The most exciting books coming out in fall 2020
We've rounded up all our Canadian fall preview book lists. Know what's coming out this season in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, comics and kids books.
Fiction
Our top pick: Indians on Vacation by Thomas King
Indians on Vacation is about a couple named Bird and Mimi, who decide to travel through Europe after discovering postcards from Mimi's long-lost Uncle Leroy, who sent them while on his own European adventure almost 100 years ago.
Thomas King is a Canadian-American writer of Cherokee and Greek ancestry. His books include Truth & Bright Water, The Inconvenient Indian, Green Grass, Running Water and The Back of the Turtle. He also writes the DreadfulWater mystery series.
When you can read it: Aug. 25, 2020
Nonfiction
Our top pick: Black Water by David A. Robertson
David A. Robertson is a member of Norway House Cree Nation, but grew up not knowing much about his Indigenous heritage. His father, Don, grew up on the trapline in northeast Manitoba, but lost his connection to his Indigenous roots, language and culture after his family was moved to a reserve, and Don wasn't allowed to speak Cree at school. David decides to go traplining with his father as an adult, as a way to connect to his own Cree heritage and the land, but to also better understand his father. Black Water is the story of these journeys: a father and son heading into the wilderness, and of a son connecting with his father, but also with heritage and, ultimately, himself.
When you can read it: Sept. 22, 2020
Robertson is a writer based in Winnipeg. He has published more than 25 books across a variety of genres, including the graphic novels Will I See? and Sugar Falls, a Governor General's Literary Award-winning picture book called When We Were Alone, illustrated by Julie Flett, and the YA book Strangers. He is also releasing a middle-grade novel, The Barren Grounds, in fall 2020. He hosts the CBC Manitoba podcast Kiwew.
Poetry
Our top pick: home body by Rupi Kaur
home body is the third collection from bestselling poet Rupi Kaur. home body, which will also feature illustrations by Kaur, will explore the concept of self and reflect on home, mental health, love and acceptance.
When you can read it: Nov. 17, 2020
Kaur is a poet and artist from Brampton, Ont. She currently has more than four million Instagram followers. At the beginning of 2020, she was named the writer of the decade by U.S. publication The New Republic. Her other poetry collections are milk and honey and the sun and her flowers, both made the New York Times bestseller list.
Comics
Our top pick: Kimiko Does Cancer by Kimiko Tobimatsu, illustrated by Keet Geniza
Kimiko Tobimatsu was 25 years old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her life instantly changed and became filled with doctors' appointments, medical treatments and difficult conversations. She shares her story in the comic Kimiko Does Cancer. The comic is a frank and moving look at what it means to have cancer, and how your life can change once you become a cancer survivor.
When you can read it: Oct. 1, 2020
Tobimatsu is a lawyer from Toronto. Kimiko Does Cancer is her first book.
Keet Geniza is a comic artist who was born in Manila and now lives in Toronto. Kimiko Does Cancer is her first book.
YA
Our top pick: Charming as a Verb by Ben Philippe
Charming as a Verb is a YA novel about Henri "Halti" Haltiwanger, a teen with swagger who is convinced he can charm just about anyone. As one of the most popular kids in his prestigious high school — and as the operator of a highly successful dog walking business — Henri has it made and his dream of attending his dream college awaits. But when Henri meets Corinne Troy, a girl who sees right through his charms and exposes his less-than-ethical business practices, it becomes a battle of wits — with potential love looming on the horizon.
Charming as a Verb is for ages 12 and up.
When you can read it: Oct. 13, 2020
Ben Philippe is a writer who was raised in Montreal and currently lives in New York. He published his debut novel The Field Guide to the North American Teenager in 2019. He has contributed to publications like Vanity Fair, the Guardian and Playboy. CBC Books named Philippe a writer to watch in 2019.
Middle-grade
Our top pick: Hatch by Kenneth Oppel
The latest book in Kenneth Oppel's Bloom series is about three kids named Seth, Anaya and Petra and mysterious seeds that have bloomed into dangerous alien plants. The trio prove to be immune to the plants' toxins and must find a way to stop the plants from spreading. It's a task that proves challenging and involves a mystery that could reveal the true reason why the kids are the way they are.
Hatch is for ages 10 and up.
When you can read it: Sept. 8, 2020
Kenneth Oppel has written numerous acclaimed novels for middle grade and young adult readers. His Silverwing trilogy has sold over a million copies worldwide. His novel Airborn received the Governor General's Literary Award in 2004 and was named a Michael L. Printz Honor Book by the American Library Association. His most recent books include The Nest, Every Hidden Thing and Inkling.
Picture books
Our top pick: Our Little Kitchen by Jillian Tamaki
Our Little Kitchen is a picture book that features a neighbourhood with colourful characters who come together in the kitchen to share a meal. Our Little Kitchen is a celebration of food, community and laughter.
Our Little Kitchen is for ages 4-8.
When you can read it: Sept. 1, 2020
Jillian Tamaki is an award-winning illustrator. In 2014, Tamaki received the Governor General's Literary Award for her work in This One Summer, written by her cousin and graphic novelist Mariko Tamaki. They also collaborated on Skim. Her other books include the comics SuperMutant Magic Academy and Boundless and the picture book They Say Blue.
Tamaki created a comic strip called This Face for the special CBC Books series Borders.
