2026 Forest of Reading Winners Revealed: Canadian Students Celebrate Their Favourite Books

From May 12 to 14, 2026, Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre was filled with the energy of young readers, educators and partners as the Forest of Reading Festival returned for another inspiring celebration of Canadian children's books. Hosted by the Ontario Library Association (OLA), the Festival welcomed thousands of students for three exciting days of author and illustrator presentations, interactive workshops, book signings, and unforgettable literary moments. After following the nominees all year through our Hooked on Books series, Teachers on Call’s online and in-home tutoring team was thrilled to attend the “Rock Concert of Reading,” reconnect with several of the talented creators we interviewed throughout the year, and celebrate the stories that captured the hearts of young Canadians. Keep reading for Festival highlights and the full list of 2026 award winners and honour books revealed through the Forest of Reading program.

At Teachers on Call, our in-person and online tutoring service is proud to support the Forest of Reading and its vibrant celebration of Canadian literature, where authors and illustrators are celebrated like rock stars, greeted by thousands of cheering students with the energy and excitement of a live music concert. We love how the program encourages children and teens to discover books that genuinely interest them, engage in meaningful discussions, and vote for the stories that resonated most throughout the year. Beyond building literacy skills, the Festival helps young readers develop confidence, curiosity, and a stronger connection to the diverse voices reflected in Canadian literature. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or student, the Forest of Reading is a wonderful way to spark a lifelong love of books — and even though the Festival has wrapped up for another year, the winning titles are perfect additions to summer reading lists and classroom libraries alike.

What Is the Forest of Reading?

The Forest of Reading is Canada’s largest recreational reading program, designed to promote a love of reading across all age groups. Each year, over 270,000 young readers across the country dive into nominated books by Canadian authors and illustrators, then vote for their favourites. The results are revealed each spring at the much-anticipated Forest of Reading Festival in downtown Toronto at the Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2G8), with satellite award ceremonies also available to make the experience accessible.

Managed by the Ontario Library Association, the initiative offers ten reading award programs in both English and French, tailored to various grade levels from kindergarten through high school. The Forest of Reading includes ten recreational reading programs distinguished by age group and reading level, each with ten nominated titles. The English school-aged programs are Blue Spruce, Silver Birch Express, Silver Birch Fiction, Yellow Cedar, Red Maple, and White Pine. French literature is celebrated through the Peuplier, Mélèze, and Tamarac programs. The adult program, Evergreen, celebrates excellence in Canadian literature. There are 100 nominated titles with ten books in each program. Since October, almost 145,000 children have read nominated books, which include Canadian fiction and non-fiction books by English and French-language authors. Find out more about what goes on behind the scenes in our interview with Program Director, Meredith Tutching.

Highlights from the 2026 Forest of Reading Festival

Taking place on the picturesque waterfront with views of downtown Toronto and the CN Tower, the 2026 Forest of Reading Festival welcomed 38 nominated authors and illustrators, featured more than 30 author led workshops, and showcased 23 exhibitors sharing interactive programming and games with more than 5,000 young readers in attendance. On the first day, Hamilton teen, Ainara Alleyne, hosted two jam-packed ceremonies for young readers in Grades 3-6. Participants also enjoyed performances and entertainment all throughout the day from Canadian pop-rock singer-songwriter Tia Nova, JUNO-nominated Mike Ford, and founder of Moving EDGEucation Amy Tepperman.

This year’s Forest of Reading Festival was made possible through the support of numerous partners and sponsors, and Teachers on Call is proud to be part of this esteemed group. Every student attendee had the opportunity to select  a free book from a giant white tent thanks to the support of Canadian publishers and First Book Canada. Students and teachers also had the opportunity to visit Festival Access Partner, Indigo Love of Reading Foundation, where students could get their picture taken, measure their height in books, and educators had the chance to cast their votes in the Teachers’ Choice Contest.

2026 Forest of Reading Award Winners

• Blue Spruce Award: The Great Dinosaur Sleepover by Linda Bailey
  
• Silver Birch Express Award: The Great Puptective: Purranormal Activity by Alina Tysoe
• Silver Birch Fiction Award: The Last Hope School for Magical Delinquents by Nicki Pau Preto
• Yellow Cedar Award: A Sick History of Medicine: A Warts-And-All Book Full of Fun Facts and Disgusting Discoveries by Jelena Poleksic
• Red Maple Award: If We Tell You by Nicola Dahlin
• White Pine Award: For She is Wrath by Emily Varga

These titles were voted on by Canadian students, highlighting stories and voices that resonated with young readers from across the country. Since October 2025, almost 154,500 children have read nominated books, including Canadian fiction and non fiction titles by English and French language authors. More than 128,000 students voted this year across nine youth reading programs to select these winners.

2025 Blue Spruce Award™ Winner for JK-Grade 2 picture books

The Great Dinosaur Sleepover - Written by Linda Bailey, illustrated by Joe Bluhm and Published by Tundra Books

The Great Dinosaur Sleepover follows Jake, a young dinosaur enthusiast who plans the ultimate dino-themed birthday party. When illness keeps his friends away, Jake’s celebration seems ruined. But in the middle of the night, an unexpected group of prehistoric visitors arrives, turning his disappointment into an unforgettable adventure filled with laughter, surprises, and heart. CBC added The Great Dinosaur Sleepover to a list of the most popular Canadian books.

About Vancouver Author Linda Bailey

Linda Bailey is an award-winning Canadian author who has written more than thirty-five books for children, spanning picture books, early readers, and middle-grade novels. Born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, she developed a love of storytelling early on that would shape her future career. Before becoming a full-time writer, she travelled extensively and worked in a variety of roles, including teacher, editor, and travel agent. She later earned both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Education from the University of British Columbia (6200 University Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4). Linda’s books are known for their humour, imagination, and emotional depth, and many have received notable literary recognition. She now lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, where she continues to create engaging stories for young readers.

Don't miss our exclusive Hooked on Books interview with Linda Bailey about The Great Dinosaur Sleepover. 

2026 Silver Birch Express Award® Winner for Grades 3-4, fiction, non-fiction

The Great Puptective: Purranormal Activity - Written and illustrated by Alina Tysoe and Published by Simon and Schuster

In the second hilarious installment of this graphic chapter book series, Poppy the puptective faces a spooky new mystery involving a possible poltergeist. While trying to figure out who has been destroying the furniture at home, Poppy notices strange nighttime activity connected to the mysterious new neighbors next door. After spotting what may be a ghost playing with Truffles the cat’s toys, Poppy and Truffles team up to investigate the eerie case together. Perfect for readers who enjoy fun, mystery-filled stories

About Toronto Autor-Illustrator Alina Tysoe

Alina Tysoe, also known online as Beanie, is a cartoonist and illustrator best known for her popular webcomic What’s Up, Beanie?. A former animator and storyboard artist from New Zealand, she now lives in Toronto and creates funny comics, graphic novels, and animations inspired by everyday life and her love of dogs and video games.

2026 Silver Birch Fiction Award® Winner for Grades 5-6, fiction

The Last Hope School for Magical Delinquents - Written by Nicki Pau Preto and Published by Penguin Random House

In The Last Hope School for Magical Delinquents, readers are introduced to Lavinia “Vin” Lucas, a powerful young girl whose unpredictable magic and history of being misunderstood have left her with few options and even fewer places to belong. When Vin is sent to a last-chance magical school filled with misfits and rule-breakers, she discovers that friendship, self-acceptance, and second chances may be just as important as mastering magic.

Filled with humour, adventure, and heartfelt moments, this imaginative middle grade novel explores themes of perseverance, identity, and finding your people.

About Bradford, Ontario Author Nicki Pau Preto

Nicki Pau Preto is a Bradford, Ontario author in Simcoe County, approximately one hour north of Toronto who writes captivating fantasy novels for young readers. Known for creating richly imagined worlds and emotionally resonant characters, she writes stories that explore belonging, resilience, and the power of friendship. Her work often centres on characters who feel like outsiders and follows their journeys toward self-acceptance and connection. Her other books include the The Crown of Feathers Trilogy and The House of the Dead Duology.

Find out more about The Last Hope School for Magical Delinquents in our exclusive Hooked on Books interview with author Nicki Pau Preto.

2026 Yellow Cedar Award Winner for Grades 5-8, non-fiction

A Sick History of Medicine: A Warts-And-All Book Full of Fun Facts and Disgusting Discoveries - Written by Jelena Poleksic, illustrated by Ella Kasperowicz, and Published by Neon Squid.

A Sick History of Medicine takes readers on a gross, funny, and fascinating journey through the history of medicine. From bizarre treatments and strange medical experiments to the inventions that changed healthcare forever, this book explores how doctors and scientists around the world learned from some truly messy mistakes. Filled with humour and quirky illustrations, it’s perfect for kids who enjoy weird facts and disgusting discoveries.

About Toronto Author Jelena Poleksic

Jelena Poleksic is a resident physician specializing in psychiatry who combines her love of science, medicine, and history in her writing. With a background in the history and philosophy of science, she enjoys sharing the strange and surprising stories behind medical discoveries. Originally from Toronto, Jelena is passionate about making science fun, fascinating, and accessible for young readers.

2026 Red Maple Award™ Winner for Grades 7-8, fiction

If We Tell You - Written by Nicola Dahlin and Published by Kids Can Press

If We Tell You follows identical twins Cameron and Lewis Larsen after their seemingly ordinary lives are shattered by a shocking crime involving their parents. Left with only mysterious instructions to guide them, the brothers travel to Edinburgh and pretend to be one person in order to stay hidden while they search for answers. As they uncover dangerous secrets and realize someone may be following them, the twins must decide who they can trust while relying on their unbreakable bond to survive. This fast-paced thriller blends mystery, suspense, and family drama into a gripping coming-of-age story.

About Calgary Author Nicola Dahlin

Nicola Dahlin is a YA fiction writer who grew up in a small seaside town on Scotland’s west coast. Her love of adventure and travel led her to live in places like the Netherlands and Oman before settling in Canada in Calgary with her family and pet rabbit. Nicola draws on her experiences exploring different cultures and places to create exciting, suspenseful stories for young readers. 

2026 White Pine Award™ Winner for Grades 9-12, fiction

For She is Wrath - Written by Emily Varga and Published by Raincoast / St. Martin's Press

For She is Wrath is a gripping fantasy about revenge, betrayal, and the complicated power of love. After being falsely imprisoned for a crime she didn’t commit, Dania is given a chance to escape when a mysterious prisoner offers her access to a dangerous Jinn treasure. With a new identity and powerful magic at her side, she begins a mission to bring down the people responsible for destroying her family. But when her path leads back to the former lover who betrayed her, Dania discovers that revenge is far more complicated than she imagined. Filled with action, romance, and high-stakes magic, this story keeps YA readers hooked until the very end.

About Rocky Mountains Author Emily Varga

Emily Varga is an internationally bestselling YA fantasy author known for For She Is Wrath and The River She Became duology. Having lived in England, Scotland, and Australia before settling in the Rocky Mountains of western Canada, Emily draws inspiration from storytelling, travel, and mythology in her writing. Outside of writing fantasy adventures, she also works as a lawyer and shares her home with her family and a lively collection of pets.

2026 Forest of Reading Honour Winners

Blue Spruce Award Honour Books:

● Fox and the Mystery Letter by Alex G. Griffiths of Toronto, Ontario
● The Weedflower written by Elizabeth Davaze of Kincardine, Ontario and illustrated by Marianne Ferrer of Montréal, Québec (Read our Hooked on Books interview here)

Silver Birch Express Award Honour Books:

● The League of Littles by Casey Lyall of Southwestern Ontario (Read our Hooked on Books interview here)
● Plant Attack!: The Fascinating Ways Flora Defends Itself by Erin Silver of Toronto, Ontario and illustrated by Julie McLaughlin of Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Silver Birch Fiction Award Honour Books:

● Death by Whoopee Cushion by Vicki Grant of Halifax, Nova Scotia (Read our Hooked on Books interview here)
● Taxi Ghost by Sophie Escabasse of Montréal, Québec 

Yellow Cedar Award Honour Books:
● Spooky Lakes: 25 Strange and Mysterious Lakes That Dot Our Planet by Geo Rutherford, born in Canada
● Octopus Ocean: Geniuses of the Deep by Mark Leiren-Young of Victoria, British Columbia

Red Maple Award Honour Books:

● Finding Harmony by Eric Walters of Guelph, Ontario (Read our Hooked on Books interview here)
● The Factory by Catherine Egan of Vancouver, British Columbia

White Pine Award Honour Books:

● The History of Everything by Victoria Evans of Ontario, Canada
● A Drop in the Ocean by Léa Taranto of Burnaby, British Columbia

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Teachers on Call's online and in-home reading tutors are passionate about getting kids excited about books, which is why we love partnering with the Forest of Reading program. Our tutoring team loves attending the annual Festival, where students cheer and scream for their favourite authors and illustrators while waving books in the air. More than just a reading program, the Festival fosters camaraderie and brings young readers together through a shared love of books, almost like Canada’s biggest book club for kids. 

Although the Festival has come to a close, the reading journey is far from over. From mysteries and graphic novels to science, humour, and heartfelt stories, this year’s nominees and winners offer something for every kind of reader. With summer on the horizon and time away from the classroom, it is also the perfect opportunity for recreational reading. Each category features 10 books, and while students only need to read a minimum of five titles to vote, summer is the perfect time to catch up on the books you did not get a chance to read during the school year or even explore an entirely new category altogether. 

Be sure to explore our Hooked on Books series for exclusive interviews with many of the 2026 Forest of Reading nominees and winners, and keep the excitement of reading going all summer long. There is plenty to read until next year’s nominees are announced!