8 Canadian middle grade books to check out in the first half of 2018
Save the date! These middle grade titles will be available before you know it!
Don't Tell the Enemy by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch
What it's about: Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch's novel follows the life of a Ukrainian girl during the Second World War. She first lives under Soviet control, quickly shifting to Nazi rule as the tides of war change. Suddenly, she is faced with the question of hiding her Jewish friend or keeping her family safe.
When you can read it: Dec. 26, 2017
The Journey of Little Charlie by Christopher Paul Curtis
What it's about: Charlie's father is dead and so are his crops. To make ends meet, Charlie takes a job hunting down three thieves. Tracking the thieves to Detroit, Charlie discovers they are actually escaped slaves. The Journey of Little Charlie asks tough questions of the reader and its protagonist, who struggles with doing what's right in a time of great evil.
When you can read it: Jan. 30, 2018
A World Below by Wesley King
What it's about: A Grade 8 class are trapped underground during a field trip gone wrong. Without help from their missing teacher, the students must quickly decide how to get out of their situation. Wesley King examines how, during times of stress, group dynamics quickly change and secrets begin to surface.
When you can read it: March 6, 2018
The Sound of Freedom by Kathy Kacer
What it's about: The Sound of Freedom follows Anna, the daughter of a Jewish clarinetist in Poland in 1936. As tensions rise in Poland, Anna's father is given the chance to play for an orchestra in Palestine. But will that be enough to protect the family?
When you can read it: March 13, 2018
Terra Nova by Shane Arbuthnott
What it's about: Shane Arbuthnott's sequel to Dominion, Terra Nova follows Molly Stout as she tries to defend the lives of spirit folk. On the world of Terra Nova, where industry is fuelled by these spirits, the challenge may be too much for Molly.
When you can read it: March 27, 2018
Ebb & Flow by Heather Smith
What it's about: Having moved away to his eclectic grandmother's house for the summer, 11-year-old Jett details his experiences with his grandmother as well as memories of betrayal, frustration and secrecy from back home.
When you can read it: April 3, 2018
Krista Kim-Bap by Angela Ahn
What it's about: Angela Ahn's middle grade novel documents the challenges faced by Krista, a Grade 5 student as she is expected to serve as her school's "Korean Ambassador" during heritage day. Krista Kim-Bap explores themes of friendship, multiculturalism and feeling like the odd one out in a group.
When you can read it: April 3, 2018
The Hollow Under the Tree by Cary Fagan
What it's about: It's 1925, a lion has escaped the circus and found shelter in Toronto's High Park. The only person aware of the lion is Sadie, a piemaker's daughter. As the more people notice dead animals in the park and the authorities narrow in on the wild animal, Sadie makes an attempt to save the lion.
When you can read it: May 1, 2018