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. 

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 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. 

40 Days In Hicksville By: Christina Kilbourne

Genre: Realistic Fiction/Mystery

Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8

"40 Days In Hicksville" is a Red Maple 2025 nominee.  This story is told from the perspectives of 15-year-olds, Kate and Zach. Kate has just moved to the small town of Clarendon with her mom. They are going to try living in the home her mom inherited from her parents.  Kate is a city girl and is not keen on this.  Zach has lived all his life in Clarendon and can't quite believe his luck when he and Kate form a friendship.  Shortly into their meeting, Kate convinces Zach to go on a late-night exploration of some caves where the pair find two skeletons.  This leads to the opening of a cold case from long ago involving the disappearance of Kate's uncle and his friend.  This is an entertaining mystery, that will keep the reader turning the pages as Zach and Kate uncover more details about the cold case.  I recommend this book to fans of mystery and realistic fiction.

Why We Play With Fire By: Giselle Vriesen

Genre: Fantasy
Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8

"Why We Play With Fire" is a Red Maple 2025 nominee.  This is the story of Thea, who thought she was a regular girl living a regular life until she got swept up in a magical world.  Thea finds out she is a god spring, meaning her mother was a god and that Thea has powers she never knew she had. Thea is thrown into this world unexpectedly and must quickly adapt as she goes on a time-sensitive and dangerous quest with other god spring.  This is a well-written novel and will be of great interest to fans of Rick Riordan. This is not a genre I typically enjoy, so I found myself struggling to finish the book, but can see that it would be popular with many readers.  

Tig By: Heather Smith

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8

 "Tig" is a 2025 Red Maple nominee.  This is the story of 11-year-old Beth, whose nickname is Tig. Tig has been through a lot in her 11 years.  Her dad passed away when she was too young to remember and her mom isn't very motherly.  Tig still loves her mom, but things get so bad that Tig is placed in the care of her uncle Scott and his partner, Manny.  Tig is not pleased with this and doesn't hide the fact.  Even with her rude and disruptive behaviour, uncle Scott and Manny continue to show her kindness and caring.  Can they break down Tig's wall and provide her with the family she deserves?  Read this incredible story to find out!

Hopeless In Hope By: Wanda John-Kehewin

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8

"Hopeless In Hope" is a Red Maple 2025 nominee.  This is the story of Neveah who is in grade 9 and lives with her nohkum, younger brother, and alcoholic mother in a run-down house in a small town called Hope.  Neveah's life isn't easy, but with the love of her nohkum and little brother, she manages to get by.  Unfortunately, Neveah's already challenging life becomes much more difficult when she returns from school to find that nohkum fell, broke her hip, and is in the hospital.  This is a gripping story with very mature topics including alcoholism, abuse, residential school trauma, poverty, foster care, and group homes.  There are a few instances of strong language.  This is also a story of hope, family bonds, and self-growth.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to mature readers.

Call Me Al By: Wali Shah & Eric Walters

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8

"Call Me Al" is a 2025 Red Maple Nominee.  Ali Khan is in the eighth grade.  Ali and his family are Muslims who moved to Canada from Pakistan.  In Pakistan, Ali's father was a doctor and his mother was a teacher.  In Canada, Ali's father's qualifications are not recognized, so he drives a taxi and attends school.  Ali's mother is the superintendent of the building they live in.  Ali's family made a lot of sacrifices to move to Canada and Ali feels a lot of pressure to do well in school, so he can become a doctor one day.  As Ali is getting older, he is taking more notice of the racism that surrounds him.  This racism even comes from his best friend, Zach.  Ali discovers a new talent when he begins using poetry to explore the things that trouble him.  This is an excellent story that allows the reader to better understand the challenges that newcomers to Canada face.  The book also helps readers to better understand the harm their words can do.  I highly recommend this book.

The Cricket War By: Tho Pham & Sandra McTavish

Genre: Historical Fiction

Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8

The Cricket Wars is a Red Maple 2025 nominee.  This is the gripping story of the author's experience escaping Vietnam in the early 1980s.  This is a quick and captivating read that allows the reader a look at Tho's life in Vietnam and the difficult and dangerous steps he and his family had to take in order to get Tho out of Vietnam.  The book includes historical information about Vietnam and the real situations the book is based on.  I highly recommend this book to fans of realistic and historical fiction.

The Outsmarters By: Deborah Ellis

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8

Kate is a twelve-year-old who lives with her grandmother in a small town.  Kate's had a lot of difficulty with school and was suspended for several weeks before the summer break began.  Kate spent this time completing worksheets and helping her grandmother around her junk shop.  Kate dreams of the day her mom will return and take her back because even though things weren't always great with her mom, Kate misses her.  Kate's summer takes a turn when she decides to open a Philosophy Booth next to the junk shop.  The shop allows her to make some unexpected friendships.  Then, Kate's mom returns and it is not the reunion Kate hoped for.  This is a story of family, friendship, and achieving your goals.  It is also a story of addiction and abuse and the impact this can have.  This is interesting story is a Red Maple 2025 nominee.  

The Last Saxon King By: Andrew Varga

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

"The Last Saxon King" is a Red Maple 2024 nominee and earned second place honours in this program.  This book will appeal to readers of historical fiction and fantasy as the main character, Dan, finds himself in Anglo-Saxon England where he must try to correct history if he ever wants to return home.  Travelling to the past is not something Dan has ever done before, but when Dan comes home to find his father being attacked by an intruder, he soon finds out that there's more to his dad and the unusual home-school education his dad has been giving him.  This is an exciting novel with lots of action.  I highly recommend this book.

Beatrice & Croc Harry By: Lawrence Hill

Genre: Fantasy
Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8 

"Beatrice And Croc Harry" is a 2024 Red Maple Nominee.  This book begins with Beatrice waking up alone in a treehouse in Argilia.  Argilia is a magical forest where Beatrice is able to communicate with the animals, but Beatrice has no memory of how she got there or of her past.  Beatrice soon meets a crocodile, Harry, who really wants to befriend her.  As you can imagine, Beatrice is reluctant to befriend a creature who could eat her, but they soon build a relationship built on trust.  Beatrice soon discovers clues that can lead her back to her world.  The challenge is that an evil giant is trying to break into her mind and has his henchmen trying to find her.  This is an interesting story with several important themes including discrimination, segregation, and friendship. It did take me a while to truly get into the story, but once I did it was enjoyable.  The ending sets the scene for a sequel.  If you like adventure and fantastical, futuristic worlds, give this book a try.

Simon Sort Of Says By: Erin Bow

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8

"Simon Sort Of Says" is a Red Maple 2024 nominee.  This is the story of Simon whose family has just moved to the National Quiet Zone in a small town called Grin and Bear It. This is an area of the United States where internet is banned because it would interfere with the work of the scientists who are listening for messages from space.  Although you might think it would be hard for a young person to move to a town without internet, Simon is thrilled with the idea.  This is because he was part of a traumatic event in his old town and wants an opportunity to start fresh.  Being the new kid is never easy, but Simon makes two good friends and everything is going well until someone finds out who he is and what he's been through.  This is an enjoyable story about friendship and family.  There's even a cute dog and a stabby peacock!  I recommend this book to fans of realistic fiction.