Looking to add more Canadian authors and creators to your reading list? Check out these new and upcoming books by some favourite Canadian writers and talented new debut authors. A staff curated list of recent and on-order releases can be found on our online catalogue.
Biography: It Must be Beautiful to be Finished by Kate Gies
A raw, beautiful memoir of a girl born missing an ear, a medical system insistent on saving her from herself, and a scathing critique of our culture’s desire to fix bodies. Kate Gies lives in Toronto, ON.
Thriller: She’s a Lamb by Meredith Hambrock
A cutting satire about the grotesque pall patriarchy casts over one woman’s delusional quest to achieve her dreams and the depths she will sink to for a chance at the life she’s convinced she deserves. Meredith Hambrock is a fiction and television writer who grew up in Toronto and now lives in Vancouver. This is her second novel.
Historical Fiction: The Riveter by Jack Wang
From the critically acclaimed author of the short story collection, We Two Alone, comes a gorgeous debut novel that explores what one man must sacrifice to belong in the only home he has ever truly known. Set during WWII Vancouver and Europe, this historical fiction novel follows a young Chinese Canadian man who enlists to prove his loyalty and right to marry the woman he loves.
General Fiction: Favourite Daughter by Morgan Dick
A debut novel about two estranged sisters unknowingly thrown together by their problematic father’s dying wish. Perfect for readers of Emma Straub, Monica Heisey, and Katherine Heiny. Morgan Dick is from Calgary, AB.
Fantasy: To Steal from Thieves by M.K. Lobb
The newest fantasy novel from local author M.K. Lobb is a high-stakes heist adventure in which an alchemologist and a con man team up to steal a rare necklace—but complicated feelings of attraction and deception threaten to destroy everything and everyone they love. Recommended for fans of Alexandra Bracken and Judy I. Lin.
YA Graphic Novel: Pillow Talk by Stephanie Cooke; illustrated by Mel Valentine Vargas
An inclusive, high-octane, outrageously fun debut YA graphic novel that aims a punch at the impossibly high standards set for women in sports (and otherwise) and champions the power of finding a team that will, quite literally, fight for you. Grace Mendes, a.k.a. Cinderhella, is a fierce competitor in the PFF, a pillow fight federation that’s part roller derby, part professional wrestling. But in this fresh, coming-of-age YA graphic novel, Grace needs to learn to overcome her biggest enemy: herself. Written by Toronto-based graphic novelist, Stephanie Cooke, with gorgeous artwork by Mel Valentine Vargas.
YA Fiction: Messy Perfect by Tanya Boteju
Perfect for fans of Mason Deaver and Becky Albertalli, this tender, raucous YA novel follows a rule-following, perfectionist teen who starts an underground GSA club at her conservative Catholic high school. From the acclaimed author of Bruised and Kings, Queens, and In-Betweens. Tanya Boteju lives on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations (Vancouver, BC).
Juvenile Fiction: No Purchase Necessary by Maria Marianayagam
A debut middle grade novel that features Ajay Anthonipillai, a young Tamil seventh grader trying to please his immigrant parents while also becoming one of the ‘cool’ kids. Dared to steal a chocolate bar, he ends up in a moral dilemma when the stolen bar wrapper turns out to be the ticket to a million-dollar prize. Maria Marianayagam is a Tamil Sri Lankan Canadian children’s book author originally born in India but now resides in Alberta.
Picture Book: Snow Day by Lindsay Gloade-Raining Bird; illustrated by Ashley Thimot
This debut rhyming children’s picture book follows an Indigenous family as they enjoy the magic of a winter storm. It is atmospheric, nostalgic, full of winter fun and is a celebration of Indigenous joy and childhood wonder. Written by mixed-Cree journalist, book reviewer, and podcast host Lindsay Gloade-Raining Bird with warm, colourful artwork rendered in traditional gouache and coloured pencil from debut illustrator Ashley Thimot.