Picture Books

A Muslim American girl at the top of her game makes a difficult choice in Lion on the Inside: How One Girl Changed Basketball (September), by Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir & Judith Henderson, illustrated by Katherine Ahmed, a powerful and beautifully told true story about breaking barriers. Written with humour and honesty, All the Faces of Me (October), by Laura Alary, illustrated by Salini Perera, reminds readers that, just like nesting dolls, there’s more to us than meets the eye. And with Look Up High! Things That Fly (October), Victoria Allenby adds another kid-tastic instalment to the Big, Little Concept Books collection with an exploration of cool flying machines that preschoolers will love.

From Linda Bailey, illustrated by Natalia Shaloshvili, in The Three Little Mittens (October), a single mitten is excluded by a matching pair in this endearing picture book about friendship, belonging and the pressure to “match.” Robot Unicorn Queen (October) is a collection of poems that explore childhood experiences—from the whimsical to the poignant—by Shannon Bramer, with magical art by Irene Luxbacher. And Odd Couples: A Guide to Unlikely Animal Pairs (September), by Maria Birmingham, illustrated by Raz Latif, is a fun and engaging guessing game that demonstrates how even the most unusual animal pairs can be two of a kind.

Two children begin to understand how their identities have been shaped by racism, and that history is not only about the past in Obaasan's Boots (October), by Janis Bridger and Lara Jean Okihiro. A musical tale in verse following a robin through a year of seasons in her oak tree home, and a tender-hearted exploration of the cycle of life, The Old Oak Tree (September), by Hilary Briar and Reid Briar, features delicate paper-collage illustrations by Angela Doak. And a girl and her grandfather bond over a shared love of words in this heartwarming story about changing relationships in Other Words for Nonno (September), by Dave Cameron, illustrated by Yong Ling Kang.

Strawberry-sized pals Poppy and Sam return for their fourth adventure in Poppy and Sam and the Hunt for Jam (August), by Cathon, translated by Susan Ouriou. Molly Misses Nainai (September), by Emma Chen, illustrated by Sean Huang, is a poignant family story about immigration, grandparent-grandchild connections, and the ties that bind. And Freddie the Flyer (October), by Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail and Fred Carmichael, illustrated by Audrea Loreen-Wulf, pays homage to aviator Freddie Carmichael—the first Indigenous commercial pilot in the Arctic—with each month of the year highlighting moments from his life, the beauty of the North and the power of dreams.

While You Were Sleeping (September), by Briana Corr Scott, is a nostalgic bedtime book featuring lyrical text and gentle illustrations from the celebrated author of Wildflower. Because I Already Loved You (August), by Andrée-Anne Cyr, illustrated by Bérengère Delaporte, is quiet, thoughtful look at stillbirth and grief told through the eyes of a child. Step inside the deliciously detailed pages of Sylvie Daigneault’s The Imaginary Alphabet (August), a world of alliterative delights where Agile alligators attempting an arabesque are just the beginning. And the unique smarts of all kinds of creatures are on display in Think Like a Goat: The Wildly Smart Ways Animals Communicate, Cooperate and Innovate (October), by Lisa Deresti Betik, illustrated by Alexander Mostov, an intriguing exploration of animal intelligence.

A young child navigates grief after losing a beloved family pet and learns what it means for a loved one’s presence to remain even after they are gone in Angus is Here (July), by Hadley Dyer, illustrated by Paul Covello. Bambi Edlund has created a fun way to teach children about the basic concepts of mechanical physics in Operation Cupcake: How Simple Machines Work (October). And in September, she releases How to Make a Peanut Butter Sandwich in 17 Easy Steps (September), a slightly overcomplicated and highly hilarious guide to making a peanut butter sandwich with all your critter friends.

Zander the goose is determined to stay home instead of go south this winter in Zander Stays (October), by Maureen Fergus, illustrated by Scot Ritchie, with an author’s note further exploring how Zander’s animal friends adapt to their winter environment. Eugenie Fernandes' When Rabbit Was a Lion (October) is a read-aloud with a warm, insightful Frog and Toad sensibility that highlights the importance of listening and communication, encouraging readers to accept themselves and others as they are. And Indigenous artist and storyteller Andrea Fritz tells a tale of a salmon and a sea otter who learn it's okay to say "I don't know" and to ask for help in Otter Doesn't Know (September).

A thunderstorm evokes a boy's family traditions in Benjamin's Thunderstorm, a rainy-day story from award-winning author Melanie Florence, illustrated by Hawlii Pichette. The Walking School Bus (September), by Aaron Friedland and Ndileka Mandela, illustrated by Andrew Jackson Obol, with an afterword by Julian Lennon, is a remarkable story about a brother and sister's determination to attend school—and their inventive solution to get there safely. And Pockets Full of Sea Glass (August), by Alma Fullerton, is a wonderful introduction of the mindfulness children can achieve by spending time in nature, one piece of sea glass at a time.

In Jeffrey Loves Blue (August), by Loretta Garbutt, illustrated by Lily Snowden-Fine, a boy finds the courage to leave his comfort zone, try something new, and do something nice for a friend. Inspired by events from her own childhood, Hopscotch (August), by Marie-Louise Gay, weaves a wonderful tale of imagination, creativity and resilience as the keys to children’s power in an uncertain world. The Yellow Leaves Are Coming (September), by James Gladstone, illustrated by François Thisdale, is a celebration of nature through the eyes of a boy whose dreams fill with the glorious yellow leaves of autumn. And Jenna Greene’s An Owl Without a Name (October) is the story of a young owl’s strange and disorienting journey to discover who he is and where he belongs.

Naaahsa Aisinaki!/ Naaahsa is an Artist! (October), by Hali Heavy Shield, translated by Norma Jean Russell and Faye Heavy Shield, is a celebration of art, artists, and Indigenous women artists in particular. Mama Lou is pregnant and everyone’s guessing what’s in her belly in Mama Lou's Belly (October), by Marie-Francine Hébert, illustrated by Guillaume Perreault, translated by Charles Simard. And Judith Henderson's Love is in the Bear (October), illustrated by Nahid Kazemi, is a perfectly pitched story about a bear, a bird, and a bond forged through music.

Tomson Highway’s Grand Chief Salamoo Comes to Town! (September) is a laugh-out-loud riot of a tale, interspersed with eight jazzy songs performed in Cree, including a QR code to access the narrated story and songs online and a glossary of Cree words used throughout the tale. A pesky cone becomes a doggie dream come true in Cone Dog, Sarah Howden and Carmen Mok's canine companion to Cone Cat. And the story of a most unusual pet, Beatrice and Barb (October), the debut picture book from author Kate Jenks Landry,  with illustrations by Vivian Mineker, offers a universal and powerful message about how to take care of those we love.

Readers learn about saving threatened species—and meet real owls! in Saving the Spotted Owl: Zalea’s Story (October), by Nicola Jones, illustrated by Alexandra Finkeldey. A boy has some unexpected encounters in his neighbourhood in Deborah Kerbel's Next Door (October), illustrated by Isaac Liang, a wordless book about celebrating differences and building bridges. Kerbel also releases Ary's Trees (August), illustrated by Sophia Choi, an eco-parable about the importance of environmental preservation and activism. And a debut picture book from author/illustrator Maggie Knaus, Eleanor’s Moon (August) is a charming and cozy story that assures children a loved one can always be connected to them, even when they’re apart.

Kaboom! A Volcano Erupts (September), by Jessica Kulekjian, illustrated by Zoe Si, is a step-by-step story of a volcanic eruption—told from the volcano's point of view. Mnoomin maan'gowing / The Gift of Mnoomin‌, by Brittany Luby, illustrated by Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley, translated by Mary Ann Corbiere, reveals the cultural and ecological importance of mnoomin and, as the author’s note explains, many Anishinaabeg agree that “wild rice” is an inaccurate term for this plant relation, since part of the harvest is sown every year to help sustain human and non-human beings. Blue Camas! Blue Camas! (October), by Danielle S. Marcotte, illustrated by Alyssa Koski, is the captivating story of how the Blue Camas, a flower that has been cultivated on Canada’s west coast since time immemorial, came to symbolize the meeting of two contrasting ways of life and the perseverance of traditional knowledge against all odds.

A boy makes one hundred chapatis with his grandfather while they wait for news of his new baby sibling’s arrival in 100 Chapatis (October), by Derek Mascarenhas, illustrated by Shantala Robinson. Acclaimed Canadian poet Don McKay creates a charming tale of geology and deep time and connection in his first children’s book, The Rock Box (June), illustrated by Sally McKay. And The Little Books of the Little Brontës (October), by Sara O’Leary, illustrated by Briony May Smith, is a moving and atmospheric story about the power of imagination, the joy of storytelling and the love of books.

In Maybe a Whale (August), by Kirsten Pendreigh, illustrated by Crystal Smith, mom and daughter find the space to grieve Grandpa and reconnect with each other in the wild beauty of nature. In her signature poetic style, Jean E. Pendziwol describes the exhilarating experience of skating on the wild ice of Lake Superior in Skating Wild on an Inland Sea (October), illustrated by Todd Stewart, including the haunting singing that occurs as the ice expands and contracts. And The Only Way to Make Bread (October), by Cristina Quintero, illustrated by Sarah Gonzales, is a delicious exploration of all kinds of breads, from sourdough to bannock to bao, that will tickle your taste buds and warm your heart.

For young Ali, a former refugee from Afghanistan, “home” is where his family is together in If You See a Bluebird (October), by Bahram Rahman, author of ALA Schneider Family Book Award Honor Book A Sky-Blue Bench, illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard. A heartfelt imagining of what happens when a beloved pet dies, Fluffy and the Stars (August), by T’áncháy Redvers, illustrated by Roza Nozari, offers children a caring introduction to the emotions of grief and loss, from a perspective of love and healing. And inspired by the life of his great-aunt, Mark Sakamoto weaves personal and political history with a keen sense of justice and optimism in Shizue’s Path (September), illustrated by Rachel, a story about a girl who, swept up by the waters of the world, uses her voice to create ripples of kindness.

A love letter to the ocean, and to adapting to climate change, When the Ocean Came to Town (October), the newest picture book by award-winning creators Sal Sawler and Emma FitzGerald, will inspire young readers to build better solutions, and communities. In Waci! Dance! (September), by Sage Spiedel, illustrated by Leah Dorion, a mother shares Lakota cultural experiences with her daughter, introducing her to waci (dance) as a way to celebrate life. Inspired by Karl Subban’s son, NHL star PK Subban, The Hockey Skates (September) is a story about maintaining perseverance and optimism through a series of comical misfortunes—all of which are brought to life by Maggie Zeng’s charming illustrations. Inspired by David Suzuki's adventures with his own grandkids, Bompa's Insect Expedition (September), written with Tanya Lloyd Kyi, illustrated by Qin Leng, reveals how essential insects are to the fabric of our world. 

“The Owl Song” by Alan Syliboy & the Thundermakers is now a gorgeously illustrated book for all ages, When the Owl Calls Your Name (November), exploring Mi’kmaw spirituality, life and death. A little green envelope longs to go on a journey in The Little Green Envelope (August), by Gillian Sze, illustrated by Claudine Crangle—will it be chosen to deliver Olive’s letter to her far-away friend? And from “A is for Ahead by a Century” to “N is for New Orleans is Sinking” all the way to “Z is for Frozen in My Tracks,” The Tragically Hip ABC (October) will be enjoyed by readers of all ages, featuring art from Canadian illustrators Clayton Hanmer, Julia Breckenreid, Bridget George and Monika Melnychuk.

With stunning three-dimensional art by Miki Sato and a delightful story by wordsmith Vikki VanSickle, including a twist ending, How to Decorate a Christmas Tree (October) will quickly become a Christmas tree decorating tradition of its own. First-day-of-school jitters take on a whole new meaning in First Night of Howlergarten (August), by Benson Shum, where future werewolves prepare for their big transformation. And the wordless picture book Once, a Bird (September), by Rina Singh, illustrated by Nathalie Dion, is a hopeful contemplation of our interconnectedness with the natural world and the joy that nature brings us, even in unusual times. 

Singh also releases Imagine A Garden (September), illustrated by Hoda Hadadi, with seven real-life stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things for their communities amidst war, poverty, and violence. From Sydney Smith, the creator of Small in the City and the illustrator of Town Is by the Sea and Sidewalk Flowers, comes Do You Remember? (October), a moving look at how memories are made. One More Jar of Jam (August), by Michelle Sumovich, illustrated by Gracey Zhang, is a sparkling and deeply felt story of love, loss, renewal—and jam!—offering a gentle reminder of the cyclical nature of the world around us. A young girl responds to anti-Asian racism in Everyone Is Welcome (September), by Phuong Truong, illustrated by Christine Wei. North American Survivors (September), by Dave Taylor, explores seven species of mammals that existed in the North American continent, lived through the last Ice Age, and endured to the present.

With the help of a magical friend, a young girl searches for her missing father in Mira and Baku (September), a poignant story set during Japanese Canadian incarceration in World War II written by Sara Truuvert, illustrated by Michelle Theodore. Multi-award-winning author Ryan Uytdewilligen employs a funny and unique take on metafiction and the literary technique of breaking the fourth wall to provide an easy-to-understand exploration of literary genres in This Is Not My Story (June), illustrated by David Huyck. From acclaimed author Muon Thi Van comes If You Want to Be a Butterfly (October), illustrated by Andrea Armstrong, an innovative exploration of a butterfly's life cycle—in reverse. And A Flock of Seagulls, A Chorus of Frogs (November) is a vibrant addition to the First West Coast Book series, perfect for storytime and supporting language development in babies and toddlers, illustrated by Roy Henry Vickers, written by Lucky Budd.

Inspired by the author's experience growing up with ADHD, Lost Inside My Head (October), by Vigg, translated by David Warriner, is a touching and illuminating story that brings the reader into the thoughts, struggles, joys and uniqueness of a young child with ADHD. Acclaimed Canadian storyteller Dan Yashinsky brings wit and whimsy to the wonder tale, The Golden Apples (September), Ekaterina Khlebnikova's brilliant illustrations a perfect complement to Yashinsky's re-telling. A young girl helps her dad navigate life in a new country where she understands the language more than he does, in an unforgettable story about communication and community in Jack Wong's The Words We Share (October). And Aliya’s Secret: A Story of Ramadan (October) is a joyful look at Ramadan is based on author Farida Zaman's own childhood experiences and is rich with facts and details about the holiday. 

Middle Grade

In Izzy's Dog Days of Summer (September), a heartwarming and hilarious title from award-winning author Caroline Adderson's delightful Izzy series, Isabel and Zoë are ready to have a big amount of fun at summer camp—but is summer camp ready for Izzy? From finding food, water and shelter to traveling for commerce, trade and eventually exploring the world, humans have always had to find their way from one place to another, and Are We There Yet? (August), by Maria Birmingham, illustrated by Drew Shannon, examines the evolution of how we navigate the world. The Heathens and the Dragon (September) is a middle-grade medieval adventure starring two orphans, a troubadour with dancing feet, and an irascible pet chicken by an award-winning writer Kate Boorman.

Mary Fairhurst Breen celebrates people who have stood up for the queer community, whether on their own behalf or in support of people they love, in Pride and Persistence: Stories of Queer Activism (October). In the small village of Sueño Bay, famous for its mysterious crystals and legendary moon creatures, friends Kay, Ollie, Jenna and Sleeves try to help a lost moon creature at the lighthouse of Candle Point in Candle Point (September), by Mike Deas and Nancy Deas, the fourth book in a series following Shadow Island, Otter Lagoon and Hermit Hill. Set on the eve of the 20th century, when female performers were one of the earliest groups to demand equal pay for equal work, the historical adventure Ephemia Rimaldi: Circus Performer Extraordinaire (September), by Linda DeMeulemeester, offers important themes for today's readers.

Maggie Lou’s grandpa doesn’t call her Firefox for nothing. She’s always finding ways to make life more interesting—even if this means getting into big trouble—in Maggie Lou, Firefox (October), by Arnolda Dufour Bowes (whose 20.12 m: A Short Story Collection of a Life Lived as a Road Allowance Métis won the Danuta Gleed Literary Award and the High Plains Book Award), illustrated by Karlene Harvey. The arrival of a mysterious new neighbour inspires a kid to write her own poetry in Hans Christian Andersen Lives Next Door (October), a humorous and unforgettable new middle-grade novel by award-winning author Cary Fagan. The best dog-walkers in town are back in Priya Puts Herself First (October), by Nathan Fairbairn, the third book of the PAWS graphic novel series that is the Baby-Sitters Club for pets!

In Asha and Baz Meet Elizebeth Friedman (September), the third book in Caroline Fernandez's Asha and Baz series, readers learn about secret codes and how to break them from World War II codebreaker Elizebeth Friedman! Leslie Gentile follows up her award-winning debut Elvis, Me, and the Lemonade Stand Summer with Shamus the Urban Rez Dog, P.I. (September), a story about missing jewellery, a false accusation, and a real thief, with Shamus the Urban Rez Dog, P.I., is on the case. 13-year-old Jonah is determined to prove that anxiety won’t stop him from succeeding as his hockey team’s goalie in Game Face (September), by Shari Green, a dynamic novel in verse. Adrian's best friend and his boyfriend don't get along…and his boyfriend is a ghost in The Haunting of Adrian Yates (October), by Markus Harwood-Jones. The anthology The Antiracist Kitchen: 21 Stories (and Recipes) (September), edited by Nadia L. Hohn, illustrated by Roza Nozari features stories and recipes from racialized authors about food, culture and resistance.

In More than Words: Navigating the Complex World of Communication (October), Natalie Hyde and Valerie Sherrard shows readers how to turn communication into their superpower. By Newbery Honor author Polly Horvath, comes Pine Island Visitors (October), a sequel to her popular middle-grade novel Pine Island Home about orphaned sisters who find a way to make a new family. Suliewey: The Sequel to My Indian (September), by Mi'sel Joe & Sheila O'Neill, continues the story of Mi’kmaq guide Sylvester Joe, whose traditional name is Suliewey, as he seeks out the last remaining Beothuk community. In short story collection We the Sea Turtles (September), Governor General’s Award finalist Michelle Kadarusman explores relevant themes like eco-anxiety, natural disaster, and how people ground themselves when they’ve been uprooted, showing that stories are how we make sense of our lives.

A biography of Viola Desmond, who took a stand against racial segregation years before Rosa Parks in the US, The Trailblazing Life of Viola Desmond (September), by Rachel Kehoe and the late Wanda Robson (who was Davis's sister), is illustrated by Chelsea Charles and based on Robson's rare interviews with this Canadian civil rights icon. Keepers of the Pact (August), by Karen Kelloway, is a thrilling middle-grade adventure set in Newfoundland, featuring mermaids, intrepid explorers, and ancient secrets. And told from alternating points of view, Deborah Kerbel’s Opposite Identicals (October) is a fantastical adventure about overcoming obstacles, self-discovery, and environmental awareness.

Lore Isle (June), by Jiin Kim, is a middle-grade fantasy that follows a young boy into a magical land of mummers, sprites, fairies, and murderous pitcher plants in an attempt to save his home—and his family. The graphic novel Butterfly Wings: A Hopeful Story About Climate Anxiety (September), by Samuel Larochelle, illustrated by Eve Patenaude, translated by Arielle Aaronson, is an honest exploration of climate anxiety, for kids and the adults who love them. A follow-up of the bestselling, Geoffrey Bilson Award—and Victoria Book Prize—nominated A Blinding Light, Out of the Dark (September), by Julie Lawson, focuses on the aftermath of the Halifax Explosion and the onset of the Great Influenza Pandemic.

Trapped in Sericea, Lucy and Dee continue their adventure with the young emperor Yidi in Kristen Marion's latest, The Caves of Wonder (September), and together they must find the White Tiger, a fabled warrior, who is their best bet for confronting the evil queen. Jurassic World meets How to Train Your Dragon in Lost Time (October), by Tas Mukanik, an adventure-packed middle grade graphic novel about a girl who gets trapped 65 million years in the past and must learn to survive with only her wits…and the pterosaur she befriends. Following the success of their first collaboration, teacher and award-winning author Colleen Nelson teams up once again with librarian and literacy advocate Kathie MacIsaac to introduce inspiring individuals of many backgrounds, genders, and abilities with See It, Dream It, Do It (October). From Kenneth Oppel and by Christopher Steininger comes Silverwing (September), a stunning adaptation of a tale that’s been winning hearts for twenty-five years. And Leah Payne explores the low waste movement in Less Is More (October). 

The Cricket War (October), by Tho Pham and Sandra McTavish, is a gripping story of a boy's escape from Communist Vietnam by boat, based on the author's own experience. Charming, creative Salma takes on big feelings with even bigger ideas as she navigates life in a new country, Syrian identity, family changes and new friendships in Danny Ramadan's engaging and heartfelt early chapter book series whose latest book is Salma Writes a Book (September). And wild horses are legendary, but in Wild Horses: Running Free (October), Linda L. Richards shows how today their very existence is under threat from a changing environment, politics and less protected spaces to roam free.

In Champions of the Fox (November), the conclusion to the thrilling Thieves of Shadow series, bestselling author Kevin Sands delivers a jaw-dropping heist that sees five young thieves masterminding a prison break from the empire’s most impenetrable island fortress. The time-travelling adventure The Hippie Pirates, by Lana Shupe, illustrated by Caroline Clarke, the first in a planned series, introduces young readers to some unique aspects of Canadian and Nova Scotian history, including the establishment of Birchtown and the plight of Black Loyalists. And award-winner Heather Smith's The Boy, the Cloud and the Very Tall Tale (September) is a compassionate examination of grief and also a compelling magical tale.

Horror fans will get spooked by Book of Screams (September), by Jeff Szpirglas, illustrated by Steven P. Hughes. Illustrated by Danesh Mohiuddin, the graphic novel 8 Tiny Reindeer, by Robert Tinkler—a writer, podcast producer, voice actor and Daytime Emmy nominee—is based on his podcast of the same name, which is listened to around the world. The latest instalment in Linda Trinh's "The Nguyen Kids" early chapter book series is The Journey of the Ancestors' Gifts (October), an exploration of Vietnamese culture and identity. And from Beyonce, Billie Eilish, and Lil Nas X to Buffy Sainte-Marie, Bob Dylan, Selena Gomez, and so many more, Andrea Warner's lively, inspiring Rise Up and Sing: Power, Protest and Activism in Music (October), illustrated by Louise Reimer, shows the important role music plays in changing the world.

Young Adult

Rethink the way you approach writing in Writing in Color: Fourteen Writers on the Lessons We've Learned (August), edited by Nafiza Azad & Melody Simpson, a revolutionary and informative new anthology from 14 diverse authors that demystifies craft and authorship based on their experiences as writers of colour. In Say Yes and Keep Smiling (September), by Laurence Beaudoin-Masse, the highly anticipated sequel to Suck it In and Smile, Ellie is wrestling her picture-perfect life as a social media influencer back under control—but how long can she keep bridging the distance between the desire to be herself and the pressure to conform? And Dragging Mason County (October), by Curtis Campbell, is a laugh-out-loud YA debut that examines the realities of small-town queer life and celebrates the transformative power of drag—perfect for fans of RuPaul’s Drag Race and Pumpkin.

Using a compelling mix of memoir, cultural criticism, and anti-oppressive theory, Khodi Dill breaks down how white supremacy functions in North America and gives readers tools to understand how racism impacts their lives in stay up: racism, resistance, and reclaiming Black freedom (October), vibrant, dramatic collages by stylo starr complementing Dill’s propulsive voice. To honour the death of her best friend, teen Sienna signs up to do a triathlon and finds a connection with an unexpected training partner in this body-positive romance exploring first love, grief, perseverance and trusting in yourself in Racing Hearts (August), by Melinda Di Lorenzo. Three teens set out to stop a pipeline, but their secrets, anxieties, and one very obnoxious ex-boyfriend might just explode their friendship first in Badass(ish) (September), by Jaymie Heilman. And faced with the reality that she may not have much time left, Sophie ponders what it means to really live and bravely decides to face the future on her own terms in Life Expectancy (September), by Alison Hughes.

Kate just wanted to meet her grandfather; she didn’t expect to find the literal skeletons in his closet in 40 Days in Hicksville (October), by Christina Kilbourne. Curious Tides (October), by Pascale Lacelle, is a dark academia fantasy following a teen mage who must unravel the truth behind the secret society that may have been involved in her classmates’ deaths. Coco Ma's Nightbreaker (September) is an exhilarating urban fantasy thrusting readers into an immersive world of thrills and chills, featuring a smart, sardonic post-apocalyptic heroine. Brick, a young thief, is terrified of outer space, but they’re forced to escape Earth when a warrant goes out for their arrest in Tash McAdam's dystopian Airlock (August). And Gideon the Ninth meets the Game of Thrones in Bonesmith (July), by Nicki Pau Preto, a dark fantasy about a disgraced ghost-fighting warrior who must journey into a haunted wasteland to rescue a kidnapped prince.

Emily Pohl-Weary is back with How to Be Found (September), about inner-city teens who live on a razor's edge and understand that chosen family is just as important as blood. A massive earthquake forces Amy and her estranged half-sister to work together to survive in Aftershock (August), by Gabrille Prendergast. A remote bay in the Pacific Northwest has held a secret for thousands of years…and that secret just woke up in Dark Tide (August), by Sean Rodman. Bringing together scares, suspense, and body horror, The Grimmer (September) is award-winning author Naben Ruthnum’s first foray into the young adult genre. And Liselle Sambury's Delicious Monsters (September) is a psychological thriller following two teen girls navigating the treacherous past of a mysterious mansion ten years apart.

Arlo and her friends must decide how far they’re willing to go to depose a cruel ruler in A Grim and Sunken Vow (November), the third book in the Hollow Star Saga that’s The Cruel Prince meets City of Bones. The Haunted meets House of Salt and Sorrows in House of Ash and Bone (September), a YA debut horror by acclaimed Canadian master of the macabre Joel A. Sutherland. When all technology breaks down and he’s far from home, 13-year-old Jamie learns he’s stronger (and braver) than he thought he was in Eric Walters' dystopian adventure Flight Plan (September). What if your country is involved in an unjust war, and you’ve lost trust in your own government, as Amanda West Lewis explores in the novel Focus. Click. Wind. (August), a story set against a backdrop of draft evaders and deserters from the Vietnam War. And in 1920s England, a working-class girl who can see spirits works with a lord’s son to solve mysterious deaths at the local manor home in The Voice Upstairs (October), by Laura E. Weymouth, an eerie historical mystery perfect for fans of The Haunting of Bly Manor and Downton Abbey.