Second Story Press

08/19/2026

Poh Poh’s Sword, written by Julia Hune-Brown and illustrated by Hayley Lowe-Illustration, received a wonderful review from Kirkus Reviews!

“Julie’s grandmother reveals the courageous history associated with her sword....A radiant, resonating homage to an immigrant grandmother’s bravery and enduring legacy.” —Kirkus Reviews

Coming September 15, 2026, Poh Poh’s Sword is an empowering and generational story that follows Julie’s grandmother leaving China to come to North America with her sword to forge a new life with her family.

08/17/2026

Introducing the next title from our Fall 2026 Preview: The Secret Society of the Willbrook Witches, written and illustrated by Camille Perron-Cormier!

The Secret Society of the Willbrook Witches is book one in The Willbrook Witches series. This story follows Andrea’s first year at university in the small town of Willbrook. Andrea meets Elaine and Sybil and they quickly welcome her to their group. Andrea thinks she may have finally found her people, except they have a huge secret…they’re witches and they think Andrea is one too! As Elaine and Sybil help Andrea with her magical powers, the girls learn there may be another witch on campus. However, this one might not have good intentions. For ages 12–18.

Swipe through to learn more about The Secret Society of the Willbrook Witches and the author behind this new series!

This cozy graphic novel publishes on October 6, 2026 and is available for pre-order now!

08/14/2026

Next up in our Fall 2026 Preview is The Dog Heist by Dani Jansen! 🐾

The Dog Heist follows two misfits, Caleb and Valery, who have nothing in common until a hurricane is headed their way. When they realize that their neighbor’s terribly neglected dog, Lyra, may be in danger and none of the adults will do anything to help, they take matters into their own hands and hatch a plan to rescue her.

Swipe through to learn more about The Dog Heist and the author behind the story!

Publishing on September 1, 2026. Cover design by Katy Dockrill! Available for pre-order now.

08/12/2026

The next title from our Fall 2026 Preview is Bernice and the Wild Waters by Jessica Outram!

Bernice and the Wild Waters is the second book in the Shining Waters Series. Set in the fall of 1914, Bernice and her family move from Georgian Bay to the mainland for the school year. However, when they return to town, Bernice and her family will use a different last name. An Indian Agent has been spotted, and they're taking Indigenous children away to residential schools. When Bernice’s cousins go missing, the danger is suddenly all too real. But if her cousins are lost, Bernice is going to help find them. For ages 9–12.

Swipe through to learn more about Bernice and the Wild Waters and the author behind the series.

This middle grade book publishes on September 22, 2026 and is available for pre-order now!

08/11/2026

In the Long Shadows by Bear Meawasige received an amazing review from Kirkus Reviews! 🎉

“Intense and wondrous… Readers will reflect upon storytellers’ choices around who is a hero and who is a monster.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Debut author Meawasige, a member of Ontario’s Serpent River First Nation, expertly explores facets of Indigenous identity connected to identity, self-perception, and relationships with community through those raised in culture and those who never had that chance.” —Kirkus Reviews

“The narration rotates among the perspectives of the four main characters. Leaf and Ash live in the Elderglade on Great Turtle. Meanwhile, sailing the Broken Waters are Finch, who calls the ship Dragon’s Breath home, and Reed, who wants to leave the Flotilla he’s a part of.” —Kirkus Reviews

“A thought-provoking work rooted in identity, friendship, and resonant pan-Indigenous themes.” —Kirkus Reviews

Publishing on October 13, 2026, In the Long Shadows is the first book in a new Indigenous YA fantasy series. It follows Leaf and Ash, two girls from the clans who join together on the Great Turtle after discovering a relic from the stonefolk, while a boy named Reed and a girl named Finch meet on the Broken Waters and sail towards the island.

08/06/2026

The next title in our Fall 2026 Preview is Counting Bugs / Aambe Aambe Gindaasdaa Mnidooshag by Gretchen Sands-Gamble and illustrated by Storm Angeconeb!

Counting Bugs / Aambe Aambe Gindaasdaa Mnidooshag is a counting board book in both English and Anishinaabemowin/Ojibwe that follows Mishoomis and Nokomis in their garden, where families and early readers can learn about the types of insects that help our plants grow!

Swipe through to learn more about Counting Bugs / Aambe Aambe Gindaasdaa Mnidooshag and the author behind this story!

Also available in a French and Anishinaabemowin/Ojibwe edition titled Comptons les bestioles/Aambe Gindaasdaa Mnidooshag.

Both books are coming in October 6th, 2026. Pre-order now!

08/05/2026

The Fall 2026 Preview continues with Poh Poh’s Sword, written by Julia Hune-Brown and illustrated by Hayley Lowe-Illustration!

Poh Poh’s Sword is a powerful immigration story that follows Julie as she learns about her Chinese Canadian grandmother’s (Poh Poh’s) determination to leave China and come to North America as part of a Cantonese opera troupe. For ages 6–8.

Swipe through to learn more about Poh Poh’s Sword and the inspiration behind Julia’s story.

This picture book publishes on September 15, 2026 and is available for pre-order now!

08/04/2026

Next up in our Fall 2026 Preview is Luckily Ever After Olive Tran, written by Phuong Truong with illustrations by Christine Wei!

In the third book of the Olive Tran Series, Olive is excited that Lunar New Year and Valentine’s day fall on the same day. When she realizes her mom hasn’t been on a date in a long time, Olive and her best friend, Mia, try to play Cupid for their parents. For ages 6-8.

Swipe through to learn more about Luckily Ever After Olive Tran and the author behind the series!

Publishing on September 8, 2026, and available for pre-order now.

07/31/2026

We’re honoured that Shirley: An Indian Residential School Story by Joanne Robertson with Shirley (Fletcher) Horn will be featured in a visual arts exhibit at the Art Gallery of Algoma as part of the Algoma Fall Festival this October. If you’re in the area, visit the gallery to explore how Shirley’s powerful story of survival and Joanne’s illustrations have been interpreted and shared in a new way.

“This moving exhibition reflects the spirit of Maada’ookiidaa by creating a space for truth-telling, listening, and learning. It honours the experiences of Residential School Survivors while inviting visitors to engage in meaningful conversations about healing, reconciliation, and the enduring strength of Indigenous families and communities.” —Algoma Fall Festival

At just five years old, Shirley was taken from her family and sent to residential school. Through expressive artwork and Shirley's own words, visitors journey alongside her, leaving her home for the schools, through the pain of separation and loss, to the resilience, hope, and strength that carried....

07/31/2026

We’re kicking off our Fall 2026 Preview with a story about family, food, and cultural differences!

Alina in Her Roots by Shenaaz G. Nanji and illustrated by Beena Mistry is the third book in The Alina Books series. Alina travels to Nairobi, Kenya, and reunites with her cousin, Safi, but is surprised by how overwhelming the experience is, and how homesick she becomes. When some of her plans for the trip are upended, she has to learn to adapt. For ages 6–8.

Swipe through to learn more about Alina in Her Roots and the author behind the story.

This fun early chapter book publishing on September 15th, 2026. Available for pre-order now!