The MagazineCanada

Summer break invites readers from Canada to the United States to swap screens for stories. This carefully chosen roster blends fairy-tale retellings, enchanted adventures, and coming‑of‑age quests that fit long beach days, quiet patio mornings, or late-night reading beneath a star-filled sky. Each title kindles imagination, courage, and empathy, turning a restful summer into a voyage that travels without leaving home. For North American readers, these picks offer lasting depth and delight that lingers long after the final page is turned.
Beauty and the Beast — a fresh retelling that rejuvenates a timeless message about looking past surface appearances while weaving in vivid landscapes, steadfast courage, and compassionate, well-drawn heroes. The story follows a young woman who finds resilience in surprising corners and a prince whose hard exterior glimmers with a hidden tenderness. The writing invites contemplation of loyalty, trust, and what beauty truly means. For a North American summer, it makes for a reliable, absorbing companion that pairs nicely with lazy afternoons and a cold lemonade on the porch.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe — a memorable voyage to a snow-brushed land where siblings walk into an ancient world of talking beasts and enduring magic. This opening book in a cherished fantasy series blends awe with danger, widening the horizon for imagination and opening conversations about loyalty, sacrifice, and courage. The rhythm guides readers through a journey of discovery as characters realize how tiny choices can tilt the balance toward light or shadow. It stands as a timeless summer pick for Canadian and American shelves, a doorway to friendship, resilience, and hope.
Airborn begins a skybound adventure as expansive as the open skies. A daring voyage aboard a colossal airship introduces readers to peril, laughter, and wonder as two curious young explorers cross paths with strange creatures and clever schemes. The tale fuses swashbuckling action with careful worldbuilding, inviting readers to ponder what is real and what might be possible when creativity meets courage. For summer days spent daydreaming above the clouds, it delivers thrills and a straightforward message about teamwork, trust, and the power of curiosity.
A Wrinkle in Time — this science fantasy classic remains a beacon for readers who trust love to outshine darkness. A family voyage through space and time shows that courage isn’t loud, but steady, and that strong family bonds can outlast fear. The story points to science, wonder, and the idea that small acts of kindness ripple across the cosmos. For a summer reader in North America, it offers big ideas in a compact, adventurous package that stirs curiosity and bravery in equal measure.
A Handful of Time follows a shy young girl on a vividly imagined journey through time itself. The narrative traces a striking arc of self-discovery, where patience, empathy, and steadfast family devotion shape a girl into someone braver and more curious. The prose remains lyrical without weighing down the pace, capturing moments of longing and joy with thoughtful precision. Readers will relish the intimate portrait of growth, the warmth of family bonds, and the sense that even small steps can lead to extraordinary places during a summer of exploration.
Bridge to Terabithia invites readers into an imaginary realm born from a heart full of friendship and imagination. The story blends everyday realism with a palpable sense of magic, showing how imagination can act as a sanctuary and a source of strength. It addresses loss with honesty and tenderness, inviting thoughtful conversations about grief and resilience. For summer reading, it offers a meaningful balance of whimsy and emotional depth, a companion for long days when questions about friendship and courage feel especially relevant.
Elsewhere follows a young person navigating life, love, and the ache of growing up after a loss. The story unfolds with a cool, reflective calm that invites readers to slow down and consider what it means to be human, to grieve, and to rediscover joy. The rhythm moves between memory and the present moment, letting readers savor small insights as the protagonist learns to adapt to a future that feels both unfamiliar and full of possibility. It speaks to readers who crave heartfelt, intimate storytelling during the lazy days of summer.
Tuck Everlasting asks a timeless question in a quiet, intimate voice: if life could stretch forever, would that be a blessing or a burden? The tale follows a family that discovers how to outlive time, exploring the consequences with gentle humor, warmth, and clear moral insight. The setting—a small town, a hidden spring, and a choice that could alter the future—offers a thoughtful backdrop for conversations about memory, responsibility, and the value of brief, meaningful moments. It makes for a thoughtful addition to any North American summer reading list.
A Series of Unfortunate Events follows the misadventures of the Baudelaires, siblings who must outsmart a dangerous villain while unraveling a mystery that threads from a venerable orphanage to hidden archives of deceit. The voice stays sly, witty, and unapologetically clever, delivering humor even as danger edges closer. The books cultivate resilience, curiosity, and a taste for problem solving—skills that serve readers well during summer explorations, day camps, or solo journeys. The lasting appeal lies in the witty plotting, playful irony, and the way each twist keeps readers turning pages with growing anticipation.
The Harry Potter series invites readers into a vast, richly imagined world where friendships are formed, dangers rise, and courage is tested. Across seven volumes, readers follow a young hero through growth, betrayal, and triumph, with magic serving as a lens for questions about identity, loyalty, and the costs of power. The books blend humor, heart, and high-stakes adventure in a voice that has defined a generation and continues to attract new fans. For summer nights in Canada and the United States, these novels provide an immersive, comforting, and endlessly engaging escape.