Books, the good kind, stick with us.
Some stages of life rip us so far out of our comfort zone that we need a good book to ground us, and go through it with us. Having a book not only stick with you, but right by your side, through upheaval, transitions, and the all-consuming fear of new experiences, can bring us comfort, guidance, and at the very least, companionship. We’ve curated a list of stories about girlhood then and now, middle age turmoil and the challenges to relationships we face later in life, alongside first crushes, adolescent misadventures, and forming your first friendships. With the right book, you never have to go through life’s challenges alone.
Adulthood retrospection & resilience
Bloom: Letters on Girlhood by Nicole Breit and Claire Sicherman (Caitlin Press)
From the publisher: A raw, searching and intimate memoir, Bloom: Letters on Girlhood is a conversation between two acclaimed writers about silence and shame and what it means to come of age as young women. Over the course of two and a half years, authors Claire Sicherman (Imprint: A Memoir of Trauma in the Third Generation) and Nicole Breit, an award-winning poet and essayist, exchanged letters chronicling their coming-of-age in the suburbs of late 1980s Vancouver.
Out now
Behind the Moon by Anosh Irani (Talonbooks)
From the publishers: In a Mughlai restaurant, a late-night visit from a mysterious stranger irreversibly shakes things up. Now the restaurant’s employee Ayub must face reality, the family he’s left behind, and the dreams he’s abandoned, all while keeping the restaurant shiningly clean.
Out now
Sisters of The Spruce by Leslie Shimotakahara (Caitlin Press)
From the publisher: Prize-winning writer Leslie Shimotakahara’s new novel is an enthralling story of female adventure, friendship, and resilience, set against the majestic landscape of a WWI-era logging camp on Haida Gwaii.
Out now
Growing pains of teens and inbetweens
The Science of Boys by Emily Seo, illustrated By Grace Zhang (Tradewind Books)
From the publisher: Science nerd, Emma Sakamoto, wants to reinvest herself. So when a popular girl at school seeks Emma’s help in getting a boy to like her, Emma starts writing The Science of Boys. The results are unpredictable in this story—by turns humourous and heartwarming—about the struggles of fitting in and the complexities of friendship.
*2022 Out now
The Nothing Club by Cathy Beveridge (Ronsdale Press)
From the publisher: Four delinquent teens are inadvertently pulled into a criminal investigation that challenges their deepest values and misconceptions.
Out now
Childhood hurdles, lessons, and triumphs
No Huddles for Heloise by Deborah Kerbel, illustrated by Udayana Lugo (Orca Book Publishers)
From the publisher: Heloise likes a lot of things: sledding, giving rocks to her friends, and eating fish popsicles. She does NOT like certain things, like crowds, close-talkers and huddles.
The problem is, huddles are a big part of being a penguin. Everyone gathers together to keep warm and stay safe from leopard seals. But huddles give Heloise the collywobbles! Heloise sets off to find others like her. Along the way, she meets other animals who don’t seem so friendly, and after a close brush with a leopard seal, Heloise realizes that she needs to get back to her community. Is there a way for Heloise to be a penguin and keep her personal space?
Out now
The Friendship Guide Dr. Jillian Roberts, illustrated by Andrea Armstrong (Orca Book Publishers)
From the publisher: In this sweet picture book, child psychologist Jillian Roberts offers helpful ideas on how to be a good friend, from sharing to inviting others to your friend group. Alongside each principle is a sample scenario that helps kids apply the concepts to real life, to help them be the best friends they can be.
Features an author’s note with a selection of friendship-building activities for the classroom and at home.
In the aftermath of pandemic lockdowns, and with kids’ increasing reliance on technology, kids’ social skills could use a boost. This book makes the perfect resource for parents, caregivers and teachers looking for structure on how to discuss friendship, manners and values.
Out now
The Wolf’s Secret by Morgane de Cadier, Florian Pigé (Rocky Mountain Books)
From the publisher: A beautifully illustrated story about leaving home, making friends, and being yourself. On a bright morning, a young wolf brimming with curiosity and longing for companionship sets out from his pack in search of a friend. Yet, throughout the forest, he encounters nothing but fear and avoidance from other creatures who see him only as a typical wolf: greedy, frightening, and unpredictable. Even when he finds himself in peril after falling into the water, his cries for help go unanswered by his fellow animals. It’s only when a small hand reaches out to rescue him that the young wolf discovers a glimmer of hope and kindness in an unexpected friend.
Out now
Saving Wolfgang by Gregor Craigie (Orca Book Publishers)
“A story of grief, forgiveness, healing, and friendship, this book will skate into readers’ hearts. Would make a fantastic read-aloud for classrooms and a great pick for book club discussions.” — School Library Journal (SLJ)
From the publishers: In this middle-grade novel, after Wolfgang’s father dies, he and his mother move to Calgary to stay with his grandfather. Wolfie is helped through his grief by a new friend, Jimmy, who introduces him to the joys of hockey. But he still can’t figure out why no one will tell him how his father passed away.
Out now
Two Tricksters Find Friendship Elder Johnny Aitken and Jess Willows, illustrated by Alyssa Koski (Orca Book Publishers)
From the publisher: Jessie and Johnny have been inseparable ever since Jessie moved to the small island town during summer break. But as they begin fourth grade together, the new school year gets off to a rocky start when outside pressures and differences in their home lives threaten their friendship. Jessie lives comfortably and never worries about money while Johnny lives with his father and stepmother on the reserve outside of town. With guidance from Raven and spiritual teacher, Steven, the two friends bridge the gaps between them and learn to lean on each other through family troubles and cultural differences.
Out now