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Annick Staff are so excited to share some of our favorite books from 2022!

She Holds Up the Stars by Sandra Laronde

"This deep narrative dive into Indigeneity and self-discovery is a compelling, poignant, and emotionally powerful read. One of its strengths is that it will take some readers to places and ideas they have not visited before." —Rick W., Co-Publisher

My Name Is Saajin Singh by Kuljinder Kaur Brar, illustrated by Samrath Kaur

"As someone whose name often gets mispronounced, this book is something I wish I had around when I was a kid. Even as an adult, it resonates with me and is a simple reminder of being proud of who you are both in your identity and cultural heritage." —Yousra M., Rights & Permissions Coordinator, Marketing Associate

The Secret of the Jade Bangle by Linda Trinh, illustrated by Clayton Nguyen

"We were very excited to launch The Nguyen Kids series this fall. Each of the first three books is told from a different sibling's perspective and in this one we meet 9-year-old Anne, the eldest Nguyen. I loved Anne immediately—she's smart, introspective, and full of conviction. As the series evolves, different family members take on bigger roles in the stories, and I love how Anne and her siblings come to understand how they change and grow within that dynamic. Plus, there's inherited gifts with mysterious powers, and ghosts!" —Katie H., Editorial Director

The Power of the Pearl Earrings by Linda Trinh, illustrated by Clayton Nguyen

"I absolutely love The Nguyen Kids series and how it explores the many nuances of immigrant families' experiences. In this book, Liz, the middle sibling, shows readers that it's okay to be strong and vulnerable at the same time, while standing up for herself and the things most important to her." —Jieun L., Assistant Editor

Abuelita and Me by Leonarda Carranza, illustrated by Rafael Mayani

"The relationship between a grandmother and granddaughter is both sweet and sacred, and this special intergenerational one brings light to the microaggressions visible minorities encounter daily in their lives. Abuelita's wisdom, patience, and strength provide valuable lessons for overcoming racism and social injustice with dignity and fortitude. Tears will flow while reading this evocative narrative." —Rivka C., Educational Consultant

More Than Money by Hadley Dyer & Mitchell Bernard, illustrated by Paul Gill

"The wealth gap might be the worst problem the world faces, and at the heart of why so many struggle while others enjoy privilege. What's cool about this book is how it's been made relevant for youth. To understand inequality and how one can take action might be the best way as a publisher we can make the world better. At the very least, this book empowers the reader!" —David C.,  Co-Publisher

The Wolf Suit by Sid Sharp

"Here’s why this will be my (and your) go-to gift book for the next decade: 1. It’s GORGEOUS. Every bit is hand painted. 2. It’s FUNNY. Both my 9-year-old and I equally delight in Bellwether the sheep’s misadventures sewing himself a wolf suit to outsmart the nasty wolves. 3. It has QUILTING representation. Every maker needs this book. Every person on your list needs this book. No wonder it's been in the New York Times and multiple Best of the Year lists." —Amanda O., Marketing & Sales Director

Sky Wolf's Call by Eldon Yellowhorn and Kathy Lowinger

"Eldon Yellowhorn, both as an Elder of the Piikani nation and a decorated professor at Simon Fraser University, shows why Indigenous science and traditional knowledge systems are vital to taking on the greatest challenges we face on the planet. Sky Wolf’s Call is another great collaboration with longtime children’s author/publisher Kathy Lowinger, perhaps their best yet. On a personal note, it was especially fun getting to work with one of the artists whose work is featured in the book, as well as the team that prepared the audiobook and the accessible ebook." —Brendan O., Digital Project Manager  

Silence by Lena Shamshurina

"This beautifully designed book is perfect for young readers looking for an interactive adventure packed with big ideas. Although it begins as a hunt for quiet, Silence ends up exploring all the places we find sound. And some of these places may surprise you! Along the way, readers will be charmed by all the details in the striking black and white illustrations. This is a journey you’ll want to take again and again." —Khary M., Acquiring Editor

A House Unsettled by Trynne Delaney

"Through all the difficult topics in this book, Asha and Cole shine through as fantastic characters who make A House Unsettled unputdownable. Plus that cover!" —Stephanie S., Marketing Associate & Acquisitions Editor 

The Queen of Junk Island by Alexandra Mae Jones

“A secluded lakeside cabin, a possible haunting, a mysterious mountain of trash . . . any of these elements would have been enough to draw me into this novel, but it was really the tense—and INtense—relationship between the main characters, Ivy and Dell, that kept me hooked until the end. Alexandra Mae Jones is the queen of evoking what it feels like to be a teen girl, in all its gore and glory. Her nuanced exploration of sexuality, queer identity, and body image had me wishing I could go back in time and share this book with my teen self.” —Claire C., Senior Editor

Rabbit Chase by Elizabeth LaPensée, illustrated by KC Oster

“Alice in Wonderland has long been a favorite story of mine and I loved seeing this Anishinaabe twist on such a beloved tale. The vibrant art style and use of color are so whimsical and engaging and makes for a delightful read. This book will definitely leave you wanting to take a trip down the rabbit hole.”—Bailey H., Digital Marketing Associate

Searching Beyond the Stars by Nicole Mortillaro, illustrated by Amanda Key

“I was never much of a science kid—I used to chalk that up to a simple lack of interest, but I've since realized that I just didn't have books like this one. Searching Beyond the Stars defies the laws of physics by packing all of the wonder and expansiveness of outer space into 120 pages. It's impossible not to feel inspired by the scientists featured in the book and captivated by the mysteries of the universe they are working to uncover. There's so much we have yet to learn, and Nicole Mortillaro dives deep into the science to leave readers with a sense of what's next—and how they themselves might contribute to future discoveries.” —Kaela C., —Managing and Acquiring Editor

Bharatanatyam in Ballet Shoes by Mahak Jain, illustrated by Anu Chouhan

"This delightful picture book thoughtfully depicts the feeling of being pulled between two cultural identities while also demonstrating how dance can bring people of various backgrounds together."— Sarah D.,—Publicity Manager