Bea Mullins Takes A Shot By: Emily Deibert

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 5+

When Bea's middle school gym floods, students are encouraged to join extra-curricular sports.  Bea's only other experience with team sports wasn't good, but her best friend, Celia convinces her that joining a girl's hockey team will be fun.  Eventually, Bea does really begin to enjoy hockey and the new friendships she makes.  Unfortunately, the team doesn't have much funding and may not survive the semester. Also, Bea makes some poor decisions with her friendships, creating tension.  This is an interesting story.  Fans of hockey would definitely enjoy it.  I did find this Silver Birch 2026 nominee to be a little longer than it needed to be, but that could be because I'm not a hockey fan.

Deep Secrets - A Titanic Novel By: Nikki Shannon Smith

Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8

"Deep Secrets" provides a new twist on the Titanic story.  Colette lives with her mother, sister, and brother.  Colette's mother doesn't speak of the children's father and his death in a factory accident is shrouded in secrecy.  Colette was sick as a child, so her mother insists that she stay home, with her only reprieve being a weekly trip to Walter's store for the groceries.  One day Colette is finally fed up with her solitude and asks Walter for a job.  Each day after her family leaves for school and work, Colette goes to the store where she works and learns that Walter is a Titanic survivor.  Bit by bit, Walter reveals his story to Colette, creating even more questions for Colette.  This is an entertaining read that would be enjoyed by fans of historical fiction and/or the Titanic.

The Secret Rescuers - The Storm Dragon By: Paula Harrison

Genre: Fantasy
Age Recommendation: Grade 2+

"The Storm Dragon" is the first book in The Secret Rescuers series.  In this story, the reader is introduced to Sophy, a young girl who works as a maid at the castle in the Kingdom of Arramia.  Sophy longs for adventure and is curious about the world.  When she finds a bag of stones in the items that are being removed from the castle, she gets the excitement she is after.  These stones are no ordinary stones, and they allow Sophy to help a young dragon who finds himself on the castle grounds. This is a fun story that would certainly appeal to many young audiences.  As an independent read, it's probably best suited to grade 2+, but could make a fun read aloud for grade 1s.

Ghosts Of Gastown By: Jessica Renwick

Genre: Mystery/Ghosts
Age Recommendation: Grade 5+

"Ghosts of Gastown" is a Silver Birch 2026 nominee.  This is the story of twelve-year-old Grace.  Grace was in a serious car accident with her father.  Unfortunately, her father passed away because of this.  Ever since the accident, Grace has been able to see ghosts.  Grace's mom doesn't believe in ghosts and does everything she can to help Grace believe this is just her imagination.  When Grace and her mom move from Edmonton to Vancouver's Gastown, Grace meets Oliver.  Oliver can also see ghosts.  At first, Grace is reluctant to become friends with Oliver, but the two quickly form a friendship, and Grace learns more about her ability. Will the two of them be able to help the ghosts of Gastown into the light?  How will they deal with the demon that is terrorizing the ghosts? Read the book to find out!

Every Little Bit Olive Tran By: Phuong Truong

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 3-5

"Every Little Bit Olive Tran" is a Silver Birch Express 2026 nominee.  This is the story of Olive who is thrilled to be turning ten.  Turning ten means more independence, like walking to school on her own.  Olive is planning a big birthday party with her whole class invited.  But when Olive finds out that Mrs. Ly was pushed onto the street and that other Asian people have been the victims of cruelty, her happy world begins to change.  This book was not what I was expecting from a Silver Birch Express nominee.  The book deals with racism in a way that is easy for younger students to understand.  This book could be used to promote serious discussions.  It is a story of friendship and helping others out.  I recommend this to fans of realistic fiction or as a read aloud to stimulate discussions about racism.

The Dark Won't Wait By: David A. Poulsen

Genre: Realistic Fiction/Thriller
Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8

"The Dark Won't Wait" is a Red Maple 2026 nominee.  This is the story of high school student, Dom.  Dom is decent at school, loves cars, and plays baseball.  When his friend Mia, asks him to watch her audition for the school play, he finds himself taking on a role in the play.  Farhad is the other member of the gang and he works lighting and sound for the play.  Riding his bike one day, Dom sees a beautiful girl looking out a window.  Eventually, he meets her and learns her name is Callie.  The shocking news comes when someone is murdered at Callie's home.  Add to that the break-in at Farhad's family pharmacy and a couple of mysteries need to be solved.  The events in this story are a little unbelievable, but if you suspend that you will find an interesting story that keeps you turning the pages.  I recommend this book to fans of mystery and action/adventure.

Finding Harmony By: Eric Walters

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Gr. 7/8

"Finding Harmony" is a Red Maple 2026 nominee.  This is the story of twelve-year-old Harmony, whose mom's struggles with addiction cause Harmony to spend time in foster care.  Even though Harmony is more like the parent in her relationship with her mom, she wants nothing more than to be back with her mom.  When the court grants her return to her mother, things are off to a rough start and only get more challenging.  Harmony struggles with her situation, but believes she has to support her mom.  When things get to a breaking point, Harmony has a very difficult decision to make.  Will she continue to put her mom first and keep living a life that puts her last or will Harmony finally put her own needs first?  This book begins with an unrealistic court scene, but becomes more realistic and the reader really wants to know what will happen with Harmony.  It's a story of family, friendship, and overcoming challenges.  I recommend this book to fans of Eric Walter and fans of realistic fiction.