Imagine five people you never expected to beat the table together championing and debating a book of their choice.
Canada Reads, now in its 25th year, is more than a book competition; it’s a cultural conversation, one that expands into living rooms, libraries, bookstores and book clubs across the country, says Canada Reads senior producer Erin Balser.
“I think this group is going to have a lot of fun with the show,” Balser says, adding this year’s edition has an extra spark. “They’re not going to be afraid to disagree with each other. They can have hard conversations, but they’ll do it with respect.”
While five competitors championed by five panellists battle head-to-head each year in a creative yet friendly competition, this season feels especially energetic, Balser notes.
“Every Canada Reads is unique, but it’s an interesting alchemy between the people we cast, the books they select and the moments that are happening in the world.”
Balser says one of the most exciting elements this year is the diversity of genres, which was an intentional effort to expand beyond traditional literary fiction borders.
That commitment is evident in the debut novel by Calgary-based author Tyler Hellard, Searching for Terry Punchout, a funny, heartfelt novel with a dash of Canada’s favourite sport — hockey.
“Humour is something we see the audience ask for a lot,” Balser says. “I’m really excited to see how people respond to it.”
Canada Reads’ impact goes far beyond the event, says Balser, who points out that the competition has been one of the biggest drivers of book sales across the country over the past decade.
“All five books from each year have landed on bestseller lists after being announced,” she says.“People are looking for book recommendations from places they trust, and Canada Reads has become one of those places.”
The book selection process is entirely panellist-driven, rooted in long conversations about passion, values and personal connection. That magic extends into communities, where readers put their own spin on the show.
“Canada Reads is a national show that’s really taken up at the grassroots level. We love seeing people do their own versions.”
WordFest presents Calgary’s Canada Reads Celebration on April 1 at the Memorial Park Library, featuring Tyler Hellard and Steve “Dangle” Glynn with fellow champion and BookTok star Morgann Book and Joss Richard, author of It’s Different This Time.
wordfest.com
Canada Reads Quick Hits
Each day of the competition, the panellists will eliminate one book until a winner is declared. The five books that will be debated and their champions for Canada Reads 2026 are:
Searching for Terry Punchout by Tyler Hellard, championed by hockey analyst, YouTube personality, and podcaster, Steve “Dangle” Glynn.
A Minor Chorus by Billy-Ray Belcourt, championed by Canadian Screen Award-winning actor and filmmaker, Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers.
Foe by Iain Reid, championed by actor, Broadway performer, and children’s TV host, Josh Dela Cruz.
It’s Different This Time by Joss Richard, championed by #BookTok influencer, content creator, and digital book club host, Morgann Book.
Panellist and Calgary-born singer-song-writer Tegan Quin chose to champion The Cure for Drowning by Abbotsford, BC’s Loghan Paylor. Quin is one-half of the pop-indie duo Tegan and Sara, and grew up in northeast Calgary.
A complete list of past winners and finalists is available at cbc.ca/books.
