We Recommend: September 2026

Goodbye, Koi
written and illustrated by Jack Wong
Orchard Books, 2026
978-1-338-83099-6 (hc) $26.99
for Kindergarten to Grade 3

Picture Book | Relocation | Loss |  Empathy | Farewells | Transitions | New Beginnings 

Numerous preparations are required before one relocates homes. Packing belongings, clearing living quarters, organizing thrift shop donations, bidding farewell to pets, friends and relatives...  It can all feel a bit overwhelming and sad. As a father and young son ready themselves for their move from Hong Kong to Canada, they empty their fish tank and have their koi released in a park's outdoor pond. The child muses, "I hope they like their new big pond, under the big blue sky."  As he contemplates how his beloved fish will react to falling temperatures, their new diet, and the other koi in the pond, his uncertainty about his own transition to a new country is amply reflected.  

In an author's note, Jack Wong divulges that he and his family moved from Hong Kong to Canada when he was six years old. "One of the most vivid moments I recall from this time was seeing my dad netting our pet koi fish out of the tank in our former home. We couldn't take the koi with us where we were going; in my real life, however, I never learned what happened to them. This memory became my starting point for writing about the feelings that come with not knowing – when you find yourself filled with more questions than answers."  Narrated from the young protagonist's viewpoint, this poignant story will resonate with anyone who has suffered a loss of something or someone dear.  

Employing Chinese brush painting techniques, Wong's stunning illustrations are rendered with watercolour on rice paper and digital collage in Photoshop. Vivid scenes fluctuate between the busyness of a big city and the more languid underwater setting. The book's final double-spread depicts a jet in the air:  "It's our turn to see our new home, under the big blue sky...."    

Senta Ross is a former elementary teacher and teacher-librarian in Kitchener, Ontario. 

Sage and the Snowshoe Express
written by Louise Bradford
illustrated by Maya McKibbin
Kids Can Press, 2026
978-1-5253-1296-0 (hc) $21.99
978-1-5253-1420-9 (ebook) $13.99
for Preschool to Grade 2

Picture Book | Indigenous | Perseverance | Adventure | Mail Delivery 

During a deep winter that prevents mail from going back and forth between two villages, Sage’s father loads letters and parcels onto his toboggan. As she reluctantly watches him go, she discovers a package in the snow and chases after him. When Sage gives it to her father, she cannot go back home because of a gathering storm behind them. As they journey onward, she acts as scout, keeping track of what’s around them, including the wolves to whom they give all their food. Eventually, the storm surrounds them, and Sage loses sight of the river they’d been following. However, Sage is the first to spot the glowing lights of the other village, where a big party awaits them.

Bradford’s text is well-paced, flows smoothly, and is full of action, with a variety of Anishinaabemowin words embedded throughout; while a glossary is included, each term can be understood in the context of the unfolding story. McKibbin’s gorgeous digital art illustrations are bold and bright against a background of shades of blue and white, and have a strong sense of fluid movement. 

Sage is an emotionally engaging character whose excitement about the Snowshoe Express, followed by her devastating disappointment at initially not being allowed to accompany her father, will appeal to readers. While at the end she declines further Snowshoe Express adventures, Sage is more than eager as the snows melt to join her father on the Rowboat Express.

Ken Kilback is a writer and retired primary teacher in Vancouver.

A Shapeshifter’s Guide to Gym Class
written by Kai Cheng Thom
Simon & Schuster Canada, 2026
978-1-6682-1087-1 (hc) $20.00
978-1-6682-1089-5 (ebook) $13.99
for Grades 6 and up

Fiction | Fantasy | Identity and Belonging | Envy | Friendship

Nor Numinem is an ideal town, full of flowers and hope, where gardeners hold as much power as members of city council and bees are friendly neighbours. But even in a town this beautiful, a kid like Maia has problems. Maia is a shapeshifter, and worse, she is just starting middle school. 

In every generation in Nor Numinem, like everywhere else in the world, a few children are born shapeshifters. For Maia, it means she can grow giant moth wings out of her back. Unfortunately, the wings seem to appear whenever she gets excited, or scared, or whenever her new classmate Luke looks at her. Worse than worse? Her wings are basically useless. 

Even with all these problems to worry about, Maia’s are about to get a whole lot harder. A strange illness is spreading through the gardens of Nor Numinem. An illness turns the plants grey and lifeless – and according to the adults, the shifters are to blame. As rumours turn to fear and hate, Maia and her friends soon discover a dark rift buried deep in Nor Numinem, and it will take all their combined strength to heal it.

Kai Cheng Thom lays out the struggles of friendship, self-acceptance and social equality in a way that cannot be ignored. Following Maia and her friends, with pages from the character’s own guide to life and gym class mixed in, Thom writes in a way that keeps readers engaged from one chapter to the next. 

Grounded in growing up and growing into yourself, The Shapeshifter’s Guide to Gym Class shows how rumours can feed fear until it grows out of control, but more importantly, it also shows how that fear can be healed. Anyone who has felt out of place next to their peers, who has felt like a stranger in their own body, who knows what it’s like to want to be normal, even without knowing what normal is, can find solidarity with Maia and her Pod of friends. Written for middle-grade audiences, Kai Cheng Thom has written a wonderful story about community and how it grows, much like a garden when it’s given enough love.

Sara Rigotti is a graduate of the University of Ottawa and a board member of the Writers’ Community of Durham Region.

All the Way Home
written by Alex Ritany
Norton Young Readers, 2026
978-1-32408-365-8 (hc) $26.99
for Grades 9 and up

Fiction | 2BLGBTQIA+ | Gender and Identity | Romcom |
Family | Airports | Friendship | Romance

Zach Loren’s first flight starts poorly when his carry-on bag is stolen, and his flight is delayed at Calgary Airport. He tends toward shyness and anxiety, so he is surprised when a shockingly suave and handsome stranger starts up a conversation. This is Kieran, who oozes charisma but is secretly struggling with unprocessed trauma. His twin sister, Rena, is the capable one, but she is buttoned up so tightly that she keeps her own feelings at bay. In a scenario right out of a stage play, all the action takes place in the Calgary airport terminal. Here, Kieran, Rena, and Zach wait through multiple delays to their flight home to Ontario for Christmas during their first year of university. Secrets abound, and all will be revealed by the time the winter storm finally lets up. The story is told from all three points of view, with impeccable pacing and strong voices for all the protagonists. 

This is a romcom, and its impact comes from snappy but sincere dialogue and appealing, relatable characters. It is a feat to create a credible love story that occurs in less than twelve hours, but the relationship that develops between Kieran and Zach is deep, real and satisfying. The novel is a bit longer than necessary and a little predictable, but these are forgivable flaws. This long airport delay leads to revelations relevant to all young people who are navigating the road to independence. 

Kris Rothstein is an editor, cultural critic and literary agent in Vancouver, BC. 

A Cause to Fight For
written by Janet Mary Nicol
Heritage House, 2026
978-1-77203-598-8 (pb) $16.95
for Grades 8 and up

Fiction | World War I | Activism | Social Justice | Suffrage Movement

It is 1916, and the world is caught up in both the bravery and horror of the First World War. But other battles are being fought closer to home, and 15-year-old Jess Goldie, along with her older sister Kathleen, finds herself on the front lines of the suffrage movement.  

The young women go to rallies, hand out leaflets and visit door-to-door in hopes of convincing voters – only white men, at that time – of the importance of women’s equality. The summer of 1916 was a turning point in the city of Vancouver with many women mobilizing for the suffrage cause. Jess and Kathleen canvassed their Mount Pleasant neighbourhood tirelessly, knowing that the referendum on votes for women would be part of the provincial election in September.

Nicol expands her theme beyond votes for women, pointing out that people of other races, as well as Indigenous people, are excluded from voting in the Canadian system. Jess’s friend Lily Gee personifies the prejudice: not only can no one in her family vote, but Lily faces obstacles to her dream of one day becoming a lawyer. Social justice is a major theme of this young adult novel.

While the novel centres on Jess, Kathleen, and leaders of the suffrage movement at the time, Nicol also takes time to sketch out the other side of the argument, and readers hear various male characters and a few women explain their concerns about allowing women to vote. Intertwined with this is the burgeoning labour movement, and Jess gains first-hand knowledge of it when she takes a job at the steam laundry alongside her mother.

The novel is written in six sections, each divided into short chapters, making it accessible for young adult readers. Nicol also includes a brief author’s note as well as a list of sources and suggested reading for those who would like to delve a little deeper into this era of history.

Nothing brings history more alive for young readers than a well-told, engaging and relatable story. Janet Mary Nicol’s novel succeeds on all counts!

Ann Ketcheson is a retired teacher-librarian and high school teacher of English and French who lives in Ottawa.

Roses & Ruin
written by Hazel Cross
979-8-21711-125-1 (pb) $17.99
G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, 2026
for Grades 11 and up

Fiction | Supernatural | Fate | Loyalty | Romance | Fitting In | Revenge

Eighteen-year-old Rose is saved from a near-fatal car accident by a mysterious stranger who disappears before anyone else can see him. A year later, she starts college across the country and runs into Hayden, the boy she’s certain saved her life. He denies any connection, but Rose keeps pushing until he reveals that he’s a vampire who has found her in past lives, only to lose her before her 19th birthday. Staying away from Rose might break his heart, but holding onto her could cost them both.

Hazel Cross’s new YA romance reads like Twilight crossed with Fifty Shades of Grey, with a reincarnation romance twist. It’s suspenseful and engaging, and the short chapters make it a quick read. The New England setting works particularly well. The autumn landscape gives the story a chilly atmosphere, while there’s a steady sense of danger underneath.

The characters are less convincing. Rose and Hayden feel underdeveloped, and their relationship has little depth beyond the reincarnation trope that brings them together. 
Delia initially seems to be a loyal friend to Rose, but her real motives for befriending her turn out to be much darker. The reveal of Delia’s role is a surprise, but her revenge motive feels familiar and thin. Julian, Rose’s art TA, also develops an intense obsession with her after a single date, which feels uncomfortable and inappropriate given their teacher-student relationship. 

The content is also worth noting. Rose is in college, and the story includes drinking, drug use, profanity, and graphic sex. Fans of sexy vampire romances will likely find something to enjoy in this novel, but it’s not recommended for younger or more sensitive readers.

Rachel Seigel has worked in the children’s book world for 25 years and has a passion for children’s and YA books. She is currently the Sales Administrator at Page Two Books.

Buffalo Ways: The Enduring Story of Buffalo and the First Peoples of North America
(Books for a Better Earth)
written by Deidre Havrelock
illustrated by William Burns
Holiday House, 2026
978-0-8234-5037-4 (hc) $27.99
978-0-8234-6481-4 (ebook) $27.47
for Grades 1 to 3

Non-Fiction | Indigenous Peoples | Environmental Stewardship | Plains Buffalo | Resilience

Buffalo Ways shares the compelling and epic true story of the Buffalo—from their arrival during the last ice age, their reciprocal and sacred connection with the Indigenous Plains Peoples who came later, their suffering and near extinction due to European settlers and government policies, and the Indigenous-led movement that was inspired by a man named Latatitsa from the Flathead Indian Reservation, which helped the Buffalo to thrive once again. It’s a tale of resilience and relationship, centring the spirit of the Buffalo as “a symbol of abundance, life, and respect” and sharing their difficult journey as a reminder of the “strength and belonging” of Indigenous Peoples. Backmatter includes an extensive author’s note, further information, resources for readers, and sources.

Deidre Havrelock of the Saddle Creek Cree Nation writes with extraordinary detail and compassion about the community efforts to bring the Buffalo back from devastation. Illustrator William Burns of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe has re-created the landscape and history through digital paintings that are textured, layered, and highly emotive. Together, this book is an evocative tribute to the Buffalo and their time-honoured relationship with Indigenous Peoples—one that will model stewardship and advocacy for young readers. 

Karen Krossing is an author for kids and teens.

Stop AntiBlack Racism: 8 Ways to Act Now
written by Nadia L. Hohn
illustrated by Arden Taylor
Orca Book Publishers, 2026
978-1-45984-385-1 (hc) $19.95
for Grades 4 and up

Non-Fiction | Racism and Anti-Racism | Systemic Oppression | Diversity | Equality | Equity | Inclusion | Activism

Stop AntiBlack Racism: 8 Ways to Act Now weaves together quotes from activists and artists, calls to action, and author Nadia L. Hohn’s own experiences of anti-Black racism. It’s a concise, empowering and informative volume that pairs Hohn’s text with engaging illustrations from Arden Taylor.

Racism persists. Kids experience it, and sometimes adults don’t know how to address it. Or worse, they dismiss or minimize it. Stop AntiBlack Racism, written for a middle-grade audience, confronts racism head-on and gives kids tools for action. It begins by explaining the terms discrimination, racialized person and systemic oppression and then quickly transitions to the unique ways Black people may experience racism with historic and contemporary examples. 

The 8 ways to act are divided into three steps: 1. Fight Ignorance, 2. Take a Stand, and 3. Get Back Up! Challenging topics like intersectionality, cultural appropriation and racial passing are addressed appropriately for the age group. Hohn includes both Canadian and American people, institutions and incidents. As a book lover, the section about Ainara Alleyne and Marley Dias, two young Black activists who advocate for diverse books being available to students, was a favourite for me. Nadia L. Hohn’s choice to share her own childhood memories of racism is very powerful and impactful. As an educator, I have had more discussions about the N-word at school than I expected when I began my career. And Hohn, an educator herself, has included a section explaining the history and the impact of the N-word and a thoughtful and clear look at its ongoing use. I know this will be a helpful section for children, parents, and educators, and I appreciate that the word is not spelled out in the text.

An important addition to anti-racism texts for children, and the first I’ve seen that is specific to anti-Black racism, Stop AntiBlack Racism: 8 Ways to Act Now moves from definitions and education to action, allyship and self- and community-care. Highly recommended for kids and young teens, and for school and public libraries.

Tara Truscott is a teacher-librarian with the York Region District School Board. 

Time is Wild: The Life Cycles of Animals and You
written by Erin Silver
illustrated by Samantha Dixon
Orca Book Publishers, 2026
978-1-4598-4281-6 (hc) $21.95
978-1-4598-4283-0 (ebook) $17.99
for Grades 1 to 3

Non-Fiction | Time | Animal Life Cycles | Human Life Cycle | Human Growth

Readers of all ages will be astounded by the myriad intriguing facts in this book. These facts show the importance of time in the life cycle of living creatures, including us humans! Life events happen speedily for some animals, but for others it’s quite the opposite!! Whether it’s the length of a pregnancy, eating or pooping habits, walking or sleeping, the wide variety of adaptations in the natural world ensures that every stage of development in a species’ life has its own distinct and amazing timeline.

Each two-page spread covers a specific life cycle phenomenon such as sleeping, learning to walk, bathing, etc. Each segment emphasizes the behaviour of one selected animal while also contrasting it with others. Behaviour is described through an easy-to-read introductory paragraph and a ‘That’s Wild’ information box. A side column highlights timelines of other animals, including humans. Here we learn that tardigrades can survive without food for 30 years, an elephant is pregnant for 22 months, a quahog clam lives for up to 500 years, and a sloth only poops once every 5 to 7 days! Each double-page spread is replete with endearing, detailed illustrations in rich, soft colours that invite browsing. A glossary is included.

I can’t imagine a child who wouldn’t find this title both fun and thought provoking. With its mix of entertaining facts and attractive illustrations, it reveals so much about the animal world we humans are part of. A great addition to public, school or individual libraries.

Aileen Wortley is a retired children’s librarian from Toronto.