September means sharpened pencils, new adventures, and of course—great books to share together. Our Youth Services Librarian has pulled together her favourite recent releases (and a few timeless gems) to make the end-of-summer season a little brighter. Whether your reader is easing back-to-school jitters, diving into a funny adventure, or exploring life’s big questions, the ORL has a great read for everyone.
Junior Picture
We Don’t Eat Our Classmates!
A hilarious, heartwarming story about a little dino learning how to make friends at school—perfect for calming first-day jitters with lots of giggles along the way.
The Color Monster
This gentle tale helps children explore their feelings through colours, making it a great read-aloud for building emotional awareness and sparking family conversations.
Scarecited on the First Day of School
A sweet and funny take on the butterflies of starting something new, reminding young readers that it’s okay to feel both nervous and excited at the same time.
Junior Fiction
A Royal Conundrum
Full of secret societies, royal mix-ups, and clever twists, this playful mystery keeps readers turning pages while celebrating curiosity and teamwork.
Upside-Down Magic
A magical misfit tale where “different” is a superpower, this series opener encourages kids to embrace their quirks and discover the magic in being themselves.
Frindle
What happens when a made-up word takes on a life of its own? This classic celebrates creativity, language, and the power of young voices to shape the world.
Young Adult Fiction
Stargirl
A modern classic about individuality, kindness, and courage, this story inspires teens to celebrate what makes them shine uniquely bright.
The Beauty of Us
A heartfelt coming-of-age tale that explores friendship, identity, and self-expression—ideal for teens navigating the ups and downs of growing up.
Ace of Spades
A gripping, twisty thriller set in an elite school, this book blends suspense with themes of race, power, and resilience—sparking important conversations long after the last page.
Looking Ahead
No matter your reader’s age, sharing stories helps build empathy, spark creativity, and strengthen the love of learning. Stop by your local ORL branch to borrow these titles or discover even more back-to-school favourites. Together, we can help make this school year a joyful chapter in every child’s story.
