Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Helaine Becker on AI and writing Smart Machines

2 1

Orca Book Publishers @orcabook.bsky.social · 1d

The youngest generations are already using AI technology every day, from chatbots to smart home devices.

But how does it work? And what concerns does it raise?

Hear from author Helaine Becker on her new book about AI for middle-grade readers, Smart Machines!

blog.orcabook.com/helaine-beck...

Helaine Becker's new book Smart Machines introduces young readers to artificial intelligence (AI) and how this technology will influence...

Author Karen Tam Wu doesn't just talk trash, she reuses it!

1

Orca Book Publishers @orcabook.bsky.social · 7d

Waste can be a resource and tool to help the planet. In What a Waste, young readers discover cutting-edge projects and actions they can take to reuse and repurpose garbage.

Hear from the author, Karen Tam Wu, on her inspiration on the Orca Blog!

blog.orcabook.com/author-karen...

Our garbage doesn't have to be trash. Waste can be a resource and tool to help the planet. In What a Waste, discover cutting-edge projects...

Truth and Reconciliation Book List

Reposted by Orca Book Publishers

The Lane Anderson Award @laneandersonaward.bsky.social · 8d

We're so excited to introduce the 2025 Lane Anderson Award Young Reader Shortlist! Visit our website for more info: laneandersonaward.ca/2025-shortli... @penguinrandomhouse.bsky.social @kidscanpress.bsky.social @orcabook.bsky.social @valerydesignwrks.bsky.social

4 4

Reposted by Orca Book Publishers

The Canadian Children's Book Centre @kidsbookcentre.bsky.social · 13d

For the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (and all year long) we've created a booklist to highlight the voices of First Nations, Inuit and Métis writers from across Canada.

Book list: bookcentre.ca/blogs/articles/truth-and-reconciliation-booklist

For the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (and all year long) we've created a booklist to highlight the voices of First Nations, Inuit and Métis writers from across Canada. We believe in the p...

bookcentre.ca

9 18

Orca Book Publishers @orcabook.bsky.social · 13d

“One affirmation is ‘We are the children of Chiefs’ because it is a reminder of the strength, dignity and leadership carried within us through our ancestors.”

—Leona Prince and Gabrielle Prince on their book Remember Who You Are.

Read the full Q&A on the Orca Blog
blog.orcabook.com/leona-prince...

Bestselling authors on writing Remember Who You Are

From bestselling authors Leona Prince and Gabrielle Prince comes a new picture book that empowers young readers to embrace their...

Coming-of-age stories about family, resilience and being true to yourself ❤️

Orca Book Publishers @orcabook.bsky.social · 15d

Educators, check out these new and current coming-of-age novels about family that middle-grade readers can relate to!

These books can support lessons on character studies and developing self-awareness, compassion, and resilience.
conta.cc/4mYhw5Q

Email from Orca Book Publishers Character studies fiction for gr. 4–8 Can't view images? Open this email in your web browser. Check out these new and current coming-of-age novels about family that mid

Bestselling authors on writing Remember Who You Are

2 3

Orca Book Publishers @orcabook.bsky.social · 19d

“As Indigenous authors, we have seen how important it is for young readers to see themselves reflected in books that affirm their worth and belonging. This story grew from that vision.”

— Authors Leona Prince and Gabrielle Prince on their new picture book.

blog.orcabook.com/leona-prince...

From bestselling authors Leona Prince and Gabrielle Prince comes a new picture book that empowers young readers to embrace their...

Your students new favourite series! 📚 ✏️

3 6

Orca Book Publishers @orcabook.bsky.social · 21d

If you are in Victoria tonight join us in celebrating Bolen Books’ 50th anniversary with a group book launch! 🎉

Meet the creators, enjoy refreshments and get a book signed! All ages are welcome.

Where: Bolen Books
When: Sept. 17 at 7 p.m (doors open at 6:30 p.m.)
RSVP: www.bolenbooks.com/events

1

Orca Book Publishers @orcabook.bsky.social · 22d

This week's Educator Newsletter highlights new chapter books and graphic novels for primary grades that are sure to capture independent readers’ attention!
conta.cc/4mJG567

Email from Orca Book Publishers Chapter books and graphic novels for primary grades Can't view images? Open this email in your web browser. This week I’m highlighting new chapter books and graphic nov

Thrilling new hi-lo books that will keep you on the edge of your seat!

4

Orca Book Publishers @orcabook.bsky.social · 29d

📨Check your inbox for the Orca Educator Newsletter!

This week, we are highlighting high-interest, low reading level books that are exciting and, regardless of reading ability, are stories your whole class can enjoy.

conta.cc/4mUmQak

Email from Orca Book Publishers Plus a chance to win an author visit for high school Can't view images? Open this email in your web browser. Look no further for genre fiction that students enjoy and m

New picture books coming this fall! 🍂

Orca Book Publishers @orcabook.bsky.social · Sep 8

Looking for new picture books to use in the classroom? We’ve got a stellar fall lineup!

From fun and silly to comforting and empowering, there are strong curriculum connections for your classroom—and there’s something for every reader.

conta.cc/45ja7Xm

Email from Plus a first look at our new school collections Can't view images? Open this email in your web browser. Art by Brady Sato from Maya Inside. We’ve got a stellar lineup of picture books comin

New picture books coming this fall! 🍂

3 3

Orca Book Publishers @orcabook.bsky.social · Sep 4

From the bestselling authors of Be a Good Ancestor comes an empowering new picture book!

Remember Who You Are reminds young readers of their cultural roots, the wisdom of their ancestors and their own potential.

Preorder now: www.orcabook.com/Remember-Who...

3

Orca Book Publishers @orcabook.bsky.social · Sep 2

📣Calling all educators! We’ve got a stellar lineup of fall picture books for you.

From fun and silly, and comforting and empowering, to factual and enlightening stories there are strong curriculum connections for your classroom—and there’s something for every reader.

conta.cc/45ja7Xm

Email from Plus a first look at our new school collections Can't view images? Open this email in your web browser. Art by Brady Sato from Maya Inside. We’ve got a stellar lineup of picture books comin

Creating Sueño Bay: Q&A with graphic novel series team Nancy Deas and Mike Deas

3 5

Orca Book Publishers @orcabook.bsky.social · Aug 27

Ever wondered what the process is for writing and illustrating a graphic novel? Well here's your chance!

Find out how Nancy Deas and Mike Deas create new stories in their Sueño Bay Adventures graphic novel series.

blog.orcabook.com/qa-with-howl...

In the sixth installment of the Sueño Bay Adventures graphic novel series, Kay fights her fear of kayaking to join her friends on a...

Honouring Excellence in Canadian Books for Young People: Finalists Ann

3

Orca Book Publishers @orcabook.bsky.social · Aug 27

Exciting news from The Canadian Children's Book Centre! They just released the finalists for their book awards, and we have five titles on the list! 🎉

bookcentre.ca/blogs/indust...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Toronto (August 27, 2025)—The Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC) is excited to announce the finalists for the following seven major awards celebrating Canadian books for you...

bookcentre.ca

1 3 3

Orca Book Publishers @orcabook.bsky.social · Aug 19

We’re kicking off this new school year with book recommendations for Zero-Waste Week, taking place September 1–5!

Every day is a good day to care about the health of our planet. Check out the books in the Orca Educator Newsletter.

conta.cc/4m6Ns7v

Actionable ways to reduce waste and protect the planet 🌎

Email from Middle-grade nonfiction for young activists Can't view images? Open this email in your web browser. Welcome back, educators! We’re kicking off this new school year with book recommendati

1 3

Orca Book Publishers @orcabook.bsky.social · Aug 19

It's publishing day! See what's new for kids and teens at orcabook.com today 📚

3 6

Reposted by Orca Book Publishers

Mark Leiren-Young @leirenyoung.bsky.social · Aug 15

Excited to be back on @cfax1070.bsky.social tomorrow (Friday, Aug 15) at 4 with Ryan Price. This week's topic is gonna be octopuses - like the octopus who borrowed someone's camera and started filming... who is almost as cool as Rambo, the New Zealand octopus octographer 🐙 @orcabook.bsky.social

Victoria psychologist publishes board book on helping kids understand big feelings

Orca Book Publishers @orcabook.bsky.social · Aug 13

Dr. Jillian Roberts' new board book is coming soon! Read all about it in Victoria Buzz.

victoriabuzz.com/2025/08/vict...

Parents, babysitters, educators and anyone else that interacts with children—this may be a new go-to tool!

victoriabuzz.com

1

Orca Book Publishers @orcabook.bsky.social · Aug 13

When You Meet a Dragon is on the CBC Kids Reads longlist!

In this beautifully illustrated picture book, a child brings their community together to persevere against an invading dragon.

Congratulations to author Tanya Lloyd Kyi and illustrator Udayana Lugo! 🎉

www.cbc.ca/books/the-cb...

The CBC Kids Reads 2025 longlist is here | CBC Books

The third edition of 'Canada Reads for kids' returns to celebrate five of Canada's best picture books.

www.cbc.ca

3

Reposted by Orca Book Publishers

Read Local BC @readlocalbc.bsky.social · Aug 13

From harvest to table, these stories and cookbooks show how food shapes what we cook and how we eat right at home. Let them inspire you to unleash your inner foodie!

@greystonebooks.bsky.social @orcabook.bsky.social @touchwooded.bsky.social @tradewindbooks.bsky.social

Author Melinda Di Lorenzo on romance and type one diabetes in Sugar Crash

Orca Book Publishers @orcabook.bsky.social · Aug 12

In Melinda Di Lorenzo's new book, Sugar Crash, diabetic teen Zoe accepts a ride from her former best friend and things turn potentially deadly when a crash sends them flying off a remote road.

Hear from the author about what inspired her to write this book!

blog.orcabook.com/author-melin...

When diabetic teen Zoe accepts a ride to a school camp from her former best friend things turn potentially deadly when a crash sends them...