The Super Teacher Project By: Gordon Korman

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 6+

It's the start of a new school year and Brightling Middle School is welcoming a new teacher, Mr. Aidact. Mr. Aidact refers to the students as pupils and seems to know everything, including when Oliver is letting off one of his famous spitballs.  Mr. Aidact has a student teacher following him around with a briefcase, but the student teacher never teaches.  Something is definitely up with this new teacher and the students of Brightling will find out. This story is told from the perspective of multiple characters. It's an interesting read, although I did find it to be a little longer than it needed to be.  I recommend this to fans of Gordon Korman, realistic fiction, and those who like to try putting the pieces together.  Although Mr. Aidact gets off to a bumpy start, you'll be cheering for him in the end!

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.

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.

Old School By: Gordon Korman

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 6+

"Old School" is a 2026 Red Maple nominee.  This is the story of Dexter who is in grade 7 but has never actually been to school.  He's been educated and is quite smart, he just hasn't learned things in the traditional way. Dexter lives at The Pines retirement village with his grandmother where he's been taught by the best, including a World War 2 code breaker and an award-winning writer.  Dexter likes his life at The Pines, but when the truancy officer arrives to tell him he must attend school, he's off to the unknown.  This is another enjoyable read by Gordon Korman.  The story is told from multiple perspectives and is about friendship, family, and growing up.  I highly recommend this to fans of realistic fiction and/or fans of Gordon Korman.

Is There A Boy LIke Me? By: Kern Carter

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8

"Is There A Boy Like Me?" is a Red Maple 2026 nominee.  This is the story of London, who seems to have everything going for him.  He's good at sports, gaming, academics, and is popular at school.  The thing is London really loves drawing and dreams of becoming a graphic novel author.  London's dad wants him to become a coder because that way he will always be able to provide for his family.  When London's best friend encourages him to post one of his comics online, it becomes viral.  This leads to some unexpected complications.  Even though this shows that London has talent, will he be able to pursue his dream?  Will he be able to openly express who he is?  Read this realistic fiction about friendship, family, and growing up to find out.

Unsinkable Cayenne By: Jessica Vitalis

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8

"Unsinkable Cayenne" is a Red Maple 2026 nominee.  This book is written in free verse from the perspective of 12 year old Cayenne.  Until recently, Cayenne and her family lived in a van, travelling the country.  With the arrival of her twin brother and sister, Cayenne's father took a job at a sawmill and the family settled down.  Cayenne's mother isn't particularly thrilled about this, but Cayenne is.  This is an opportunity to go to a real school and make friends.  Since this story is told in free verse, it is a quick and engaging read.  It's a touching story of family, friendship, growing up, and discovering what is truly important in life. 

Death By Whoopee Cushion By: Vicki Grant

Genre: Mystery
Age Recommendation: Grade 5+

"Death By Whoopee Cushion" is a Silver Birch 2026 nominee.  This is the story of 12 year old Manya who is serious about her love of science.  Manya loves her parents, but wishes they could be less silly.  Her parents own a joke shop and are always pulling pranks.  Manya is mortified when she learns her parents will be demonstrating some of their products at her school.  Unfortunately, something goes terribly wrong with one of the items her parents brought to the school and the custodian dies.  Manya knows her parents are goofy, but they are very cautious about what they do and would never hurt anyone.  With the help of her best friend, Isaac, Manya sets out to prove her parents' innocence and uncovers some surprising things about them along the way.  This is an interesting story that will have the reader putting the clues together to find out what is really going on.

No Purchase Necessary By: Maria Marianayagam

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8

"No Purchase Necessary" is a Red Maple 2026 nominee.  This is the story of Ajay and his family who have recently moved to small town, Bridge Creek, so his father can attend university in the nearby city of Callaway.  Ajay is hopeful for a new start, but finds himself the target of the school goons early on.  Jacob, the leader, who has been stealing from "Scary Al's" convenience store tells Ajay to get him a chocolate bar.  Ajay, who is seeking Jacob's approval, sees no option but to steal a chocolate bar.  After Ajay does this, Jacob doesn't even take the bar.  When Ajay opens the chocolate, he finds the one million dollar prize ticket inside the wrapper.  This money would mean a lot to his family, but he only won it by breaking several of his strict Tamil family's rules.  This begins a whole series of lies. Will Ajay come clean?  Will his family's life be changed by the winnings?  This is a heartfelt story of growing up, trying to fit in, family, and friendship.  I highly recommend this book.

The Time Keeper By: Meagan Mahoney

Genre: Mystery
Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8

"The Time Keeper" is a Red Maple 2026 nominee.  This mystery is set in 1902 Scotland where twelve-year old orphan, Malcolm, works as an apprentice time keeper to Jack.  Malcolm is best friends with Jack's son, Peter.  Sadly, Peter is very sick and doesn't seem to be getting any better despite the efforts of Dr. Fiona MacIsaac.  One morning, Malcolm arrives to find the workshop has been broken into and Jack is missing.  He finds a note from Jack that tells him which clocks he should visit.  Malcolm assumes these are priority jobs, until he reaches the first location and finds his master dead. This begins Malcolm's journey to discover a cure for Peter and to find out who is responsible for Jack's death.  This is a story that will keep the reader guessing. It's a story of friendship and family and will be enjoyed by those who like mystery and historical fiction.

The Factory By: Catharine Egan

Genre: Science Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8

"The Factory" is a Red Maple 2026 nominee. This is a fast-paced, futuristic story where climate challenges have left many people in climate refugee camps. The main character, Asher, lives with his Nan.  His mom is in his life, but she tends to be impulsive and isn't a stable figure.  When she gets herself into big financial trouble with dangerous people, Asher's father suggests that Asher would be the perfect candidate for a top-secret experiment.  The pay is more than enough to cover his mom's debts and improve life for his whole family.  Asher doesn't want to go, but does as he sees no other way out for his mom.  Asher soons makes friends at the research facility and they begin to unravel what is really happening there.  I am not typically a fan of this genre, but found this story to be engaging.  I enjoyed trying to figure out what was really happening at The Factory.

If We Tell You By: Nicola Dahlin

Genre: Mystery
Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8

"If We Tell You" is a Red Maple 2026 nominee.  Cameron and Lewis are identical twins who live in a rural small town with their seemingly wonderful parents.  The twins' world goes into upheaval when some people they've never seen before show up at a neighbourhood barbecue. Their parents hand them backpacks and tell them to go to the airport.  This begins a journey filled with unknowns and dangers.  Will they ever see their parents again?  Will they survive?  Read this exciting book to find out.

The Last Hope School For Magical Delinquents by: Nicki Pau Preto

Genre: Fantasy 
Age Recommendation: Grade 5+

"The Last Hope School For Magical Delinquents" is a Silver Birch 2026 nominee and the first book in a series.  Vin has been expelled from every magical school she's attended.  "Last Hope" is truly her last chance to learn how to use her magic.  If she gets expelled from this school, she will have very few options.  Vin is very hesitant about her new school and what appear to be lenient rules about the use of magic.  Once she makes a connection with some fellow students and the headmaster, Vin starts to feel at home for the first time ever.  Unfortunately, as Vin is gaining an understanding of her magic, it appears that she is causing some dangerous things to happen.  Vin and her friends band together to find out who is behind this dangerous magic and to protect their school. Since this is the first book in the series, a fair amount of time needs to be used providing the reader with background information.  This felt a little tedious to me, but once I got past this, the story was engaging. If you are a fan of magic or Harry Potter books, you are certain to enjoy this new magical world.

Spirit Service By: Sarena and Sasha Nanua

Genre: Realistic/Fantasy Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 5+

"Spirit Service" is a Silver Birch 2026 nominee.  This is the story of four good friends who live in a small town that has an interesting history of being connected to the spirit world.  When the girls meet up at the local antique shop, a retro phone gives off a glow and the girls find themselves connecting to the spirit world through the old phone.  This book would be enjoyable for those who like stories about ghosts or magic, as well as fans of realistic fiction.  The book involves friendship, family, and overcoming challenges. 

The Anxious Exile Of Sara Salt By: Gabrielle Prendergast

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 5+

"The Anxious Exile Of Sara Salt" is a Silver Birch 2026 nominee.  Ten-year-old Sara is just beginning summer vacation when her baby brother is born prematurely and has to stay at the hospital. Sara's mother and stepfather decide that Sara will spend the summer with her half-sister, Abby, in Toronto.  Sara has anxiety and selective mutism, but fortunately Abby understands.  Abby is an architect and lives in a storage container house on a vacant lot.  Abby's dream is to create a community of pod houses to support those experiencing homelessness.  Even though Sara doesn't typically speak to strangers, she finds a way to help Abby achieve her goal and make her voice heard.  This story is told through the letters Sara writes to her little brother.  It's a great story of friendship, family, personal growth, and helping others.  I highly recommend this to fans of realistic fiction. 

Benny On The Case By: Wesley King

Genre: Realistic Fiction/Mystery
Age Recommendation: Grade 5+

"Benny On The Case" is a Silver Birch 2026 nominee.  In this story, Benny, who has Mosaic Down Syndrome and lives at the retirement home his mother runs, is anxiously awaiting the new school year when he will placed in a mainstream classroom.  His best friend, 86 year old, Mr. Tom does his best to help Benny prepare for this transition.  Fortunately for Benny, it turns out he isn't the only new student in his class.  Salma, whose grandmother lives at the retirement home Benny's mother runs, has just moved to Newfoundland.  Salma and Benny become fast friends.  The pair, unfortunately, face bullying and discrimination from their classmates.  Add to this recent thefts at the retirement home and there's plenty to deal with.  Salma and Benny are on the case.  As they uncover clues their friendship becomes stronger.  This is a great story about friendship, family, and acceptance.  Those who enjoy mystery will love trying to figure out who is behind the thefts.  

The Discovery of Finnegan Wilde By: Caroline Pignat

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

"The Discovery of Finnegan Wilde" is the first Red Maple 2026 nominee I've read and it's going to be difficult to top this book.  The story is set in 1913 Dublin and includes the voices of Finnegan, Eddie, and Tomas.  Finn is a young girl living on the streets who has no memory of her past.  Eddie is an apprentice archaeologist who works at the local museum with his father.  Tomas, a ninth-century monk, is the subject of Eddie's recent investigations. Through an unfortunate incident, Eddie and Finn's paths become entwined and the two work together to uncover the story of Tomas and Ireland's mythological past. Their journey is filled with adventure, magic and the unravelling of Finn's past.  This is a fantastic read and I highly recommend it to lovers of realistic fiction, historical fiction and fantasy. 

The Secret of Gabi's Dresser By: Kathy Kacer

Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 5+

"The Secret of Gabi's Dresser" was inspired by real events in history and Kathy Kacer's mother's experiences during World War 2.  When adult Gabi's grandchildren visit her, they listen attentively to the story Gabi tells about her childhood and the importance of the dresser her family brought from Czechoslovakia to Canada.  As a child, Gabi lived a happy life in a farming community in Czechoslovakia.  When the Nazis invaded her country, things changed for Gabi and the other Jewish families.  Eventually, Gabi wasn't even able to attend school. When the Nazis came looking for Gabi, her mother made the difficult decision to leave the family farm and go into hiding.  This book would be an informative and interesting read aloud in grades 5 and up.  Although the story touches on difficult topics, it does so in a gentle way.  The book would help initiate solid classroom discussions about this time in history and discrimination in general. This book would be enjoyed by fans of historical fiction.