If getting lost in a good book gives you an undeniable sense of joy, there’s something even more exciting about the thrill of starting a brand-new series. Whether you’re into a fast-paced coming-of-age drama or want to help a young reader get a headstart on their learning journey before a new school year, these books are guaranteed to keep you turning pages all summer long. The best part? You don’t have to read them in order! Let the adventures begin.
Teens
Under Fire by Gabrielle Prendergast (Orca Book Publishers)
For teen readers looking for a quick read or wanting to pick up reading again, Under Fire is a short, fast-paced part of the Orca Anchor series. When sixteen-year-old Poppy’s widowed dad leaves her and her brother to help fight a distant wildfire, she’s confident she can manage. Her brother Jed has a disability and sometimes needs support, but there’s plenty to keep them both busy around the house and the farm. Then the wind changes and the wildfire heads straight for the farm. With no word from their dad and as the air fills with smoke and flames flicker on the horizon, Poppy and Jed must gather their animals and make a desperate escape.
“The action is compelling… a fast-paced, exciting survival tale for reluctant readers.” –Kirkus Reviews
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Young Readers
You Are Sacred by Sarah-Anne Tourond (Strong Nations Publishing)
You Are Sacred is the first book in the All That You Are series. This is a lyrical story that encourages the spiritual wellness of young learners through watercolour illustrations. Using the teachings of the Spiritual quadrant of the Anishinaabe Medicine Wheel, this affirmational picture book reminds children of their connection to the world around them and the solace they can find in the plants and animals, land and sky. Anishinaabe Connections are also included to share more about Anishinaabe art, culture, and traditions explored in the text and illustrations. This is the perfect read-aloud series for children ages 3 to 6 in both classrooms and homes.
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You’re Out of Luck, Alina Butt by Ambreen Butt-Hussain (Orca Book Publishers)
In this sequel to the author’s first novel, The Unlovable Alina Butt, twelve-year-old Alina is actually looking forward to going back to school. But when Alina arrives at school to find someone else sitting in her seat—the start to grade seven looks rough. Then the teacher announces that the class will be going on a trip to Paris later in the fall. It’s an expensive trip, but she’s sure that with the right plan, she can convince her strict parents to let her go. What could go wrong?
Just as her new passport arrives, her parents announce a trip to Pakistan. Alina is miserable—until she starts to see that maybe the things that matter most aren’t in Paris after all.
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