Non-Fiction: Unbroken: My Fight for Survival, Hope and Justice for Indigenous Women and Girls by Angela Sterritt

In her brilliant debut, Sterritt shares her memoir alongside investigative reporting into cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women in Canada, showing how colonialism and racism led to a society where Sterritt struggled to survive as a young person, and where the lives of Indigenous women and girls are ignored and devalued. In her book Sterritt demands accountability from the media and the public, exposing racism, and showing that there is much work to do on the path towards understanding the truth. But most importantly, she proves that the strength and brilliance of Indigenous women is unbroken, and that together, they can build lives of joy and abundance.

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Memoir: Our Voice on Fire: A Memoir of a Warrior Rising by Brandi Morin

A survivor of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls crisis, Cree/Iroquois/French journalist Brandi Morin discusses her life as a foster kid and runaway who fell victim to predatory men and an oppressive system, as well as her career as an internationally acclaimed journalist who reports on Indigenous oppression in North America.

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Fiction: Mask of the Deer Woman by Laurie L. Dove

To find a missing young woman, the new tribal marshal must also find herself. At rock bottom following her daughter’s murder, ex-Chicago detective Carrie Starr has nowhere to go but back to her roots. Starr’s father never talked much about the reservation that raised him, but they need a new tribal marshal as much as Starr needs a place to call home. In the last decade, too many young women have disappeared from the rez. Some dead, others just … gone. Now, local college student Chenoa Cloud is missing, and Starr falls into an investigation that leaves her drowning in memories of her daughter-the girl she failed to save.

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YA Fiction: Looking for Smoke by K.A. Cobell

When local girl Loren includes Mara in a traditional Blackfeet Giveaway to honor Loren’s missing sister, Mara thinks she’ll finally make some friends on the Blackfeet reservation. Instead, a girl from the Giveaway, Samantha White Tail, is found murdered. Because the four members of the Giveaway group were the last to see Samantha alive, each becomes a person of interest in the investigation. And all of them-Mara, Loren, Brody, and Eli-have a complicated history with Samantha. Despite deep mistrust, the four must now take matters into their own hands and clear their names. Even though one of them may be the murderer.

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YA Graphic Novel: If I Go Missing by Brianna Jonnie

A graphic novel about the subject of missing and murdered Indigenous people. Combining fiction and non-fiction, this young adult graphic novel looks into one of the unique dangers of being an Indigenous teen in Canada today. The text of the book is derived from excerpts of a letter written to the Winnipeg Chief of Police by fourteen-year-old Brianna Jonnie–a letter that went viral and in which, Jonnie calls out the authorities for neglecting to immediately investigate and involve the public in the search for missing Indigenous people, and urges them to “not treat me as the Indigenous person I am proud to be” if she were to be reported missing.

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Juvenile Fiction: In Search of April Raintree by Beatrice Mosionier

 In this moving story of legacy and reclamation, two young sisters are taken from their home and family. Powerless in a broken system, April and Cheryl are separated and placed in different foster homes. Despite the distance, they remain close, even as their decisions threaten to divide them emotionally, culturally, and geographically. As one sister embraces her Métis identity, the other tries to leave it behind. Will the sisters’ bond survive as they struggle to make their way in a society that is often indifferent, hostile, and violent? Beloved for more than 40 years, In Search of April Raintree is a timeless story that lingers long after the final page. This anniversary edition features a foreword by Governor General’s Award–winning author Katherena Vermette, and an afterword by University of Regina professor, Dr. Raven Sinclair (Ôtiskewâpit), an expert on Indigenous child welfare.

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Juvenile Non-fiction: Missing and Exploited Indigenous Women and Girls by Simon Rose

Investigates the urgent crisis of Indigenous women and girls in Canada being the victims of violence, abduction and murder.

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Picture Books: My Little Ochidaa by Willie Poll; illustrated by Hawlii Pichette

The word Ogichidaa means warrior in Anishinaabemowin, and this beautifully illustrated book is a tribute to Indigenous families everywhere who are proudly raising their children to carry forward their culture, language, and love with resilience, strength, and kindness.

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Film: Missing from Fire Trail Road

A riveting documentary detailing the case of Mary Ellen Johnson-Davis, a Native American woman who disappeared in 2020. Her story exposes how Indigenous women continue to go missing in the USA, perpetuating trans-generational trauma on reservations.

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Non-Fiction: Should we Change how we Vote? Evaluating Canada’s Electoral System edited by Andrew Potter, Daniel Weinstock and Peter Loewen

Following the 2015 Federal Election in which the Liberals pledged to reform Canada’s electoral voting system, a number of scholars conducted rigorous research into the existing system’s flaws and benefits and what a change without a referendum could mean for Canada.

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Fiction: The Best Laid Plans by Terry Fallis

The hilarious first book in the Angus McLintock series by Canadian author Terry Fallis. The story sees a burnt out political staffer joining forces with a grumpy old engineering professor in a madcap campaign neither wanted to be a part of. This is a light-hearted and humorous insight into Federal politics like only Terry Fallis could write. It was also a Canada Reads winner and a Stephen Leacock Medal for Humor winner.

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YA Fiction: Dear Manny by Nic Stone

While running for junior class president at his university, Jared falls for his opponent who has a similar platform based on equity and inclusion, and processes his feelings by writing letters to his deceased friend Manny.

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Juvenile Graphic Novel: Very Bad at Math by Hope Larsen

Verity ‘Very’ Nelson tries to do it all including winning her re-election for Class President but when she starts to fall behind in math her identity as the ‘best’ starts to crumble in this heartfelt middle grade graphic novel about learning how to manage dyscalculia – a condition that causes Verity to mix up numbers.

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Juvenile Fiction: Eva for President by Rebecca Elliott

When no one steps up to run against Sue for class president, Eva decides to throw her hat into the ring during this very special week at Treetop Elementary.

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Juvenile Non-Fiction: Get Out and Vote! by Elizabeth MacLeod; illustrated by Emily Chu

An accessible, well-written and comprehensive non-fiction book that introduces readers to voting around the world and why it matters. With photos and illustrations throughout, it challenges young people to exercise their democratic right to cast a ballot and provides real-life examples of young activists from across the globe.

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Juvenile Non-fiction: Canada Votes by Linda Granfield; illustrated by Craig Terlson

Kids get a close-up look at the political process and explore all aspects of an election – from the day Parliament is dissolved to the day after the polls close. Granfield charts the evolution of elections to the present day, when a candidate’s media image can make or break the campaign. Canada Votes lets kids in on how voting lists are now compiled electronically, what issue the last national referendum decided and more.

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Picture Books: This Little Voter by Ann Bonnie; illustrated by Carol Herring

Celebrate voting in this election day-themed twist on the classic nursery rhyme “This Little Piggy”! Little voters are busy getting ready to cast their ballots! They’re registering, marking the date, watching debates, and wishing readers a happy election day.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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.

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