In 1934, just after Mary Bendiak finishes Grade 3, her father dies. After the funeral, her mother Hanya, a Ukrainian immigrant, moves the family from Windsor to Toronto where Mary and her younger sisters must deal with poverty, making new friends, and being bullied by kids who call the Bendiak sisters ‘dirty honkys’ as they walk to school.

Growing up, each sister must face her own challenges. At fifteen, Mary leaves school to support the family after her mother becomes ill. And later, Mary is forced to choose between her family and the man she loves. Teenaged Julia is ashamed about being Ukrainian and rebels. And Lily, the youngest, endures an unimaginable assault at the hands of a lodger. As a series of tragedies strike, will the sisters come together to save their mother and themselves?

Inspired by true events, Bullies and Borscht is a historical young adult novel following the adventures, sorrows, and triumphs of growing up Ukrainian in Toronto during the Great Depression and World War II. Rich with historical and cultural details, this coming-of-age story is perfect for fans of Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch and Ruta Sepetys.

Buy Now

Here Come the Heroes is a nonfiction, first-hand account of a series of events that began in the city of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, August 2012. It is the unbelievable yet true story of how two brothers stood up against members of the Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) and, by doing so, exposed the corrupt system determined on silencing them.

Drawing on a collection of anti-establishment thinkers, introspection and his search for truth, Mr. Stewart provides the backdrop for his experiment in which he challenges the System’s increasingly authoritarian interference into our everyday lives.

This experiment became the impetus in what arose from an alleged routine traffic stop on a normal August evening. James and his brother are violently arrested, charged with crimes they did not commit and taken to police station HQ where they are detained without medical attention or legal representation.

What follows is a grueling, near year-long period of frustration, delayed proceedings and denied access to obtain crucial evidence from the very group of people sworn to serve and protect.

Providing detailed transcripts of the court proceedings, while intersplicing his own recollections and commentaries, the book recounts how James and his brother represented themselves in Saskatoon Provincial court, in 2013, against fraudulent charges, crooked cops and corrupt lawyers.

The author naturally blends his insights and unique experiences, along with personal photos and explosive documents into a gripping tale of cover-ups and conspiracies.

This book is a must-have for anyone interested in standing up for human rights, transparency in government and accountability within the Canadian legal system.

Buy Now

“Death’s on its way to this town and there’s nothing we can do to stop it.”

It’s October 1st in Cowboy Cauldron, a dying Prairie town where it seems like you can’t turn over a rock without something sinister popping out, and there’s a month-long marathon about to begin. It’s not a marathon of found-footage movies; it’s a run of deaths and near-misses that will crowd the town’s oversized graveyard and leave kitchen tables and school buses feeling awfully roomy. Things aren’t looking good for Cowboy Cauldron: only one person knows what’s coming, and he’s just spent all night digging graves.

A dog tries in vain to guard an elderly widow. Teenagers plan a brutal coming-of-age tradition. An old man gloats over the elderly gossips whose seats in their usual cafe are unexpectedly empty. Old coins are put to sinister uses. A man vows to do anything to protect his children. And watching over it all is the mysterious Secret Keeper, but where his most recent memento came from and where he’ll be getting the next one is for him to know and you to find out.

A genre-bending fright-fest that is visceral and playful in equal measure, The Dreadful Roundup is a trick-or-treat bag to delight the most determined horror fan.

Buy Now

What does it take to succeed as a field zoologist, particularly as a woman in a heavily male-dominated industry? Resilience, adaptability and a longing for adventure. These are the traits that Lorna Lyons highlights in her personal memoir, Drinking from the Iceberg. Across seventy short scenes, spanning around thirty years and four provinces and one territory, Lyons invites the reader into her home and family, her successes and struggles of her early life and early career.

Lyons blends memory and vivid scenes to create compelling portraits of her time growing up in Northern Alberta. As the oldest of seven siblings, Lyons balances childhood games and exploration with taking care of her younger siblings. It is not always easy, but Lyons unveils the excitement and compassion of rural life in the mid-twentieth century. Through these tales of growth, Lyons demonstrates an early fascination for nature and small creatures. Little does she know that an early fascination with a bat on the front porch would take her to some of the most remote places in Canada.

Lyons’ zoology training takes her from the labs of the University of Alberta to the endless skies of the Northwest Territories. In this phase of life, she hones her skills as a scientist and a survivalist. But the work takes its toll and Lyons veers off course for a year, transferring to the University of British Columbia to study English. Here, she meets Harvey, whom she quickly marries. Their new adventure together sees them traveling east, eventually settling for a time on the remote Camel Island, in Newfoundland, with their daughter and two dogs.

Lyons peoples her recollections with a cast of colourful characters, placing the reader at the heart of conversations and conflicts, inviting them into a world that is at once foreign and recognizably human.

Buy Now

If spirituality is the “mother tongue” of the human soul, then it can act as a universal, meaning-making system that speaks to our deepest needs. In Inclusive Spirituality: Discovering What Lies Beyond Religion, author Thandazani Mhlanga invites readers to rethink what it means to live a spiritual life in the modern world. Drawing insight from Moses’s encounter with God at the burning bush, Mhlanga shows that every person—religious or not—hungers for connection, peace, and purpose.

Through his Spirituality Bridge Model, Mhlanga offers a framework for navigating both the known and unknown aspects of life, encouraging readers to construct their own “spiritual bridges” that will lead to growth and resilience. He examines what he calls “Big Religion,” specifically within W.E.I.R.D. (Western, Educated, Industrial, Rich, Democratic) societies, where traditional systems have left many feeling disconnected from religion and spiritually empty.

But Mhlanga doesn’t reject religion; he reimagines and expands it—calling for a spirituality that draws on the wisdom of many traditions, cultivating empathy, compassion, and wonder, and uniting rather than dividing humanity. Inclusive Spirituality is a guide for seekers who choose depth over dogma, meaning over fear, and connection over separation—revealing the ancient sacred art of finding purpose, quietly woven into everyday life.

Buy Now

Putting Worlds into Words chronicles one rabbi’s quarter-century of spiritual leadership at a vibrant, traditional-egalitarian downtown Toronto synagogue, the First Narayever Congregation.

In this anthology of evocative writings and sermons, Rabbi Elkin offers reflections on events of seismic magnitude such as 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and the October 7 attacks on Israel. He also shares personal struggles, and offers fresh ideas on timeless theological matters.

As he navigates the delicate balance between tradition and contemporary life, Rabbi Elkin's voice rings with empathy, spiritual openness, and courage. Readers of all ages, religions, and educational backgrounds will find meaning in his work.

Putting Worlds into Words emerges as an absorbing, thought-provoking portrait of how one twenty-first century Jewish congregation and its rabbi can march to their own drum while remaining connected to the Jewish people and the wider human family.

Buy Now

For journalist Anna Jones of the New York Daily Journal, nothing is more important than finding the truth. So when Fort Riley, Kansas, suffers a terrorist attack, Anna jumps at the chance to see what’s happening at the base. She and her partner Viktor Simonson rush to the heartland to cover the events as they unfold. Once on the ground, they agree to divide and conquer—one will check out the damage at the military installation, the other will attend a press conference with Kansas Governor Marie Danielle Schreiber in the nearby college town of Manhattan. In no time, Anna realizes the attack may not be as cut-and-dried as it appears. She also loses track of Viktor.

Meanwhile, on a farm outside Junction City, housewife Theresa Walkermore is grappling with mysteries of her own. Between her husband Noah’s unexplained absences and middle-of-the-night activities, she’s sure he’s being unfaithful to her again. But as she’s drawn into his world, she fears he’s embroiled in something far worse than adultery.

Sharing the same values and moral strength, Anna and Theresa realize that, together, they may be the only ones capable of stopping a plot that threatens not just Kansas, but the United States itself....

Buy Now

After being homeschooled since second grade, fourteen-year-old Marigold is about to enter high school. But just days before her first day, she discovers a little box near the Saskatoon river valley. Curious, she brings it home, only to be shocked to find a tiny fairy inside. In her surprise, she drops the box, sending the fairy tumbling to the floor and shrouding her room in sparkles. Startled, Marigold tries to pick up the fairy, but when she touches it, an agonizing pain shoots through her hand. Little does Marigold know, the strange little fairy has given her a gift—a power linked to the world of fairies.

Nervous about starting school and unsure of the fairy’s fate, Marigold returns to the river in search of some solace. While there, she meets Stephan, a mysterious teenage boy who curiously knows all about fairies. In fact, he and his sister, Aurora, have mastered the “art of fairying,” and Stephan reveals he often travels to Fairyland. With some persuasion, the siblings agree to help Marigold explore her new connection to the fairies. But the more Marigold learns, the more questions she has about Fairyland, including its darker side. As Marigold becomes more drawn to Fairyland, however, she starts to wonder: Does she really want to know the truth, or will it destroy her link to this magical world she has come to crave?

Buy Now

Ricky is a young dog who grows up at a shelter in Mexico. When he’s adopted by a couple in Canada, he can’t wait to go to his new home. But when Ricky arrives, everything is unfamiliar and scary. He meets his parents and his dog sister, Lucy, and they’re all so excited to have him become part of their family! Ricky is happy to meet them, too. It’s just that a new home is a lot to take in, and there’s a lot to learn. Ricky needs love and gentle guidance on his way to a happy, healthy life.

The Adventures of Ricky: A New Home is the first book in a series inspired by the real Ricky’s life and adventures. This fun, light-hearted read teaches kids that new situations and experiences can be scary. But whether they’re starting school, moving to a new area, or facing changes in their family, having friends and family to support them will help. Because when we’re brave about new situations, amazing things are waiting for us!

Buy Now

A sweeping memoir of migration, resilience, and the unbreakable will to endure.

A story that spans continents and generations, The Power of Persistence: A Journey Across Borders and Through Storms traces an extraordinary life shaped by history’s upheavals and the quiet courage of everyday survival. Born in the aftermath of the Partition of India and Pakistan, Daljit Nagpal went on to be raised in East Africa, and to eventually raise a family of his own in Canada. He writes with care and candour about the challenges that defined him—childhood bullying, the culture shock of immigration, the political undercurrents of work in the public service, and the devastating loss of his daughter Trisha to liver disease at the tender age of eighteen. Through grief, he finds purpose, creating a community movement that has raised over $100,000 for liver research, education, support and awareness. Along the way, he details his cross-country travels, spiritual practices, and the miracle of surviving a quadruple bypass surgery, as well as a post-recovery return to India to reconnect with his family, heritage, and the enduring ties that shaped his life.

Thoughtful, rich, and full of heart, The Power of Persistence is the memoir of an avid traveler, world citizen, and loving patriarch of a sprawling family putting their own roots down across North America.

Buy Now

This is a whimsical story of a little girl meeting a Sasquatch while berry picking in Alaska. Lucy is not one bit afraid of the Sasquatch and asks him for directions on how to find her family.

She's not afraid of him because he has an endearing overbite and like her, loves to eat berries. She can't wait to see him again and have more adventures with Sassie!

This is a great book for early readers to learn about the northern boreal forest and the creatures who sometimes live there. It will also introduce readers to berry picking, a most happy and productive activity which brings families closer together while learning respect for the land.

Buy Now

Have you ever craved a meal that was simply simplicious?

Equal parts simple and delicious, The Simplicious Cookbook will educate, enrich, and inspire you to cook and eat veggie-rich and nutrient-dense whole foods at home. From breakfast to dessert and everything in between, each recipe is nutritious and easy to prepare, with just a few basic ingredients needed to nourish the body and mind.

Growing up, author Denise Lawson was blessed with a maman who encouraged her and her six siblings to experiment in the kitchen. And now she wants to empower you to do the same: Step into your kitchen and embrace the art of cooking simply, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook exploring a healthier lifestyle.

With this cookbook, discover the joy, pride, and magic of cooking simplicious dishes—one simple and delicious recipe at a time.

Buy Now

Every child has a magic bubble: Mina just learns how to see hers.

Mina’s Magic Bubble is a gentle, empowering story that helps young readers understand one of the most important lessons which are often not thought by our society : your body belongs to you. When Mina discovers a shimmering bubble that grows and shrinks with her feelings, she learns that it represents her personal space, her boundaries, and her voice.

Through imagination, courage, and the support of trusted grown-ups, Mina navigates confusing moments like hugs she didn’t want and touches that didn’t feel right. Her magical bubble becomes a guide, teaching her how to listen to her feelings, say “No,” step away, and tell a safe adult.

Written with warmth and care, and beautifully illustrated with glowing worlds and gentle colors, this story introduces children to:

Body autonomy and personal boundaries; Safe, unsafe, and “uh-oh” touch; Secrets vs. surprises and How to speak up and ask for help.

Perfect for parents, caregivers, teachers, social workers, and counsellors, Mina’s Magic Bubble creates an accessible, age-appropriate space to begin conversations that many families find difficult to start. With interactive activities, reflection prompts, and a Certificate of Bravery, this book helps every child build confidence, courage, and lifelong safety skills.

A heartwarming resource for every home, classroom, and community; reminding children that their feelings matter, their voice is powerful, and their bubble is always worth protecting.

Buy Now

Got a big idea? Love creating, solving problems, or dreaming up adventures? The Ultimate Kids’ Guide to Entrepreneurship is your step-by-step guide to turning your ideas into real businesses - no matter your age!

Inside, you’ll discover how to:

• Turn your passions into exciting business ideas

• Brainstorm, plan, and launch your own projects

• Get creative with marketing, money, and problem-solving

• Take action, level up your skills, and make your ideas real

Full of fun activities, inspiring stories, and practical tips, this book gives you everything you need to explore, experiment, and succeed. The world is full of opportunities — this book shows you how to grab them and run with them!

Your journey as a young entrepreneur starts here. Dream big, take action, and make your ideas happen!

Buy Now

Becoming an adult doesn’t necessarily mean that we have learned all there is to learn about love. Shockingly, no one can actually experience the full diversity of love. This makes it an intriguing topic to explore . . .

This 4-Letter Word, Plus Many More is part poetic journey through love in all its manifestations, and part workbook—with activities, creative projects, and growth mindset questions. It is a word puzzle of associations to love in our lives, created in part as a stream of consciousness, guiding readers through subjects like identity, trauma, self-sabotage, heartbreak, spirituality, and healing. This journey strives to uplift the spirit and showcase the positive potentials and possibilities found with more openness to love, in a format that is fun and accessible.

Buy Now

Magic. Mystery. And a Mission to Save Water.

Nine-year-old twins Gabby and Finn live on a big family farm where adventures are part of everyday life. But nothing prepares them for what happens after a fierce storm rips the boards off the old well behind their house…

When the twins peer into the darkness, a mysterious voice echoes back — and it isn’t theirs.

Deep in the well lives a magical guardian who needs help. As Gabby and Finn set off on a secret mission, they begin to learn why water is so important — for their bodies, the land, and everything that lives on it.

Echo in the Well is a heartwarming and imaginative story that blends gentle magic with real-world science, inspiring young readers to care for their bodies, their world, and the water that sustains all life.

Why You’ll Love This Book:

- It’s packed with adventure! Talking wizards, hidden secrets, and daring discoveries await!

- You’ll learn cool facts! Discover why water is essential to life — and how YOU can help protect it.

- It celebrates real-life magic! Drinking water helps you grow strong, think clearly, and feel your best!

Praise for Echo in the Well

"Finding books that spark genuine wonder in children feels increasingly rare. Echo in the Well checked every box for what I look for in a book to read with my school-age child. Kathryn has written a story that nourishes on every level: the story, the magic, the science, the whole heart of it. This book clearly communicates that children and their choices matter. It's joyful and wise and genuinely magical, the kind of story that reminds kids (and the adults reading alongside them) that the natural world is alive, worthy of our care, and full of wonder. I loved every page."

— Meghan Telpner, Author, Educator, Parent, and Host of The Courageous Pivot Podcast

Buy Now

Founded in 1927, the Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA) is comprised of several hundred vetted individual outdoor media from the broad spectrum of outdoor beats, including: camping, backpacking, paddling, hunting, adventure travel, biking, shooting sports, wildlife watching, fishing, conservation, mountain climbing and more.

From these diverse backgrounds and disciplines, members gather beneath the OWAA banner to hone skills, share philosophies, develop profitable business strategies and network with peers, conservation policymakers and industry trendsetters. Our members are writers, photographers, videographers, bloggers, podcasters and an increasingly diverse group of folks who are all passionate about spreading the word about outdoor recreation.

We aim to offer world-class resources, support and inspiration for our members as they inform the public about outdoor activities, issues and the responsible use of our natural resources. Through OWAA membership and adherence to its creed and code of ethics, members are commissioned to provide honest, thorough, informed, responsible and unbiased outdoor coverage.

The association is dedicated to helping members increase profitability and grow intellectually — both professionally and personally.

Learn more at owaa.org.

Buy Now

Ordinary life in turn-of-the-millennium Toronto—it’s got way too much drama going on. Though, really, with all those duties to follow and desires to chase, pulling a woman in far too many directions at once, what else could she expect?

​

These are the stories of the immigrant women and their families who won’t stop trying to hold the disparate threads of their lives together. Love hits hard, and so does grief. And sometimes, a woman just needs to be true to herself and prioritize her emotional safety. But how can she do that when so many scream that women with a sense of self‑preservation are actually just being selfish?

​

In these pages, you’ll meet various women, all striving to reach for what they want without hurting the people they love. At times, there’s just too much change, movement, and divergent paths. Life’s not always fair, but sometimes, if you know where to look, it can be shockingly beautiful too.

Buy Now

Drawing on the work of renowned American psychologist and author, Dr. Elaine Aron, and her theory of the Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), and in particular, the Highly Sensitive Child (HSC), psychotherapist Gillian Strange-Dell dives into the neurobiology and behaviour of children with heightened sensitivity to the world around them

Talking to Your Highly Sensitive Child: A Path to Self-Regulation offers a practical guide for parents and teachers on how they might assist children who may be struggling with excessive stimulation and sensory overload to manage their anxiety and self-regulate their behaviour. The book includes three age-appropriate stories designed to be read with children aged two to twelve to facilitate discussion about their feelings and actions.

Buy Now

After publishing his first book of poetry, Gateway to Obscurity: Life in Verse, Ken detailed some of his journey toward Christianity in the book Strength and Vulnerability. Since then, many things have happened, both in the world and in his personal life, deepening his devotion to God and inspiring the poetry that reflects his profound spiritual gifts. Due to the influence of both sermon and scripture, Ken’s body of work advanced, with only a portion displayed in this compilation, Transformative Journey.

The collection of free-verse poems charts the poet’s spiritual and emotional journey from a life of struggle and confusion to a path of healing through Christian faith. He reaches out to other new believers in the persona of a layperson lacking in cultivated knowledge but with an open heart, eager to learn and share “what God’s love means to us all.” The poet uses literary techniques that focus his artistic ability toward the Holy Spirit, seeking to comfort a world overshadowed by darkness and to make accessible the love, beauty, and gentleness of the everlasting light of Christ.

This book of poetry on the Christian theme of redemption and transformation of the new Christian disciple will appeal to all Christians of heartfelt faith, no matter how recent their commitment. It is hoped that you will be able to relate to some of this poetry, which is both personal and revealing, as the struggle of life’s many ups and downs benefits from the navigation that God’s wisdom provides.

Buy Now