The Association of Book Publishers of B.C. has released the 15 bestselling local books for the week of July 4, 2026. The list, compiled from independent B.C.-owned publishers and sold in independent B.C. bookstores, features a mix of mystery, memoir, and nature writing.
Top 5 Bestsellers
Leading the list at number one is A False and Fatal Claim: A Lane Winslow Mystery by Iona Whishaw, published by Touchwood Editions. The second spot is held by Unceded: Understanding British Columbia’s Colonial Past and Why It Matters Now by George M. Abbott, with a foreword by Steven Point, from UBC Press. The third bestseller is The Astronaut Children of Dunbar Street: A Memoir by Wiley Wei-Chium Ho, published by Douglas and McIntyre. Rounding out the top five are Dead Bees Still Sting: Tales of Life at the Edge of Nature by Susan Cormier (Greystone Books) and The Best of Roy Henry Vickers: 80 Selected Works by Lucky Budd and Roy Henry Vickers (Harbour Publishing Co.).
Children's and Nature Books
The list includes several children's and nature-focused titles. Tiny Hiker by Natasha Zimmers, illustrated by Jaimie MacGibon (Orca Books), and Fiddlehead Forest by Jana Curll (Greystone Books) are featured. The Inquisitive Raven by Richard Wagamese, illustrated by Bridget George (Greystone Books), and The Trees Talk by Jennifer Scott, illustrated by Carla Joseph (Medicine Wheel Publishing) also made the list. These books reflect a strong interest in outdoor and environmental themes among B.C. readers.
Non-Fiction and Memoirs
Non-fiction works are well represented. A Season for Spies: A Lane Winslow Prequel by Iona Whishaw (Touchwood Editions) continues the popular mystery series. West Coast Kitchen Garden: Growing, Gathering, And Eating Through the Seasons by Sabrina Currie (Touchwood Editions) appeals to gardening and food enthusiasts. Real Enough: The Unlikely Story of Doug and the Slugs by Aaron Chapman (Anvil Press) offers a music history angle. The Canada Handbook by Adrian Raeside (Harbour Publishing) and Seventy Two Seasons: A memoir about Noticing by M.A.C. Farrant (Ronsdale Press) round out the non-fiction selections.
Indigenous and Cultural Works
Several titles highlight Indigenous perspectives and cultural heritage. The Lost Haida Manga: A Compendium by Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas and Wade Davis (Douglas & McIntyre) closes the list at number 15. Unceded and The Inquisitive Raven also address Indigenous themes. The list underscores the diversity of B.C.'s publishing scene, with works that explore colonial history, Indigenous art, and environmental stewardship.
According to the Association of Book Publishers of B.C., the weekly list aims to promote local authors and independent publishers. The full list of 15 titles is available through participating bookstores across the province.
