The Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC) has compiled a list of great Canadian books, for kids of all ages, for the 2015 holiday season. The books featured in this list are starred selections from the Fall 2015 edition of Best Books for Kids & Teens. While the CCBC does not sell these items, they can be purchased directly from the online booksellers linked below each book, from your local bookseller or from a wholesaler. Alternatively, you can borrow these titles from your local library.
Board Books
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Goodnight, Canada
Written and illustrated by Andrea Beck
Toronto: Scholastic Canada, 2015
$9.99 BD 978-1-4431-3346-3
30 pages, full-colour, 6 3/4″ x 6 3/4″
IL: Ages 2-4 RL: Grades 1-2
Canada | Bedtime | Geography | Imagination
This lovely board book inspires a sense of community as a young child, sitting at his window at bedtime, wonders about the other children in his country and the world at large. He bids goodnight to them all, and to Canada itself, province by province, territory by territory. Originally published in hardcover in 2012, by North Winds Press/Scholastic Canada.
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More Blueberries!
Written by Susan Musgrave
Illustrated by Esperança Melo
Victoria: Orca Book Publishers, 2015
$9.95 BD 978-1-4598-0707-5
$9.95 EB 978-1-4598-0709-9
24 pages, full-colour, 7″ x 7″
IL: Ages 0-3 RL: Grade 1
Rhyme | Blueberries | Siblings | Joy
From playtime to bedtime, blueberries make everything oh, so sweet! These siblings can’t get enough of their favourite snack — and they aren’t the only ones! With playful rhyming text from award-winning poet Susan Musgrave and gorgeous illustrations by Esperança Melo, this exuberant board book will delight little ones and have everyone happily shouting, “More blueberries!”
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Two by Two
Written and illustrated by Barbara Reid
Toronto: Scholastic Canada, 2015
$9.99 BD 978-1-4431-3304-3
30 pages, full-colour, 7″ x 6″
IL: Ages 2-5 RL: Grade 1
Biblical Story | Noah’s Ark | Plasticine Art | Rhyme
The classic story of Noah’s ark told with fabulous Plasticine illustrations! Animals of every colour and kind make their way into the hold. Bees and boas, camels and cats, every pair finds a place in these pages. No ark has shown such colour and diversity of life as that of Barbara Reid! Originally published as a picture book in 1992, by North Winds Press/Scholastic Canada. This title is also available in French as Deux par deux.
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Picture Books
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And What If I Won’t?
Written by Maureen Fergus
Illustrated by Qin Leng
Toronto: Owlkids Books, 2015
$17.95 HC (jacket & PLC) 978-1-77147-065-0
32 pages, full-colour, 10 1/4″ x 9 1/4″
IL: Ages 5-8 RL: Grades 2-3
Imagination | Humour | Family | Love | Acceptance
When his mother asks Benny to put his plate in the sink, Benny asks her what she would do if he said, “no!” His “what ifs?” continue as he dreams up ever-naughtier behaviour. His mother sends Benny off to the zoo, sells him to the circus and, to Benny’s delight, even shoots him into outer space as punishment for his imagined behaviour!
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Butterfly Park
Written and illustrated by Elly MacKay
Philadelphia, PA: Running Press Kids, 2015
$21.00 HC (jacket & PLC) 978-0-7624-5339-9
36 pages, full-colour, 8 3/4″ x 11 1/4″
IL: Ages 3-7 RL: Grades 1-2
Butterflies | Green Space | Community | Nature | Inspiration
When a little girl moves to a new town, she finds a place called Butterfly Park. But when she opens the gate, there are no butterflies. Determined to lure the butterflies in, she inspires her entire town to help. Soon the butterflies — and the girl — feel right at home. Luminous paper-cut illustrations and an enchanting story encourage community, friendship and wonderment at the beauty of everyday life.
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The Duck Says
Written by Troy Wilson
Illustrated by Mike Boldt
Toronto: North Winds Press/Scholastic Canada, 2015
$16.99 HC 978-1-4431-2869-8
29 pages, full-colour, 10 1/4″ x 10 1/4″
IL: Ages 3-6 RL: Grades 1-2
Animals | Farms | Bees | Humour | Verse
Uh oh… why are the bees chasing the duck? Follow the duck in this madcap romp around the farmyard, which will have kids delighting in his clueless antics and witty wordplay. Bouncing rhymes are perfectly paired with colourful, exuberant illustrations full of visual gags that will have readers laughing along and anticipating what will happen next. This title is also available in French as Les cancans du canard.
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Frankenstink! Garbage Gone Bad
Written and illustrated by Ron Lightburn
Toronto: Tundra Books, 2015
$19.99 HC (jacket & PLC) 978-1-77049-694-1
32 pages, full-colour, 8 3/8″ x 11 1/2″
IL: Ages 4-8 RL: Grades 2-3
Imagination | Garbage | Monsters | Composting | Recycling | Environment
A boy who ignores the growing pile of trash under his bed is awakened one night as the garbage transforms and mutates into a greedy, disgusting monster, devouring everything in its path! Is it just a dream? The monster that feeds on “a mountainous salad of plastic and goo” is a hilarious example of what could happen if we don’t compost and recycle!
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I Don’t Want to Be a Frog
Written by Dev Petty
Illustrated by Mike Boldt
New York: Doubleday Books for Young Readers, 2015
$23.99 LIB 978-0-375-97334-5
$19.99 HC (jacket & PLC) 978-0-385-37866-6
28 pages, full-colour, 10 1/4″ x 10 1/4″
IL: Ages 3-7 RL: Grades 1-2
Identity | Self-Acceptance | Frogs | Animals | Curiosity | Humour
Frogs are wet and slimy. Little frog wants to be something cute and warm. A cat or a rabbit perhaps? But when a hungry wolf tells little frog he eats all those animals, but not frogs, little frog decides that being himself may not be so bad. Young readers will identify with little frog’s humorous attempts to be something different!
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In a Cloud of Dust
Written by Alma Fullerton
Illustrated by Brian Deines
Toronto: Pajama Press, 2015
$19.95 HC (jacket & PLC) 978-1-927485-62-0
32 pages, full-colour, 9 1/4″ x 10 1/4″
IL: Ages 4-8 RL: Grades 2-3
Tanzania | Africa | Bicycles | Rural Communities | Sharing | Compassion | Bicycle Donation
In a Tanzanian village school, Anna does her homework at lunch because it will be dark by the time she gets home. When the bicycle library truck comes by, Anna is late — all the bikes are gone. She hides her disappointment, however, and cheers on her friends as they learn to ride. But her kindhearted classmates find a way to share so they can all get home.
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Little Miss, Big Sis
Written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 2015
$21.99 HC (jacket & PLC) 978-0-06-230203-8
$11.99 EB 978-0-06-239993-9
40 pages, full-colour, 9 3/8″ x 9 3/8″
IL: Ages 4-8 RL: Grades 2-3
Siblings | Babies | Family | Love
In the perfect follow-up to Plant a Kiss, Little Miss learns her mother is going to have a baby! She and her family celebrate the momentous arrival of a new baby and Little Miss experiences all the wonders of becoming a big sis — from drool wiping and cuddling to chasing, sharing and playing!
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Peace is an Offering
Written by Annette LeBox
Illustrated by Stephanie Graegin
New York: Dial Books for Young Readers, 2015
$18.99 HC (jacket & PLC) 978-0-8037-4091-4
34 pages, full-colour, 7 1/4″ x 9 1/4″
IL: Ages 3-5 RL: Grades 1-2
Peace | Friendship | Community | Mindfulness | Caring
A lyrical, comforting poem, with tender illustrations, about finding peace in a myriad of ways. Join this group of neighbourhood children as they find love in everyday things — in sunlight shining through the leaves and cookies shared with friends — and learn that peace is all around, even in tragedy, if you just look for it.
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Sidewalk Flowers
Storyline by JonArno Lawson
Illustrated by Sydney Smith
Toronto: Groundwood Books, 2015
$16.95 HC 978-1-55498-431-2
$14.95 EB 978-1-55498-432-9
28 pages, full-colour, 9″ x 9″
IL: Ages 5-8 RL: —
Family | Nature | Urban Landscapes | Kindness | Generosity
In this wordless picture book, a little girl collects wildflowers while walking with her distracted father who spends much of the time on his cell phone. Each flower she picks becomes a gift — for a dead bird, a man sleeping on a bench, a dog — and whether the gift is acknowledged or ignored, both giver and recipient are transformed by their encounter.
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Sometimes We Think You Are a Monkey
Written by Johanna Skibsrud and Sarah Blacker
Illustrated by Julie Morstad
Toronto: Puffin Canada, 2015
$19.99 BD 978-0-670-06712-1
$10.99 EB 978-0-14-319441-5
32 pages, full-colour, 10 1/4″ x 8 1/4″
IL: Ages 1-4 RL: Grades 1-2
Babies | Animals | Love
Your little arms and legs move just like you are a baby monkey climbing a tree. But you are not a monkey. Your nose twitches and your mouth moves as though you are a bunny sniffing the garden air. But you are not a bunny. Moving from animal to animal, this charming story for the very youngest bibliophiles leads to a sweet surprise.
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Song for a Summer Night: A Lullaby
Written by Robert Heidbreder
Illustrated by Qin Leng
Toronto: Groundwood Books, 2015
$17.95 HC (jacket & PLC) 978-1-55498-493-0
$14.95 EB 978-1-55498-494-7
32 pages, full-colour, 9 3/4″ x 9″
IL: Ages 3-7 RL: Grades 1-2
Summer | Night | Animals | Curiosity | Natural World | Verse
As night falls on a soft summer evening, neighbourhood children are drawn out of their houses by the sights and sounds of the world after dark. First the fireflies come sparkling past, followed by raccoons, skunks, cats and owls. A sweet interplay between our everyday domestic world and one that is just a little bit wilder.
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This Is Sadie
Written by Sara O’Leary
Illustrated by Julie Morstad
Toronto: Tundra Books, 2015
$19.99 HC (jacket & PLC) 978-1-77049-532-6
32 pages, full-colour, 7″ x 10″
IL: Ages 4-8 RL: Grades 2-3
Imagination | Whimsy | Stories | Make-Believe
Sadie has a big imagination. She has had adventures in wonderland and visited the world of fairy tales. She whispers to her dresses and talks to birds in the treetops. She has wings that take her anywhere and always bring her home again. She likes to make things, but, more than anything, Sadie likes stories, because you can make them from nothing at all.
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Where Are My Books?
Written and illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi
New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2015
$19.99 HC (jacket & PLC) 978-1-4424-6741-5
$14.99 EB 978-1-4424-6742-2
32 pages, full-colour, 10 1/4″ x 10 1/4″
IL: Ages 4-8 RL: Grades 2-3
Books | Love of Reading | Mystery | Squirrels | Creative Thinking | Humour
Spencer loves to read. But one morning, his favourite book goes missing, and in its place is a tulip. Spencer searches everywhere, but he can’t find his book. The next morning, another book is missing, a bolt in its place. What is happening to Spencer’s books? When he finds out, Spencer devises a surprising solution that will delight readers (and librarians) everywhere.
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You and Me
Written by Susan Verde
Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
New York: Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2015
$16.95 HC (jacket & PLC) 978-1-4197-1197-8
32 pages, full-colour, 8 1/4″ x 8 1/4″
IL: Ages 3-8 RL: Grades 2-3
Friendship | Best Friends | Fate | Verse | Serendipity
A cat muses about the what-ifs in life: What if he’d slept late that one special morning? What if he hadn’t missed his train on that fateful day? Then he might never have met his favourite person in the world! It must have been “serendipity, perfect timing, all the stars aligning!” A loving ode to how fate brought two friends together.
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Beginning Readers & Early Chapter Books
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Jasper John Dooley: You’re in Trouble
(Jasper John Dooley, Book 4)
Written by Caroline Adderson
Illustrated by Ben Clanton
Toronto: Kids Can Press, 2015
$16.95 HC (jacket & PLC) 978-1-55453-808-9
$5.99 EB 978-1-77138-422-3
122 pages, b&w, 5 1/2″ x 7 1/4″
IL: Ages 7-10 RL: Grades 2-3
Family | Humour | Mischief | Individuality | Imagination
After soccer practice, Jasper accidentally chooses the wrong drink from the vending machine. It’s fizzy and syrupy and tastes so good, but Jasper knows it’s so Bad. All week, Jasper can’t stop himself from stealing sips of the Bad drink and doing more and more Bad things. Will Jasper’s secret drink be discovered? Will he be Bad for the rest of his life?
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Princess Pistachio and the Pest
Written and illustrated by Marie-Louise Gay
Translated by Jacob Homel
Toronto: Pajama Press, 2015
$12.95 HC 978-1-927485-73-6
44 pages, full-colour, 5 3/4″ x 8 1/2″
IL: Ages 5-8 RL: Grades 1-2
Siblings | Responsibility | Adventure | Imagination
Pistachio Shoelace had big plans for the first day of summer, but instead she is stuck with taking her baby sister, Penny, to the park. However, between witches, wardens and watermelon thefts, Pistachio’s day keeping Penny out of trouble turns into quite the adventure! This title is also available in French as Les malheurs de princesse Pistache.
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Junior & Intermediate Fiction
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The Case of the Missing Moonstone
(The Wollstonecraft Detective Agency, Book 1)
Written by Jordan Stratford
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy
New York: Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2015
$23.99 LIB 978-0-385-75441-5
$19.99 HC (jacket) 978-0-385-75440-8
$11.99 EB 978-0-385-75442-2
219 pages, b&w, 5 1/2″ x 8″
IL: Ages 8-11 RL: Grades 4-5
Historical Fiction | Mystery | Science | Adventure | Friendship | Intrigue
Lady Ada Byron, 11, is an awkward, mildly rude genius. Mary Godwin, 14, is an adventurous, kind romantic. Together they form the Wollstonecraft Detective Agency — a secret constabulary for the apprehension of clever criminals. Their first case involves a stolen heirloom, a false confession and an array of fishy suspects. But it’s no match for the deductive powers and bold hearts of Ada and Mary.
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Fight for the Future
(MetaWars, Book 1)
Written by Jeff Norton
London, UK: Orchard Books, 2015
$10.99 PB 978-1-40831-459-3
$6.99 EB 978-1-40831-654-2
370 pages, 5 1/8″ x 7 3/4″
IL: Ages 10-14 RL: Grades 5-6
Virtual Reality | Dystopia | Adventure | Science Fiction | Fantasy
In an unforgiving future, Jonah Delacroix lives most of his life inside the Metasphere, a global virtual world where everyone is represented by an avatar. When he discovers the avatar of his dead father and assumes his online identity, a series of events are unleashed that compel Jonah to take sides in a brutal real-world battle between the Millennials and the Guardians to control the Metasphere.
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The Incredible Space Raiders from Space!
Written by Wesley King
New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2015
$17.99 HC (jacket) 978-1-4814-2319-9
$11.99 EB 978-1-4814-2321-2
293 pages, 5 3/4″ x 8 1/2″
IL: Ages 8-12 RL: Grades 3-4
Fantasy | Science Fiction | Action | Adventure | Outer Space | Mystery
Jonah finds himself on a spaceship — the Fantastic Flying Squirrel — joined to the ranks of the Incredible Space Raiders, a crew of kids with one mission: to venture into the Dark Zone and save the universe from the Entirely Evil Things! But Space Raiders are disappearing, and Jonah realizes that to get to the Dark Zone alive, he must figure out what’s going on.
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Something Wiki
Written by Suzanne Sutherland
Toronto: Dundurn, 2015
$12.99 PB 978-1-4597-2821-9
$8.99 EB 978-1-4597-2823-3
156 pages, 5″ x 8″
IL: Ages 9-14 RL: Grades 5-6
Family | Friendship | Coming of Age | Loyalty | Identity
Twelve-year-old Jo Waller has one deep, dark secret: she edits Wikipedia for fun. When her 24-year-old brother moves back home with his pregnant girlfriend, Jo’s whole world is thrown into chaos. Faced with impending aunt-hood, major friendship turbulence, an unrequited crush and a bad haircut, it’s looking like Jo will be lucky to make it out of the year alive.
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Middle Years Fiction (Hi-Lo)
Rock the Boat
(Orca Limelights)
Written by Sigmund Brouwer
Victoria: Orca Book Publishers, 2015
$9.95 PB 978-1-4598-0455-5
$9.95 EB 978-1-4598-0457-9
119 pages, 4 3/4″ x 7 1/4″
IL: Ages 11-14 RL: Grades 5-6
Music Industry | Friendship | Scams | Justice | Resolve | Character
Webb believes that if you want to reach your dreams, you have to live life loud and have no regrets. But when a shady music producer steals one of his songs, Webb learns how hard it is for a kid alone in Nashville to get justice. With the help of an unlikely ally, Webb finds that he has what it takes to succeed: talent, determination and good friends.
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Young Adult Fiction
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Blank
Written by Trina St. Jean
Victoria: Orca Book Publishers, 2015
$12.95 PB 978-1-4598-0807-2
$12.95 EB 978-1-4598-0809-6
301 pages, 5 1/2″ x 8 1/4″
IL: Ages 12-15 RL: Grades 7-8
Amnesia | Memories | Identity | Emotions | Friendship
Jessica doesn’t remember anything about the accident that put her in a coma. She doesn’t recognize her family and friends. Her moods range from confusion and sadness, to fear and rage. Returning to school is a nightmare. When a new friend presents an alternative to staying in her old life, Jessica must confront the reality of what it means to leave her past behind.
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A Book of Spirits and Thieves
Written by Morgan Rhodes
New York: Razorbill, 2015
$24.99 HC (jacket) 978-1-59514-759-2
$12.99 EB 978-0-69-814814-7
359 pages, 6 1/4″ x 9 1/4″
IL: Ages 12 and up RL: Grades 7-8
Fantasy | Magic | Siblings | Secrets | Mystery
Toronto teens Crystal and Becca are working at their mother’s book shop, The Speckled Muse, when a package arrives. Inside is a mysterious leather-bound book, and, when Becca tries to read it, she triggers an ancient magic — her spirit is sent to an ancient world and she falls into a coma. Crys vows to save her… but from what? Nothing has prepared them for what’s in store.
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Delusion Road
Written by Don Aker
Toronto: HarperTrophy Canada, 2015
$15.99 PB 978-1-44342-416-5
$11.99 EB 978-1-44342-418-9
399 pages, 5 1/2″ x 8 1/4″
IL: Ages 14 and up RL: Grades 9-10
Thriller | Bullying | High School | Family | Social Justice | Murder | Violence Against Women
Willa Jaffrey is beautiful, rich, dating the perfect guy and determined to have a fabulous senior year. Enter Keegan Fraser, a handsome new student who wants no part of the games everyone plays at Willa’s school. Despite a rocky start, Keegan and Willa become close, even as Willa’s carefully constructed universe begins to fall apart. Keegan’s past holds dark secrets — and they’re catching up to him.
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Empire of Night
(Age of Legends, Book 2)
Written by Kelley Armstrong
Toronto: Doubleday Canada, 2015
$19.99 HC (jacket) 978-0-385-67201-6
$10.99 EB 978-0-385-67202-3
424 pages, 5 3/4″ x 8 1/2″
IL: Ages 12 and up RL: Grades 7-8
Fantasy | Romance | Adventure | Siblings | Magic
Moria and Ashyn were the Keeper and Seeker of Edgewood. Now, they are all but prisoners in court, hoping the Emperor will decide to help the children of Edgewood, hostages of the treacherous Alvar Kitsune. Finally, the Emperor sends the girls on a mission to rescue the children — accompanied by Prince Tyrus — and the journey proves more perilous than any of them could have imagined.
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Mad Miss Mimic
Written by Sarah Henstra
Toronto: Razorbill Canada, 2015
$16.00 PB 978-0-14-319236-7
$10.99 EB 978-0-14-319238-1
259 pages, 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
IL: Ages 12 and up RL: Grades 7-8
Victorian Era | Mystery | London, England | Romance | Sexual Awakening | Intrigue | Voices
It’s London, 1872, and 17-year-old heiress Leonora (Leo) Somerville is plagued by an unrelenting stutter that vanishes only when she imitates other people’s voices. Courted by handsome Francis Thornfax, she can’t shake the feeling that something is wrong. The Black Glove opium gang is bombing London, and Leo suspects that Mr. Thornfax, her brother-in-law, and his assistant Tom are involved. Leo investigates, only to discover the one thing she most desperately desires: her voice.
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Say You Will
Written by Eric Walters
Toronto: Doubleday Canada, 2015
$14.95 PB 978-0-385-68478-1
$9.99 EB 978-0-385-68479-8
184 pages, 5 1/2″ x 8 1/4″
IL: Ages 12 and up RL: Grades 7-8
High School | Fitting In | Prom | Friendship | Social Relationships | Humour
Sam is not exactly a regular guy: his IQ is stratospheric, his social skills are low, and his dating history? Well, there is no history. But Sam is determined to finally fit in and find a prom date! Promposals are sweeping Sam’s school, and Sam thinks he has what he needs to ask a special girl to the prom — and an unforgettable way to do it.
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The Truth Commission
Written by Susan Juby
Toronto: Razorbill Canada, 2015
$21.00 HC (jacket) 978-0-670-06759-6
$10.99 EB 978-0-14-319445-3
309 pages, 5 5/8″ x 8 1/2″
IL: Ages 13 and up RL: Grades 7-8
Family | Friendship | Truth | Secrets | Humour | Self-Discovery | Coming of Age
Open secrets are the heart of gossip — the things that no one is brave or clueless enough to ask. Except for Normandy Pale and her friends Dusk and Neil, juniors at Green Pastures Academy of Art and Applied Design — they are the Truth Commission. But Normandy’s passion for uncovering the truth is not entirely heartfelt. Even for a Truth Commissioner, there are some lines that cannot be crossed.
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We Are All Made of Molecules
Written by Susin Nielsen
Toronto: Tundra Books, 2015
$19.99 HC (jacket) 978-1-77049-779-5
$10.99 EB 978-1-77049-781-8
248 pages, 5 5/8″ x 8 1/2″
IL: Ages 12 and up RL: Grades 7-8
High School | Blended Families | Bullying | Fitting In | Humour | Homosexuality | Acceptance
Thirteen-year-old Stewart is academically brilliant but socially “ungifted.” Fourteen-year-old Ashley is the “It” girl of Grade 9, but her marks stink. When Stewart and his dad move in with Ashley and her mom, their worlds collide. They are complete opposites. And yet, no matter their differences, they share one thing in common: they — like the rest of us — are all made of molecules.
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Teen Fiction (Hi-Lo)
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Off the Rim
(Orca Sports)
Written by Sonya Spreen Bates
Victoria: Orca Book Publishers, 2015
$9.95 PB 978-1-4598-0888-1
$9.95 EB 978-1-4598-0890-4
157 pages, 4 1/4″ x 7″
IL: Ages 12 and up RL: Grades 3-4
Basketball | Sports | Cyber Bullying | Mystery
Dylan’s wish comes true when he makes the starting lineup for the first game of the playoffs. But just when he should be focusing on basketball, Dylan and his girlfriend Jenna are nearly run off the road. Then Jenna starts receiving cyber threats telling her to “keep quiet.” Jenna isn’t sure what she knows, but together they have to figure it out fast.
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Folktales, Legends & Myths
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The Dreaded Ogress of the Tundra
Gathered and retold by Neil Christopher
Illustrated by Larry MacDougall
Iqaluit: Inhabit Media, 2015
$16.95 HC 978-1-927095-79-9
54 pages, full-colour, 8 3/4″ x 8 3/4″
IL: Ages 7-10 RL: Grades 2-4
Inuit Mythology | Legends | Arctic | Storytelling | Monsters
This spine-tingling book introduces young readers to the amautalik — the dreaded ogress of the tundra, a creature who carries away children on her back. This revised and expanded edition, originally published as Stories of the Amautalik, includes two hair-raising tales that bring this creature to life in wonderfully creepy detail! New illustrations and additional content make this a must-have for young readers intrigued with the dark and dreaded beings of Inuit mythology!
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Health & Wellness
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Foodprints: The Story of What We Eat
Written by Paula Ayer
Toronto: Annick Press, 2015
$26.95 HC 978-1-55451-719-0
$16.95 PB 978-1-55451-718-3
206 pages, full-colour, 6 1/2″ x 9″
IL: Ages 12 and up RL: Grades 5-6
Food | Nutrition | Health | Environment
What do you think of when you think about food? Society’s obsession with food means we are constantly bombarded with messages about what and what not to eat. This entertaining and highly informative book provides the big picture about food — its history, science, marketing, economics, production and more. An indispensable guide for savvy teens to separate food myths from reality.
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History, Geography & Culture
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The Red Bicycle: The Extraordinary Story of One Ordinary Bicycle
(CitizenKid)
Written by Jude Isabella
Illustrated by Simone Shin
Toronto: Kids Can Press, 2015
$19.95 HC (jacket & PLC) 978-1-77138-023-2
$18.99 EB 978-1-77138-444-5
32 pages, full-colour, 9 1/4″ x 12 1/4″
IL: Ages 8-12 RL: Grade 4
Bicycles | Global Awareness | Burkina Faso | Sharing | Generosity | Transportation
This is the story of how one ordinary bicycle — and a child’s desire to make a difference — can change lives across the world. When Leo outgrows his beloved bicycle, he donates it to an organization that sends bikes to faraway countries. In Burkina Faso, Leo’s bicycle helps a girl haul goods to market and then becomes a makeshift ambulance — proving that an ordinary bicycle can be truly extraordinary!
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Science
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Be a Beach Detective: Solving the Mysteries of Seas, Sands, and Surf
Written and illustrated by Peggy Kochanoff
Halifax: Nimbus Publishing, 2015
$14.95 PB 978-1-77108-267-9
48 pages, full-colour, 8″ x 8 3/4″
IL: Ages 4-10 RL: Grades 2-3
Sea Life | Seashore Biology | Natural World | Beaches
Can anything eat prickly sea urchins? Can dead jellyfish still sting you? Why does water squirt up when you walk along the beach? Biologist and artist Peggy Kochanoff answers these and many more questions in this illustrated guide to solving beach mysteries. An entertaining and enlightening look at life by the ocean, perfect for beachcombers of any age.
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Head Lice
(Disgusting Critters)
Written and illustrated by Elise Gravel
Toronto: Tundra Books, 2015
$12.99 HC 978-1-77049-661-3
32 pages, full-colour, 6 1/4″ x 8 1/2″
IL: Ages 6-9 RL: Grades 2-3
Head Lice | Humour | Insects
Head lice — they are very tiny and they are disgusting! This amusing and informative text investigates everything about head lice, including habitats (human heads only, dogs are gross); anatomy (their bodies are slightly see-through, so they can always see what they ate for lunch) and how they move (swinging from hair to hair like mini-Tarzans)! Factual and fun, this title is also available in French as Le pou.
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Power Up! A Visual Exploration of Energy
Written by Shaker Paleja
Illustrated by Glenda Tse
Toronto: Annick Press, 2015
$24.95 LIB 978-1-55451-727-5
$12.95 PB 978-1-55451-726-8
52 pages, full-colour, 8 1/2″ x 11″
IL: Ages 9-12 RL: Grades 4-5
Energy | Renewable Energy | Fossil Fuels | Energy Conservation
It’s impossible to imagine our lives without energy, but how often do we think about where it comes from? This infographic approach makes learning about energy accessible and fun. Each bright, dynamic spread illustrates cool facts about energy use with colourful charts, diagrams and maps. Readers will learn about the global implications of energy use and how energy affects their own lives, every day!
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The Queen’s Shadow: A Story About How Animals See
Written and illustrated by Cybèle Young
Toronto: Kids Can Press, 2015
$18.95 HC (jacket & PLC) 978-1-894786-60-7
$19.99 EB 978-1-77138-439-1
40 pages, full-colour, 11 1/4″ x 9 1/4″
IL: Ages 5-11 RL: Grades 3-4
Animals | Eyesight | Visual Perception | Mystery | Human Eye
During the royal revelry of the Queen’s Ball, an audacious crime has been committed — the Queen’s shadow has been stolen! Mantis Shrimp, the Royal Detective, questions the guests, including Sir Chameleon, Captain Shark, Lancehead Snake, Dragonfly, Colossal Squid and Dr. Pigeon. Each explains its own version of events based on its unique eyesight, while the detailed artwork illustrates the ballroom as viewed by that animal.
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The Spider
(Disgusting Critters)
Written and illustrated by Elise Gravel
Toronto: Tundra Books, 2015
$12.99 HC 978-1-77049-664-4
32 pages, full-colour, 6 1/4″ x 8 1/2″
IL: Ages 6-9 RL: Grades 2-3
Spiders | Humour
As part of a series about disgusting creatures, this book examines the spider. It covers such topics as the spider’s habitats (everywhere but outer space), the silk it spins (it can trap prey and makes a nifty bowtie) and its parenting practices (female spiders carry their eggs in a silk purse). This humorous text will catch young readers in its web! This title is also available in French as L’araignée.
Amazon | Indigo | Canadian Bookstores | Wholesalers |
Trash Talk: Moving Toward a Zero-Waste World
(Orca Footprints)
Written by Michelle Mulder
Victoria: Orca Book Publishers, 2015
$19.95 HC (jacket & PLC) 978-1-4598-0692-4
$19.95 EB 978-1-4598-0694-8
48 pages, full-colour, 8 3/8″ x 9 3/4″
IL: Ages 8-13 RL: Grades 4-5
Garbage | Waste | Recycling | Reusing | Environmentalism | Creative Thinking | Global Community
Humans have always generated garbage. Our landfills are overflowing, but with some creative thinking, stuff we once threw away can become a collection of valuable resources. This fascinating text digs deep into the history of garbage, from Minoan trash pits to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, and uncovers some of the many innovative ways people all over the world are dealing with waste.
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Magazine
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OWL
Toronto: Owlkids
www.owlkids.com/OWL
$5.25/issue
$34.95 one-year subscription (10 issues)
ISSN 0382-6627
IL: Ages 9-13
Science | Technology | Pop Culture | Natural World | Activities
Emphasizing science, technology, engineering, art and math, this is an informative and inspiring magazine for preteens, promoting hands-on building and fostering imagination. Every issue includes regular instalments of “Max Finder Mystery” and “Alex and Charlie” comics, The Weird Zone and Curious Connections. Also included are thought-provoking puzzles, quizzes and activities as well as the latest in books, movies, tech and video games!
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Une simple histoire d’amour, d’Angèle Delaunois, 
To celebrate the inaugural Amy Mathers Teen Book Award, which will be awarded for the first time on November 18 (