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.

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.

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. 

My Story: A London Girl's Diary 1665-1666 - The Great Plague

Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 5+

This is the diary of Alice who lives in London with her Aunt Nell and father during the time of the Great Plague.  Alice has a fairly comfortable life.  Her father works for the Navy and the family has a servant named Maggie.  Things change when the Plague arrives and Alice must care for her Aunt Nell.  Alice wonders if life will even return to normal.  This is an interesting diary.  It's a story of family, sacrifice, and personal growth.  I think the author does a good job of creating interest in Alice's life and helping the reader learn more about this point in history. This story would appeal to those who enjoy historical fiction.  

My Story: A Tudor Girl's Diary/Bloody Tower By: Valerie Wilding

Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 5+

It's the 1550s and Tilly lives in the Tower of London where her father is a physician.  Tilly's father was given a notebook by an unnamed lady and he gives the notebook to Tilly.  Tilly decides to use the notebook as a diary where she recounts what happens in the Tower.  There is a lot to tell after the young king passes away without an heir and names the young Lady Jane Grey as Queen.  This doesn't sit well with Mary, who has plenty of followers and becomes the Queen.  Queen Mary is quite brutal and provides severe punishment to anyone she deems to be against her in any possible way.  This is a story with historical information about the royals at the time, as well as providing insight into the daily life of those who work in the Tower.  The book includes an historical note and images that are best read early on in the book.  I found this somewhat interesting, but the book would be better with more information about Tilly's life.  The characters aren't really developed and the diary reads more like a brief recount of the events of the past without any real character or story development.

Nish North and South By: Isabelle Picard

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8

This is the story of twins, Eloise and Leon, who live in an Innu community in the far north of Quebec.  The chapters alternate between Eloise and Leon's perspectives.  This is a story that gently introduces the reader to life in a northern Indigenous community.  Eloise and Leon live a happy life in their tight-knit community, but do recognize the many inequities their community endures, such as inadequate housing, pollution from mining companies, and limited opportunities. The book includes many topics: friendship, family, community, first crushes, and school life.  This is an enjoyable read and I recommend the book to fans of realistic fiction and those hoping to learn more about life in Indigenous communities. 

Birds On The Brain By: Uma Krishnaswami

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grades 3-4

"Birds On The Brain" is a Silver Birch Express 2025 nominee. This quick read is set in India and finds three friends, Reeni, Yasmin, and Anil tasked with a school project of creating and implementing a survey.  Reeni loves birds, Yasmin loves books and Anil is into karate.  Can the three friends combine their interests to create a survey and make a change in their city?  This is a story of friendship and shows how even younger community members can make a difference.  I recommend this book to fans of realistic fiction.

Sarah Ponakey, Storycatcher and the Ahasiw's Forest Powwow

Genre: Realistic Fantasy Fiction

Age Recommendation: Grades 3-4

This is the first book in the Sarah Ponakey series.  Sarah and her mom have moved to the city and Sarah is missing her Kohkom (grandmother) and her best friend, Eden.  Sarah also misses being surrounded by nature and learning more about her Cree culture and traditions from her Kohkom.  Sarah is not feeling comfortable yet at her new school and after a particularly difficult day, Sarah comes home and takes a nap.  Sarah wakes up in a magical world where her crow stuffie is talking and walking along with other animals who introduce Sarah to the powwow tradition.  This book is a Silver Birch Express 2025 nominee and introduces the reader to some Cree words and traditions.  This would be a fun and easy read for students in grades 3-4 or strong grade 2 readers.

Toby's Story By: W. Bruce Cameron

Genre: Animal Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 3-5

Toby is a beagle who was born on a ranch where he happily played with his mother and siblings, until one day when his paws starting itching so badly that he became slow and quiet.  Toby watched all his siblings find families, but nobody wanted a beagle who wouldn't run.  That is until Mona and her mother saw the free puppy sign and decided that Toby would be a perfect therapy dog for the assisted living centre where Mona's mother worked.  Toby was an immediate success with the residents, however the manager of the centre wasn't thrilled with Toby.  With the help of Mona, her mother, and some kind residents, Toby finds his place.  This story is told from Toby's perspective.  This means that the reader gets to experience the world through the eyes of a puppy. This book would be popular with animal lovers.  The story is a little sad at times though, so readers should be prepared for that.

The Selection By: Kiera Cass

Genre: Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8

America Singer is 16 years old and lives in Illea.  She is a "five" in this world of castes which means that she and her family belong to the caste of artists.  However, this could all change since Prince Maxon is looking for a wife and young women across the land have the opportunity to participate in the selection process.  America wants nothing to do with this because she is in love with Aspen, an unexpected match, since he belongs to a much lower caste.  America's mother is keen to move up in the world and pushes America to participate.  America is one of the 35 young women selected to spend time at the castle so that Prince Maxon may find a wife.  During their time they have dates with the prince, experience attacks on the castle and see the competitive and not so kind side of the selected come out.  This story has romance, friendship, family, social unrest and more.  I was pleasantly surprised by how entertaining this book is.  It is the first in a series and I think many readers would find themselves wanting to know what happens next.  

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.

The Nguyen Kids - The Mystery of the Painted Fan By: Linda Trinh

Genre: Realistic/Fantasy Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 2-4

This is the third book in The Nguyen Kids series and is a Silver Birch Express 2024 nominee.  The main character is the youngest Nguyen sibling, Jacob.  Jacob likes to play hockey and is excited about trying things that make him feel happy, like dancing in the Lunar New Year performance.  When Jacob feels confused and frustrated about the way people react to some of the things he wants to try, he notices that the special painted fan is grandma gave him is doing mysterious things.  Will the painted fan be able to help Jacob figure out what's right for him?  Read the book to find out!

The Case of the Rigged Race By: Michael Hutchinson

Genre: Mystery/Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation:  Grade 4+

The Case of the Rigged Race is the fourth book in the Mighty Muskrats Mystery series and is a Silver Birch 2024 nominee.  This story is set while the Windy Lake First Nations is hosting the annual Trappers Festival.  The Mighty Muskrats are four cousins who are enjoying the events until they begin to notice strange things happening such as one of their cousin's sled dogs getting unexpectedly sick and illegal betting on the competitions.  The Mighty Muskrats investigate and help the local police and RCMP get to the bottom of what's happening.  This story has action from the beginning and will surely be entertaining for many readers.  I especially like how this book gives a window into the life of the First Nations people of Windy Lake.  Although the book is good as a stand-alone read, I would like to read the first book to get more background information about each of the characters.

 

Front Desk By: Kelly Yang

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 5+

Mia and her parents immigrated to America from China with hopes for a better future.  Unfortunately, their experience has been challenging, including spending some time living in their car.  When Mia's parents get a job managing a motel, she helps her overwhelmed parents by running the front desk.  The motel allows Mia to meet lots of new people, most of them kind, but some not, such as the owner of the motel who underpays Mia's parents.  Things are hard for Mia's family but they continue to help others in need.  Mia has been to many schools during her time in America, but finds a friend in Lupe at her new school.  This is a touching story inspired by the author's experiences.  This is a story of family, friendship, and persevering through difficult times.  I highly recommend this book to fans of realistic fiction.  This is the first in a series of books.  Readers are sure to fall in love with Mia. 

Keena Ford and the Second-Grade Mix-Up By: Melissa Thomson

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation:  Grade 1-3

Keena and her best friend Eric are set to begin grade 2.  Keena is excited because she and Eric are going to be in the same class.  They are even building a homework hut out of a big box so they can do their homework together. Unfortunately, just before school begins a letter arrives telling Keena that the school is creating a boys' and girls' class, so she and Eric will be separated.  When school starts, Keena is very happy with her wonderful new teacher.  This doesn't stop Keena from finding ways to get into mischief.  This is a fun read that children in grade 1 and 2 would especially enjoy.

Children Of The Fox By: Kevin Sands

Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8

This Red Maple 2023 nominee is the first book in The Thieves of Shadow series.  In a world where magic exists, a group of young thieves are brought together to perform a theft that nobody before them could.  The prize, if they are able to pull off the heist, is more money than they could ever imagine and would change their lives forever.  Each of them has special skills to bring to the plan, but the main character is Callan.  On their dangerous journey to collect the prize for the man who hired them, Callan will face many dilemmas and need to learn to rely on his newfound friends.  This book is full of mystery and excitement and should appeal to many readers.  

The Stone Child By: David A. Robertson

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

"The Great Bear", book two in the Misewa Saga, left the reader wondering what had happened to Eli as he lay unresponsive next to the Great Tree.  In "The Stone Child", Morgan must find a way to help Eli.  Morgan and the team she assembles, have only three days to find Mistapew (Big Foot) if they are to save Eli.  This is no easy task, but with the help of an ally she thought had been lost, the group forges on.  In the "real world", Morgan is given her mother's contact information and grapples with the decision to reach out to her.  This Silver Birch 2023 nominee does not disappoint and leaves the reader wanting to read book four.  I highly recommend this series!

Crimson Twill: Witch In The City By: Kallie George

Genre:  Fantasy

Age Recommendation: Grade 2-4

This delightful Silver Birch Express 2023 nominee tells the story of Crimson Twill's first trip to the big department store in New Wart City.  Crimson is a country witch who has a unique style and she is very excited about visiting Broomingdale's and spending the money she has earned.  As she explores some of the interesting floors of Broomingdale's she finds things, but doesn't actually spend any of her money.  This is a sweet story about being true to yourself.  I can't wait to read another Crimson Twill story.

The Great Bear By: David A. Robertson

Genre: Fantasy

Age Recommendation: Grade 5+

The Great Bear is the sequel to The Barren Grounds and finds Eli and Morgan back in Misewa on another adventure.  This time Morgan and Eli travel into the past so they can spend time with their beloved Ochek.  While there, they discover that the Bear they know and love is destructive and hurtful in the past.  The pair work with the villagers to change this and improve life for all.  This book is exciting and interesting.  I would recommend reading The Barren Grounds first as there are elements of this book that will be confusing if not.  The book leaves us with a cliff hanger, so we will have to read the third book, The Stone Child, to satisfy our curiosity.