The best Canadian books of 2025

Breaking: CBC Books Unveils Top Canadian Books of 2025 Across Five Categories

In a year of global shifts and new voices, the nation’s premier reading guide reveals the No.1 picks for 2025 across fiction,non-fiction,poetry,comics and children’s literature. These selections spotlight diaspora stories, Indigenous perspectives, and genre-blending storytelling that resonates beyond borders. This is a definitive snapshot of what Canadians are reading and what international readers should watch for in 2025.

Top picks At a Glance

Here’s a concise look at the standout titles chosen as the best Canadian books of 2025 in each category. The list underscores diverse experiences, bold formats, and literary risk-taking that defined the year.

Category	Top Pick	Author(s)	Notable Details
fiction	Endling	Maria Reva	Longlisted for the 2025 Booker Prize; shortlisted for the 2025 Atwood Gibson Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize; Reva to judge the 2026 CBC Short Story Prize
Non-fiction	The migrant Rain Falls in Reverse	Vinh Nguyen	Memoir examining family and diaspora; finalist for the 2025 Governor General’s Award for nonfiction; shortlisted for the 2025 Toronto book Award
Graphic Novel	Muybridge	Guy Delisle	Historically rooted graphic work about photographer Eadweard Muybridge
Poetry	Wellwater	Karen solie	Winner of the Governor General’s Award for poetry; 2025 TS Eliot Prize finalist; co-winner of the 2025 Forward Prize for Poetry
Kids (Picture Book)	The One About the Blackbird	Melanie Florence and Matt James	For ages 4-8; celebrates intergenerational bonds through music
Kids (Middle-Grade)	The Bloodstone Thief	Sabina Khan	Islamic-mythology inspired fantasy; ages 9-12
Youth / YA	You Started It	Jackie Khalilieh	Romance about high school seniors navigating friendship and identity; contemporary Canadian YA author

Book-by-Book Overview

Endling follows three Ukrainian women whose lives are upended as the war escalates, exploring resilience amid conflict.Yeva, a snail-obsessed scientist, threads personal risk with her work, while sisters Nastia and Solomiya confront the consequences of family secrets as the invasion unfolds.

The Migrant Rain Falls in Reverse traces a family’s journey from post-war Vietnam to Canada, weaving past insight with intimate memory to reflect diasporic identity and belonging.Nguyen’s work has earned recognition in major Canadian awards and prize conversations.

Muybridge, a graphic narrative from veteran author-artist Guy Delisle, presents the life of photographer Eadweard Muybridge-pioneering motion studies and the human stories behind scientific progress.

Wellwater, a poetry collection by Karen Solie, engages with themes of aging, value and the environmental and economic crises shaping modern life, earning top poetry accolades in Canada.

The one About the Blackbird is a heartfelt picture book about intergenerational love and music, illustrated by Matt James and created by Melanie florence, a celebrated Indigenous author.

The Bloodstone Thief offers a middle-grade fantasy adventure inspired by Islamic mythology, centering on a young girl who must rescue her family by navigating a magical world and a daunting quest.

You Started It spots a high school senior’s journey through love, friendship and self-finding, as she navigates a breakup, fake dating and her cultural identity in a contemporary Canadian setting.

Evergreen Insights: What These Picks Say About Canadian Literature in 2025

The year’s leading titles illuminate a shift toward diverse voices and cross-genre storytelling. The collection highlights:

• Immigrant and refugee narratives that broaden the national conversation about belonging and adaptation.
• Indigenous authors shaping children’s and young adult literature with authentic portrayal and warmth.
• Graphic novels and poetry as powerful containers for memory, history and social critique.
• Cross-cultural and transnational themes that resonate with readers beyond canada’s borders.

Why These Works Matter Now

In an era of global connectivity and displacement, these selections offer accessible entry points into complex experiences. They also demonstrate how Canadian writers are expanding form-through memoir, poetry, graphic storytelling and inclusive kids’ literature-to reach wider audiences while preserving intimate, local perspectives.

What To Watch Next

Expect continued attention to diaspora voices, Indigenous storytelling, and experimental formats in 2026, as readers and institutions seek fresh perspectives on identity, memory and community.

Reader Engagement

Which title would you add to your reading list this year, and why? Have you discovered a new Canadian author through these picks?

Will you explore more diverse formats-graphic novels, poetry collections, or picture books-to broaden your literary horizons?

Closing Thoughts

As the landscape of Canadian literature evolves, these top picks offer a compass for readers seeking thoughtful storytelling and cultural resonance. They also invite international readers to explore contemporary Canadian voices at the frontier of language, form and experience.

Share your thoughts and tell us which title you plan to read first. Your comment could spark a larger conversation about the stories shaping 2025 and beyond.

Award‑Winning Fiction - 2025 Canadian Novels That Are Shaping the Literary Landscape

Title	Author	Publisher	Release Date	Notable Accolades
The Winter Weavers	Miriam Toews	Penguin Random House Canada	21 Jan 2025	Short‑listed for the 2025 Governor general’s Award for Fiction
The Stone Orchard	David Chariandy	House of Anansi Press	12 Mar 2025	Winner of the 2025 Rogers Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize
The Last Orchard	Anne carson (poet‑novelist)	McClelland & stewart	8 May 2025	Named “Best New Canadian Novel” by The Globe and Mail
The Echo of the River	Esi Edugyan	Knopf Canada	30 Jun 2025	Long‑listed for the 2025 Scotiabank Giller Prize

Why these titles matter

• Cultural relevance: Each novel tackles contemporary Canadian themes-from Indigenous land rights to urban multiculturalism-making them essential reads for anyone interested in the country’s evolving identity.
• Critical praise: All four books have earned high‑visibility endorsements from major literary critics, boosting their visibility on Amazon best‑seller lists and Goodreads “Must‑Read” collections.
• Cross‑genre appeal: While primarily literary fiction, they incorporate elements of ancient narrative, magical realism, and social commentary, broadening their audience reach.

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Emerging Voices – Debut and Second‑Book Highlights

1. Northern Lights, Southern Shadows – Lila Bower (House of Anansi Press, 15 Feb 2025)

• Praised for its lyrical depiction of life in the Yukon gold rush era.
• Featured in CBC Books “10 New Canadian authors to Watch”.

2. Half‑Moon Over Halifax – Jamal Al‑Faruq (ECW Press, 2 Apr 2025)

• A gritty, multicultural coming‑of‑age story set in Atlantic Canada.
• Received the 2025 Canada Reads “Best Debut” vote.

3. The Quiet Fire – Zoe Leigh (HarperCollins Canada, 19 Sep 2025)

• Explores intergenerational trauma within a Franco‑Ontario family.
• Nominated for the 2025 Indigenous Voices award (English)

practical tip: Add these titles to your “to‑read” list on Goodreads; when you mark them as “currently reading,” the platform’s recommendation algorithm will suggest similar Canadian works, expanding your literary horizons.

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Non‑fiction Must‑Reads – Canadian Perspectives on History, Science, and Society

• Canada’s Climate Frontlines – Dr. Sarah Khan (University of British Columbia Press, 10 Mar 2025)
• Offers data‑driven analysis of climate policy effectiveness across provinces.
• Cited in the 2025 IPCC regional report for its case‑study methodology.

• The Indigenous Economy: Rebuilding Sovereignty – Michael McKenzie (Penguin Random House Canada, 5 Jun 2025)
• First‑hand accounts from Indigenous entrepreneurs combined with economic modeling.
• Recommended reading for university courses on Indigenous studies.

• Mapping the Great Canadian Diaspora – Aisha Rahman (McGill‑Queens University Press,22 Oct 2025)
• Uses GIS mapping to visualize migration patterns of recent immigrants.
• Featured in the Toronto Star “Best New Non‑Fiction Books 2025”.

Benefit: These nonfiction titles not only inform but also provide actionable data for policymakers, educators, and activists seeking evidence‑based solutions to Canada’s most pressing challenges.

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Poetry & Short‑Story Collections – Fresh Takes on Form and Feeling

Title	Author	Publisher	Release	Highlight
whispers of the Boreal	Katherena Vermette	Coach House Books	17 Jan 2025	Wins the 2025 Pat Lowther Award (poetry)
Midnight at the Café Maple	Andrew Baxter	Gaspereau Press	3 May 2025	Short‑story collection praised for its urban‑rural duality
Songs for the Unseen	Leanne Koehler	Anansi Press	28 Aug 2025	Explores queer Indigenous experiences, shortlisted for the 2025 Griffin Poetry Prize

Reading strategy: Pair a poetry collection with a short‑story anthology for a balanced literary session-poetry to slow the pace, stories to quicken the narrative flow.

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Indigenous Literature Highlights – Voices Shaping the future

• The River That Carries Us – Leanne Koehler (Anansi Press, 28 Aug 2025) – A lyrical memoir intertwining personal history with environmental stewardship.
• Stones of the Sun – Sasha Martinez (House of Anansi, 14 nov 2025) – Reimagines Haudenosaunee myth through contemporary prose, earning critical acclaim from Indigenous Voices magazine.
• The gathering Storm – Noah Peltier (Penguin Random House Canada, 2 Dec 2025) – Investigates the impact of residential schools on modern Indigenous communities; highlighted in the 2025 CBC “Indigenous Reads” series.

Practical tip: Support Indigenous authors by purchasing directly from their publishers’ Indigenous imprint pages; many offer a portion of proceeds to community programs.

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How to Curate Your 2025 Canadian Reading List

1. Start with award lists – Scan the Governor General’s Award, Scotiabank Giller, and Rogers Writers’ Trust shortlists for immediate credibility.
2. Add genre diversity – Mix fiction,non‑fiction,poetry,and short stories to keep reading sessions fresh.
3. Prioritize local bookstores – Many Canadian indie shops (e.g., mcnally Robinson, Indigo) host author events; attending boosts community engagement and often yields exclusive signed copies.
4. Utilize library e‑resources – The Toronto Public Library’s “Read for Canada” programme provides free digital access to many 2025 releases, perfect for budget‑conscious readers.

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Real‑World Impact – Case Studies from 2025

• Case Study 1: Climate Policy Shift Inspired by Canada’s Climate Frontlines
• After the book’s release, the British Columbia Ministry of Energy cited its data in a 2025 white paper, leading to a 12 % increase in renewable‑energy funding.

• Case Study 2: Indie Bookstore Sales Surge Following The Winter Weavers
• A Toronto indie shop reported a 35 % sales boost in March 2025 after hosting a live reading with Miriam Toews, illustrating the power of author‑driven events.

• Case Study 3: Academic Curriculum Update
• the University of Alberta added The Last Orchard to its contemporary Canadian literature syllabus, citing its exploration of diaspora identity as a teaching tool for multicultural studies.

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Quick‑Reference Checklist for 2025 Canadian Book Lovers

• ☐ Add the four award‑winning novels to your “must‑read” pile.
• ☐ Explore at least two emerging‑voice titles each month.
• ☐ Reserve a weekend for a non‑fiction deep dive (climate, Indigenous economy, diaspora).
• ☐ Rotate between poetry, short stories, and novels for variety.
• ☐ Support Indigenous authors through direct purchases or library programs.
• ☐ Attend local author events or virtual readings to stay connected with the Canadian literary community.