

Relationship skills are the central theme of these books about contemporary Canadian kids. The characters in these books learn to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and cultivate healthy, lasting connections with friends, family, and peers.
- Canadian settings and characters
- Realistic fiction
- Relatable challenges
- Diverse characters
- Stories featuring romance, sports, and coming of age
Titles featuring relationship skills

Ace & the Misfits vs The Soccer Knights
By Eddie Kawooya
$19.95 Paperback
SEL SKILL: Relationship Skills
A recently arrived Ugandan immigrant is desperate to prove himself on the soccer field, at all costs, until his friends and a coach remind him of the value of team play and supporting each other.

Love on Planet A
By Christina Minaki
$14.95 Paperback
SEL SKILL: Relationship Skills
A disabled teen climate activist navigates a protective family and her desire to take action and have more independence, while also experiencing first love.

Dogs Don’t Break Hearts
By ’Nathan Burgoine
$16.95 Paperback
SEL SKILL: Relationship Skills
A teen recovering from an emotionally manipulative relationship finds healing through volunteering at a pet rescue—where a special dog and a kind new crush help him learn to trust and love again.

Lonely in Happy Town
By Kristopher Mielke
$16.95 Paperback
SEL SKILL: Relationship Skills
A gay teen who escapes into an online game falls for the same girl in both virtual and real life—sparking an LGBTQ+ romance that pushes him to navigate identity, reality, and what it means to truly connect.

Setter Up
By Caelan Beard
$19.95 Paperback
SEL SKILL: Relationship Skills
A passionate teen volleyball player confronts anti-gay attitudes at school by creating an inclusive team, learning about activism and community while finding unexpected romance.

Line Drive to Love
By Angel Jendrick
$16.95 Paperback
SEL SKILL: Relationship Skills
A dedicated LGBTQ+ softball player faces the emotional strain of her father’s illness and a new summer romance, learning to balance love, loss, and ambition as she figures out what truly matters most.

Not Not Normal
By Peter E. Fenton
$16.95 Paperback
SEL SKILL: Relationship Skills
A queer teen battling anxiety and insecurity gains confidence through a new friend and romance, helping him face bullying and embrace his true self.

Summer with Sunil
By Alison Lister
$16.95 Paperback
SEL SKILL: Relationship Skills
A trans teen stuck on a lonely summer vacation in coastal Nova Scotia finds unexpected connection and self-discovery through a chance romance with another isolated queer youth facing an abusive family situation.

Ace and the Misfits
By Eddie Kawooya
$19.95 Paperback
SEL SKILL: Relationship Skills
A recently arrived Ugandan immigrant feels isolated and struggles with school and self-worth—until finding friendship with fellow outsiders helps him rebuild his confidence and sense of belonging.

Dancehall Rebel
By Stacey Robinson
$19.95 Paperback
SEL SKILL: Relationship Skills
A queer Caribbean Canadian teen raised on dancehall music struggles with her family’s and culture’s homophobia—until a new community helps her find the courage to embrace both her identity and her passion.

Losing Hit Points
By Kristopher Mielke
$16.95 Paperback
SEL SKILL: Self-Awareness
A trans teen finds unexpected romance and a shot at redemption during a D&D game, where reconnecting with a former friend means facing past mistakes and fighting for a second chance at love.

Luscious Love
By Katerina Bakolias
$16.95 Paperback
SEL SKILL: Self-Awareness
A teen grapples with body image, low self-worth, and a toxic boss—until she finds the courage to stand up for herself, recognize her worth, and embrace the love she truly deserves.

No Limit on Love
By Alison Lister
$14.95 Paperback
SEL SKILL: Relationship Skills
A nonbinary teen struggling with climate anxiety finds unexpected connection and love with a gender-fluid boy, as they both explore identity beyond labels and grow together.

One Summer in Vancouver
By Tony Correia
$22.95 Paperback
SEL SKILL: Relationship Skills
A closeted teen from Toronto spends a liberating summer in Vancouver during the 1990 Gay Games, where he confronts his identity and chooses between hiding or living openly.

Secret Me
By Angel Jendrick
$14.95 Paperback
SEL SKILL: Relationship Skills
A popular, closeted, teen from Charlottetown struggles with her hidden sexuality and guilt over bullying, but a night with a nonbinary classmate helps her embrace her true self and new love.

The Summer Between Us
By Andre Fenton
$14.95 Paperback
SEL SKILL: Relationship Skills
A biracial teen faces pressure to meet others’ expectations as he graduates high school, navigates identity and family tensions, and discovers his own path and passion during a pivotal summer.

Relationship Skills 5-Book Set
By Eddie Kawooya, ’Nathan Burgoine, Kristopher Mielke, Christina Minaki, and Caelan Beard
$70
SEL SKILL: Relationship Skills
These stories explore the dynamics of healthy relationships, teaching readers the value of communication, conflict resolution, and teamwork.
Titles included:
• Ace & the Misfits vs The Soccer Knights
• Love on Planet A
• Dogs Don’t Break Hearts
• Lonely in Happy Town
• Setter Up
Click on a SEL skill below to view titles



