Four novels, two picture books, one YA book, and one cookbook all walked into a blog and were displayed on the New Voices post Debut Books to Explore. Why? Because these books are stellar reminders to look beyond the familiar to new writers with fantastic stories to tell. Why not start off the new year in a new direction?
Emi and Mini by Hanako Masutani, Illustrated by Stéphane Jorisch (Tradewind Books)
This is a charming picture book about managing expectations around pets. Emi doesn’t like her new hamster Mini at first. She wanted a dog, but her family’s landlady didn’t allow them. But after Mini escapes from her cage and hides somewhere in their house, Emi realizes she loves her little pet.
Out now!
Bruise by Adrian Markle (TouchWood Editions)
Bruise is a debut novel from BC-born, Cornwall-based author Adriane Markel about family, sport, growing up, and returning home. Injured MMA fighter Jamie Stuart returns to his Coastal BC town six months late to his father’s funeral, unwilling to retire from his profession but unwilling to settle. If you’ve ever navigated moving back to your town in defeat and retreat, only to find that time went along without you and that new opportunities exist there, this book is for you.
Coming May 7, 2024!
Crip Up the Kitchen by Jules Sherred (TouchWood Editions)
So much more than a cookbook, Crip Up the Kitchen is a comprehensive guide and recipe collection that brings the economy and satisfaction of home cooking to disabled and neurodivergent cooks. The 50 recipes that make use of three key tools—the electric pressure cooker, air fryer, and bread machine—all take into account varying physical abilities and energy levels.
Out now!
Beautiful, Beautiful by Brandon Reid (Nightwood Editions)
Twelve-year-old Derik Mormin’s wonderfully creative coming-of-age story exploring Indigeneity, masculinity and cultural tradition is narrated by his babysitter Redbird who is fluent in internet-speak. Derik’s journey to his family’s home in Bella Bella is a transformative experience, but Redbird is “here to bring light to an otherwise grave subject, friends. It’s only natural to laugh while crying.”
Out now!
Late September by Amy Mattes (Nightwood Editions)
Late September is an intimate queer coming-of-age novel exploring the nuances of love, trauma and mental health. A compelling literary fiction pick for readers of Heather O’Neill and Zoe Whittall. In the summer of 2000, Ines, a grief-stricken skateboarder beginning to explore her sexuality, leaves behind her sheltered hometown on a Greyhound bus bound for Montreal.
Coming April 13, 2024!
Take Off! by Lea Beddia (Rebel Mountain Press)
This high-interest accessible novel for teen readers tells the story of Marisa. A gay and out aviation cadet, Marisa failed but survived her test flight crash landing and so has to attend a survival camp weekend with Aimee, a toxic basketball star and long-time bully. When Aimee is injured on the hike, Marisa will have to decide how to help her.
Out now!
Alone Together: A Curious Exploration of Loneliness by Petti Fong, illustrated by Jonathan Dyck (Orca Book Publishers)
For middle grade readers, Alone Together explores what superheroes can teach us about being alone, the ways kids have survived on their own and how activists in the civil rights movement took a stand against loneliness. Discover what comfort foods, sweatpants and being kind to each other have to do with loneliness. Based on the podcast of the same name. Readers will learn about loneliness and how being alone can ultimately bring us closer together.
Coming March 12, 2024!
The Longest Shot: How Larry Kwong Changed the Face of Hockey by George Chiang, Chad Soon, illustrated by Amy Qi (Orca Book Publishers)
A middle grade illustrated book telling the story of the first player of Asian descent to play in the NHL, The Longest Shot records the important history of an inspirational figure in Canadian hockey history. Learn how Larry Kwong went from playing in Vernon to playing in leagues in North America and Europe, including in that one minute with the New York Rangers in 1948.
Out now!
Rains, At Times Heavy by Debi Goodwin (Caitlin Press)
Through vivid landscapes and complex characters, Rains, At Times Heavy explores how one moment, one trauma, can spiral through the generations until a single person steps bravely into its path. Linden’s grandfather, father, and husband all died from water-related weather accidents. In her work as a climatologist, Linden knows the world faces more natural disasters. This knowledge and her legacy of death darken her view of the future.
Out now!