Looking for your next read? Check out all the lists of Canadian fiction, non-fiction, poetry, comics and children’s books to read in the first half of 2024!
Our top pick: Death by a thousand cuts By Shashi Bhatt
Death by a thousand cuts Recognizes the funny, honest and difficult parts of femininity. From their former author publishing a book about their breakup to a confessional Reddit post, these stories explore anger, loneliness, bodily autonomy, and these women’s relationships with themselves as much as with those around them.
When you can read it: April 23, 2024
Shashi Bhatt’s earlier novels include A family was formedThomas Radall is a finalist for the Atlantic Fiction Prize and The most valuable thing on earth, was also a finalist for Governor General’s Literary Award for Novel In 2022. Her short stories have won the Writers’ Trust/McClelland and Stewart Journey Awards and have been shortlisted for the National Magazine Award and the RBC Bronwen Wallace Award for Emerging Writers. Bhatt New Westminster, B.C
14:54Shashi Bhatt on the most precious thing on earth
Shashi Bhatt talks about Shelagh Rogers’ latest novel The Most Precious Substance on Earth.
Our top pick: I like black boys Matthew R. By Morris
I like black boys Matthew R. Morris’s debut collection of eight essays examines his experiences with race and identity throughout his childhood in his current work as an educator. The child of a black immigrant father and a white mother, Morris was influenced by the prominent black male figures he saw in sports, TV shows and music while growing up in Scarborough, Ont. While striving for academic success, he confronted black stereotypes and explored hip hop culture in the 1990s.
I like black boys Out now.
Morris is a Toronto-based writer, lawyer and educator. As a public speaker, he has traveled throughout North America to educate against racism in the education system. Morris was recently announced Readers for the 2024 CBC Non-Fiction Prize.
Next chapter14:30Matthew R. Morris reflects on growing up in Scarborough in the ’90s, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and exploring black identity.
The writer and educator discusses his new nonfiction book, Black Boy Like Me, which explores public education, pop culture, and his identity as a young black man with an immigrant father and white mother.
Our top pick: the teeth By Dallas Hunt
the teeth A collection of poetry that explores the effects of colonialism and why it is repeated in today’s society. The book celebrates the successes of indigenous people and looks at the realities they face.
the teeth Out now.
Dallas is a member of the Hunt Cree and Wapsewcp (Swan River First Nation) in the Treaty Eight region of northern Alberta. His children’s book, Avasis and the world-famous Bannock, Portrayed by Amanda Strong, nominated for several awards and one of them 2024 CBC children read Competitors. Hunt lives in Vancouver.
Next chapter10:08Dallas Hunt on Oasis and the world-famous Bannock
Dallas Hunt on why he wrote the picture book, Avasis and the world-famous Bannock.
Our top pick: Body portrait By Julie Delporte, translated by Helge Dasher and Karen Houle
in Body portrait, Julie Delporte examines her life experiences and trauma in an attempt to answer haunting questions about her gender and sexuality. The book focuses on the inner journey to heal oneself and live more authentically.
Body portrait Out now.
Julie Delporte is a Montreal-based comic creator and poet. His other books include This woman’s work, Antennas everywhere And Journal.
Helge Dascher is a frequent translator of comic books. He has translated many titles by Guy Delisle, Yes By Marguerite About and Clément Aubry, White Rapids Pascal Blanchett and Paul goes fishing By Michael Rabagliati.
Karen Houle used to be a professor of philosophy but is now a full-time earth worker and sometimes translator.
Our top pick: A crane among wolves By June Har
A crane among wolves Under the tyrannical rule of Yeonsan in Joseon in 1506, the land is hell-bent on torturing women and burning books within the kingdom. After her older sister, Suen, is captured by the king, Iseul leaves the comforts of her village to defy the capital and save her sister. Meanwhile, the king’s half-brother, Prince Daehyun, leads a dangerous coup to dethrone him and save the people. When Iseul and Daehyun meet, they relentlessly join forces to take down their common enemy.
When you can read it: May 14, 2024
Joon Har is a South Korean-born writer based in Toronto. His other novels include Forest of Stolen Girls, The Silence of Bones And Red Palace.
2:27Jun Har in the Red Palace
Jun Har in the Red Palace
Our top pick: Al Call Mr By Wally Shaw and Eric Walters
Al Call Mr Follows the adolescence of Ali, a Muslim Pakistani immigrant and teenager, who wants to please his parents and possibly get noticed by his crush, Melissa. Ali struggles to feel comfortable in his community as his classmates make fun of his food or the color of his skin. When his mother and younger brother are attacked, Ali is forever changed and must learn to find his voice through trusted loved ones and his love of poetry.
Al Call Mr Ages 9 to 12 and out now.
Wali Shah is a Pakistani Canadian poet and public speaker. He was previously the Poet Laureate of the City of Mississauga. Al Call Mr His first book.
Eric Walters is one of Canada’s most prolific writers for young people. He has written more than 100 books including A bear in the family, The power of three And run. His 2006 novel We all fall down came in at #88 on the list The 150 best-selling Canadian books of the last 10 years. Walters won 2020 Governor General’s Literary Award for Youth Literature – Text For Jam is the king of sandwiches.
Our top pick: Still my Tessa By Sylve Chiang, illustrated by Mathias Ball
Still my Tessa A book about practicing with pronouns and accepting people for who they are. Evelyn is worried about Tessa — she doesn’t want to play the same games they used to play together anymore. Determined to find new ways to connect with her older siblings, Tessa learns to see herself as a non-binary person by practicing using new pronouns for them.
Still my Tessa won 2024 edition CBC children read. It was championed by Gary Unicorn during the second edition of ‘Canada Reads for Kids’.
Still my Tessa 3 to 8 years old and out now.
Sylve Chiang Teacher and children’s book author. He also wrote the middle grade series, Cross Ups, which included books emerging, Someone’s game And Tournament difficulty. Still my Tessa Chiang’s first film is a book. She grew up in Toronto and now lives in Pickering, Ont.
Matthias Ball is a noted illustrator from Goderich, Ont. Other picture books he illustrated include: Every body is a rainbow Caroline Carter and What if bedtime didn’t exist? By Francine Cunningham.