Best Books of 2020

This blog was reposted during my website move. It was originally posted on Dec. 6, 2020.

Oh yes, it's that time again. Read on to see what books I read and loved in the library this year.

These are my favourite books for kids. There are so many great books for teaching and learning. But this is mostly used as a gift guide so I've picked books that I think kids will love receiving, books that kids will love reading on their own and families will love reading together. Many of them will provide great talking and teaching moments. But first and foremost, this is a list of books that KIDS will love. All age ranges are just suggestions, especially for picture books - picture books are for everyone. I've also included a bonus list from my friend and colleague, Katie Marsh, who was generous enough to compile her top Young Adult picks from her prolific reading this year. Katie rocks.

Please consider supporting your local indie book stores! I recommend buying or ordering these titles at Kidsbooks, Kinder Books, or Iron Dog Books, or another local retailer!

Scroll through my loving lists or click below to get one-page printable PDFs without my pontificating and gushing!

Picture books

I Can Be Anything

Like all Yoshitake books, this one is laugh-out-loud, pee-trickles-out, snort-snort funny. Yoshitake is one of my all-time favourite picture book author illustrators. This book is a ridiculous game of charades - any child whose mother failed to guess 'I'm an upside-down clothespin' or any mother whose child chose 'upside-down clothespin' for a game of pretend...will feel this story. The facial expressions on Natsumi and her mother just kill me. You can read and guess along and I guarantee you will laugh at the un-guessable things Natsumi pretends to be. Ages 2-7

The Purple Puffy Coat

This is such a lovely story about friendship and being thoughtful, with brilliant illustrations. Flamboyantly fashionable Beetle gives Stick Bug a very extra coat for his birthday, but doesn't realize how much Stick Bug hates all the attention he gets from it. It's a sweet tale of two friends who love each other learning that giving gifts is about the receiver, not the giver. A great story that is funny, never heavy-handed or patronizing, and teaches great things about generosity and thoughtfulness without shoving it down your throat. I hate that. Ages 5-8

My Day With Gong Gong

I recently bought seven copies of this book and sent it to so many friends with young kids. This book! HONESTLY. I know some will say that the 'I don't understand my grandpa' story has been told too oft already, but I disagree. It's my jam. This book is set in Chinatown, and since the author is a Vancouverite, it is actually set in Chinatown Vancouver! You'll recognize the gates and the shops immediately. This is a story of a kid and her grandpa and how they muddle through the generational and cultural barriers one afternoon in Chinatown. It's about family love, it's about language and culture, it's about baos, it's honestly everything. The glasses, the old cap, the puffy friggin vest, I just cannot deal, I'm sorry. Someone wrote a book about my grandpa. Please buy this book if you can find any copies I haven't purchased already. Ages 3-7

Attack of the Underwear Dragon

Yes, I love potty humour and I am a sucker for any book with 'underwear' in the title. There were so many terrific toilet humour books to pick from this year, but this is my favourite. It's got knights in training, boys who cry unapologetically, sweet feelings, hilarious quips, plus giant underpants. Any child would enjoy this story, seriously. And adults who enjoy underpants humour, WHICH IS ALL ADULTS. Ages 3-8

Swift Fox All Along

Beautifully illustrated story that will be relatable for anyone who feels out of place in their family sometimes. Swift Fox is a young girl meeting her Mi'kmaq side of the family for the first time and dealing with all the big feelings that come along with it. I love the way this book calls bullshit on but then comes around on the idea of these disparate parts being 'inside you all along'. What a hard thing for a kid (or an adult!) to grapple with. Anyone who's felt like an imposter around a culture or family that's supposed to be part of you will feel this story. Author is Mi'kmaw and illustrator is Ojibwe. Consider buying this one from Strong Nations. Ages 5-9

Thank You, Omu

Such a lovely, wholesome story about community, generosity, and gratitude. Omu makes a delicious stew that has everyone knocking on her door hoping for a taste. She gives away so much that she doesn't have any left for dinner, but, spoiler alert, of course the neighbourhood comes together to take care of her. A beautiful collage-illustrated book that my toddler loves for its repetition, bright colours, and simple lesson. A terrific read-aloud and read-along! Ages 2-6

Help Wanted, Must Love Books

I love me a good fractured fairy tale story and this one is up there with Interrupting Chicken, by David Ezra Stein, which is one of my all-time favourites. In this story, Shailey looks for a new bedtime storyteller after firing her dad on account of him being too busy with his new job. Great premise and hilarious follow-up in which various fairy tale and nursery rhyme characters come to interview for the position. For kids who are familiar with the classic Western European fairy tales and nursery rhymes, this story will get lots of giggles! Note: whilst the protagonist is Black, neither author nor illustrator are, to my knowledge, women of colour. I have included this title, however, because I am a big fan of books that normalize non-white kids just living their best lives. Ages 4-7

The Oboe Goes Boom Boom Boom

I wish I could make this list a Top 100 so I could include more non-fiction, but alas. This is one of my favourite non-fics this year. An informative, hilarious, and interesting walk through some of the instruments in a band. Great for kids in aged 8 and under as a broad introduction to musical instruments, or for any kids who love music. There are so many jokes that I laughed out loud at. For example, "If you blow TOO hard, the clarinet will squeak and mice will fall in love with you. I'm kidding! *That's only happened once." And oh my gosh, little Felicity who can't hold her excitement for the drum back. It's adorable and hilarious, and lends itself very well to mutliple re-reads because there's so much information in there. Ages 3-8

The Most Beautiful Thing

OKAY, THIS ONE. Y'all know I am a sucker for a good grandparent story. It feels a little like cheating because I already included My Day With Gong Gong, but this one is downright weepy. In a good way. It draws from Yang's experience as a Hmong refugee and deals with intergenerational love and wisdom, as well as poverty and richness and the time-old classic - treasuring what you have. I love the way this story touches on really hard topics in such a beautiful, gentle way that honours harsh truths and also wraps kids up in a sweet, sweet embrace. Plus, the illustrations are breathtaking. There is so much heart and care in this book. Also, I love the way this book, much like Birdsong, by Julie Flett (do you like how I keep cheating by squeezing additional books into this list), lets an elder age and die in a soft, sad but non-traumatic way that honours their lives. Kids need that, and they get it. Ages 7+

Rescuing Mrs. Birdley

Another really funny story! Miranda watches a lot of nature documentaries, so when she sees her teacher outside of her natural habitat - school, of course - she knows just how to gently capture her and take her back to her natural home. I loved this one! The illustrations of Miranda are just spot on. Any teacher who's been seen in *gasp* the supermarket or anyone who's experienced the horror of seeing their teachers living actual lives will laugh out loud. Ages 3-7

I Am Every Good Thing

I love books that live in the Venn diagram overlap of books that are Important Deemed By Adults and books that kids enjoy reading. This is one of those. It's a book of inspiration and self-esteem and a power ballad for the joy of being a young Black boy. But it's also funny and quirky and light. It's relatable in the way it picks up on all kinds of things that kids love and all kinds of feelings that kids have. Every library should have this book because it showcases Black joy and lifts up Black boys with a deep and genuine love. Every child should read this book because it's fun, it's rhythmic, it's beautiful, and it'll help you kick ass. Ages 4-9

Princesses Versus Dinosaurs

One of my favourite subcategories of children's lit is princess books and, okay, do I ever have a princess book for you! The premise of this story is princesses and dinosaurs vying over control of the book. Linda Bailey is a Vancouver author and truly she can write no wrong. The story is one we've heard before: everything is sweeter when we shake off the boxes that try to contain us. What I love about this book is that it is not only hysterical and breaks the fourth wall (very hip in picture books right now), it also casually portrays very diverse princesses. You've got princesses of all races, princesses in wheelchairs, princesses who are boys, princesses with glasses! I love them all and I'm thrilled for the little boy in a glittery dress who will read this book and not think twice because this is exactly what a princess looks like, to him. Also, any book that has princesses rolling up their sleeves to engage in fisticuffs is a winner for me. Ages 3-7

Magical Beings of Haida Gwaii

Simply a must-have. Written by two Haida women, this book features the depiction of ten traditional Magical Beings from Haida culture, each embodying connection to land, sea, and sky. It's a gorgeous book that will spark the imagination and wonder of young readers. It's also excellent for reading about connection with nature, and in a year where I think a lot of young people have been forced to get more in touch with nature, it's a brilliant piece of connection. I love how it is really quite magical and such an enjoyable honouring of Haida knowledge and tradition. Consider buying this one from Strong Nations. Ages 4-9

Sugar in Milk

First of all, I didn't realize until just now that this book was also illustrated by Khoa Le. Le was busy this year illustrating amazing books! Just like The Most Beautiful Thing, this book's artwork is just stunning. It's a parable about making room and finding sweetness seen from the perspective of a young girl immigrant who is living with her aunt and uncle and struggling to find joy in her new home. Again, love that this book does not hit you over the head with the moral of the story. It is one that I can see kids wanting to reread because it's got layers but is still simple and interesting. For younger kids, it's a lovely story. For older kids, it's a great gateway to conversations about immigration, belonging, and optimism. But don't let that deter you - it's also just a damn good story. Ages 5-9

Lawrence: The Bunny Who Wanted to be Naked

The word naked is in the title! Instant win, no further explanation needed. But because I'm just too verbose, this is a fantastic mother-son story about a fashion-loving mother who gives her son so many fabulous things to wear when all he wants to be is naked. Did I relate too closely to this mother? MAYBE. But the plot twist comes when Lawrence devises a plan to help her see his perspective, and she falls for it because she just loves him so much. This book is so sweet and funny and I love, love, love a good mother-son story. Buy this for the mom in your life who can't stop dressing up her children - OKAY FINE IT'S ME. Ages 4-7

Honourable mention:

Early Chapter Books

Skunk and Badger

It's a modern day Frog and Toad with some attitude and chickens thrown in. I absolutely adore Jon Klassen's illustrators and they add perfectly to the story. The 'unlikely friendship' trope is very standard in early chapter books, but for good reason. This is such a charming and hilarious story, it's an awesome read-aloud that kids will want to come back to over and over again. Ages 5-8

Fairy Mom and Me

Adult readers might be familiar with Sophie Kinsella, who wrote the Shopaholic series. This is her first foray into early chapter books and it's great! It's a perfect bedtime story for little ones or independent read for bigger little ones. Ella's mother is a fairy like all the women in her family, but she doesn't do the best job remembering how to cast her spells accurately. It's up to Ella and her auntie and grandmother to pitch in and help. Yes, it's super cutesy and the glitter practically falls out of the book when you open it. But it's so lovely and actually a really nice matriarch story. Plus, I love books that let adults fail and make mistakes, and this series does that in spades. Ages 5-8

Who Would Win? Hyena vs. Honey Badger

I adore animal non-fiction books and this series is the bomb. Kids reread these books over and over again. They're so interesting and full of digestible, age-appropriate factoids, and the premise is exactly the kind of thing 8 year old kids (and maybe 30 year old adults) wonder about all the time. The book keeps you guessing until the very end. I won't even ruin it for you, you'll have to read it to see who wins the fictional battle between hyena and honey badger. Ages 4-8

Mindy Kim and the Lunar New Year Parade

There are so many great new series coming out to kick the Horrible Harrys of character-driven early chap into the dumpster of boring books where they belong. Wow, I have strong feelings about this! I've included several more in the series section, but this is my favourite recent addition. Don't let the cover fool you, this series does an A+ job of showcasing Mindy's indentity and culture without tokenizing it. Like, in the first book she literally starts up a black market seaweed enterprise at her school. I am especially fond of this one in the series because we need so much more non-Chinese rep in the Lunar New Year story! Ages 4-7

Rabbit & Bear: A Bite in the Night

Okay I'm cheating a little with this one because not only is it terribly similar to Skunk and Badger, it is also technically a 2019 book...But I missed it last year and IT NEEDS TO BE READ. This is my favourite series in this age range at the moment. I am in love with the grumpy and anxious Rabbit, and the lovable, sweet Bear. The writing is fantastic and kids cannot get enough of these stories. Great for a kid beginning to read with help, or a bedtime read over several nights. I promise you, everyone will laugh. Ages 4-7

A is for Elizabeth

This book is so friggin hysterical. The way Rachel Vail has written Elizabeth's voice in this book is just adorable and hilarious. The sentences are short and do a very good job of capturing the essence of this character and this age. It's a great book to read together with little kiddos. Ages 4-7

Kitty and the Moonlight Rescue

Another mother-daughter magic book. There must be a lot of mothers reading with their daughters (lovely) because these are popping up everywhere! Kitty's mother has catlike superpowers that she will grow into too one day, but in the meantime she has to figure out how she's ever going to be a superhero when she's not even brave enough to go out at night. Sweet and has proven really engaging for young readers. Ages 4-7

Data Set: Down the Brain Drain

I love this series, it's like a modern-day Magic School Bus, except the kids drive the bus themselves. It's so well-written, the characters are all well fleshed-out, and the plots are interesting and unique - all of which is often not present in books for this age range. Really great series for little ones whose curiosity is peaked more by interesting than goofy. Ages 4-7

Big Foot and Little Foot: The Bog Beast

SO SWEET. I love a giant-tiny friendship, and this one is unlike most because it is told from Hugo, the young Sasquatch's, point of view! All kinds of mythical creatures make appearances and the whole adventure is lovely. Ages 4-7

Bots: The Lost Camera

I like this one because it's a legit graphic novel for this age range. Kids this age are so wanting to read graphics but there are so few great ones that are targeted at their age. This series is goofy and funny and really captivating. Great choice for kids who need a gentle nudge before picking up a book. Ages 4-7

Favourite Series

Younger Readers

Ages 6-9

Older Readers

Ages 8-12

Middle Grade Novels

The Barren Grounds

This book is everything. It's going to be compared to Chronicles of Narnia a lot, which is a shame because it's so different in that it does not suck. My very official professional opinion! This is a great adventure story that weaves modern fantasy elements with traditional Indigenous tales. The protagonists are two Indigenous kids living with foster parents (who are good foster parents, thank goodness for sidestepping that trope!) but embark upon an epic hero mission in a mysterious alternate place called Misewa. It's a great non-scary adventure fantasy book that also has great secondary characters - every book needs more cheeky talking squirrels! This is an awesome book that honours the author's Cree tradition and celebrates storytelling, adventure, and stewardship of the land. A must-read! Ages 8+

A Good Kind of Trouble

This is my favourite middle-grade book on the Black Lives Matter movement. Shayla is a young Black girl who, though she doesn't consider herself an activist like her sister, starts a movement in her school after witnessing the racial injustice around her. I absolutely love the nuance that this book creates in not painting racialized kids as monoliths. There are different groups of Black kids in school, there's conversations about 'being Black enough', there is a whole thing about East Asians appropriating Black culture (hello, Awkwafina) - Lisa Moore Ramée just kills it. You can tell when an author respects kids and Ramée just does. She knits these incredibly complex issues together into such an endearing story about activism, hope, family, and justice. What I love most of all is that Ramée honours anger and lets her characters feel that justifiable rage, but still manages to envelop this story in hope. It makes it the perfect middle-grade read. Also there's crushes and hot boys and boys you THOUGHT were hot until they showed their true face! Total winner. Ages 8-13

Show Me A Sign

Oh man, if there's one thing I've learned as a children's librarian, it's that there is nothing they love more in the intermediate grades than a truly harrowing tale of peril and suffering. They're so grim. This book is an instant winner. It has a really interesting true historical setting: a community in Martha's Vineyard in the early 1800s where one in four residents was born deaf. The author is a Deaf librarian and masterfully transcribes visual sign language into written text. The protagonist, Mary, is a young Deaf girl who has to deal with an outsider who comes to her village with the intention of 'studying' its residents. Great nuanced depiction of life in the village with regards to colonialism, racism, and bigotry in Mary's interactions with the Black freedmen and Wampanoag people. And of course, terrifying drama ensues, the grimness of which have satisfied the most emo of my intermediate readers. Ages 8-12

Twins

Sweet and uplifting sibling story! Two twin girls who have been close their whole lives try to navigate pre-teen life as they figure out who they are independent of each other. Classic tale, really well told and illustrated. I am a big fan of stories that let their characters have cutthroat competition and then find resolution, and in this story the two girls are running against each other for Class President. I especially love this super wholesome family where parents apologize for getting things wrong and big brothers look after their kid sisters happily and lovingly. it's just lovely. I want to join this family. Ages 7-11

Dress Coded

This is another book I've bought for so many kids. THIS BOOK! It is a brilliantly executed story about unfair and sexist dress codes. But it's also a TREASURE of a novel about friendship, leadership, activism, and family. And it's so bloody funny. I laughed out loud many times. Molly starts a podcast after she sees one of her friends being harshly punished for the school's dress codes. Things escalate and before she knows it, she's started a revolution. There's a minor subplot around Molly's older brother and his vaping business/addiction, and I've read some reviews that don't like this part of the book. But I actually loved it. I thought it allowed for a really genuine conversation about the complexity of family and familial loyalty. Parts of this book are written in text/message format, which I love and kids love. Plus, truly diabolically evil antagonist teachers, which I love and kids love. The way the whole book is written really captures the messiness, complexity, and dynamism of tween life. It's such a darn enjoyable read and a real treat. Ages 9+

Hollowpox: The Hunt for Morrigan Crow

This is the third book in the Nevermoor series, and the entire series is BONKERS GOOD. It follows Morrigan Crow and her time at the Wundrous Society, a place where learning about magic and mystery is not as simple as she thought it would be. The adventures are epic and the twists and turns are excellent. So many surprises I truly didn't see coming. If you want to read something about magic and get sucked into a beautiful alternate world but aren't so keen on transphobes, this is the book for you! Ironically, this third installment is about a frightening and mysterious illness called the Hollowpox. Too real, I know! But it is a testament to Jessica Townsend and the world she's created that I never once thought about COVID the whole time I was reading this book about a deadly infectious disease. Read it! Ages 8-13

Black Brother, Black Brother

This book is not for everyone, I will say that honestly right off the bat. I think it's brilliant and beautiful. But the text is very lyrical and it reads like a verse novel in many ways, so diehard fans of realism may be disappointed in the voice of the protagonist. But y'all. It's so good. Donte is a Black multiracial boy whose brother is very white presenting. After facing racist bullying at their private school, he takes up fencing as a way to beat his bully. This book is fascinating. Jewell Parker Rhodes's writing style is so stunning and stark that her words just gut me. In the best way. But also, fencing is so interesting! I love books that open a new world up and this one definitely does that. It's enthralling and beautiful. Ages 8+

When Stars are Scattered

This book will take your breath away. Oh my goodness. If you read one book this year, let it be this. This graphic novel is the retelling of the true life story of Omar Mohamed. It follows his time in Dadaab, a refugee camp in Kenya where he lives with his non-verbal brother, Hassan, after fleeing Somalia and losing his parents. This book is special in so many ways. It is so much longer than most graphic novels for this age, and the story spans achingly long years. There are not many stories captivating enough to keep kids engaged this long, but this one does not lose anyone, ever. It is painfully heartbreaking and heartwarming, but it is rooted firmly in Omar Mohamed's real voice and never veers close to a World Vision commercial. The way it captures the many, many day-to-day realities of refugee camp life is staggering. I have not come across any other graphic novel that does such a brilliantly age-appropriate job opening its readers eyes to some really shocking and terrible realities. It is an incredibly captivating read. Ages 8+

The Incredibly Dead Pets of Rex Dexter

I usually try not to duplicate authors but, oh man. I included an Aaron Reynolds picture book up there but I had to put this one on the list too. It's just hysterical. Rex wants a pet dog more than anything else in the world but what do his parents get him for his birthday? A chicken! Is it entirely his fault that said chicken ends up tragically but accidentally flattened by a steamroller an hour into his care? Suddenly, Rex finds himself haunted by the ghosts of other dead animals who demand he help them solve their troubles and find peace. The characters in this book are just hilarious and the voice of Rex is so perfect in Aaron Reynolds's killer sense of humour. It's got the perfect balance of goofiness and cleverness to appeal to every reader. It's glorious. Ages 7-12

Stand Up, Yumi Chung

A case of accidental identity fraud, an introvert whose true passion is stage comedy, a Korean family restaurant that needs to save itself with a karaoke machine...this book has it all! Stand-up comedy is a pretty uncommon topic for middle-grade, let alone with a female protagonist of colour. It's such a unique story and easily relatable to anyone who feels disconnect between who our parents want us to be and who we know we are inside. What I love is that Jessica Kim writes this conflict without villainizing the parents and anchors the tension in the deep love and loyalty that the protagonist, Yumi, feels to her family. I won't give too much away but I love the resolution of this story. There are so many great moments in this book for everyone, but especially for kids who feel a cultural gap between them and their parents. Ages 7-13

Go With the Flow

I am so, so happy that my kids are growing up in a time when there are graphic novels about periods and the fight for free menstrual products. What a time to be alive! Four best friends take on their school administration over the absence free of pads and tampons in their school bathrooms. In doing so, they have to navigate the balance between protesting a cause and putting their friendship first. Hilarious and charming moments throughout! This book does so much to destigmatize periods but more importantly, it's a rollicking good time. I hope everyone reads this book because no one in this age group does not need to be more knowledgeable about periods, seriously. Ages 9+

Rick

Follow-up to the very popular and excellent George, this book follows Rick as he explores his own sexual identity with the help of his school's Rainbow Spectrum club. I'll never forget the first time I heard a queer friend of mine describe how she denied her queerness for so long because she felt like she 'never got the invite'. This comes through so much in this book, in which Rick questions whether he has any right to be in the room to begin with, and people around him question whether he is old enough to have any thoughts at all aout sexual identity. I love the way this book deals with the confusion and the journey, in contrast with the first book in which the protagonist knows without doubt exactly who she is. Also touches well on toxic friendship and finding support. Like they always do so well, Alex Gino writes so well for kids this age without ever talking down to them. Ages 7-12

The Case of the Missing Auntie

At first I wasn't sure what I was going to think of this book but I just adore it! Chickadee and the other Mighty Muskrats go into the city for the Exhibition Fair, but when they learn about Grandpa's missing little sister who was taken during the Sixties Scoop, they turn their attention to tracking her down. I've seen this book described as a modern-day Hardy Boys and it definitely has that vibe! There's so many brilliant elements in this book. It talks about the Sixties Scoop simply and clearly without glossing over the truths, but it is just one element of the plot. It also is a really fascinating exploration of urban versus rural, city life versus reserve life, and I absolutely love the diversity of Indigenous experience it portrays. And the mystery sleuthing is excellent! A terrific novel accessible to both younger and older readers. Ages 7-12

The Witches of Brooklyn

I think this graphic novel was my favourite one this year. And it's hard to pinpoint exactly why, but I think it's probably because it's just so freaking wholesome! Effie moves in with two aunts she has never met after she loses her mother. And while she struggles to adjust, she soon realizes that things are not what they seem - because magic! Of course. This is a simple story but it is just so magnificent! The aunts are hysterical - very odd couple and also Edna Mode from the Incredibles. Every single secondary character is lovable and charming and perfectly illustrated. The whole story is a warm hug and an instant best friend and there is nothing about it I don't love. It's the perfect cozy relaxing read. Ages 7-12

Honourable mention:

Ms. Su’s All-Time Fail-proof Favourites!

Sweetest Kulu

My favourite book to give to new parents. It's exactly what you need to read to remind you how much you love your newborn on your third hour of crying or fifth consecutive sleepless night. Ages 0-3

The Duckling Gets a Cookie?

Mo Willems can do no wrong and my whole family is obsessed with the entire Elephant and Piggie series (yes, even the newborn). But if I had to pick just one, this is my absolute favourite. Just killer humour for kids and adults alike. But be warned, reading this book aloud is a high energy sport. Perfect for adults with lapsed and unfulfilled thespian dreams. Ages 1-7

Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao

Adorable protagonist, great bao recipe, funny and encouraging storyline - as long as you're okay with the fact that you will have to go make/get baos after reading this story, this is an A+ picture book. Ages 4-7

Interrupting Chicken

I. Love. This. Book. It is hilarious. This one is for everyone who's watched a horror movie and just yelled, "Don't go into the goddamn basement, Debbie!" Some kids will need the basic fairy tales explained but once they get the stories, NO CHILD does not find this book hysterical. Also, all books starring chickens, I'm starting to realize, are good books. Ages 2-8

Hair Love

I'm starting to sound like a broken record, but absolutely gorgeous and adorable illustrations. And picture books are literally mostly picture so that matters! I love, love, love a good father-daughter story, especially one where dad enters daughter's world on her terms. Ages 2-8

Nuts to You

A fantastic first big kid chapter book or bedtime read-aloud. Lovable squirrel protagonists, just the right amount of tension and danger music, and lots of funny moments. A great chapter book to read aloud to siblings of different ages as the humour will appeal to older kids too. Ages 4-9

The Matilda Effect

If you have a child in the 7-10 age range who is starting to grow out of bedtime read alouds and you miss the cuddles, go pick up one of these next three books. Thrilling adventures, captivating heroines, and in this case, hilarious British humour. Ages 5-10

Tuesdays at the Castle

To me, this is the chapter book version of The Balloon Tree picture book by Phoebe Gilman. It's so wonderfully magical and wholesome with perfectly dastardly bad guys and the pluckiest sweet little princess. For slightly older kids (I'm cheating again), I absolutely adore the Dealing with Dragons series by Patricia C. Wrede. It was originally published in 1990, which makes its subversive, hilarious, very feminist content all the more awesome. Ages 6-11

Sweep

Danger music!! This book is at times so grim and tense, and at other times so brilliantly funny and sweet. The action and plot are so excellently delivered and extremely compelling. Okay, but also on second thought maybe not such a good bedtime read because a) scary, and b) guaranteed stealing of book and flashlight late night reading. Ages 7-12

New Kid

Superb graphic novel that adults will want to read too because it does such a brilliant job breaking down tricky topics like classism, wealth inequity, and anti-Black racism, but lets its protagonist be a whole kid who is just as worried about acne and girls as the fact that his teacher keeps thinking he's the other Black kid in the class. Deeply relateable and relevant, but also deeply enjoyable to read. Ages 7-12

Word Nerd

This is one of my favourite realistic fiction reads for intermediate. It's a really sweet and funny coming-of-age type story with a beautifully weird homeschooled kid, a fake Big Brother just out of prison, and a ton of Scrabble tournaments. A perfect gift, too, for any kid from Vancouver because the author is local and the book is full of fantastic local references and geography. Ages 7-12

Click Here to Start

If I had a dollar for every time I hear, "I want her to read more instead of playing video games"...I'd save up all my dollars and buy more copies of this book!! It's an excellent mystery-thriller with, yes, so much danger music, that features both video game escape rooms and World War II Japanese-American history. It's a fascinating and very compelling read that does feature some niche gaming knowledge and culture that will appeal to young gamers. Ages 7-12

Katie’s Young Adult Picks