Second Story Press

We’re thrilled to announce that Ellis on Guard by Sal Sawler, illustrated by Nandita Ratan, was featured on this week’s CBC Radio One’s The Next Chapter with Antonio Michael Downing as a kid approved book to read this summer!

“It tells a really great tale of dealing with anxiety, making it very plain and very clear but not in a way that patronizes to that nature because as an adult, even at my big age, I was reading this, and I felt seen.” —Bee Quammie on CBC Radio One’s The Next Chapter

This empathetic picture book explores anxiety in a way that helps young readers feel understood as Ellis learns that not everything is as scary as it seems.

The Dog Heist by Dani Jansen received a lovely review from Kirkus Reviews!

“Chapters unspool from Caleb’s and Valery’s points of view, sensitively relating Caleb’s academic and social frustrations and Valery’s self-consciousness when she hears fat-phobic remarks, as well as her nascent exploration of where she falls on the sexual attraction spectrum.” —Kirkus Reviews

This heartfelt, humorous, and compelling story with high stakes moments is coming September 1, 2026.

Happy Pride Month🏳️‍🌈 from everyone here at Second Story Press!

This history reminds us of the victories and contributions of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and that we must continue to fight to preserve the hard won rights that are being challenged today.

Swipe through to see the full timeline >>>

Including:
• Beyond Hope by Eve Zaremba
• Mom and Mum Are Getting Married! by Ken Setterington, illustrated by Alice Priestley
• Branded by the Pink Triangle by Ken Setterington
• Mom Marries Mum! by Ken Setterington, illustrated by Alice Priestley
• Ciel by Sophie Labelle
• Phoenix Gets Greater by Marty Wilson-Trudeau and Phoenix Wilson, illustrated by Megan Kyak-Monteith
• Nights Too Short to Dance by Marie-Claire Blais
• The Fabulous Edweena by Edwin Dumont, illustrated by Melissa Cho

Welcome back Bernice in Book two of the Shining Waters Series, following Bernice and the Georgian Bay Gold—winner of the Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People, Bernice and the Wild Waters, written by Jessica Outram.

Bernice Normandin is who I am. What’s bigger than a name?

It’s the fall of 1914, and Bernice and her family are moving from the lighthouse in their small corner of Georgian Bay to the mainland for the school year. But this time is different. When they return to town, Bernice and her family will use a different last name.

An Indian Agent has been spotted in town, and some of the local children have gone missing. Not all children, only Indigenous children, like Bernice and her siblings. Mom thinks that if they go by a different name, they’ll be safe. But Bernice doesn’t want to change her name. She’ll always be a Normandin! When Bernice’s cousins go missing, the danger is suddenly all too real. But if her cousins are lost, Bernice is going to help find them.

Available September 22, 2026. Pre-order now!

Praise for Book one: Bernice and the Georgian Bay Gold

"A treasure map sparks a coastal Canadian Métis eight-year-old’s search for gold in an exuberant, richly detailed novel from a Métis author sharing her family’s fictionalized history.... A sweet historical fiction pick for fans of well-intentioned young protagonists with enlightening Indigenous representation.” —Booklist

"An excellent complementary read for indigenous or Canadian history studies. It is a worthwhile and thoughtful read and an admirable way of paying tribute to past generations. Highly Recommended." —CM: Canadian Review of Materials

"The novel’s authenticity and heartfelt storytelling have captivated readers, offering a window into the Métis way of life during a time when many families were forced to hide their identities to protect their communities." —Métis Nation of Ontario

Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People 2024 - Winner
First Nations Communities READ Award for YA/Adult 2025 - Long-listed
Junior Library Guild (JLG) Gold Standard Selection 2023 - Commended