Canada Reads 2026 is scheduled to run from April 13 to 16, offering viewers the chance to catch up by watching the animated trailers of the five competing books. This year’s debate aims to find a book that fosters unity and connection.
The contenders for 2026 are as follows: Filmmaker and actor Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers advocating for “A Minor Chorus” by Billy-Ray Belcourt, Hockey YouTube personality Steve (Dangle) Glynn supporting “Searching for Terry Punchout” by Tyler Hellard, Musician and writer Tegan Quin endorsing “The Cure for Drowning” by Loghan Paylor, Broadway actor Josh Dela Cruz championing “Foe” by Iain Reid, and BookTok star Morgann Book promoting “It’s Different This Time” by Joss Richard.
The selection of titles for 2026 emphasizes the impact of storytelling in bringing people together and fostering growth and inspiration collectively.
If you prefer accessible formats for the Canada Reads books, CELA and NNELS offer audio, braille, print braille, and text formats. Check the availability of formats for each book on CELA and NNELS websites.
The Canada Reads books are accessible in print, e-book, and audiobook formats at local bookstores or libraries. Use the provided link to locate an independent bookstore near you.
Canada Reads involves five Canadian celebrities choosing one book each for all Canadians to read. The books are debated over four days, with a daily vote eliminating one book until a winner emerges.
Experience the creators behind the books by watching their trailers. For instance, Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers will advocate for “A Minor Chorus” by Billy-Ray Belcourt, narrated by Jesse Nobess and animated by Onedove. Onedove is an Indigenous illustrator, while Jesse Nobess is an actor from Pinaymootang First Nation.
Similarly, “Foe” by Iain Reid will be championed by Broadway actor Josh Dela Cruz, with the trailer narrated by David Ferry and animated by Miles Vitko. David Ferry is a writer, director, and actor, while Miles Vitko is a Toronto-based designer specializing in theater and animation.
Additionally, BookTok star Morgann Book will advocate for “It’s Different This Time” by Joss Richard, with the trailer animated by Tenzin Tsering and narrated by Chelsea Clark. Tenzin Tsering is a Tibetan-Filipino illustrator, and Chelsea Clark is a Filipina-Canadian actor known for various roles in television and film.
Moreover, Hockey YouTube personality Steve (Dangle) Glynn will champion “Searching for Terry Punchout” by Tyler Hellard, with the trailer animated by Brian Evinou and narrated by Chai Valladares. Brian Evinou is recognized for his cartoons on the Maple Leafs, while Chai Valladares is a GTA-based actor transitioning into voiceover work.
Lastly, Musician and writer Tegan Quin will advocate for “The Cure for Drowning” by Loghan Paylor, with the trailer animated by Eric Orchard, narrated by Rhiannon Morgan, and animated by Fred Casia. Eric Orchard is an award-winning illustrator, Rhiannon Morgan is a Canadian actor, and Fred Casia is an animator and visual artist from Montréal.
Each book trailer showcases unique talents and perspectives, adding depth to the literary journey awaiting audiences during Canada Reads 2026.
