New Releases by Eric Walters

Key Selling Points When two ships crash in the canal in Daniel’s hometown, people are discovered in one of their shipping containers, hungry and weak. Since his parents are frontline workers, Daniel gets a firsthand view of how the aftermath unfolds, and he develops a friendship with one of the survivors, a boy his age who comes to live with his family. Eric Walters and Danson Mutinda have woven a sensitive and touching story that gives readers an age-appropriate understanding of human smuggling, and an empathetic perspective on why people risk their lives to find new homes. The story doesn’t shy away from some of the closed-mindedness and prejudice that can rear its head in reaction to refugees, but its focus is on how the community rallies to help the newcomers, and how love is stronger than hate. A fictional take on real-life stories of migrants who risk their lives boarding shipping containers to travel to safer destinations. Eric Walters and Danson Mutinda have collaborated previously on the book Hockey Night in Kenya.

Her mom moved them across the country for a fresh start on life after the divorce, but sixteen-year-old Julia Anderson sure feels like her life is over. Campbell River, the small coastal town known as the Salmon Capital of the World, is a world away from the big city, the friends, and the boyfriend Jules left behind. Then Jules meets Cody, a cute and charming guy who soon becomes a friend, then something more. Their budding romance becomes complicated, however, once Jules learns that Cody’s family, the Romanos, owns a lumber mill that’s locked in a legal battle against the environmental agency Jules’s mom leads — an issue that’s divided the community in half. Hiding secret dates from parents and small-town gossips, Jules and Cody strive to navigate — or even deescalate — the mounting tension between their families, lest their relationship ends before they can find out how far it could go.

A child donates a can of food to their school food drive. But in an unexpected twist, they come to understand what it means to give and receive. A child is excited to donate a can of their favorite Zoodelicious to the school food drive. Their teacher has explained that the food will be given to people in need, along with mittens from the “mitten tree.” In the classroom, there’s a carpet with one hundred squares, and the goal is to fill each square with a can of food. When the child places their can of Zoodelicious on square 100, everyone cheers, and the teacher puts a snowflake sticker on top to celebrate. But a few days later, the child finds the same can of Zoodelicious among the groceries their mom has brought home. There’s a pair of red mitts, too. “Mom, are we the people in need?” the child asks. The next morning, after having thought of all the people who will receive food from the school and wondering what else they might need, the child donates their too-small blue mittens to the mitten tree at school. Created by an award-winning team, One Can tells a timely and touching story of a child who learns to give and receive—and wants only to give again in return. Key Text Features dialogue illustrations Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.3 Describe characters, settings, and major events in a story, using key details.

Key Selling Points Harmony''s finally allowed to leave foster care and go home to her mother, who struggles with drug addiction and alcoholism, but Harmony feels like the only one trying to make it work. The book''s wise-beyond-her-years narrator, Harmony, shows us a child''s experience of the foster care system and of living with a parent struggling so hard with their own mental health issues and addictions that the child essentially raises herself. Yet, the book also demonstrates how kids can resist and persevere in even the direst circumstances. Harmony finds helpers throughout her story—including her supportive friends at her new school, her principal (who also grew up in foster care) and the owner of the corner store, Mr. Khaled, who is a Syrian refugee—giving readers a sense of hope and faith in community. The multigenerational friendship between Harmony and Mr. Khaled shows two people who have survived difficult circumstances finding common ground and sheds light on the immigrant experience. This book is a prequel to the Governor General''s award-winning The King of Jam Sandwiches, focusing on Robbie''s friend Harmony.

Key Selling Points Ali is an eighth-grade student trying to to do it all—get good grades, fit in with his friends, get the girl and satisfy his parents—all while struggling to deal with the anti-Muslim racism around him. Writing poetry helps. If only his father wasn't set against it. Call Me Al deals with what it's like to be an immigrant (Ali and his family immigrated from Pakistan when he was little), racism (from peers and the world at large), balancing family versus friends' expectations, first crushes, being from a lower-income household, being Muslim and finding forgiveness for those who hurt you. Features a relatable male protagonist who discovers spoken-word poetry as an outlet for his feelings. Also makes clear the relationship between poetry and hip-hop. Co-authored by the power duo of veteran writer Eric Walters and renowned poet and motivational speaker Wali Shah, who has based this character's struggles with choosing between studying science (for his parents) and writing poetry (for himself) on his own experiences.

Key Selling Points Flight Plan examines what would befall the world if all modern technology failed...and how human civilization would falter. It unflinchingly shows both how dangerous people can be and how capable and kind as well. Its overarching message is how much we need each other, no matter what. The book also has a coming-of-age theme, in that Jamie starts out a privileged young kid who has only read about hardship but grows to become a self-sufficient person with a strong will to survive and the ability to defend himself and his friends. The story takes place in the world of Eric Walters''s Rule of Three series (a trilogy released by Macmillan, starting in 2015). Eric Walters ceaselessly visits schools; he''s an expert at engaging school-age kids in reading, and he continues to write thrilling books to keep them turning pages.

Teen astronaut Houston Williams is now the pilot on a mission to Mars. Houston Williams was thrilled to win a scholarship to attend a space program at NASA. What he didn’t realize was that organizers were recruiting people for a top-secret research project aimed at studying how space travel affects people of different ages. After months spent on the International Space Station conducting a variety of experiments, Houston is surprised to learn that he and his two friends Ashley and Teal have been chosen to join a highly political mission to Mars. But after tragedy strikes, the teens are forced to continue the mission on their own. This is the third book in the Teen Astronauts series, following Houston, Is There A Problem? and Boldly Go. The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

Becky James lives in a small town where nothing ever changes. But there’s something very different about the new student, Gene Newman. Brilliant, talented, and socially awkward, Gene is like nobody else Becky has ever known. Little does she know just how different he actually is. Gene confides in Becky that he has a secret. More than that, he is a secret. And, apparently, it’s a secret worth killing for.

Key Selling Points This story was inspired by the author’s visit to the Northern Lights Wildlife Shelter in Northern British Columbia. This book examines the importance of wildlife rehabilitation by trained professionals. Introduces young readers to the devastation caused by wildfires in a safe and accessible way. The author’s High and Dry, another Orca Echo book about animal rescue, received a starred review in School Library Journal. The author is one of the founders of “I Read Canadian Day,” which will be celebrated on February 16, 2022. Features several black-and-white illustrations by Olga Barinova.

Key Selling Points A young teen earns a scholarship to go to space camp. The first in the Teen Astronauts series featuring Houston at space camp. Examines themes of perseverance, leadership and growth mindset. This is an adventure story with an exciting setting: astronaut training camp. Eric Walters is very well known to librarians and booksellers.

★ “This simple story of discovery, sport, and friendship is filled with likable characters and innocently joyful moments...Delightful.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review Kenyan orphans, Kitoo and Nigosi, spend their days studying, playing soccer, helping their elders with chores around the orphanage and reading from the limited selection of books in their library. When the librarian gives Kitoo a copy of Sports Around the World he becomes fascinated by an image of the Canadian national men's ice hockey team. Then one day the fates align and Kitoo finds a pair of beat-up old roller blades. He teaches himself to skate and dreams of one day playing hockey like the men in his book. But you can’t play ice hockey in Kenya, can you?

What makes bath time fun for baby? Bath toys! From parading penguins and splashing seals to frolicking frogs and bathing beavers, these joyful animal toys are ready to play. Join the splashy party in the tub...you may even get wet too! Bright, vibrant illustrations from Christine Battuz match the energy of a baby in the bath as you’re introduced to Eric Walters’s animal alliterations across each page. It’s just good clean fun!

Key Selling Points In this book, a young boy works with his grandfather to save an orca calf stuck in the shallows of an island. This book explores a child’s loneliness living on a remote island and the bond between him and his grandfather, with themes of multigenerational friendship, wildlife rescue, building self-esteem and perseverance. Author Eric Walters has published over 100 books, including several in the Orca Echoes series. This book features several black-and-white illustrations, which add to this engaging chapter book.

From the bestselling coauthor of Broken Strings, "a sensitive and supportive approach to . . . the universal, ageless experiences of love and loss" ( Quill & Quire). A heartfelt new picture book from bestselling children's author Eric Walters ( From the Heart of Africa) and Halifax-based artist Carloe Liu. In this poignant story, we follow young Emily who has recently lost her grandfather. As she grows, she discovers a series of letters he left behind for her, offering grandfatherly advice at life's most pivotal moments: first day of high school, graduation day, wedding, and ending with the birth of her own child. With gentle watercolors and letters for sharing with loved ones, Always With You is a timeless story about grief, growing up, and finding that those we love never truly leave us. Praise for Broken Strings One of Kirkus Reviews's Best Middle Grade Books of 2019 One of the Globe and Mail's 100 Books That Shaped 2019 One of Quill & Quire's Honorable Mentions for 2019 Books of the Year for Young People One of CBC Books Best Canadian YA and Middle Grade Books of 2019 "A beautiful, painful, heartfelt reminder that the past is with us still." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "Walters and Kacer pull off this impressive feat of complex storytelling and make it look easy . . . [an] honest, open and unflinching [story] about some of the more dark and traumatic aspects of history." — Quill & Quire (starred review) "A book with heart, and one that will definitely be added to my school library collection." — CM Magazine

What is the true meaning of friendship? Follow along as a boy meets up with his friend—a dog who faithfully waits for him every day so they can ride out to the beach together to surf. The boy doesn't own the dog and he doesn't know who does, but their daily routine has created a special bond. Award-winning author Eric Walters navigates the waters of a unique friendship alongside the vibrant illustrations of Eugenie Fernandes, who brings the bumpy roads, rugged beach paths and rolling waves of the tropics to life. Sometimes the most poignant relationships in a child's life are the ones between friends.

What is the true meaning of friendship? Follow along as a boy meets up with his friend—a dog who faithfully waits for him every day so they can ride out to the beach together to surf. The boy doesn''t own the dog and he doesn''t know who does, but their daily routine has created a special bond. Award-winning author Eric Walters navigates the waters of a unique friendship alongside the vibrant illustrations of Eugenie Fernandes, who brings the bumpy roads, rugged beach paths and rolling waves of the tropics to life. Sometimes the most poignant relationships in a child''s life are the ones between friends.

In a world with no power, chaos soon descends. A powerful look at the disintegration of society in the wake of a massive and mysterious outage that has knocked out all modern amenities. Fifteen-year-old Emma has moved house with her ex-Marine mother and younger brother. It's a brand-new condo building, which explains the semi-regular power outages, as workers complete the units around them. So Emma isn't particularly concerned when the latest blackout hits just as they are preparing to leave town on a long weekend camping trip. But then the car won't start, and their cellphones appear dead -- and all the cars outside their building seem to be stalled in a long traffic jam ... In the midst of what appears to be a massive power outage, with their camping gear packed and ready, Emma and her family canoe over to the islands, just offshore, to wait it out. But while they land on an isolated island, with a relatively hidden site, they are far from safe, as people become increasingly desperate to find food and shelter. And as the days pass, and the power remains out, the threat of violence becomes all too real.

Okay, Sophie, you''ve got ninety days to step out of your comfort zone.

The stars come out, cubs snuggle, kittens nestle, and chicks cuddle as all the babies go to sleep.

From aardvark to zebra and all that's in between, little ones will love learning their alphabet with these colorful creatures. An African Alphabet is a vibrant ABC book that introduces babies and toddlers to the unique variety of animals found in Africa. An alphabet for all ages, the stunning linocut-influenced artwork brings an uncommon selection of critters to life in this lively concept book.

The Canadian Arctic Expedition of 1913 is not meant for children, so it doesn't look like bookish Helen or her squirmy little brother, Michael, will be having any fun. To fight off the boredom, Helen plans to keep her nose in her favourite books. But on their way to the Arctic, the ocean freezes over early, catching the captain and crew by surprise. The boat becomes trapped in ice and everyone is forced to abandon ship before it sinks. It's a long and treacherous road to solid land and many dangers lie ahead. Helen could not have predicted that instead of reading about adventures, she would soon be living an extraordinary one of her own.

Nathan has always loved animals and longs for a pet. When a baby squirrel shows up at Nathan''s door, he wonders what could have happened to its mother. It isn''t long before his family discovers six more orphaned baby squirrels in need of food and shelter. With help from Batcat, a neighborhood cat who is fed by many but owned by no one, Nathan learns to care for the squirrels. But all babies must leave the nest eventually. Will Nathan finally find a pet to call his own? The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

Today Is the Day is a celebration of new beginnings and belonging. This is the third book from celebrated author Eric Walters set in his Kenyan orphanage. A great resource for teachers, librarians and parents to introduce children to life in less secure areas of the world. Mutanu is excited. As she goes about her chores, she thinks about the day to come and what surprises it might bring. For today is no ordinary day at the orphanage she lives in. Every year, the orphanage honors its newest arrivals by creating a birthday day especially for them. From that moment forward, the orphans have a day that they know is theirs--a day to celebrate, a day to enjoy, a day to remember. And today is the day! Based on real children in an orphanage in Kenya, this lovely story shows how something as simple as a birthday, something most of us take for granted, can mean so much in another part of the world.

After the orphanage she lives in is destroyed by fire, Betty, an innocent and trusting teen, takes a job as a maid in Kingston, Ontario. Welcomed into the household of the wealthy Remington clan, Betty makes friends with the staff at the house and soon discovers that her mother had also been a maid there—and that her father is in a nearby jail, convicted of murdering her mother. When she meets her father, she is taken aback by his claims of innocence, and she decides to try to uncover the truth about her mother’s murder and her father’s conviction. A friendly young policeman assists her in her investigation (and shows an interest in Betty that is more romantic than professional). But all is not well in the Remington household, and someone doesn’t want Betty to learn the truth. Part of the SECRETS—a series of seven linked novels that can be read in any order.

An asteroid has hit the Earth: the end of the world is just beginning. Billy and his companions have been taking refuge in outer space to avert this catastrophe. But what will it take to survive? This dramatic second book in an electrifying duology will have readers at the edges of their seats as they discover that survival above is as difficult as survival below.

Skye’s wish comes true when her parents plan a Costa Rican adventure that includes zip-lining, parasailing and snorkeling.

Fast cars and a gorgeous girl await DJ in England, where he tries to unearth the truth about his grandfather’s role as a spy, or a traitor.

The bestselling Seven (the Series) continues with The Seven Sequels! All seven authors from the original series have returned with a second set of seven novels that can be read in any order. Eric Walters, John Wilson, Ted Staunton, Richard Scrimger, Norah McClintock, Sigmund Brouwer and Shane Peacock bring their signature writing styles to a series of adventures that take readers from the cobblestones of Cambridge to the beaches of Uruguay. This ebook bundle contains: Sleeper Broken Arrow Coda The Wolf and Me From the Dead Tin Soldier Double You "This unusual series features seven books that are connected but can stand alone as individual adventures. Building upon a plot line first laid out in the “Seven” series, each entry follows one of David McLean’s seven grandsons as he embarks on a dangerous mission in a far flung locale, as per instructions in Grandpa McLean’s oddball will...This thrill-a-minute series will hook reluctant readers as well as fans of James Bond and Jason Bourne." —School Library Journal

A drought has settled in the area around the orphanage where Boniface lives. There are long line-ups at the tiny spring where all the local people get their water, and suddenly the orphans are pushed to the back of the line, unwelcome. Boniface''s houseparent, Henry, tells him that the people were mean out of fear--they feared there would not be enough water for their families. When the building of the orphanage''s well is completed, Boniface has an idea to help the villagers. A lovely story of kindness and heart, this story shows that, through compassion and understanding, true generosity can spring from unexpected places.

After Morgan’s backyard is flooded by the nearby river, her dog, Shire, finds a baby beaver that has been washed out of its den. Realizing that its parents aren’t coming back, Morgan must quickly learn to care for the beaver, which she names Sammy. Morgan’s parents warn her that he can’t stay with them forever. Will Morgan be able to find a safe home for Sammy? The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.