I first met Joel Sutherland when he volunteered as a counsellor at a kids’ book camp that the CCBC helped organize back in 2003. We had no way to pay our volunteers, but Joel said it was enough to spend the week talking about reading and writing and meeting the children’s authors and illustrators we’d lined up to work with the kids. Fast-forward to today, and Joel is considered Canada’s master of thrills and chills, having written 16 books in the Haunted Canada series, along with countless other spooky novels for teens. In her fascinating piece, Heather Camlot speaks with Joel about his career and two exciting new projects: writing his first-ever picture book and transforming his classic Haunted Canada stories into graphic novels.
Graphic novels have been booming in Canada in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. Not only can they engage reluctant or struggling readers, but they’re also a great way to introduce stories to new audiences through adaptations of middle-grade books, myths, and legends. In his enlightening piece, book expert Spencer Miller explores how graphic novel adaptations bring familiar stories to life in new ways, with visuals that add another layer of magic.
Our Keep Your Eye On column shines a spotlight on Kristy Jackson, whose first two graphic novels were both nominated for the Governor General’s Literary Award and have received numerous other accolades. The new releases featured in our Bookmark! column celebrate friendship, family, and finding your place in the world, with plenty of courage, compassion, spooky adventures, and laugh-out-loud fun along the way.
As always, you’ll also find reviews of 11 new books to discover and enjoy.
Happy reading!
Shannon Barnes