By Yolanda T. Marshall

Here are some traditionally published books by Canadian authors for your back-to-school shopping lists.

Stars in My Crown

Written by Antonio Michael Downing and illustrated by Richy Sánchez Ayala.

“Author and musician Antonio Michael Downing’s debut picture book is about big changes and big feelings and speaks to all kids experiencing the highs and lows of childhood. Little Tony loves his grandmother, his home in Trinidad, and delicious pho lourie. But he’s also full of other big feelings, including anger. His grandmother tries to teach him to be patient—patience is a star in his crown, she says—but it’s hard. He tries to keep his anger in, but when he loses at ping-pong to his brother, or he must come in from playing . . . Yaaarrgh! When Little Tony and his brother move away from their beloved Trinidad, there’s even more for him to be upset about. His new home is cold, full of new people, and there’s no pholourie anywhere! Yaaarrgh! But then he remembers his grandmother’s lessons and something surprising happens.” – Tundra Books, 2024.

I Am Cherished

Written by Onome Ako and illustrated by Ken Daley.

“It’s Kikelomo’s first day of school, and she is excited! But when it’s time to share in her classroom circle, Kikelomo is surprised and saddened when other children make fun of her name. When Kikelomo comes home that night, her mother and father remind her how carefully they chose her name, which means “a child who is cherished” in Yoruba, the language of her mother’s family. It prompts her to think about all the times she feels cherished and who she is, held inside her loving family. When Kikelomo returns to school the next day, she can’t wait to share why calling her by her name is essential and how everyone can pronounce it if they try. With this simple act, her classmates — and teacher! — are all inspired to learn and share the stories of their names, too. Joyful, powerful and infused with love, this proudly affirming story will resonate with every child who needs to stand up for their big, beautiful name and encourage kids and grownups from all backgrounds to think about their unique connection to their name.” – Scholastic Canada Ltd, 2024.

Today I Am

Written by Jael Richardson, Marty Chan, Michael Hutchinson, Chad Lucas, Angela Misri, Mahtab Narsimhan, Danny Ramadan, Liselle Sambury & Brandon Wint.

“Ten stories of belonging from ten outstanding BIPOC authors from across Canada. In this collection of short fiction, ten outstanding authors explore the theme of home — home as a place, a concept, and a way of thinking about the body — through prose, verse and graphic storytelling. These stories and more, compiled and edited by Jael Richardson, acclaimed author and Artistic Director of the Festival of Literary Diversity (FOLD), bring together perspectives on belonging from BIPOC authors from across the country.” – Scholastic Canada Ltd, 2024.

The Enchanted Bridge

Written by Zetta Elliott andillustrated by Cherise Harris.

“Getting three baby dragons back home was just the beginning. Now, Jaxon is on a mission to help all magical creatures from Dragons in a Bag! But things in the mystical realm are more complicated than they seem in the fourth book of this critically acclaimed series. With their new special abilities, Jaxon and his friends are not the ordinary kids they used to be. No longer destined to become a witch, Jax finds himself caught up in a secret plan involving the Guardian of Palmara’s mysterious twin brother, Ol-Korrok. As the ambassador to the realm of magic, Jax must convince Sis that magical creatures should be free to return to the human world. But to reach Palmara, Jax and his friends must cross Ol-Korrok’s enchanted bridge connecting the two realms. Is Ol-Korrok the ally he pretends to be? Or has Jax set a plan that will endanger both realms?” –

Random House, 2024.

Please support local bookstores, such as A Different Booklist, Nile Valley Books, and

Knowledge Bookstore.