As a writer and activist, Jael Richardson's work centres around diverse storytelling in Canada. In her latest project, she has gathered racialized writers from across the country in a story collection for young readers.

(Scholastic Canada)

Today I Am is a book of 10 short stories by emerging writers in Canada that examines the meaning of home. Inspired by their varied cultural upbringings, each story follows a tween or teen searching for belonging. From growing up on a faraway planet to being stranded on an island to a difficult school assignment, this collection shows the adventurous and courageous nature of kids today. 

“The debut novel by Brampton, Ontario, author Jael Richardson – founder of the Festival of Literary Diversity and author of the memoir The Stone Thrower – is an outstanding and fearless story that follows a young woman’s journey of self-discovery and strength as she forges her own way in a ruthless society.”

Jael Richardson sets a new standard for social criticism through dystopian storytelling in her debut novel, Gutter Child by K J Aiello

Although most brick-and-mortar bookstores might not yet reopen in the early days of 2021, there are more than enough reasons to keep those stores’ online ordering systems in healthy business over the next few months. Here are five Canadian books we can’t wait to read this year.