Lists

In an endeavour to serve our customers with the most relevant listings of recommended topics of interest, our selection team is pleased to present the following compilation of Pre-Publication and Specialty Lists.

Pre-Publication Lists

Published several times throughout the year, these annotated listing of titles are in advance of publication. Forthcoming titles have been reviewed by our accredited selection staff and are available for preordering. Release dates for all NBS Pre-Publication Lists reflect publisher's seasonal release dates.

How do they choose with so many newly released titles every year? See our Library Selection Process for full details.

  • Adult Hardcover
    Selection of hardcover and original trade paperback fiction and non-fiction titles.

  • Adult Mass Market
    Selection of adult mass market titles, with select trade paper titles.

  • Children's Hardcover
    Selections of board books, hardcover picture books, fiction (easy and series), and non-fiction titles, including folklore and fairy tales. Alternative bindings noted where applicable.

  • Children's Paperback
    Selections of trade paper and paperback picture books, easy fiction and fiction readers (including series), and non-fiction titles.

  • Young Adult Fiction
    Selection of Young Adult fiction and fiction series. Focus is placed upon paperback releases, but included are noteworthy hardcover publications.

Specialty Lists

Throughout the year, National Book Service compiles annotated listings of resources that are relevant to current trends and subject matter. Titles selected for these lists are generally age specific and have been separated below accordingly.

Elementary—Grades JK - 8

  • Aboriginal Resources
    Picture books, fiction (including easy and series), non-fiction and VHS and DVD resources reflecting the culture, land, and experiences of aboriginal people from around the globe. Emphasis is placed upon the First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples of North America.

  • The Arts
    Selected picture books, fiction (including series), non-fiction, video and DVD resources that explore the arts, artists and the artistic experience. Including professional resources.

  • Books for Boys
    Picture Books, Fiction (including easy fiction and series) and Non-fiction titles to pique the interest of male readers, including reluctant readers.

  • Character Education
    Chosen to inspire and develop character traits that will contribute to the development of engaged and compassionate citizens, this list targets young readers and the education professionals who impact their lives daily. Resources from the following categories are included: picture books, fiction (including easy and series), non-fiction, and DVD and video, as well as key professional resources.

  • Classics Of Children's Literature


  • Cultural Diversity
    Selected picture books, fiction, non-fiction, video and DVD resources that explore cultural diversity, intercultural relationships and prejudice based on ethnicity.

  • Dealing With Bullies
    Recently published professional resources, picture books, novels, non-fiction works and video and DVD resources selected to provide coping mechanisms, behaviour modification techniques, conflict negotiation skills, preventative measures, empathy and comfort to those whose lives or classrooms have been affected by bullying.

  • Dual Language Resources
    Well-known titles reissued with English and target language text. These titles assist young readers in English language skill development and allow for intergenerational and cross- cultural sharing.

  • Environment: K-8 Resources
    Titles to educate and inspire both teachers and students regarding issues facing the environment. Includes picture books, fiction and non-fiction titles, and includes stock and non-stock titles.


  • Graphic Novel Resources for K to 8
    Recommended graphic novels and related professional resources for K-8. Suggested grade levels are provided for all the titles, however materials should be reviewed to ensure suitability for library users. Content of material may not be appropriate for all communities or audiences.

  • Media Literacy
    Titles to assist young readers in understanding and assessing popular culture and media, including movies, television, the Internet, advertising, print media, and music. The list includes Picture Books, Easy Fiction Series, Fiction and Non-fiction.


  • Primary Math Resources
    Fiction and non-fiction print titles and select visual resources to assist with the introduction and instruction of math concepts to grades JK-3.

  • Social Studies Resources Grades 1 to 8


Secondary —High School Grades

  • Asian Heritage Month Non-Fiction
    ASIA has many geographic definitions. For this list, it includes the countries of East Asia, often termed the Orient, South Asia, South East Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East, including Egypt, which is located in Africa but shares many traditions and values with the Arab countries. From these lands have sprung magnificent civilizations, mighty empires, and great religions. Presently, many experience internal conflict and foreign aggression, and the call for civil rights by minorities, while others seek to define a new place in a global economy. The history of Asians in Canada has been coloured by racism but today this country is one of the most multi-ethnic in the world and we celebrate ASIAN HERITAGE MONTH.

  • Asian Heritage Month Fiction
    The novels in this list are recommended for mature high school students. The settings and national origins of authors include the countries of East Asia, often termed the Orient, South Asia, South East Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. Canadian writers of Asian heritage are featured, as is fiction that addresses the history or present situation of Asian immigrants in Canada. Much of the writing relays anger or confusion as the characters react to oppression and forced change, familial or institutional. Many of the novels address the role of women in traditional and changing contemporary societies. Others find humour and hope in the scenarios they describe.

  • Black History Month Fiction
    This selection of novels from acclaimed and often award-winning authors is for mature high school students. The people in the stories, from Africa and the Caribbean, reflect the great diversity of their ancestral homelands, cultural traditions, and religious beliefs. Political conditions vary from colonialism to self-rule, with movements towards independence often troubled and violent. Some suffer under oppression, while others seek their freedom, making perilous journeys or inviting censure and isolation as they try to escape the yoke of tradition. Many find disappointment or disillusionment in their new lands, where old prejudices continue. Others preserve hope and a belief in a better future for their children.

  • Black History Month Non-fiction
    Black History Month is a time when Canadians reflect on the history and contributions of Canadians of African or Caribbean heritage, including a survey of the past and present struggles of North American blacks to attain freedom and equality. It is also a time to celebrate the traditional and contemporary cultures of the peoples of Africa and the West Indies, and to examine the political, social and economic realities of these countries today.

  • Careers: High School Resources
    A selection of titles, aimed towards the high school student, providing insight and information into various career paths, aiding students with assessing potential job opportunities and providing information regarding requirements and planning for career goals. Titles are also of use to professionals providing career guidance.


  • Character Education
    Titles to model, inspire, and develop character traits that will contribute to the development of engaged and compassionate citizens, empowering students to be responsible, respectful and caring at school, at home, and in the community. This list targets high school aged readers and the education professionals who impact their lives. Resources include fiction for young adults, adult fiction for young adults, non-fiction, and DVD and video resources.

  • Classics and Contemporary World Fiction
    Suggested core collection of world fiction for High Schools. Paperback editions of popular classics and notable contemporary novels.

  • Classics of Canadian Fiction
    Suggested core collection of Canadian fiction for High Schools. Paperback editions of enduring titles and more recent acclaimed novels that reflect and inform the nation.

  • Dealing With Bullies
    Recently published professional resources, picture books, novels, non-fiction works and video and DVD resources selected to provide coping mechanisms, behaviour modification techniques, conflict negotiation skills, preventative measures, empathy and comfort to those whose lives or classrooms have been affected by bullying.

    • Environment: High School Resources
    Fiction and non-fiction titles relating to ecological issues - from global warming to fossil fuels to the future of the planet. Titles can be used by teachers and students for research projects, general interest, and as inspiration for saving the planet.


  • Graphic Novel Resources
    Recommended graphic novels and related curricular works. Books endorsed by students in a partnership reading and review program with Georgetown District High School library are indicated as "Student Starred."

  • Graphic Novel Supplement
    Recommended graphic novels and related curricular works. Books endorsed by students in a partnership reading and review program with Georgetown District High School library are indicated as "Student Starred."

  • Media Literacy, Popular Culture and Consumer Trends
    Books in this list illustrate how transformations in the nature of news and entertainment, personal communication modes and product marketing are shaping our values, altering the nature of work and influencing personal decisions on spending and how we use our leisure time. Ethical issues around the manipulation or censoring of information are included, together with an examination of the impact of violent images.


  • Parenting Resources
    Books to inspire, deepen parenting skills, and assist with specific situations and challenges.

  • Reluctant Readers
    Fiction and non-fiction high-interest print titles selected to engage young adults in reading.
  • Young Adult Core Collection
    Suggested titles for core collections of young adult fiction for high schools, including recommended titles from series. Reference the Classics lists for additional, enduring titles.

DVD & Video List

  • DVD & Video 2007-2008
    Recommended DVD and VHS with Public Performance Rights; category specific and curriculum ready.