and the responsibility of caring for a dog. Novels where dogs are a central part of the story have great appeal for middle age readers. Add The Dog Heist to another engaging ‘dog story’.
IN THE LONG SHADOWS by Bear Meawasige (Book one of The Long Shadows Series)
Who is a hero? Who is a monster? In this first title of a series, we meet Leaf who sets out to explore the stonefolk’s cursed ruins. When she learns about her grandmother’s past of being imprisoned with other children, Leaf is determined to return to the stone buildings until she one day discovers a mysterious object by the invaders. If Leaf brings back the object to the Elderglade, she risks banishment. With the help of by Ash, a watcher who is a protector of the clans people, Leav sets out on a perilous journey. We are also introduced to the orphaned Reed who dreams of escaping a makehift land of ships floating in the middle of the sea. Reed lies his way into escaping on a ship and along with a new acquaintance sets out on a journey to the Great Turtle. In the Long Shadows is written by Bear Meawasige (pen name Kurt Wilson, an Ojibwe and Scottish writer. He has written an exciting adventure story filled with Indigenous lore and quests. The book is the winner of the scodn Story Press Indigenous Writing Contest.
LUCKILY EVER AFTER OLIVE TRAN by Phuong Truong; illus.Christine Wei (chapter book)
What does a young girl do when Lunar New Year and Valentine’s Day fall on the same day? Olive Tran, a ten-year-old Asian Americanl Pacific Islander, old. is sure that this coincidental date is a sign luck and love. With the help of her her best friend Mia, Olive is on a mission to bring her Mom and Mia’s dad together but will their matchmaking plans have a happy ending? This is the third book in the Olive Tran series (Book One: Every Little Bit Olive Tran; Book Two; Take a Break Olive Tran)
THE SECRET SOCIETY OF THE WILLOWBROOK WITCHES (Book 1) by Camille Perron-Cormier (graphic novel)
In Book One of “The Willowbrook Witches’, graphic novel series, readers are introduced to a coven of Young Adult Witches. The story is centred on Andrea, a young woman who is about to start university. Andrea is nervous and introverted and has a hard time fitting in with others. Meeting up with Elaine and Sybil, Andrea is hopeful that she has found new friendships even if they are witches? Is Andrea a witch too? Is Andrea able to partake in the world of witch magic? Though the characters are older than the intended audience for this book, this short novel (75 pages), told in black and white graphic style. will certainly appeal to readers intrigued by a story about a secret society of witches.
>>>>> NONFICTION / YA. <<<<<
BOOKS GOOD ENOUGH FOR YOU: The Storied Life of Ursula Nordstrom, Editor of Extraordinary Children’s Books by Nancy Hudgins / Biography
As the subtitle suggest, this biography surveys “the storied life of Urusula Nordstrom, Editor of Extraordinary Children’s Books”. Nordstrom was a trailblazing book editor who’s taste, tenacity and talent helped to champion such authors as E.B. White, Margaret Wise Brown, Maurice Sendak and Louise Fitzhugh. Each short chapter provides anecdotal information about how some iconic books such as Where The Wild Things Are, Goodnight Moon, Charlotte’s Web, Harold and the Purple Crayon, A Hole is to Dig, Bronzville Boys and Girls came to be. Often facing criticism and opposition, Nordstrom fought back, defending her authors, knowing that they were offering young readers original and honest literature that reflected their worlds and opened their worlds to others. Ursula Nordstrom was a fascinating business woman and Nancy Hughes conveys this in this autobiography written for young readers. I’m not sure how many of these young readers would be familiar or interested in the Nordstrom’s accomplishments but anyone, young o old ,who picks up this book will gain understanding of the challenges of publishing books. “Not good enough for you.’ (NGEFY) was a common phrase Nordstom offered authors who hoped to get their work published. It is apparent that Ursula Nordstrom encouraged and fought for the best from writers and illustrators and she did indeed give the world of children’s literature the best – the very best – during her forty year career.
HONOR:Based on a true story of resilience, moral courage, and the hidden histories we inherit by Natalia Mariichyn; Leon Buchwald; Susan McClelland / The Holocaust
The biographical story is presented in two different time periods, two different settings. Natalia, a teenager in Ukraine comes upon a box of letters that written during the Holocaust and she is determined to uncover the story of the writer of these letters, Eliezer, a Jewish boy in hiding during World War II. Not only do the letters reveal truths about Jewish people’s suffering under the Nazi regime but for Natalia but the letters raise questions about her own family’s history. Honor is told through dual perspectives (i.e., Natalia, 2013 and Leizer (1941-1945) each narrative revealing a poignant account of of resilience, courage and choice.
SEABIRD by Michelle Kadarusman / 2025 / Historical Fiction
Seabird, set in the late nineteenth century in Indonesia (Dutch East Indies) tells the true story of Kartini of a young Javanese girl who was confined to her home. until she reached the age of thirteen, when according tradition and expectations, she would get married. Kartini is in total despair now that her life forces her to be away from school and removed from the outside world, Writing letters to her friend Lesty who has retuned to the Netherlands, gives Kartini some solace and hope. along with other girls and women in her community, the brave young girl is determined to fight for change and freedom. Michelle Kadarusman has done a masterful job of honouring the life of Kartini who fought for the rights for the education of girls and womenb during Dutch colonization. Seabird is a remarkable piece of historical fiction by an author who grew up with an Indonesian father. In the author’s note, Michelle Kadarusman writes that she was ‘circling’ this novel since she was a child. In the author’s note she writes It was important for her to tell Kartini’s story because which is “not just about the opression of the colonized, it is also about the subjugation of girls. Kartini was caged by cultural traditions, whe her coutnry was caged by colonizers.” Seabird is an inspirational story of activism, unwavering spirit and dreams of independence.
YOU WERE MADE FOR THIS WORLD: Celebrated Indigenous Voices Speak to Young People by Stephanie Sinclair and Sara Sinclair (editors) / 2025 /Letters; Art
“To our readers: Welcome! We are so happy you are here to honor who are, the land we are on and the medicine we all need to find our way forward” (Stephanie ad Sara Sinclair, editors, Introduction, p. 15)
This beautiful collection of writing brings together 20 celebrated Indigenous voices reaching out to young people, giving advice to care for their heritages, care for the environment, and care for themselves. Most selections by writers, artists, activists, scholars, are presented in one to three pages as persuasive letters, written in the second voice addressed to First Nations young people. Writing is often drawn from the biographical background of the writer. A piece of evocative art work by acclaimed artists from across Turtle Island accompanies each piece adding to the richness of this book.
Excerpts
(Words by Tanya Tagaq)
Share your smile
open and full of laughter
Receive the rain
Splash in the puddles
And protect your heart.
(Words by David A. Robertson)
So just hang on. One day, you’ll find your way out of the dark and you won’t be tired anymore.
(Words by Brittany Luby)
Brave one ~/ You can learn/ There are many different ways to do so.
(Words by katherena vermette)
I want this letter to be a pack of wishes. I want to end these words out to the universe, out to Creator or whoever is in chage, so that if thse wishes are not tru now , then they will be one day soon…. I wish you LOVE.. I wish you PEACE.. I wish you HAPPINESS.. I hope you KNOW YOU ARE AMAZING.
>>>>>>>. <<<<<<<<<<
A BELATED TRIBUTE: Canadian Chilldren’s Book Centre
Remembering AMY MATHERS
November 8, 1982 – May 21, 2026
It is with deep sadness that we share with you that our dear friend Amy Mathers passed away on May 21, 2026. Amy was the driving force behind the Amy Mathers Teen Book Award. Born with a form of muscular dystrophy, Amy faced profound challenges, and much of her life was spent in hospitals. Books are what helped Amy through, helped her to face those challenges, and helped her to thrive in the midst of difficulties most of us would give up on.
Inspired by Terry Fox’s and Rick Hansen’s Canadian journeys, Amy decided to honour her passion for reading Canadian teen literature, while working around her physical limitations, by completing a Marathon of Books to raise funds for a much needed award celebrating Canadian teen fiction.
As Amy said at the time, “I realized that the two goals—the first of trying to fund a Canadian teen book award and the second of trying to show that even people with physical limitations could take part in something athletic in nature—came together quite seamlessly. I could participate in a Marathon of Books of my creation, and use the money fundraised by it to help the CCBC fund a Canadian teen fiction book award.”
The award Amy helped establish celebrates exceptional writing for teens, recognizing 11 winners and an additional 45 finalists to date. Because of her vision and passion, these books—and the creators and publishers behind them—continue to reach broader audiences and inspire countless teen readers.