Canada Reads 2021

This year, Canada Reads is looking for one book to transport us. Books can be a safe place to go when times are tough. Whether reading to escape daily cares, to explore new perspectives or simply to lift spirits, these stories of perseverance, discovery and resilience transport us across Canada, around the world and to worlds beyond.

Canada Reads is a literary "Survivor"-style show, with celebrities championing books. Each day, panellists will vote to eliminate one book until a single title is chosen as the title the whole country should read this year. 

With this year’s host, comedian Ali Hassan, they go live-to-air on CBC Radio One at 11 am from March 8-11, 2021. The show is also available as a livestream and airs at 1 pm on CBC Television.

2021 Titles

Winner: Johnny Appleseed by Joshua Whitehead

The Midnight Bargain by C.L. Polk

Two Trees Make a Forest by Jessica J. Lee

Hench by Natalie Zina Walschots

Butter Honey Pig Bread by Francesca Ekwuyasi

2020 Titles

Winner: We Have Always Been Here by Samra Habib

Small Game Hunting at the Local Coward Gun Club by Megan Gail Coles

Radicalized by Cory Doctorow

Son of a Trickster by Eden Robinson

From the Ashes by Jesse Thistle