5 Canadian middle-grade books you must check out this season
Here are 5 must-read middle-grade books set for a fall launch.
You can see CBC Books complete fall preview here. Want a PDF of the entire preview? Find that here.
The Night Garden by Polly Horvath
What it's about: This tale about a child, her parents and a magical yet forbidden night garden that grants wishes is set on Vancouver Island during World War II.
Why we're excited: Newbery Honor and National Book Award–winning author Polly Horvath returns with this middle-grade novel that is alternately funny and mysterious. She won the TD Canadian Children's Literature Award in 2013 for One Year in Coal Harbour.
When you can read it: Sept. 12, 2017
Turtle Island by Eldon Yellowhorn and Kathy Lowinger
What it's about: Turtle Island takes us back through time to the Ice Age for a look at the Native myth which explains how North and Central America were formed on the back of a turtle.
Why we're excited: Eldon Yellowhorn and Kathy Lowinger provide young readers with a compelling look — based on archeological finds and scientific research — at how Indigenous people lived more than 14,000 years ago.
When you can read it: Sept. 12, 2017
Coyote Tales by Thomas King
What it's about: Thomas King puts his quirky humour and engaging storytelling skills to excellent use in this story of two tales (Coyote Sings to the Moon and Coyote's New Suit) set back in an era "when animals and human beings still talked to each other."
Why we're excited: King, winner of a Governor General's Literary Award in 2014 for The Back of the Turtle, is back with thisfreshly illustrated and reissued illustrated tale for children.
When you can read it: Oct. 1, 2017
Louis Undercover by Fanny Britt and Isabelle Arsenault
What it's about: The graphic novel from Fanny Britt and Isabelle Arsenault is a touching story about Louis, a young boy who moves between his alcoholic dad and his worried mom — and who, with the help of his best friend, tries to summon up the courage to speak to his true love.
Why we're excited: Britt and Arsenault lovingly illustrate the real-world complexity of family relationships as seen through the eyes of a child.
When you can read it: Oct. 1, 2017
Lumberjanes by Mariko Tamaki
What it's about: This tale of Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet's Camp for Hardcore Lady Types and the five scouts of Roanoke cabin — Jo, April, Molly, Mal and Ripley — is a rollercoaster ride of fun as the summer camp crew embark on supernatural adventures
Why we're excited: Based on the popular graphic novel series, this illustrated novel expands on the comics' universe to provide a fun new perspective on the franchise.
When you can read it: Oct. 10, 2017