Second Story Press

11/25/2025

Today is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-based Violence.

From UN statistics, 1 in 3 women experience physical and/or sexual violence. This year’s theme—UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls—acknowledges the power of the digital realm and how gender-based violence is prevalent online and on digital platforms. Digital abuse can include online threats, online surveillance, and the use of misogynistic networks. These forms of digital abuse can, and often do, lead to offline, physical violence.

This day marks the importance of raising awareness for victims of violence in all forms and advocating for the right for women and girls to live free from harm.

11/24/2025

This Jewish Book Month and Holocaust Education Month, we are proud to introduce LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: THE STUMBLING STONES OF EUROPE, an upcoming Holocaust Remembrance Book for Young Readers, by award-winning author Kathy Kacer.

Embedded into the cobblestones of Europe are Stolpersteine—stumbling stones. These small, brass plaques carefully hand-chiseled with names and dates were created by artist Gunter Demnig to remember that each Holocaust victim had a life that was tragically and terribly stolen. With over 100,000 stumbling stones, Stolpersteine make up the largest Holocaust memorial in the world.

In LAST KNOWN ADDRESS, Kathy Kacer profiles thirteen Holocaust victims who have a stumbling stone dedicated to them, these stories include that of a resistance fighter, an art conservator, an Olympian, and the young Anne Frank. For ages 9-12.

Publishing on March 10, 2026. Available for pre-order now.

11/21/2025

New date! 🚨

This special exhibition and author talk for CAN POSTERS KILL? ANTISEMITIC PROPAGANDA AND WORLD WAR II by Jerry Faivish with Kathryn Cole will be on December 2, 2025, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.

Tickets available here: https://jlive.app/events/13006

11/20/2025

Today, we honour and memorialize the lives lost due to anti-transgender violence and discrimination.

Transgender Day of Remembrance reminds us of the importance of creating safe and inclusive spaces—not only for mental and emotional well-being, but also for physical safety. On this day and beyond, read and listen to trans stories, advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, and support those who mourn the lives lost due to transphobic acts of violence. 🏳️‍⚧️

11/17/2025

Introducing SHIRLEY: AN INDIAN RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL STORY, written and illustrated by Joanne Robertson (Joanne Robertson Studio) with Shirley (Fletcher) Horn.

When Shirley is five years old, she is taken by the Indian agent to live at the Shingwuak Residential School. She loves learning, but she is not there by choice. From the first day walking up the long, lonely stone steps of the school building, life is hard and full of rules. Separated from her brothers and sisters, she is truly on her own.

Shirley is very brave, but there is no one she loves to hold her at night when she is afraid. No one to tuck her in and comfort her. Shirley keeps going despite the sadness. She makes friends and has adventures. And most of all, she looks ahead to summertime, when she will be able to return to her family and the happiness of home. For ages 9-12.

Discover the true story of Shingwuak Residential School survivor Shirley (Fletcher) Horn on February 10, 2026.

Publishing in both English and French, available for pre-order now.

11/13/2025

New review in Canadian Teacher Magazine for THE WARMEST BLANKET IN THE WORLD by Tamara Levine, Author and illustrated by Ellie Arscott!

"The illustrations in The Warmest Blanket in the World reflect the emphatic tone of the text and enhance the connections between the four generations represented in the story." —Canadian Teacher Magazine

11/13/2025

How are you showing kindness today? 💕Celebrate with these books 📚

Check out these stories that show the impact that a single act of kindness can have!

Featured books:
💓EVERYONE IS WELCOME by Phuong Truong, illustrated by Christine Wei
💓THE WARMEST BLANKET IN THE WORLD by Tamara Levine, illustrated by Ellie Arscott
💓EVERY LITTLE BIT OLIVE TRAN by Phuong Truong, spot illustrations by Christine Wei
💓TWO PIECES OF CHOCOLATE by Kathy Kacer, illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard

11/12/2025

Listen to a of RUNS WITH THE STARS (written by Darcy Whitecrow and Heather M. O'Connor, illustrated by Lenny Lishchenko) narrated by So'oh's Story Time!

🌷In this beautiful and moving picture book, a child and their grandfather await a special event: the birth of a ne...

11/11/2025

CAN POSTERS KILL? ANTISEMITIC PROPAGANDA AND WORLD WAR II by Jerry Faivish with Kathryn Cole is included in 49th Shelf's post 'Remembrance Day in the Classroom': https://kids.49thshelf.com/Blog/2025/11/11/Remembrance-Day-in-the-Classroom

CAN POSTERS KILL? examines historical posters from WWII and explores the use of propaganda as a tool for spreading hate. For ages 13+.

How can books from Canadian creators help educators continue learning about remembrance in the classroom?

11/11/2025

49th Shelf has featured Second Story Press in their new Publisher Spotlight series! ✨

Learn about Second Story Press's history and books in the full interview with co-publishers Phuong Truong and Emma Rodgers:

Welcome to our new Publisher Spotlight series, where we highlight Canadian independent presses doing standout work in the literary and academic world. ...

11/10/2025

New graphic novel series! 🚨

Introducing: SHY CAT AND THE STUFF-THE-BUS CHALLENGE by Dian Day and Amanda White 🐈 A heartwarming story about best friends and a nuanced look at food insecurity.

Mila and Kit are best friends that do everything together! They love going to the skate park, playing Truth or Dare, and hanging out with the neighbourhood cats. Mila’s favourite thing to do is draw her Shy Cat comics. But Kit’s is probably eating afternoon snacks.

When Kit has a meltdown at school over a “best before” date, a bag of apples, and a dented can—Mila realizes there’s something important she might have missed about her friend. And it all starts with their school’s Stuff-the-Bus food drive challenge. For ages 9-12.

Publishing on March 3, 2026! Available for pre-order now 📖

11/08/2025

Happy STEM/STEAM Day to all of the budding scientists, engineers, and innovators out there! ⚙️

Get inspired with these STEM/STEAM reads that show that science, mathematics, and technology is for everyone:

🧪KHADIJA AND THE ELEPHANT TOOTHPASTE EXPERIMENT by Farah Qaiser and Hajer Nakua, illustrated by Natalya Tariq (Ages 6-8)
🧪WORLD SHAKERS by Helen Wolfe (Ages 9-12)
🧪UNDAUNTED URSULA FRANKLIN by Monica Franklin and Erin Della Mattia (Ages 9-12)
🧪SPECTACULAR WOMEN IN SPACE by Sonia Gueldenpfenning (Ages 9-12)
🧪EXCEPTIONAL WOMEN ENVIRONMENTALISTS by Frances Rooney (Ages 9-12)
🧪SUPER WOMEN IN SCIENCE by Kelly Di Domenico (Ages 9-12)