The 2023 Shortlists for the CCBC Book Awards Honour Excellence in Canadian Books for Young People

Berani
Written by Michelle Kadarusman (Toronto, ON)
Pajama Press
for ages 8-12

“On the surface, Berani is a story about two kids named Malia and Ari, and an orangutan named Ginger Juice, but at its heart, Kadarusman’s novel is about nature, freedom and bravery… The magic of this book is in its ability to ignite a passion for change and a deeper understanding of our shared world… A blend of emerging activism, selflessness and knowing when to do the right thing, Berani teaches us about the power of determination.”
 

Kunoichi Bunny
Written by Sara Cassidy (Victoria, BC)
Illustrated by Brady Sato (Canmore, AB)
Orca Book Publishers
for ages 5-7

“Stealthy superheroes really can be found everywhere… This picture book highlights the special relationship of a little girl and her stuffed bunny, who seems to have the special ability to save the day when trouble abounds on a walk through her neighbourhood… Told wordlessly through Brady Sato’s colourful illustrations and comic-style panels, this adorable and heartwarming collaboration with author Sara Cassidy shows that small actions do indeed have the ability to make a world of difference.”

Sitting Shiva
Written by Erin Silver (Toronto, ON)
Illustrated by Michelle Theodore (Edmonton, AB)
Orca Book Publishers
for ages 6-8

“This story of solace and healing uses spare text and often muted illustrations to tell an important story about a tradition that many children may not comprehend, making it accessible and understandable for a young audience… Through soft imagery and a child’s perspective, Sitting Shiva beautifully illustrates how the strength of community can provide comfort in the grieving process… Although the rituals are uniquely Jewish, readers of all faiths will find common ground as father and daughter begin the healing process with the help of their family and friends... A beautiful and poignant story.”

Weird Rules to Follow
Written by Kim Spencer (Vancouver, BC)
Orca Book Publishers
for ages 10-14

“This beautiful and touching story about culture and class is full of sincerity and heart, following young Mia Douglas as she navigates the big feelings and relational obstacles amplified by adolescence… The innocence and honesty of the main character’s voice captivates the reader as she observes how different her life is from her non-Indigenous best friend… Themes of class and internalized racism are seamlessly woven into this narrative… It’s impossible not to fall in love with the main character as you follow her through the labyrinth of the pre-teen years… Mia finds her way, but has to learn a few very hard truths about culture and class.”

The Witness Blanket: Truth, Art and Reconciliation
Written by Carey Newman (Victoria, BC) and Kirstie Hudson (Victoria, BC)
Orca Book Publishers
for ages 9 and up

“The Witness Blanket is a sobering reminder of the history that Indigenous peoples have experienced, and an invaluable resource that shines a light on hope and a path forward for the future of truth and reconciliation... Using survivor stories and artifacts, The Witness Blanket helps the reader to more fully and experientially understand the horror of residential schools and the ongoing traumatic ripples that continue long after the last school closed... Readers will be moved by this easily accessible journey into author/artist Carey Newman’s creative process... An emotional and significant book for all ages.”

Boobies
Written and illustrated by Nancy Vo (Vancouver, BC)
Groundwood Books
for ages 3-8

“Clever wordplay will make young readers giggle their way through this lighthearted work of non-fiction… Vo deftly incorporates a variety of visual styles to delight and even surprise readers with each page turn… Brightly coloured illustrations in a limited palette of contrasting colours employ humorous animal facial expressions to great effect in this sometimes hilarious and always informative take on an under-discussed and often stigmatized aspect of mammal anatomy.”

Fox and Bear
Written and illustrated by Miriam Körner (Air Ronge, SK)
Red Deer Press
for ages 5-9

“Inventive, intricately detailed illustrations crafted from recycled paper and cardboard beautifully underscore the message of this timely tale that raises important questions for young readers to ponder about sustainability and decision making… Wonderfully photographed three-dimensional cardboard and paper illustrations under stark lighting are the perfect fit for this dystopian modern parable that explores the question of what it means to have enough.”

I'm Not Sydney!
Written and illustrated by Marie-Louise Gay (Outremont, QC)
Groundwood Books
for ages 3-6

“Carefully crafted turns of phrase pair seamlessly with lively watercolour and pencil illustrations that foreshadow and echo the animal characters the children become in this simply told ode to imagination… Young readers may well be inspired to stretch both their minds and muscles and pretend along with the kids and their animal counterparts… Gay shows off her mastery of language and deep understanding of childhood sensibilities in this modern Canadian classic.”

Lizzy and the Cloud
Written and illustrated by the Fan Brothers (Toronto, ON)
Simon & Schuster Canada
for ages 4-8

“A child-pleasing story gently told through rhythmic text and sublime artwork… The Fan Brothers masterfully blend the whimsical with the ordinary in a surreal exploration of the nature of love. This exquisitely designed book incorporates a bit of magic and touches of humour to perfectly temper the tale of a little girl learning about nurturing, changes and letting go… The reader’s imagination soars with a little help from the Fan Brothers, Lizzy and a cloud named Milo.”

Mina
Written and illustrated by Matthew Forsythe (Montreal, QC)
Simon & Schuster Canada
for ages 4-8

“Forsythe's richly textured, vibrant illustrations offer young readers something new to discover on every reading, and his deadpan pairing of the text with his characters' often quietly panicked or sly facial expressions builds narrative tension as his audience anticipates what will happen at each page turn… A laugh-out-loud tale with a meaningful message that will resonate with children of all ages… From beginning to end, the reader is in for a treat.

Better Connected: How Girls Are Using Social Media for Good
(Orca Think)
Written by Tanya Lloyd Kyi (Vancouver, BC) and Julia Kyi (Vancouver, BC)
Illustrated by Vivian Rosas (Toronto, ON)
Orca Book Publishers
for ages 9 and up

“A relevant and timely book around the many amazing ways girls are using social media to create positive change in their communities… The stories are uplifting and interesting and explore the many ways that social media can be used to spread awareness about issues that matter to young girls around the world… Informative, hopeful and instructive, this book is empowering for youth, as it offers examples of how young women are accomplishing amazing things through social media, in addition to offering practical suggestions for the readers.”

Pink, Blue, and You! Questions for Kids About Gender Stereotypes
Written by Elise Gravel (Montreal, QC) with Mykaell Blais (Trois-Rivières, QC)
Illustrated by Elise Gravel (Montreal, QC)
Anne Schwartz Books
for ages 5-10

“Elise Gravel and Mykaell Blais have created a fabulous book filled with kid-friendly questions to introduce young audiences to the topic of gender stereotypes… This lovely and straightforward title is affirming, inclusive and informational, with bright and cheery illustrations. It is a gentle way to initiate an important conversation about gender identity, stereotypes and the right for every person to be their true selves… The accessible format, colours used, and inclusive representation makes it a must-have in your collection!”

Sun in My Tummy
Written by Laura Alary (Toronto, ON)
Illustrated by Andrea Blinick (Toronto, ON)
Pajama Press
for ages 5-8

“A beautiful and tender book that shows our interconnectedness to the earth… Alary uses free verse to introduce the concepts of matter and energy, creating a simple yet effective explanation for young children to help them understand how the sun’s light becomes fuel for our bodies through the food we eat… With gentle, lyrical text and radiant illustrations, Sun in My Tummy is fantastic at explaining complex scientific ideas in a simple way.”

Why Humans Build Up: The Rise of Towers, Temples and Skyscrapers
(Orca Timeline)
Written by Gregor Craigie (Victoria, BC)
Illustrated by Kathleen Fu (Markham, ON)
Orca Book Publishers
for ages 12 and up

“A fascinating look at tall buildings and structures that have been built over the centuries and why they’ve been built so high. Young people interested in architecture and engineering will find this an intriguing read… A clear, well organized, and fascinating title, with a mix of great illustrations and photographs… The many photos and illustrations included will help readers to understand the information included in the text and will transport them to many fascinating places around the world.”

The Witness Blanket: Truth, Art and Reconciliation
Written by Carey Newman (Victoria, BC) and Kirstie Hudson (Victoria, BC)
Orca Book Publishers
for ages 9 and up

“The Witness Blanket is a living work of art—a collection of hundreds of objects connected to every residential school in Canada… Powerful and timely, this excellent and enlightening book is truly a triumph in supporting “Truth, Art and Reconciliation” for its readers, allowing us to bear witness and learn more about residential schools… The stories are moving, powerful, and at times devastating… A beautiful entry point for continued and ongoing conversations.”

Hidden on the High Wire
(A Holocaust Remembrance Book for Young Readers)
Written by Kathy Kacer (Toronto, ON)
Second Story Press
for ages 8-12

“A beautiful untold story of the Jewish circuses and the Holocaust… Kacer writes a compelling story of a Jewish family’s endurance during the Second World War… Like watching a high wire performance, this book will have you leaning in to see what happens next… Kacer focuses on introducing sensitive material to young readers; she does not focus on the horrors of war, but on family life and how they live to survive the turbulence of war.”

How to Be a Goldfish
Written by Jane Baird Warren (Ayer's Cliff, QC)
Scholastic Canada
for ages 9-12

“Lizzie and David are about to embark on a family journey, although they have never met. Told in alternating voices, the message of acceptance and kindness resonates in this introduction to LGBTQ2S+ themes… A sweet story with a satisfying ending and a feel-good message of acceptance. You’ll find yourself cheering for Lizzie and David… The message of hope is important and needed in today’s difficult world… A great debut book by Jane Baird Warren; can’t wait for more from her.”

The Ribbon Leaf
Written by Lori Weber (Dartmouth, NS)
Red Deer Press
for ages 12 and up

“Weber has written a story that is excellent for young readers; it is not only rich with historical information and emotions but it asks big questions and shows that those topics are still very important today… Sabine and Edie’s choices to be courageous, to help others, and to be true to themselves echo into each other’s lives and tie them together in a story that reveals the power of friendship and kindness to overcome hatred.”

The Secret Diary of Mona Hasan
Written by Salma Hussain (Toronto, ON)
Tundra Books
for ages 10-14

“Mona’s life is about to change forever… From growing up in Dubai during the Gulf War, to visiting family in Pakistan, to immigrating to a small Canadian town, Mona lets us into her world through hilarious and heartfelt diary entries. Scattered amidst first loves, summer adventures, and family drama is a hard-learned lesson about finding your voice and sticking up for others… A must-read for middle schoolers!”

Weird Rules to Follow
Written by Kim Spencer (Vancouver, BC)
Orca Book Publishers
for ages 10-14

“Mia, a young Indigenous girl, realizes that not every child is expected to follow the same rules… As an Indigenous person growing up in a First Nation community but going to school in a non-First Nation community, Spencer captures that reality of learning the rules of two extremely contrasting worlds… Subtle, poignant, and reflective, this book takes a look back in order to reveal more about the present we are living in.”

As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow
Written by Zoulfa Katouh (Zürich, Switzerland)
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
for ages 14 and up

“Katouh has managed to weave together a heartbreaking story of trauma caused by the horrors of war with a tale of what it means to love your country, even when your country is turning into something you don't recognize. An intense and deeply moving story, Katouh's novel is vivid and shocking, filled with exquisite imagery, elegant prose and affecting descriptions that bring Salama's story to life in a way that is powerful and unforgettable… Readers will fall in love with the Syria that Salama sees and hopes for, juxtaposed against the damage of war.”

The Red Palace
Written by June Hur (Toronto, ON)
Feiwel and Friends
for ages 13 and up

“A carefully-crafted historical murder mystery that is richly evocative, filled with dramatic tension and creates a vivid sense of time and place… Hur’s vivid prose masterfully engrosses readers in a web of romance, secrets and political schemes, while deepening the narrative with important topics like classism, authority and family… Both a historical mystery and a detective novel, The Red Palace is utterly captivating from the very first sentence to the last.”

Road of the Lost
Written by Nafiza Azad (Surrey, BC)
Margaret K. McElderry Books
for ages 12 and up

“Lush prose, poetic descriptions and intricate world building bring Azad's beautifully-realized fantasy world vividly to life… Road of the Lost invites readers into a rich fantasy world that is, at its heart, a coming-of-age story that slowly reveals its mysteries and wonders. The book is a journey, both literally and metaphorically… This magnificent high fantasy tale is clever and original, and features a tightly woven plot that skilfully blends elements of ancient faery magic with a complex story of family ties.”

TJ Powar Has Something to Prove
Written by Jesmeen Kaur Deo (Kingston, ON)
Viking Books for Young Readers
for ages 14 and up

“This book shines a mirror on the beauty standards we all live under and forces us to confront our insecurities about our bodies and why we don't value them in their natural state… Deo’s protagonist’s authenticity, aspirations and triumphs help her stand up for what she believes in. With its witty dialogue, academic rivals-to-lovers romance, and universal message of self-discovery, this charming novel will leave readers both entertained and inspired… A must-read.”

Wrong Side of the Court
Written by H.N. Khan (Toronto, ON)
Penguin Teen Canada
for ages 14 and up

“Wrong Side of the Court combines the love of sport with the repercussions of growing up in poverty and the violence that can be ever-present in a community that offers few ways out. At the same time, it beautifully explores Fawad's culture and religion, as well as the powerful bonds of friendship... Fawad is a likeable protagonist and his relationships with his mother and sister, as well as his two best friends are realistic and nuanced… An extremely poignant and powerful story.”

The Grave Thief
Written by Dee Hahn (Okotoks, AB)
Puffin Canada
for ages 9-12

“A vivid and engaging middle-grade fantasy... Endearing characters, drawn sympathetically, navigate a world of graveyards, magic, dungeons, and mythical monsters… Atmospheric scene-setting, elaborate plotting and buoyant inventiveness add up to a remarkably adept first novel… An adventurous romp that young readers are sure to enjoy.”

How to Be a Goldfish
Written by Jane Baird Warren (Ayer's Cliff, QC)
Scholastic Canada
for ages 9-12

“In a deft use of dual point of view, Warren weaves two stories that examine how we are shaped by our families and their histories… Concise, sharp prose with rhythmic propulsion perfectly suits the cleverly fitted plot and themes. Warren’s qualities as a poet undergird this satisfying mystery/research project/hero-and-villain story… Clear, approachable writing, likeable characters and a plot that skilfully conceals and reveals all add up to a compelling read.”

Scout Is Not a Band Kid
Written and illustrated by Jade Armstrong (Verdun, QC)
RH Graphic
for ages 8-12

“In this graphic novel, middle schoolers are artfully, humorously and authentically represented… With energy and humour, Armstrong uses dialogue, texts, sound effects and pictures (plus a few tongue-in-cheek footnotes) to let us observe and listen in on the ebullient Scout and all her bad decisions. Fun, contemporary, lively, familiar… Many young readers will feel seen and celebrated, showing a masterful and relevant example of the graphic novel genre.”

Weird Rules to Follow
Written by Kim Spencer (Vancouver, BC)
Orca Book Publishers
for ages 10-14

“Kim Spencer is an exciting new voice in middle-grade fiction… Compelling and poignant vignettes provide an unflinching glimpse into the life of an Indigenous family living in Prince Rupert in the ‘80s… The voice in this story of the joys and challenges of friendship is pitch-perfect. Mia is our window into her two communities—the fishing town Prince Rupert and the Tsimshian village of Kitkatla.”

The Wolf Suit
Written and illustrated by Sid Sharp (Toronto, ON)
Annick Press
for ages 8-11

“In six short mordant chapters, this modern fairy tale plays with the idea of protective identities as the deliciously-named sheep—Bellwether Riggwelter—adopts a wolf disguise to help with his anxieties… Sharp’s comic genius shows itself in bringing together the light-hearted and the serious, the visual and the textual—even in the very particularly designed font… A graphic novel that has a multitude of layers, wit and whimsy, and an ageless appeal… A charming, funny and celebratory tale of finding one’s community.”

Blood Scion
Written by Deborah Falaye (Mississauga, ON)
HarperTeen
for ages 15 and up

“Blood Scion immerses the reader in a cinematically-described world of magic, secrets and control… Told through the eyes of 15-year-old Sloane, this brutal, action-packed, emotional read explores the high cost of colonization, genocide, slavery, and themes of identity and belonging… Falaye’s heroine is complex, flawed and relentless despite the challenges she faces as a scion in her world.”

Ghostlight
Written by Kenneth Oppel (Toronto, ON)
Puffin Canada
for ages 10-14

“A fun, ghostly mystery that takes readers through Canadian history while creating an interesting and engaging story with compelling characters, action and spook that will keep readers guessing until the end… Memorable, creative and spooky enough for goosebumps and spine tingles.”

The Limitless Sky
Written by Christina Kilbourne (Bracebridge, ON)
Dundurn Press
for ages 12-15

“Taking place centuries after an environmental disaster forced survivors to create a new, isolated society, this highly imaginative and thought-provoking novel explores themes of societal isolation, censorship, and suppression of knowledge through the dual perspectives of Rook and Gage… Kilbourne’s heroes forge new ground as they learn from the past and aim to improve the future.”

A Magic Steeped in Poison
(The Book of Tea, Book 1)
Written by Judy I. Lin (Grande Prairie, AB)
Feiwel and Friends
for ages 13 and up

“First in a new duology, this beautifully written masterpiece whisks readers to a world inspired by ancient China… Lin’s poetic prose transports the reader and vividly brings to life the world she has created… A highly original plot combines with intricate world-building and well-developed characters to create a magical story steeped in Asian culture that readers will find impossible to put down.”

Sneaks
Written by Catherine Egan (New Haven, CT)
Knopf Books for Young Readers
for ages 8-12

“A fun and highly entertaining story about a trio of pre-teens who are tasked with saving the world from an impending alien takeover… Sneaks masterfully combines mysteries, engineering and friendship across dimensions and understanding… The author hooks readers from the first sentence, and the story is filled with action and several little entertaining details that keep the story light without losing sight of the key themes of friendship and fitting in.”