BYSTANDER: a Bystander? Or the Bully’s Next Target? James Preller, $8.99 (novel, ages 12+)

Eric is the new kid in seventh grade. Griffin wants to be his friend. When you’re new in town, it’s hard to know who to hang out with — and who to avoid. Griffin seems cool, confident, and popular. But something isn’t right about Griffin. He always seems to be in the middle of bad things. And if Griffin doesn't like you, you’d better watch your back. There might be a target on it.

Eric wants to break away, do the right thing. But in one shocking moment, he goes from being a bystander... to the bully’s next victim.

Follow Your Money: Who Gets It, Who Spends It, Where Does It Go? Kevin Sylvester & Michael Hlinka, $14.95

Accessible and fun, FOLLOW YOUR MONEY is a vital introduction to the way money flows from creator to distributor to retailer to customer. Who benefits most from your purchase? Was the price you paid fair? What happens to your money when you deposit in the bank? This lively book answers all these questions and more.

Joy of Apex. Napatsi Folger, illustrated by Ann Kronheimer, $9.95 (novel, ages 9-12)

Joy is ten years old, living in Apex, Nunavut, and loving life. But when Joy begins to notice her parents fighting a lot more than usual, her perfect life soon becomes a lot more complicated. As Joy navigates her parents' separation and its effect on her family, she learns some valuable lessons about how to cope when life gets tough. Told in the wry, funny voice of a smart and savvy girl, this book will appeal to young readers everywhere.

A Walk on the Tundra. Rebecca Hainnu & Anna Ziegler, illustrated by Qin Leng, $13.95 (ages 6-10)

Inuujaq, a little girl who travels with her grandmother onto the tundra, soon learns that the tundra's colourful flowers, mosses, shrubs, and lichens are much more important to the Inuit that she originally believed. This informative story, which teaches the many uses for Arctic plants, also includes a field guide with photographs and scientific information about a wide array of plants found throughout the Arctic ecosystem.

The Adventure of Maisie Voyager. Lucy Skye, $17.95 (novel)

Maisie Voyager used to explore the world with her parents. She now lives in a tall town house with Aunt Hetty, experiencing 'normal' life. But strangers start appearing, cryptic messages are left, and Aunt Hetty is kidnapped! Following a trail of clues that leads her to abandoned tin mines and a hunt for treasure, Maisie discovers that evil Dr Gallows and his gang have taken her family hostage and it's up to her to save them. Facing many challenges along the way including sinister strangers, cold dark tunnels and the colour purple, Maisie has a big adventure ahead of her with big decisions to make.

This captivating novel is a great read and offers a positive heroine with a unique outlook on life that all children will relate to, especially children on the autism spectrum.

Dear George Clooney Please Marry My Mom. Susin Nielsen, $12.99

Violet's TV-director dad has traded a job in Vancouver for one in Los Angeles, their run-down house for a sleek ranch-style home complete with a pool, and, worst of all, Violet's mother for a trophy wife, a blonde actress named Jennica. Violet's younger sister reacts by bed-wetting, and her mother ping-pongs from one loser to another, searching for love. As for Violet, she gets angry in ways that are by turns infuriating, shocking, and hilarious. When her mother takes up with the unfortunately named Dudley Wiener, Violet and her friend Phoebe decide that they need to take control. If Violet's mom can't pick a decent man herself, they will help her snag George Clooney. 

Better Than a Lemonade Stand! Small Business Ideas for Kids. Daryl Bernstein, $11.99 (ages 9 and up)

This creative book gives you 55 fun, simple ideas to start your own business. From creating a plan to collecting your earnings, you'll learn everything you need to know. So what are you waiting for? Who knows where it will lead you!

My Diary: the Totally True Story of Me! Gilles Tibo, illustrated by Josée Bisaillon, $13.95

This is the diary of a young girl. Here she shares all of her wishes, dreams, and secrets. She writes about who she likes, what makes her sad, what gives her joy, and what gives her courage.

Written especially for young girls, MY DIARY is filled with poems, illustrations, inventions, and personal musings on life and happiness. Parents and kids can read along and learn as this young girl explores her world and how she feels about her place in it.

The Secret Life of Money: A Kid's Guide to Cash.  Kira Vermond, Illustrated by Clayton Hanmer, $13.95

If discussing money is a difficult task for adults, it's doubly so where kids are involved. Not only is the subject loaded with cryptic jargon, but it often fails to click with how a kid sees his or her world. Many preteens and young teens do not yet have a job, and even if they do, their responsibilities with their earnings are miles away from grown-up money issues. In other words, not only is money a little overwhelming and mysterious, it's also seen as something they can't do anything about. 

THE SECRET LIFE OF MONEY is written to address this last point in particular. This book uses odd anecdotes, engaging comics, and a wealth of surprising everyday connections to help young readers see and understand cash from an entirely different angle. From the history of different currencies to why we buy what we buy, from how credit cards work to saving and investing, readers will gain not only an appreciation for the myriad ways that money changes, influences, and (even) betters their lives, they will arrive to an understanding of the control they have over it.

New Kid, New Scene: a Guide to Moving and Switching Schools. Debbie Glasser & Emily Schenk, $10.95 (ages 8-13)

This book gives kids the ins and outs of navigating new surroundings, making new friends (as well as staying in touch with old ones), and finding a place that feels like your own. You'll learn ways to get adjusted and ease into your new school and surroundings. Every chapter is packed with stories from other kids like you, useful advice for when you are worried or upset, and quizzes to help you learn more about who you are. With a little help, you can be comfortable as the star in your new scene!

Middle School is Worse Than Meatloaf: a Year Told through Stuff. Jennifer Holm, $9.99

Ginny has ten items on her big "to-do" list for seventh grade. None of them, however, include getting sent to detention for throwing frogs in class or the thousand other things that can go wrong between September and June.

Lessons from a Street Kid. Craig Kielburger, illustrated by Marisa Antonello & Victoria Laidley, $19.95

Join a young Craig Kielburger as he learns about the heights of generosity on the streets of Brazil.

Be Fit, Be Strong, Be You. Rebecca Kajander & Timothy Culbert, $10.95

Learn how to be fit and healthy — inside and out — with these easy skills, tips and ideas.

The Luck of Jude. Andrew Larsen, $9.95 (ages 8-10)

A story about fighting, friendships and fitting in.

Tales from the Tundra: a Collection of Inuit Stories. Ibi Kaslik, illustrated by Anthony Brennan, $12.95

Learn why the raven is black or how a little boy was transformed into a bird. Find out why a walrus used to have antlers and how an earth spirit pulled the first caribou from the ground. These fascinating stories will capture the imagination of young readers and introduce them to the rich mythology of the Canadian Inuit.

Anthony Brennan’s illustrations are like nothing you’ve seen in children’s books. Edgy, vivid and dynamic to the extreme, the images enrich the reading experience.

Don’t Behave Like You Live in a Cave. Elizabeth Verdick & Steve Mark, $10.25

Is your behavior sometimes out of whack or out of control? Do you tend to get in trouble more than other kids you know? Don’t worry — you’re NOT a problem child. But you may need help with your behavior at home and school — and that’s what this book is for!

No Girls Allowed. Susan Hughes, illustrated by Willow Dawson, $8.95

Tales of daring women, dressed as men — for love, freedom and adventure!

YUM: Your Ultimate Manual for Good Nutrition. Daina Kalinas, $16.95

Listen to your body, eat well and feel great! YUM explains how you can get what your body needs from the food you eat. It also shows you how to read labels, cook from recipes and gives you the tools you need to make good eating fun.

Hot Issues Cool Choices: Facing Bullies, Peer Pressure, Popularity and Put Downs. Sandra McLeod Humphrey, $18.98

Did you know that there are kids out there who don’t even want to get out of bed in the morning because they know what going to school means for them?

• being teased and taunted
• being excluded and rejected
• being afraid that you’re going to be assaulted and possibly hurt

After reading this book, you may just possibly become a kinder, more compassionate human being, someone who treats others the way you want them to treat you. So come along and join the students at Emerson Elementary and help them make some cool choices!

Middle School Confidential Series by Annie Fox

Be Confident in Who You Are. Annie Fox, $10.99

So begins the journey of Jack, Jen, Chris, Abby, Mateo, and Michelle—six students just trying to figure it all out in middle school. Be Confident in Who You Are follows these characters as they work to meet new challenges and survive the social scene—without losing sight of who they are. Book 1 offers insider information on common middle school concerns and practical advice for being healthy, feeling good about who you are, and staying in control of your feelings and actions—even when the pressure is on.

Real Friends vs. the Other Kind. Annie Fox, $10.99 

Real Friends vs. the Other Kind, the second book in the Middle School Confidential series, follows these characters as they work to forge friendships while navigating tough social situations. Book 2 explores making and keeping friends, resolving disputes, and dealing with common middle school concerns—like gossip, exclusion, and cyberbullying. There's also expert advice on crushes, peer pressure, and being there for friends who need help.

What’s Up With My Family: Annie Fox, $10.99

Follow these young teens as they work on challenges at home. Along the way you’ll find ideas for building trust with adults, getting past hurt feelings and making family relationships stronger. Life at home may not be perfect, appreciating family members and working with them can help everyone get along.

Whispers from the Ghettos. Kathy Kacer & Sharon McKay, $13.99 (Ages 9+)

The stories in this book come from behind the walls and barbed wire of Europe's ghettos during the Nazi regime. We hear the voices of young boys and girls as they live with the fear that they might be deported to the death camps at any moment. Theirs are stories of courage and determination, of struggle and resistance. They speak for those who, like them, managed to survive the war. And they speak for those who did not.

What to Do When Good Enough Isn’t Good Enough: the Real Deal on Perfectionism. Thomas Greenspon, $10.99 (ages 9 – 13)

Most children don’t know what perfectionism is, yet many suffer from it. Nothing they do is ever good enough. School assignments are hard to start or hand in. Relationships are challenging, and self-esteem is low. Written for kids ages 9–13, this book helps them understand how perfectionism hurts them and how to free themselves. Includes true-to-life vignettes, exercises, and a note to grown-ups.

This Is My Planet: the Kids’ Guide to Global Warming. Jan Thornhill, $12.95

This Is My Planet offers a clear and fascinating view of our world’s interconnections. By seeing how we all fit in, readers will discover how even small actions can add up to big changes.

Dancing Through the Snow. Jean Little, $19.99

Min has nothing. No mother. No birth certificate. No baby pictures. Not even a real birthday. The Children’s Aid people just gave her a fake birthday — the date she was found — not seeming to realize it was also the day she was lost. Now, after four different foster families, Min’s not surprised when she’s dumped back with Children’s Aid the week before Christmas. Still, a small part of her can’t help aching for a miracle … and now she’s found an injured dog that needs a miracle too.

Girl in the Know: Your Inside-and-Out Guide to Growing Up.  Anne Katz, $18.95

Get the lowdown on how to take care of your body inside and out and take care of your self, so you’ll be set to handle all sorts of life’s challenges.

Middle School: the Worst Years of My Life. James Patterson & Chris Tebbetts, $8.99 (novel, ages 10-14)

If you’re in middle school now — or will be incarcerated in middle school soon — this story could help you survive. (Also, you’ll probably laugh your guts out). Check it out. I have quite the story to tell you.

The Kids Book of Aboriginal Peoples in Canada. Diane Silvey, Illustrated by John Mantha, $14.95

Canada's Aboriginal peoples have shaped this country in countless ways. Their story is central to the nation's identity — indeed, the word "Canada" is derived from the Huron-Haudenosaunee word "kanata," which means "our village."

This book is a balanced, in-depth look at the cultures, struggles and triumphs of Canada's first peoples. Exhaustively researched and reviewed by specialists in the field, this groundbreaking book is by far the most comprehensive of its kind. The detailed illustrations based on museum artifacts, written records of long ago and contemporary scholarship help bring the traditional ways to life for young readers. 

Journal of a Schoolyard Bully: CYBERBULLY. Farley Katz, $14.99 (novel, ages 12+)

Niko Kayler is a calculating bully. When his mom transfers to a new job, in a new town, Niko has the chance to mend his ways and start fresh. Though he tries to contain himself, Niko stumbles into the world of cyberbullying and begins to covertly torture his new classmates. Things seem to be going his way until the technology is turned against him, and Niko learns what it’s like to be on the wrong side of cyberbullying.

Also Available: Journal of a Schoolyard Bully: Notes on Noogies, Wet Willies, and Wedgies. Farley Katz, $14.99 (novel, ages 12+)

Summer in the City. Marie-Louise Gay & David Homel, $15.95

Charlie can't wait for school to be over. This summer the family is staying put, in their hometown — Montreal, Canada. A "staycation," his parents call it. Charlie is doubtful at first but, ever resourceful, decides that there may be adventures and profit to be had in his own neighborhood.

And there are. A campout in the backyard brings him in contact with more than one kind of wildlife, a sudden summer storm floods the expressway, various pet-sitting gigs turn almost-disastrous, and a baseball game goes awry when various intruders storm the infield — from would-be medieval knights and an over-eager ice-cream vendor to a fly-ball-catching Doberman. Then of course there's looking after his little brother, Max, who is always a catastrophe-in-the-making.

Everyone’s Birthday. Marc Kielburger, illustrated by Marisa Antonello & Victoria Laidley, $19.95

Young Marc Kielburger searches to answer the question “What kind of person do you want to be?” Follow him as he goes on a journey to Thailand, where a special kind of birthday party helps him find the answer, while changing the course of his life forever.

The Worry Tree. Marianne Musgrove, $17.95 (novel, ages 9-12)

Juliet is a worrywart, and there is a lot going on in her life to keep her busy with worrying. One day she makes a remarkable discovery — an old painting of a special tree, the Worry Tree — that helps her solve some of her problems and learn how to put her worries to rest.

One for the Murphys. Lynda Mullaly Hunt, $18.00 (novel, ages 11-16)

A moving debut novel about a foster child learning to open her heart to a family's love. 

Carley uses humour and street smarts to keep her emotional walls high and thick. But the day she becomes a foster child, she's blindsided. This loving, bustling family shows Carley the stable family life she never thought existed, and she feels like an alien in their cookie-cutter-perfect household. Despite her resistance, the Murphys eventually show her what it feels like to belong — until her mother wants her back and Carley has to decide where and how to live. She's not really a Murphy, but the gifts they've given her have opened up a new future.

How to Fix a Lie. Nancy Wilcox Richards, $5.99

Gracie tells so many lies that no one knows when she is actually telling the truth. Can Gracie learn that people will like her better without all the tall tales?

Faith: Five Religions and What They Share. Richard Steckel & Michele Steckel, $18.95 (ages 8-12)

This kid-friendly exploration of faith provides a superb overview of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism. Young readers will learn about different aspects of each, including historical origins and beliefs, holy texts, religious clothing and places of worship. They will also find out about the values, customs and symbols all five religions share, such as the golden rule, charity, prayer and candles. Straightforward, simple text makes the content interesting and accessible, as do the vivid photos of children around the world. Parents and teachers will find FAITH: FIVE RELIGIONS AND WHAT THEY SHARE an invaluable tool for teaching respect for people of different beliefs.

Bernadette in the Doghouse. Susan Glaxton, $8.95

A book about friends, friendship and not taking things for granted.

Luz Sees the Light. Claudia Dávila, $8.95

Change is in the air! One minute, Luz and her friends are snacking on chocolate bars and getting rides to the mall. The next, Luz's mom can't afford gas or groceries and the city is dimmed by blackouts. Luz is NOT the type to sit in the dark, so she sets her heart on transforming her fossil-fueled world. But how much can one twelve-year-old do?

Chicken Soup for the Soul Just for Preteens: 101 Stories of Inspiration and Support for Tweens. Jack Canfield, Mark Victor & Amy Newmark, $16.95

You're growing up, your friends are changing, homework is harder and your life has more ups and downs than it used to. This "support group in a book" is just for you. You are not alone and you'll find out why when you read these stories.

The Babysitter’s Survival Guide. Jill Chassé & Jessica Secheret, $13.50

Get the info you need on everything from landing a babysitting job to caring for kids safely. Fun games, cool crafts and how to be the best babysitter in town — it’s all here!

The Co-Walkers Awakening. Hermine Steinberg, $16.95

A novel of magic, self-discovery and destiny, The Co-Walkers will take you on a ride full of adventure, surprise and enchantment.

Three siblings find themselves on their own, sent to live with a stranger they’ve never heard of before. Soon after, they discover they are part of a magical world they never knew existed — and that the very existence of this world may depend on them, The Co-Walkers.

Too Old for This, Too Young for That! Your Survival Guide for the Middle-School Years, 2nd Edition. Harriet Mosatche & Karen Unger, $17.50 (ages 11-15)

The transition to middle school can be difficult. Most tweens are excited about getting older, but they’re often not prepared for some of the challenges that come with growing up. Physical and emotional changes, evolving relationships, and increased expectations at school can all make for some major adjustments.  Too Old for This, Too Young for That is a friendly, reassuring guide that lets readers know they’re not alone and gives them practical tips, tools, and resources for all kinds of situations.

Real Kids, Real Stories, Real Change. Garth Sundem, $11.95

Thirty stories of courageous actions around the world from real kids who used their heads and hearts to do awesome things.

Dude, Where’s Your Helmet? David Duncan, $9.25

What’s YOUR excuse?

Siblings: You’re Stuck with Each Other, So Stick Together. James Crist & Elizabeth Verdick, $9.95 (ages 8-12)

Every sibling relationship has its ups and downs, and moments of complete AAAAAACCCCCK! But siblings are more than annoyers and stuff-destroyers. You and your brothers and sisters can be buddies, allies, helpers, role models, secret-sharers and lifelong friends. It all starts with you!

Think for Yourself: a Kid’s Guide to Solving Life’s Dilemmas and Other Sticky Problems. Cynthia MacGregor, $14.95 (ages 9 and up)

What if a friend wants you to shoplift? Your neighbor is cruel to his dog? You have to walk past kids who bully you? Your parents want you to babysit your little brother — again?? Get insight on how to find your way out of difficult situations like these and other predications that might involve friends, family and grown-ups.

My Big Fat Secret: How Jenna Takes Control of Her Emotions and Eating. Lynn Schechter, illustrated by Jason Chin, $11.95 (ages 8-12)

Jenna is having a tough time in middle school. She just turned 12, she hates gym, and she's overweight. Jenna has good friends and cool hobbies, but when some of her classmates make fun of her, she just feels so bad! And to make things worse, when Jenna feels sad or mad or stressed out, she starts to eat and she just can't stop!

Through Jenna's story, kids will learn how to say goodbye to emotional eating and hello to a healthy lifestyle. They'll see how to create an action plan to stop overeating before it starts, identify emotional triggers that push them to food, and get healthier by taking better care of their bodies and minds.

No Contact. Sandra Diersch, $8.95 (8-13)

Debbie’s not sure about her new family, but she is sure about one thing — she loves to play hockey. If only Debbie’s adoptive mother could be more like Debbie’s hockey coach! Will Debbie and her mother ever learn to play on the same team?

Ryan and Jimmy and the Well in Africa That Brought Them Together. Herb Shoveller, $9.95

Ryan and Jimmy is the remarkable true story of a young boy who wanted to help others — and how that simple wish brought friendship from a world away.

Friends: Making Them and Keeping Them. Patty Kelley Criswell, $12.95 (ages 8 to 12)

Here’s all you need to know about making friends and making friendships last. The book includes tips and quizzes, plus true friendship stories.

Dude, That’s Rude! (Get Some Manners). Pamela Espeland & Elizabeth Verdick, $10.95 (ages 8 to 13)

Full-color cartoons and kid-friendly text teach the basics of polite behavior in all kinds of situations—at home, at school, in the bathroom, on the phone, at the mall, and more … It seems like light reading, but it’s serious stuff: Manners are major social skills, and this book gives kids a great start.

Girlness: Deal With It, Body & Soul. Diane Peters, illustrated by Steven Murray, $12.95

It’s hard enough being a girl on the brink of puberty without dealing with a barrage of mixed messages about femininity. From self-image to peer pressure, consumerism to feminism, girls have a lot to grapple with. This volume looks at issues relating to gender identity and how girls can cope with the conflicts that arise when we question what it means to be female.

Guyness: Deal with It, Body & Soul. Steve Pitt, illustrated by Steven Murray, $12.95

As boys become men, pressure to fit into set images of masculinity can be overwhelming. And stereotypes about what makes a man a man can make the early stages of puberty — the beginning of physical, emotional, and sexual maturity — all the more confusing. This volume looks at issues relating to gender identity and how boys can deal with the conflicts that arise when boys fit — or do not fit — the masculinity mold.