Canadian Literature Display
The Canadian Literature Display is an exciting new addition to the Children's Literature Interdisciplinary Collection made possible through the generous support of the Center for Canadian-American Studies. This literary trove celebrates a rich tapestry of Canadian storytellers and artists. Stop by and enjoy a curated selection of unique and captivating voices that showcase the cultural richness of our northern neighbors.
Publishing History
- Picturing Canada: A History of Canadian Children's Illustrated Books and PublishingFor more information on the history of Canadian children's publishers, consider this foundational text on the evolution of Canadian identity across two centuries depicted in children's literature, with a focus on geographical, historical, and cultural aspects.
Canadian Publishers
A non-exhaustive list of Canadian children's literature publishers:
Web Resources
- The Canadian Children's Book CentreThe Canadian Children's Book Center (CCBC) was formed in 1976 with the belief that all Canadians should have the opportunity to read books created by Canadian authors and illustrators. The CCBC is a key player in the growing world of Canadian children’s books. Their programs are accessible across Canada.
- Young Adult and Children SectionYAACS (Young Adults and Children’s Services) is a section of the British Columbia Library Association. Their purpose is to support library staff in the provision of high-quality library services to children, youth, and families in BC.
- Canadian Children's LiteratureCCL/LCJ, the Canadian Children's Literature/Littérature canadienne pour la jeunesse, served as a bilingual peer-reviewed scholarly journal dedicated to advancing comprehension and scholarship surrounding the literary works created for Canadian children. This encompassed a diverse array of media, including materials in English, French, and various other languages.
- Children's Literature Roundtables in CanadaWhere people get together to talk about children’s literature in provinces across Canada!
Locating Materials
Locate Canadian Children's Literature Using OneSearch
To limit your search to Children & YA materials, use Advanced Search. Enter the topic, title or author in the first box and "Canadian-American Children's Literature" in the second box.
Literary Awards
Young Reader's Choice Award
The Young Reader’s Choice Awards (YRCA) is a year-long reading program for children in Grades 4 to 12 living in Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, Idaho, Montana and Washington. Sponsored by the Pacific Northwest Library Association (PNLA), it is the only award where children choose the nominated books and the winners.
Arlene Barlin Award
The Arlene Barlin Award for Science Fiction and Fantasy was established in 2022 to recognize excellence in Canadian children's speculative fiction.
Geoffrey Bilson Award
The Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People is awarded annually to reward excellence in the writing of an outstanding work of historical fiction for young readers, by a Canadian author, published in the previous calendar year.
Norma Fleck Award
Founded in May 1999, the Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children's Non-Fiction is presented to the year's best non-fiction book for a youth audience. It is the largest of its kind in Canadian children's books and is considered to be one of Canada's most prestigious literary prizes.
Jean Little First Novel Award
The Jean Little First-Novel Award is an annual Canadian literary award, administered by the Canadian Children's Book Centre, to recognize a Canadian author's first middle-grade novel.
David Booth Children's and Youth Poetry Award
The David Booth Children's and Youth Poetry Award was established in 2022 to recognize excellence in Canadian children's and youth poetry.
First Nation Communities Read Award/The PMC Indigenous Literature Award
The First Nation Communities Read Awards are comprised of two prizes that celebrate the best of Indigenous literature in Canada. There are two categories — YA/adult and children's books.
Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award
The Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award is an annual Canadian literary award, presented to the year's best illustrated picture book for children.
BC and Yukon Book Prizes
The BC and Yukon Book Prizes, established in 1985, celebrate the achievements of British Columbia and Yukon writers, illustrators and publishers. The 10 Prizes are presented annually at the BC and Yukon Book Prizes Gala and are administered and awarded by members of a non-profit society who represent all facets of the publishing and writing community.
Amy Mathers Teen Book Award
The Amy Mathers Teen Book Award, established in 2014, honours excellence in teen/young adult fiction.To be eligible, the book must be an original work in English, aimed at readers aged 13-18 and written by a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada.