26 Canadian early reader and middle-grade books to read in fall 2023
CBC Books | Posted: August 17, 2023 4:32 PM | Last Updated: August 17, 2023
Here are the Canadian early reader and middle-grade books coming out in fall we are excited to read.
Nutshimit: In the Woods by Melissa Mollen Dupuis, illustrated by Elise Gravel
In the non-fiction book Nutshimit: In the Woods, Innu writer Melissa Mollen Dupuis takes children on a guided walk through the forest to learn about Innu culture. Illustrator Elise Gravel brings the words to life with her comic style illustrations.
Nutshimit: In the Woods is for ages 6 to 8.
When you can read it: Aug. 1, 2023
Melissa Mollen Dupuis is a writer, director and radio show host and a member of the Innu community of Ekuanitshit on Quebec's Côte-Nord. Dupuis is the co-founder of the Quebec branch of the Idle No More movement. She lives in Granby, Que. Nutshimit: In the Woods is her first children's book.
Elise Gravel is a Quebec author and illustrator who has written and illustrated over 50 books for children. Her books include The Bat, The Worst Book Ever, The Mushroom Fan Club, I Want a Monster! and What Is a Refugee. Gravel won the Vicky Metcalf Award for Literature for Young People in 2022 for her body of work. She lives in Montreal.
LISTEN | Melissa Mollen Dupuis discusses writing about the natural world in her children's book:
So Long, Stress! by Helaine Becker, illustrated by Joanna Sevilla
So Long, Stress! is a nonfiction, full-colour book that helps children understand and manage stress and anxiety. It contains strategies and advice, as well as giving children the tools to use when they face challenging situations.
So Long, Stress! is for ages 9 to 13.
When you can read it: Aug. 1, 2023
Helaine Becker has written more than 80 books, including Porcupine in a Pine Tree , Dashing Through the Snow, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, Counting on Katherine and That's No Dino! Or Is It?. Becker lives in Toronto.
Joanna Sevilla is a Filipino-Canadian illustrator. She is based in Ontario.
Animal Eyes by Françoise Vulpé
Animal Eyes is a nonfiction book that introduces children to how animals see and how their eyes have adapted to the different environments in which they live. After a summary on how eyes and vision work, the book then explores the eyes of 40 different animals, from explaining how a bald eagle can see their prey from as far as two miles away, or how the peacock mantis shrimp have the best vision in the world.
Animal Eyes is for ages 9 to 12.
When you can read it: Sept. 1, 2023
Françoise Vulpé is a Toronto-based writer and editor.
Shamus the Urban Rez Dog, P.I. by Leslie Gentile
Shamus the Urban Rez Dog, P.I is middle-grade detective novel about a dog name Shamus who is trying to prove that his owner didn't steal from the jewelry store that she's worked at for years. Shamus sets out to find the real thief with the help of twins, Rainey and Cole.
Shamus the Urban Rez Dog, P.I is for ages 9 to 12.
When you can read it: Sept. 2, 2023
Leslie Gentile is a writer and singer-songwriter of Northern Salish, Tuscarora and Scottish heritage. Based on Vancouver Island, she performs with her children in The Leslie Gentile Band. She is also the author of Elvis, Me, and the Lemonade Stand Summer.
Hans Christian Andersen Lives Next Door by Cary Fagan, illustrated by Chelsea O'Byrne
In Hans Christian Andersen Lives Next Door, a girl called Andie can't believe her eyes when she suspects that the famous author Hans Christian Andersen has moved into the house next to hers. The arrival of her new neighbour gives her the courage to begin writing her own poems and to make a friend, but a surprising revelation might change everything.
Hans Christian Andersen Lives Next Door is for ages 9 to 12.
When you can read it: Sept. 5, 2023
Cary Fagan is an Ontario-based writer of books for adults and children. He has published more than 25 books for young readers including the popular Kaspar Snit novels, the two-volume Master Melville's Medicine and the picture book King Mouse, which was a 2019 finalist for the Governor General's Literary Award for children's literature — illustration.
Chelsea O'Byrne is an illustrator, writer and art teacher from Vancouver. She is the illustrator of Hello, Crow! by Candace Savage, Marisa and the Mountains by George M. Johnson and Bibi's Got Game by Bianca Andreescu and Mary Beth Leatherdale.
Nish: North and South by Isabelle Picard, translated by Kateri Aubin Dubois
Nish: North and South is a coming-of-age novel about Innu twins, Léon and Éloïse, who live in Matimekush. Their lives suddenly change when someone in their village disappears and the twins must move far from home so that their father can get treatment for his illness.
Nish: North and South is for ages 10 and up.
When you can read it: Sept. 5, 2023
Isabelle Picard is a writer, an ethnologist, a lecturer and Radio-Canada's senior specialist in Indigenous affairs. She is from the Wendake reserve in Quebec.
Kateri Aubin Dubois is a translator and beadworker from the Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation. Dubois lives in Terrebonne, Que.
Izzy's Dog Days of Summer by Caroline Adderson, illustrated by Kelly Collier
Izzy's Dog Days of Summer is the third book in the humourous early-chapter book series about a girl called Izzy and her dog Rolo. Isabel and her best friend Zoë are going to summer camp, but Rolo isn't allowed to join them. Isabel is really excited for camp and is disappointed that the camp counselors at Fun in the Sun Camp keep ruining their fun, so Isabel decides to create her own summer camp in the backyard with Rolo.
Izzy's Dog Days of Summer is for ages 6 to 9.
When you can read it: Sept. 5, 2023
Caroline Adderson is a writer from Vancouver. Her previous books include Izzy's Tail of Trouble, Babble!, The Sky is Falling, Ellen in Pieces and A Russian Sister. Adderson is also a three-time winner of the CBC Literary Prizes. She has published two short story collections, including the 1993 Governor General's Literary Award finalist Bad Imaginings.
Kelly Collier is a Toronto artist and illustrator. She is the author-illustrator of two picture books, A Horse Named Steve and Team Steve, and the illustrator of Sloth and Squirrel in a Pickle, Izzy in the Doghouse and Izzy's Tail of Trouble.
The Trailblazing Life of Viola Desmond by Rachel Kehoe, with Wanda Robson, illustrated by Chelsea Charles
The Trailblazing Life of Viola Desmond is an illustrated nonfiction book for middle-grade readers about the life of civil rights activist Viola Desmond. Based on rare interviews with Desmond's sister, Wanda Robson, who spent her life championing her sister's story, this book tells Desmond's story — from being arrested for taking a stand against racial segregation, to her earlier childhood in Nova Scotia, to her career as a teacher and being a pioneer in Black beauty culture in Canada.
The Trailblazing Life of Viola Desmond is for ages 9 to 12.
When you can read it: Sept. 12, 2023
Rachel Kehoe is a writer and photographer who has written for Muse, Faces and Science News for Students. She lives in Burlington, Ont.
Wanda Robson was a storyteller, writer and community activist. She was the youngest sister of the late civil rights pioneer Viola Desmond and was instrumental in bringing recognition to her sister's contribution to Canadian civil rights. She previously published the book Sister to Courage: Stories from the World of Viola Desmond. Robson died in 2022 at the age of 95.
Chelsea Charles is an illustrator living in Brampton, Ont. She received her BAA in illustration from Sheridan College.
Odd Couples by Maria Birmingham, illustrated by Raz Latif
Odd Couples is a nonfiction book that highlights how different animals and insects have a lot in common with one another. The illustrated book gives examples such as how snails and sharks both have thousands of sharp teeth, hummingbirds and giraffes both like to hum and wombats and seahorses both have pouches!
Odd Couples is for ages 6 to 9.
When you can read it: Sept. 12, 2023
Maria Birmingham is a writer who lives in Brampton, Ont. She has written several books for young people, including Snooze-O-Rama, Acting Wild, Biometrics and A Beginner's Guide to Immortality.
Raz Latif is a Toronto illustrator who has contributed to numerous publications, including Chickadee, The New York Times, The Globe and Mail and Scientific American. Odd Couples is his debut as a children's book illustrator.
The Boy, the Cloud and the Very Tall Tale by Heather Smith
The Boy, the Cloud and the Very Tall Tale is a historical middle-grade novel with a dash of magic. When Ewan was nine years old, he was still grieving the loss of his mother when his father disappeared by getting swept away by a magical cloud. It is now the year 1924 and 11-year-old Ewan is living with his younger sister Flora, his Grumple and his cat. He is determined to find out what happened to his father so he decides to take his grandfather's most reliable horse and sets off on a journey up the Newfoundland coast to get some answers.
The Boy, the Cloud and the Very Tall Tale is for ages 9 to 12.
When you can read it: Sept. 23, 2023
Heather Smith writes books for children and young adults. She is originally from Newfoundland, but now lives in Waterloo, Ont. Smith's picture books include The Phone Booth in Mr. Hirota's Garden, A Plan for Pops and Granny Left Me a Rocket Ship, and her YA books include Chicken Girl, The Agony of Bun O'Keefe and Baygirl. She won the TD Canadian Children's Literature Award in 2019 for her YA novel in verse Ebb & Flow.
We the Sea Turtles by Michelle Kadarusman
In the short story collection, We the Sea Turtles, nine stories are told featuring different children on islands around the world. The stories all have one thing in common — a turtle swims into each of the children's lives at a critical moment. From Georgian Bay, Ont., to Australia, the U.S., Denmark and Indonesia, all nine children form connections with the natural world in different ways.
We the Sea Turtles is for ages 8 to 12.
When you can read it: Sept. 26, 2023
Michelle Kadarusman is a Canadian Australian Indonesian writer of novels for children and teens. She is the author of Berani, Music for Tigers, The Theory of Hummingbirds and Girl of the Southern Sea, which was a finalist for the 2019 Governor General's Literary Award for young people's literature — text. Kadarusman lives in Toronto.
Robot, Unicorn, Queen by Shannon Bramer, illustrated by Irene Luxbacher
In the poetry book Robot, Unicorn, Queen, different childhood experiences are explored across the collection. From dreaming and pretend play, to feeling regret or being left out, the poems explore what it feels like to be a child.
Robot, Unicorn, Queen is for ages 6 to 9.
When you can read it: Oct. 3, 2023
Shannon Bramer writes poems, plays and short fiction. She has published a number of poetry collections, including Climbing Shadows and won the Hamilton and Region Arts Council Book Award for the 1999 book suitcases and other poems. Bramer is based in Toronto.
Irene Luxbacher is a writer and artist from Toronto. She has illustrated numerous picture books, including Malaika, Carnival Queen, Malaika's Surprise and Malaika's Costume by Nadia L. Hohn, Treasure by Mireille Messier and Aunt Pearl by Monica Kulling.
Maggie Lou, Firefox by Arnolda Dufour Bowes, illustrated by Karlene Harvey
Maggie Lou, Firefox is a middle-grade novel about a 12-year-old girl called Maggie Lou, whose nickname is Firefox, and her Métis family. From learning how to box in a tutu, to helping out her dad's construction crew, to building a canine hotel for dogs using scrap wood, Maggie Lou finds adventures everywhere.
Maggie Lou, Firefox is for ages 9 to 12.
When you can read it: Oct. 3, 2023
Arnolda Dufour Bowes is a Métis writer originally from Saskatoon. Her book 20.12m won the 2022 Danuta Gleed Literary Award and a 2022 High Plains Book Award.
Karlene Harvey is a Tsilhqot'in and Syilx illustrator and writer who grew up on territories of the Semiahmoo and Kwantlen Nations. They illustrated the picture books Drum from the Heart, written by Ren Louie, and Every Child Matters, written by Orange Shirt Day creator Phyllis Webstad.
Think Like a Goat by Lisa Deresti Betik, illustrated by Alexander Mostov
Think Like a Goat is an illustrated nonfiction book that highlights the ways animals can innovate, communicate and cooperate with one another. Author Lisa Deresti Betik explores facts such as how elephants grieve, how ants teach one another the routes to new sites to set up their home and how fireflies attract their mates by flashing patterns of light from their abdomens. The book also explores what humans can learn from how animals solve problems.
Think Like a Goat is for ages 8 to 12.
When you can read it: Oct. 3, 2023
Lisa Deresti Betik is children's nonfiction writer and former teacher originally from Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. Her first book was In the Dark, illustrated by Josh Holinaty. Betik currently lives in Waterloo.
Alexander Mostov is an illustrator who lives in Seattle.
At the Speed of Gus by Richard Scrimger
At the Speed of Gus is a novel about a 13-year-old boy called Augustus Constantine who has ADHD. The story follows Gus, who takes medication to help him focus, as one day he misuses that medication and decides to take the ferry over to Vancouver Island to meet up with his sister at her university.
At the Speed of Gus is for ages 10 and up.
When you can read it: Oct. 3, 2023
Richard Scrimger has written over 20 books for children and young adults, including Zomboy, Downside Up, Lucky Jonah and Autumn Bird and the Runaway, which is a collaboration with Melanie Florence, He lives in Toronto.
Saving the Spotted Owl by Nicola Jones, illustrated by Alexandra Finkeldey
Saving the Spotted Owl is a true story about the rescue of Zalea, a three-week old owl chick, who fell from her tree. Zalea is a northern spotted owl, which is a threatened species, so when wildlife biologists saw her on the ground, at risk for predators, they rescued her. Author and science journalist, Nicola Jones, uses Zalea's story to teach children about owls — their life cycles, biology, conversation and habitat protection.
Saving the Spotted Owl is for ages 8 to 12.
When you can read it: Oct. 3, 2023
Nicola Jones is science journalist and writer with a background in chemistry and oceanography. She lives in Pemberton, B.C.
Alexandra Finkeldey is an Ottawa-based illustrator. She also illustrated the picture book When The Storks Came Home by Isabella Tree.
The Cricket War by Tho Pham and Sandra McTavish
The Cricket War is a historical middle-grade novel that tells the story of a young boy's escape from Vietnam by boat in 1980. The story is based on the co-author, Tho Pham's real-life experience. 11-year-old Tho Pham's parents are worried that the Communist army is going to make Tho join them, so they arrange for Tho to leave Vietnam by boat. The story takes Tho to a refugee camp in the Philippines and then later to Canada where he is adopted by an elementary school teacher.
The Cricket War is for ages 9 to 12.
When you can read it: Oct. 3, 2023
Thọ Phạm is a writer who lives in Ottawa. Pham left Vietnam alone at the age of 11 and after two months at sea landed at a refugee camp in the Philippines. He was later adopted by a Canadian elementary school teacher. The Cricket War is his first novel.
Sandra McTavish works in educational publishing and used to teach English in a high school. She divides her time between Toronto and a farm in Ontario. The Cricket War is her first novel.
Scarewaves by Trevor Henderson
Scarewaves is a middle-grade horror novel set in the 1980s in a small town called Beacon Point. Weird things have always happened in Beacon Point — people disappear regularly and strange creatures are often sighted in the woods — but the adults in the town don't seem to notice. Over the course of a few nights, a group of kids come together to try and find their missing friends and to finally figure out once and for all what horrors are happening in their town.
Scarewaves is for ages 9 to 12.
When you can read it: Oct. 3, 2023
Trevor Henderson is a Toronto-based horror writer, artist and illustrator. Scarewaves is his debut middle-grade novel.
An Owl without a Name by Jenna Greene
In the middle-grade book An Owl without a Name, a young Great Horned Owl wakes up on the ground one day with a broken wing and has no idea how he got there or how to get back home. The owl is taken to a rescue centre where he is surrounded by other owls recovering from different injuries, but he is worried, lonely and embarrassed that he doesn't have a name. Soon he begins to make friends and heal, but is he ready to be released back into the wild?
An Owl without a Name is for ages 8 to 12.
When you can read it: Oct. 3, 2023
Jenna Greene writes children's books and YA fantasy novels, and is an elementary school teacher. Greene is based in Lethbridge, Alta.
More than Words by Natalie Hyde and Valerie Sherrard, illustrated by David Jardine
In the illustrated nonfiction book More than Words, the authors help children explore the world of communication. From body language, to facial expressions and hand gestures, More than Words shows children how the silent cues you might be sending can be just as powerful as the words you use. The book aims to help its young readers to communicate effectively and with confidence.
More than Words is for ages 9 to 12.
When you can read it: Oct. 7, 2023
Natalie Hyde writes YA, middle-grade novels and non-fiction books. Her books include Swept Away, Saving Armpit, I Owe You One and Cryptic Canada. She is based in Flamborough, Ont.
Valerie Sherrard was born in Moose Jaw, Sask. and now lives in Miramichi, N.B. She has written more than a dozen books for children and young people, including The Rise and Fall of Derek Cowell, Standing on Neptune, A Bend in the Breeze and 2022 Red Maple Award finalist Birdspell.
David Jardine is an illustrator, actor, comedian and YouTuber. He lives in Miramichi, N.B.
Pine Island Visitors by Polly Horvath
Pine Island Visitors is the sequel to Pine Island Home. Sisters Fiona, Marlin, Natasha and Charlie are settling into their new home on Pine Island in B.C. when one day they receive a letter from the woman who took them into her care after their parents died, Mrs. Witherspoon. She announces that she's coming to visit them for three months and brings an unexpected and unwelcome houseguest with her, Jo, who tries to take over the life the sisters have worked so hard to build for themselves.
Pine Island Visitors is for ages 9 to 12.
When you can read it: Oct. 10, 2023
Polly Horvath is a children's book writer whose previous books include Everything on a Waffle, The Night Garden and One Year in Coal Harbour, which won the TD Canadian Children's Literature Award in 2013. Her novel Pine Island Home was a finalist for the 2020 Governor General's Literary Award for young people's literature — text. Horvath is based in Metchosin, B.C.
The Portal Keeper by David A. Robertson
The Portal Keeper is the fourth book in the Indigenous middle-grade fantasy series, The Misewa Saga. Morgan, Emily and Eli discover a village, Ministik, where the resident animal beings who live there are going missing. The friends are determined to help, especially once they discover who is responsible. Eli meanwhile is still trying to understand his new power — the ability to locate a portal.
The Portal Keeper is for ages 10 and up.
When you can read it: Oct. 10, 2023
David A. Robertson is a writer and graphic novelist based in Winnipeg. Previous books in Roberson's Misewa Saga series include The Barren Grounds, The Great Bear and The Stone Child. Other books by Robertson include the graphic novels Will I See? and Sugar Falls, the YA book Strangers, the memoir Black Water and the Governor General's Literary Award-winning picture books called When We Were Alone and On the Trapline, both illustrated by Cree-Métis artist Julie Flett.
Mehndi Boy by Zain Bandali, illustrated by Jani Balakumar
Mehndi Boy is an early reader chapter book about Tehzeeb, a young artistic boy who adores fashion. One day Tehzeeb tries mehndi and before he knows it he is creating designs for all his family and friends. Everyone is really excited and supportive of Tehzeeb and his new passion, except for his uncle, who tells him that mehndi isn't for boys. When a crisis happens right before his cousin's wedding, Tehzeeb has the chance to be his true self and stand up for what he loves.
Mehndi Boy is for ages 6 to 11.
When you can read it: Oct. 24, 2023
Zain Bandali is a writer, poet and artist of Indo-Tanzanian heritage, living in Milton, Ont. Mehndi Boy is his debut novel.
Jani Balakumar is a Tamil-Canadian illustrator and 2D animator. She is based in Toronto.
See It, Dream It, Do It by Colleen Nelson and Kathie MacIsaac
See It, Dream It, Do It is by the creators of If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It. Featuring 25 profiles of people doing a range of different jobs, from forensic artist to park ranger to paleontologist to pilot, See It, Dream It, Do It answers questions children might have about different types of jobs and gives insight into how the people featured developed the skills and expertise for their careers. Faith Fundal, host of CBC Manitoba's Up to Speed, is featured in a profile about being a radio host.
See It, Dream It, Do It is for ages 8 to 12.
When you can read it: Oct. 25, 2023
Colleen Nelson is a children's and YA writer based in Winnipeg. Her other books include If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It, which she co-wrote with Kathie MacIsaac, Pulse Point, Spin, Harvey Comes Home and Harvey Holds His Own.
Kathie MacIsaac is a Manitoba literacy advocate who is passionate about books for middle-grade readers. She is a co-author of the blog Bit About Books and a co-founder of the website MG Book Village. Her first book, If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It, was co-written with Colleen Nelson. MacIsaac is based in Winnipeg.
Top Secret Anniversary by Mitali Banerjee Ruths, illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel
Top Secret Anniversary is the third book in the early chapter books series, The Party Diaries, about a third-grader named Priya who starts her own party planning business and raises money for endangered species. In Top Secret Anniversary, Priya is planning a party for her mom and dad's anniversary, but Priya and her mom want the party to be a surprise for Priya's dad. Priya is trying her best to keep it a secret from her dad and works hard to create the best anniversary party ever.
Top Secret Anniversary is for ages 5 to 7.
When you can read it: Oct. 31, 2023
Mitali Banerjee is a Montreal-based children's book writer and a pediatrician. Her previous books include picture book Archie Celebrates Diwali, the early readers series The Inside Scouts and two other books in the The Party Diaries series: Awesome Orange Birthday and Starry Henna Night.
Aaliya Jaleel is an illustrator, a designer and a visual development artist. Previous books that she has illustrated include Awesome Orange Birthday, Starry Henna Night, Maryam's Magic, Under My Hijab and Muslim Girls Rise.
LISTEN | Mitali Banerjee Ruths talks about The Party Diaries:
Champions of the Fox by Kevin Sands
Champions of the Fox is book four in the middle-grade fantasy series Thieves of Shadow about five kids with unusual talents. In the conclusion to the series, junior con artist Callan and his friends have their most ambitious task yet — they need to sneak into a private island prison and rescue someone from a jail cell that has been locked for nearly a century. Callan wants to be freed from the magical artifact, The Dragon's Eye, but in order to do that, he must be successful in this final task.
Champions of the Fox is for ages 8 to 12.
When you can read it: Nov. 7, 2023
Kevin Sands is a Toronto-based writer of numerous books including the Blackthorn Key series. The Blackthorn Key, the series' first book, received the John Spray Mystery Award and was a finalist for the Arthur Ellis Best YA Crime Novel Award. Sands has also written Children of the Fox and Seekers of the Fox, which were the first two books in the Thieves of Shadow series.