Best Canadian Historical Fiction Books for Teens & Young Adults of 2025

Behind Rebel Lines: The Incredible Story of Emma Edmonds, Civil War Spy is a thrilling account of a brave woman who disguised herself as a man to fight for the Union Army. The book follows Emma's journey as she uses her wit and cunning to infiltrate Confederate lines, risking everything for her beliefs. The story is fast-paced and captivating, making it a great read for history buffs and reluctant readers alike. Author Seymour Reit's experience as an animated cartoonist shines through in his vivid descriptions of Emma's various disguises. Overall, this book is a unique and inspiring tale of courage and loyalty.

The Blue Castle, written by L.M. Montgomery, the author of Anne of Green Gables, is a captivating tale of love, courage, and adventure. The story follows 29-year-old Valancy Stirling, who has spent her entire life conforming to the expectations of her domineering mother and unforgiving aunt. But when she receives a life-altering letter, Valancy decides to live life on her own terms. The Blue Castle is a charming and witty classic that will leave readers feeling inspired and hopeful. Montgomery's beautiful writing and setting make this novel a must-read for fans of wholesome teen romance books and escapist fiction.

North Woods Survival: Train to Nowhere: A Wilderness Adventure Thriller is a captivating story about a young boy who wakes up in the middle of nowhere with no memory of who he is or how he got there. With only his backpack and winter gear, he must rely on his bushcraft skills to survive the deadly cold and overcome the challenges of mother nature. The book provides practical tips on wilderness survival, including building a snow cave, making snowshoes, and identifying animal tracks. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves adventure and wants to learn more about wilderness survival.

Buffalo Flats is a captivating Christian historical fiction book for young adults. This book tells the true-life story of Rebecca Leavitt, a young woman who embarks on a journey of self-discovery as she tries to find her place in the world during the late 1800s. Rebecca's determination to own a piece of land in the Northwest Territories of Canada, despite the challenges of pioneer life, is inspiring. The author has done an excellent job of exploring the Latter-Day Saints culture and the experiences of early pioneers. Overall, Buffalo Flats is a unique and thought-provoking read that will leave readers feeling empowered and inspired.

Pemmican Wars (Volume 1) (A Girl Called Echo, 1) is a beautifully illustrated young adult graphic novel that tells the story of Echo Desjardins, a Métis girl who finds herself transported back in time to the Canadian Pemmican Wars. Echo's journey allows her to connect with her indigenous ancestors and learn more about her heritage. The work is light on text but is a solid choice for introducing a historical event in an accessible format. The end matter contains a timeline, recipe for pemmican, and lyrics of a song written by the Métis poet and songwriter Pierre Falcon. Overall, it is a must-read for anyone interested in learning more about Canada's indigenous history.

Sugar Falls: A Residential School Story is a powerful graphic novel that tells the true story of Elder Betty Ross. Abandoned as a child and later taken to a residential school, Betty endures abuse and indignity. However, her father's words give her the strength and resilience to survive. The 10th-anniversary edition brings David A. Robertson's national bestseller to life in full color and includes a foreword by The Hon. Murray Sinclair, Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. This book is a crucial text for those who know little about the residential school system and should be read by everyone. Highly recommended.

This Place: 150 Years Retold is a groundbreaking graphic novel anthology that explores the past 150 years through the eyes of Indigenous creators. Beautifully illustrated, the stories take readers on an emotional and enlightening journey through Indigenous wonderworks, psychic battles, and time travel. The book also includes a timeline of related historical events and a personal note from the author for each story, as well as cited sources and a select bibliography for further reading. This book is an essential and powerful read that sheds light on Indigenous experiences and perspectives, making it a unique addition to the science fiction manga genre.

The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery is a heartwarming classic literature book perfect for teens and young adults. The story follows Valancy, a 29-year-old woman who has never been in love and lives with her controlling mother and aunt. After receiving a letter from Dr. Trent, Valancy decides to take control of her life and embarks on a journey full of love and adventure. The beautiful cover art by Elly MacKay adds to the charm of this timeless novel. Overall, The Blue Castle is a delightful read that encourages readers to follow their hearts and live life to the fullest.

Calico Captive is a captivating historical fiction novel by Elizabeth George Speare. The story follows Miriam Willard, who is taken captive during an Indian raid in 1754 and forced to march north during the French and Indian War. Along the way, she experiences hardship, loss, and unexpected opportunities. Based on an actual diary published in 1807, the book offers a glimpse into the historical events of the time. The School Library Journal praises the book for its excellent characterization and recommends it for all schools and public libraries. Overall, Calico Captive is a well-written, engaging read that offers a unique perspective on an important period in American history.

Red River Resistance is the second book in the A Girl Called Echo series, written by Katherena Vermette. The story follows Echo Desjardins, a Métis teenager who finds herself transported back in time to the summer of 1869 in the Red River Valley. As she witnesses the Canadian surveyors trying to take away the land of the Métis families, Echo fears for her people and their future. This graphic novel is not only informative but also captivating, making it an excellent read for young adults interested in Canadian Indigenous history. Overall, Red River Resistance is a valuable addition to any collection, and its unique blend of history and fiction is sure to engage readers of all ages.