A Hug on the Wind

Illustrated By: Kristina Jones

In this illustrated picture book, Sam’s grandmother is going away for the winter, and he worries about how they’ll keep in touch. She tells him that she can send a hug on the wind, kisses in the rain and fireflies to say good night—and Sam realizes his grandma will always be there for him no matter the distance.

Keep Our World Green

Illustrated By: Sara Theuerkauf

Part of the nonfiction Orca Timeline series for middle-grade readers, this illustrated book examines parks, gardens and public green spaces throughout history and shares why it’s important to protect them for future generations.

My Summer Camp Has Mega Sloths

In this follow-up to My Best Friend Is Extinct, Henry and his friends attend a summer camp led by a shady head counselor. Luckily, there’s still fun to be had: Henry reunites with Yarp, a prehistoric short-faced bear, and discovers a herd of gentle mega sloths. When a wildfire encroaches, everyone has to band together to escape.

The True Story of Vanilla

Illustrated By: Arden Taylor

Part of the Orca Biography series for middle-grade readers, this illustrated nonfiction book tells the story of how an enslaved boy, Edmond Albius, discovered how to hand-pollinate vanilla, a technique that is still used all over the world today.

Saving Wolfgang

In this middle-grade novel, Wolfgang and his mother move in with his grandfather in the wake of his father's death, and Wolfie's new friend Jimmy helps him find solace through hockey. But Wolfgang can't stop wondering why his father's cause of death is such a secret.

Kenzie's Little Tree

Illustrated By: Emilie Leduc

In this contemplative picture book, Kenzie's mom doesn't always feel well, but Kenzie learns that she is strong—just like the little tree they plant in their yard—and that together, they can get through the hard times.

No Huddles for Heloise

Illustrated By: Udayana Lugo

In this humorous picture book, Heloise the penguin doesn't like huddling with her friends (it gives her the collywobbles), so she sets off to find others like her but discovers there's no place like home—especially when your friends support you.

Finding Harmony

In this middle-grade novel, Harmony moves back home with her mom after being in a foster home, but her mom hasn't dealt with her addiction issues and Harmony feels like she's the only one keeping her and her mom together.

Our Plastic Problem

Part of the nonfiction Orca Footprints series for middle-grade readers and illustrated with color photographs throughout, this book explores the history and uses of plastic and the resulting environmental problems.

Hummingbird / Aamo-binashee

Translated by: Norman Chartrand

In this dual-language picture book in English and Anishinaabemowin, a child is chased by Windigo, who preys on isolation and insecurity. But Kokum calls to the child with a message of hope, and a hummingbird arrives with teachings of love and resilience.

Flash Flood

In this high-interest accessible novel for teen readers, foster brothers Zack and Peter pull together to survive after a flash flood leaves them stranded in an evacuated neighborhood of their riverside town.

Diwali

Enlivened by personal stories, Diwali illuminates and celebrates how Hindu, Sikh and Jain traditions are kept alive in the modern world in this work of nonfiction for middle readers.

Picture a Girl

In this middle-grade novel, Addie has to draw on all her resilience to look after herself and her little brother, Billy, when their mother, who struggles with depression and alcoholism, leaves unexpectedly.

The Pie Reports

Despite living an ocean apart, a child connects with her grandfather over a shared love of pie and learns to hold space for him through his progressive illness.

Get Outside!

Part of the nonfiction Orca Footprints series for middle-grade readers, this book examines the connection between humans and nature, why that connection is important and what we can learn from being outdoors. Illustrated with photographs throughout.

It's a They!

In this board book told in simple rhyming verse, siblings use gender-neutral pronouns to welcome a new baby into the family. Accompanied by adorable photos, this text depicts a much-loved baby who will decide their gender when they're ready—and will be loved no matter what.