Honouring Excellence in Canadian Books for Young People: Finalists Announced for the 2024 CCBC Book Awards

Do You Remember?
Written and illustrated by Sydney Smith (Halifax, NS)
Groundwood Books
for ages 3-6

“Emotional and complex, yet quiet and tender. Smith masterfully weaves the gentle words and memories a mother and son share on each page with soft and muted illustrations... The sequential artwork perfectly aligns with the story’s theme of transition, inviting readers to reflect on the moments that shape our lives and the connections we share. Each illustration thoughtfully captures the ebb and flow of change, enhancing the narrative's emotional depth… A beautiful book that doesn’t shy away from sadness but leaves readers with hope.”

Green Papayas
Written by Nhung N. Tran-Davies (Calmar, AB)
Illustrated by Gillian Newland (Halifax, NS)
Red Deer Press
for ages 5-9

“This poignant tribute from a daughter to her dying mother, who is suffering from Alzheimer’s, beautifully captures the complex emotions of love and loss… The writing is poetic, poignant, and emotional. The artwork helps to evoke empathy deep in the reader’s soul… Tran-Davies’ rhythmic, call-and-response text draws readers into a multigenerational story that will enlighten readers of all ages… A touching reminder of the enduring bonds of family and the importance of remembering those we cherish, even as memories fade.”

Simon Sort of Says
Written by Erin Bow (Kitchener, ON)
Scholastic Canada
for ages 9-12

“This book is exceptionally well written, with fully fleshed character development... Bow has done something that seems like it should be impossible—tackling one of the most difficult topics of our time in a novel that is heartfelt and sensitive, and also laugh-out-loud hilarious… Simon will make your heart ache with his life's experiences but at the same time laugh as he finds a new place to live and friends that accept him for him… This heartfelt dramedy delves into the effects of PTSD and survivor’s guilt…explores the complexities of healing and the importance of community, all while balancing humour and emotional depth.”

Skating Wild on an Inland Sea
Written by Jean E. Pendziwol (Thunder Bay, ON)
Illustrated by Todd Stewart (Montreal, QC)
Groundwood Books
for ages 3-6

“The writing is lyrical and poetic, while the illustrations and colour choices are truly a work of art… The spare text, paired with blue-toned illustrations, beautifully captures the stark beauty and stillness of our Canadian landscape… As the reader looks down at the ice skate marks on the ice, their heart may soar with the feeling of lightness on a cold winter's day… Pendziwol’s lyrical text and Stewart’s striking illustrations turn a familiar Canadian activity into something inviting and magical.”

The Umbrella House
Written by Colleen Nelson (Winnipeg, MB)
Pajama Press
for ages 9-12

“This fast-paced, engaging story with a memorable cast of characters will inspire young readers that they can make a difference right in their own neighbourhoods… Colleen Nelson brings New York’s East Village to life, making it a character in its own right… The quirky inhabitants of the titular house create a vibrant community within the bustling metropolis, each adding their unique flavour to the narrative. Through their interactions, the story beautifully explores the power of connection, family and friendship, revealing how these bonds can flourish even in the heart of a chaotic city.”

Love Is in the Bear
Written by Judith Henderson (Westmount, QC)
Illustrated by Nahid Kazemi (Pointe-Claire, QC)
Owlkids Books
for ages 4-7

“Young readers will delight in exploring the whimsical details of softly-rendered illustrations, and will find comfort in this story of how friendship helps us endure life's disappointments… The words sing, the art delights and the story tickles the funny bone and touches the heart… A gentle tale sweetly told about love and friendship with an unexpected and affirming ending… A modern classic.”

Our Pool
Written and illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins (Brooklyn, NY)
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
for ages 4-8

“An exquisitely crafted book that invites you to dive right in! Irresistibly entertaining from cover to cover… An exuberant celebration of diving, splashing, and enjoying swimming in a place where all are welcome… Bright, bold illustrations will excite young readers as rollicking text dances across the pages in this ebullient telling of one day at the community pool… Energy exudes from every page—it's contagious!”

Skating Wild on an Inland Sea
Written by Jean E. Pendziwol (Thunder Bay, ON)
Illustrated by Todd Stewart (Montreal, QC)
Groundwood Books
for ages 3-6

“This exquisite book is a wonderful hybrid of poetry, information and narrative text accompanied by staggering screen-printed art… Lyrical prose evokes the still, almost eerie quiet of an early winter morning on Lake Superior, while sweeping landscapes captivate the reader with breathtaking vistas depicted in intricate detail… A beautiful blending of text and illustration in a splendidly designed book that draws readers in from the get-go.”

A Tulip in Winter: A Story About Folk Artist Maud Lewis
Written by Kathy Stinson (Rockwood, ON)
Illustrated by Lauren Soloy (Bridgetown, NS)
Greystone Kids
for ages 4-8

“A fascinating story simply and lovingly told… Spare, carefully crafted prose pairs with art reflective of both Maud Lewis' style and spirit to tell the story of one of Canada's most beloved folk artists in this approachable and life-affirming picture book biography… Lewis faced a lot of difficult challenges, but this book still manages to be hopeful and joyous… A remarkable feat!”

When You Can Swim
Written and illustrated by Jack Wong (Halifax, NS)
Orchard Books/Scholastic
for ages 4-8

“This story, told in the second-person voice, welcomes novice and experienced swimmers into the exhilarating universal experience of swimming in and on and all around oceans, lakes and pools… Lilting, lyrical text with a refrain echoed on each spread for kids to chant along with… Wong's pastel and watercolour illustrations invite the reader to share the hopes, ambitions, fears, and victories of a broad cast of characters as they experience the trepidation, challenge, and joy of learning to swim.”

Bernice and the Georgian Bay Gold
Written by Jessica Outram (Peterborough, ON)
Second Story Press
for ages 9-12

“An immersive story of an Indigenous girl seeking adventure and finding it close to home. This story shared the language and culture of the Métis in Georgian Bay in the early 1900s… Jessica Outram weaves a sincere story about a loving family who follow the teachings and traditions of their Métis ancestors… A good balance between adventures and heartfelt family moments.”

The Cricket War
Written by Thọ Phạm (Nepean, ON) and Sandra McTavish (Toronto, ON)
Kids Can Press
for ages 9-12

“A captivating story with a compelling cast of characters… Authors Phạm and McTavish write an emotional tale of a young boy escaping the harsh reality of conscription in Vietnam… The bravery, courage and resilience of Tho is captured on the page… His harrowing experiences and courageous choices will leave an impact on young readers… The novel moves at a good pace, and provides plenty of action and suspense, without ever being over the top or sensationalizing the refugee experience.”

Focus. Click. Wind.
Written by Amanda West Lewis (Perth, ON)
Groundwood Books
for ages 13 and up

“In this coming-of-age novel, author Amanda West Lewis has created a character in Billie of a young adult who learns of the often-harsh realities of becoming an activist… Thought provocative and engaging, Lewis transports you to the era of social justice… Deep parallels can be drawn between the events of 1968 and 2024. The questions that 17-year-old Billie Taylor contends with are the same questions being asked by young people today.”

Mall Goth
Written and illustrated by Kate Leth (Halifax, NS)
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
for ages 12 and up

“A treatise on teenage relationships investigated through the perspective of a 2000’s bisexual goth teen who loves hanging out at the mall… The modes of communication (IM’ing and gaming) were integral to the story…Sensitively tackles important issues around inappropriate and unhealthy relationships… Kate writes with heart, authenticity and compassion.”
 

Out of the Dark
Written by Julie Lawson (Victoria, BC)
Nimbus Publishing
for ages 9-12

“A gripping story of perseverance in a trying time in Halifax…  Jane Mooney endures more calamitous losses than a 12-year-old child should ever have to bear… Lawson vividly captures the events of the Halifax explosion and Spanish flu that devastated the city and residences… Focusing on important events in Canadian history…Jane Mooney’s story reminds us that there’s no such thing as unprecedented times.”

Brighter Than the Sun
Written by Daniel Aleman (Toronto, ON)
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
for ages 13 and up

“Powerful and thought provoking, this book vividly depicts the harsh realities that many young people endure in their lives… Aleman's prose is honest and heartbreaking; capturing hope, grief, responsibility and resignation while reminding us that places and the lines that divide them are home to people who love and live across divisions… The novel’s exploration of education as a crucial pillar for immigrants and the transformative power of speaking up resonates to paint a picture of resilience and renewal.”

Delicious Monsters
Written by Liselle Sambury (Timmins, ON)
Margaret K. McElderry Books
for ages 14 and up

“A complex, intricately-woven tale that succeeds as both a compelling mystery and a spine chilling supernatural/horror story that also deals with issues such as family dynamics, relationships, racism and abuse… This book will draw you in, ensnare you in its greenery and keep you on edge right until the end… The novel’s exploration of trauma and the struggle for visibility is powerful and offers a deeply resonant narrative that sheds light on the experiences of whom one of the protagonists calls ‘forgotten black girls.’”

Only This Beautiful Moment
Written by Abdi Nazemian (Los Angeles, CA)
Balzer + Bray
for ages 14 and up

“A deeply moving narrative that weaves together the lives of three generations of Iranian men, each grappling with their own struggles and identities… The prose is elegant and assured, the characters are multi-faceted and well-developed (believably flawed and very relatable) and the relationships are complex and realistic in this powerful and compelling story… The author’s descriptions of modern-day Tehran are evocative and insightful while his depiction of the Iranian revolution helps provide a more nuanced understanding of the political situation there both past and present.”

Something More
Written by Jackie Khalilieh (Markham, ON)
Tundra Books
for ages 13 and up

“Something More is a charming coming-of-age story that captures an autistic teen girl’s angst and self-discovery… Khalilieh depicts Jessie’s insecurities and fears as she prepares to start high school after a recent diagnosis of autism with candour and sensitivity, giving readers insight into her unique challenges while also highlighting the fact that many of her thoughts, worries and uncertainties are more universal than she had imagined… Snappy dialogue, quirky inner monologue and themes of self-acceptance, pursuit of passions and telling your own story make this one sing.”

The Space Between Here & Now
Written by Sarah Suk (Coquitlam, BC)
Quill Tree Books
for ages 13 and up

“A fictional time-travel disorder provides a unique and intriguing framework for this beautiful story of family and self-discovery… Sarah Suk uses a fictitious condition as a metaphor for mental illness and the struggle to feel validated in one’s experiences… Alternatingly beautiful, heartbreaking and sweet, Suk delivers a story with a heavy personal challenge alongside lighter banter and a creative structure keeping readers anxiously turning pages and rooting for main character Aimee… An excellent example of elevated fiction for young adults.”
 

Bee Bakshi and the Gingerbread Sisters
Written by Emi Pinto (Kanata, ON)
HarperCollins Publishers
for ages 8-12

“A story with many twists and turns, it captivates with mystery, ghosts, cottage life, amazing food, and a boy who wears a cat on his shoulders… Bee Bakshi is easily relatable as she deals with the bigger themes of finding your identity and living with grief… Pinto takes the familiar tropes…and gives them a fresh new iteration incorporating folktales, ghosts, witches and wry humour in this accessible and good-natured novel.”

The Boy Who Woke the Sun
Written by A.T. Woodley (Victoria, BC)
Illustrated by Mike Deas (Salt Spring Island, BC)
Red Deer Press
for ages 8-12

“A.T. Woodley has created a fantastical world controlled by evil butterflies but made it utterly believable… The vivid storytelling reminds readers to hang on to the things that bring them joy in the face of despair, that growing up means choosing the path you want to follow, and to always have an octopus as your sidekick… From start of finish, this novel will keep young readers enthralled.”

The Cricket War
Written by Thọ Phạm (Nepean, ON) and Sandra McTavish (Toronto, ON)
Kids Can Press
for ages 9-12

“Twelve-year-old Tho's journey out of Communist Vietnam is filled with breathtaking moments of danger and what seems like pure luck… Based on true experiences, one shared by thousands of Canadians of Vietnamese origin, the so-called Boat People, this is an important story that places a particular child centre stage… This moving narrative is certain to resonate with children who come to Canada as refugees and to all who know them.”

The Secret of the Ravens
Written and illustrated by Joanna Cacao (Winnipeg, MB)
Clarion Books
for ages 8-12

“With illustrations that pop and an endearing tale, this graphic novel shines… Joanna Cacao has created a uniquely thrilling magical adventure with exciting action scenes, riveting quests and twin protagonists with an endearing sibling bond. You can't help but root for these characters who are trying to escape the vagabond cycle they're trapped in and look forward to a sequel.”

Where the Water Takes Us
Written and illustrated by Alan Barillaro (Vancouver, BC)
Candlewick Press
for ages 8-12

“In Alan Barillaro's debut novel, the landscapes and wildlife are cleverly woven into the narrative as his protagonist tries to bargain with the universe to ensure the safety of her loved ones… A tale about the healing powers of nature and friendship reminiscent of Kit Pearson, Ava's story is heartfelt and quietly powerful. Gentle watercolour illustrations grace every page and are, at times, a story in themselves.”
 

Bonesmith
(House of the Dead Duology, Book 1)
Written by Nicki Pau Preto (Bradford, ON)
Margaret K. McElderry Books
for ages 14 and up

“This dark and gritty fantasy will leave you feeling the bonedust between your fingers, and grease paint around your eyes. Readers are introduced to bonesmith Wren who is seeking redemption as she travels into forbidden territory to save the golden prince… The theme of betrayal that runs through Bonesmith, a story of undead ghoulishness and human duplicity, will have readers eagerly awaiting the second volume of this duology.”
 

The Boy, the Cloud and the Very Tall Tale
Written by Heather Smith (Waterloo, ON)
Orca Book Publishers
for ages 9-12

“Heather Smith’s The Boy, the Cloud, and the Very Tall Tale takes younger readers on a silly and delightful ride through its whimsical tale. Smith has created a world where everything becomes a unique character that adds richness and beauty to the fantastical… With beautiful Newfoundland as a backdrop, this wonderful story helps the reader feel hope and happiness.”

City of Nightmares
(City of Nightmares Duology, Book 1)
Written by Rebecca Schaeffer (Edmonton, AB)
Clarion Books
for ages 14 and up

“Imagine a world in which dreaming about your worst fears could cause you to become that which terrified you… Readers will delight in the twists and turns that Rebecca Schaeffer creates in City of Nightmares… Ness is a wonderful flawed character and shows relatable and meaningful growth that is sure to endear her so much to readers that they will want to pick up the second book in the duology immediately… Follow Ness as she slowly loses her fear of everything and becomes the hero of her own story.”

Nightbreaker
(Nightbreaker, Book 1)
Written by Coco Ma (New Haven, CT)
Viking Books for Young Readers
for ages 14 and up

“Action and deceit abound in Nightbreaker, a gripping fantasy that sees Manhattan’s nighttime subway tunnels and streets ruled by nightmarish creatures known as Deathlings… Set on the locked island of Manhattan, readers are treated to a familiar world that is eerily similar to their own. Ma’s urban fantasy creates a vivid landscape with visceral challenges that will leave readers longing for the next book in the series.”
 

The Stars of Mount Quixx
(The Brindlewatch Quintet, Book 1)
Written by S.M. Beiko (Winnipeg, MB)
ECW Press
for ages 12 and up

“In this queer-modern-monster story, readers are led through an adventure with sisters Ivory and Constance… S.M. Beiko’s The Stars of Mount Quixx is a story of love, friendship, and family woven into a web of fantastical creatures and those who are blinded by their own biases… In the vein of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Beiko creates a world where readers question who the real monsters really are.”

Forever Our Home
Written by Tonya Simpson (Westerose, AB)
Illustrated by Carla Joseph (Chilliwack, BC)
Orca Book Publishers
for ages 3-5

“A simple yet beautiful book that lovingly speaks of the spiritual connection that often exists between people and the land… Simpson’s soothing nature poetry sits peacefully on a backdrop of sweeping prairie landscapes, artfully crafted by Carla Joseph… Joseph’s illustrations enhance the romanticism of the words… The words and images within converge gracefully to harken the familiar, the ancestral, the spiritual for any reader with a connection to the rich history of the hallowed Great Plains.”

I Want to Build a Seahouse
Written by Whitney Moran (Halifax, NS)
Illustrated by Josée Bisaillon (St-Hubert, QC)
Nimbus Publishing
for ages 3-7

“An imaginative rhymed picture book that takes the very real issue of a child’s jealousy of a new sibling and marries it to a quest for freedom and adventure that ultimately reveals the importance of home and family… With I Want to Build a Seahouse, Moran teaches children (and adults) about the power of their own imagination—the power to wish and wonder, the power to build magical and sprawling safe havens, and the power to move through and accept life’s new beginnings… Moran’s jaunty, seaside-inspired text is matched by rollicking, yet soft-edged, illustrations by Josée Bisaillon, who captures the sea’s many moods with swirls of colour.”

Like a Hurricane
Written by Jonathan Bécotte (Montreal, QC)
Translated by Jonathan Kaplansky (Westmount, QC)
Orca Book Publishers
for ages 11-14

“The poetry in this novel-in-verse captures the turbulent emotions of a young man with a secret he can no longer hold back… Much like the teen protagonist’s secret, the poetry in Like a Hurricane threatens to “burst, shake,” and “blow” off the page as it twists and turns daringly through held breaths and ribcage explosions… Lines and words themselves convey feelings beyond their meaning as Bécotte uses concrete poetry and different fonts and unique word placement on the page to add layers of meaning.”

The Prisoner and the Writer
Written by Heather Camlot (Toronto, ON)
Illustrated by Sophie Casson (Montreal, QC)
Groundwood Books
for ages 9-12

“With the eye of a journalist and the heart of a poet, Camlot packs and compacts this important historical injustice and its reversal with precision of language… Recounting the Dreyfus affair and the involvement of Emile Zola in it, this historical non-fiction book is a poetic account of how important the fight for justice remains… Dark and determined, the pictures and poetry march forward in a way that pulls upon the reader, unfolding to reveal one of the most engaging and crucial of history lessons.”

Robot, Unicorn, Queen: Poems for You and Me
Written by Shannon Bramer (Toronto, ON)
Illustrated by Irene Luxbacher (Toronto, ON)
Groundwood Books
for ages 6-9

“A whimsical journey through childlike wonder that is both satisfyingly literary and grounded in the real interior lives of children, whose ideas and imaginings are set alight by Irene Luxbacher’s breathtaking and dreamlike illustrations… The poems show a wondrous breadth of subject matter and are at once playful, somber, insightful, and delightful.” 

The Yellow Leaves Are Coming
Written by James Gladstone (Toronto, ON)
Illustrated by François Thisdale (Carignan, QC)
Red Deer Press
for ages 4-8

“Beginning with the last yellow leaf of the fall, the text of this free-verse poem directs the reader to look at nature in the city in a different way… It resonates with imagery and an understanding of how time moves differently for youth, and the evocative text is embedded in bold two-page spreads that feature the stunning artwork of illustrator François Thisdale… The Yellow Leaves Are Coming is gentle, powerful, and reassuring.”

Alone: The Journeys of Three Young Refugees
Written by Paul Tom (Montreal, QC)
Illustrated by Mélanie Baillairgé (Montreal, QC)
Translated by Arielle Aaronson (Montreal, QC)
Groundwood Books
for ages 9-12

“These compelling heart-rending stories, coupled with unique, intriguing, gripping illustrations challenge us to understand, and invite us to empathize with, the risks these young people have taken to follow their paths… The unique abstract illustrations by Mélanie Baillairgé perfectly complement the narrative…they evoke the loneliness, fear, sadness, and desperation Afshin, Alain and Patricia must have felt… A powerful, stunningly beautiful read that will stay with you long after you finish the book.”

The Halifax Explosion: 6 December 1917, at 9:05 in the Morning
Written by Afua Cooper (Halifax, NS)
Illustrated by Rebecca Bender (Burlington, ON)
Plumleaf Press
for ages 9-12

“Guided through the horrific events of December 6, 1917…readers are acquainted with some lesser-known facts about the Africville and Indigenous residents of Halifax… By illuminating and reimagining the untold stories and truths that require confrontation, we can celebrate the unsung heroes and acknowledge that it is never too late to explore our understanding of the past… Bender’s intense thought-provoking illustrations supported with historic photographs of the devastation, bring an emotional connection to the losses and contributions of the residents of Africville in early December 1917.”

The Secret Pocket
Written by Peggy Janicki (Chilliwack, BC)
Illustrated by Carrielynn Victor (Rosedale, BC)
Orca Book Publishers
for ages 6-10

“A brilliant explanation of the ways that young Indigenous children used creativity, ingenuity, and their own traditional knowledge to survive in residential schools… Author Peggy Janicki beautifully brings to life her mother’s story… The power of the students' struggle, resourcefulness and hope is amplified by Victor’s somber yet inspiring illustrations… Her realistic illustrations capture joy and warmth when Mary is at home with her family and the stark and unsettling reality when she is at the residential school… An essential read within the contemporary milieu of our efforts toward reconciliation.”

Shizue's Path
Written by Mark Sakamoto (Toronto, ON)
Illustrated by Rachel Wada (Vancouver, BC)
HarperCollins Publishers
for ages 6-10

“This story tells of a dark time in Canada’s history, and Mark Sakamoto does a magnificent job of bringing it to light in a powerful and unforgettable way… Sharing this story of identity, self-awareness, and the subtle inspiration from one generation to another, this impressive picture book channels the power of story to transform our sense of self… Sakamoto’s eloquent, therapeutic text and Wada’s sympathetic, ultimately hopeful illustrations are the perfect marriage for this story of compassion, determination and promise.”

A Star Explodes: The Story of Supernova 1054
Written by James Gladstone (Toronto, ON)
Illustrated by Yaara Eshet (Toronto, ON)
Owlkids Books
for ages 8-11

“Gladstone’s poetic telling of the story elicits excitement, wonder and beauty of the universe and the sky above, above all of earth’s citizens… This book compassionately draws together themes of community, human connection, and the ways that our common, co-created scientific knowledge can span continents, civilizations, and constellations… Eshet’s illustrations reinforce these concepts and remind the reader the stars are with us even when we cannot see them… This non-fiction picture book will spark interest and imagination for a wide range of readers.”