Reasons why there should be more YA books set in Canada (Where are thou Canadian authors??)

HAPPY CANADA DAY TO ALL MY CANADIAN FOLK OUT THERE! ❤ ❤ I have been SO EXCITED for this day to come, from a blogging perspective because I’ve wanted to talk about the lack of books set in Canada for a while now and had written this post in advance (I HOPE YOU LIKE IT) and from a literal perspective because it’s Canada’s 150th celebration this year and there is going to be so much fun today and AHHHHHH. *squeals* *starts singing O Canada in the bilingual English & French version because I’m Canadian like that*

Fun fact: I’d learned the bilingual version since preschool because I live in Ottawa and was in french immersion the majority of my school life, and I’m still not 100% confident singing the anthem in English. o.O OOPS. 

So, in honour of Canada Day I decided to have a more Canada themed post for today!! Because it feels like Canada is always sooooo overlooked in real life, sure, but also IN YA BOOKS. I mean, name more than one or two young adult books that are set in Canada?? Exactly. And not just set by name, but actually shows that it’s in Canada, not just says that so and so lives in _____, Canada. You know? There are soooooo many books set in the States, and I don’t mind, I just want more books in Canada because, hey! We exist and we’re kind of fabulous too (if I do say so myself) and having books set in Canada would be the BEST. Agh.

(Oh and!! Last reminder to enter my giveaway to win one released 2017 diverse book! It ends July 3rd, on Monday, and I’ll be contacting the winner on the 4th. 🙂 )

Now on to:

1. I live in Canada! (And also Canada rep please lol) 

Obviously this is a good enough reason? Okay, fine, apart from that there are also SO many Canadian readers out there and seeing that representation would be so so so lovely, at least for me! You have no idea how much I yearn for a book where I can relate to the setting!! Because yes, we’re making lovely progress on diversity people-wise, but I think people forget how much our surroundings shape us, and how having diverse settings (is that a thing? Does that make sense?) can also add such an authentic and relatable feel for people who’ve never lived in the States, for example. For people who live in CANADA.

2. Non-Canadians learn more about Canada! (byeeee stereotypes)

WE DO NOT. LIVE. IN IGLOOS. 

Ahem.

Just a slightly overused stereotype that you’d think is done with by now from Americans?? Especially when they live so near?? BUT NO. Argh. 😛 I don’t care as much, it’s not really a very harmful stereotype which is what I’m happy about, but having books (preferably written by Canadian authors or at least well-researched) with proper
representation of Canada? (Of course, the rep can vary depending on where it’s set, but overall) THAT WOULD BE SO AMAZING. And I can’t imagine most readers would complain about having books set in Canada, honestly? Why wouldn’t you want them? 😛

3. We have snowwwww!

Unless you live in Vancouver or something, in which case not as much but as a person who lived in Ottawa her life and dealt with winter half the time very year, imagine the potential?? If we’re speaking contemporary, which is what I imagine the most because um fantasy isn’t usually set in States OR anywhere in our world usually?? Just THINK. Family/friend/romantic snowball fights! Ice skating! Watching hockey together! (NOT FOOTBALL STOP 😂) Having school off because buses are cancelled (I lived for these days omg #memories)! Yes this can happen in other places but why? Not? In? Canada? Then?? SO. MUCH. POTENTIAL. Agh. If I were a writer…….. *dreams* *comes back to reality*

I am now impatiently waiting on other people to realize the amazing set up Canada offers!! Calling for Canadian authors pleasssse.

4. We have POUTINE.

I am so hungryyyyyyyyy now. *cries* Seriously though, how do Americans live without poutineeeee it’s a horror and I just?? Don’t?? Get it??? In case you didn’t know what it was, it’s (technically junk food) heaven composed of french fries, gravy and cheese! I don’t even usually care that much about cheese but paired with the french fries and gravy ❤ ❤ ❤ I can just imagineeee already cute contemporaries composed of dates where they share poutine?? Though if it were me I’d order one all to myself tbh obviously that’s the smart thing to do.

5. And BeaverTails (or Queues de Castor if you want to be French)!

Can you tell I’m incredibly hungry?? In case you have lived without the knowledge of this deliciousness your whole life, it’s not actually beaver tails we eat, just fyi haha. I think most people have heard of it before though? It’s a delicious dough pastry with cinnamon and sugar and you can top it with so many different things that you like, whipped cream, candy, SO MUCH and I really really want it right now can you tell?? *cries* Worth setting a book in Canada JUST for this deliciousness, no joke because obviously food is very very important. And we also have Kinder Eggs (I still can’t believe they’re banned from the States like WHAT), plus some chocolates like Coffee Crisp and Caramilk and ketchup chips tooooo (though I’m kind of indifferent on that front, I won’t mind eating them!!).

6. Timmiesssss!

Did this become a Canadian foods appreciation post?? Yes yes it did and I can’t even be sorry omg haha. Starbucks is fine and all and sure, Americans have Dunkin’ Donuts, but we have TIM HORTONS. ❤ Cheaper than Starbucks, but just as good and with Canadian flair obvi. I need to go back there and get some more timbits and an iced cap?? Or like a donut? Or a CROISSANT YUM. Brb, gotta go visit Timmies now.  I can just imagine friends meeting up at Timmies, walking to different food stores, hanging out, EATING like normal people and just agh. So precious.

7. Oh and touring a part of Canada possibly! #win

And also, another point related to number 2 is that you get a better look into a part of Canada (obviously not the whole place cause that’s impossible most likely)! Whether it’s set in Ottawa (hey, I live here and it’s the capital, of course I’m going to mention it always :P) or Toronto or Vancouver or anywhere, there’s so much potential to see things! To exploreeee! Because it’s a whole new worlddddddd! Like a la Anna and the French Kiss except a person visits Canada instead? TOUR TIME. I need to write this. Wait never mind I can’t write.

And even if it’s not a tour, the little things can still say so much. Talking about taking the OC Transpo/whatever other Canadian bus line (OOH imagine the MCs met on the bus?? CUTEEE.) and using a Presto pass to get to school/uni, shopping at Rideau Mall… small details that would make the experience so authentic for fellow Canadians/Ottawans (in this example)! (SO ME BASICALLY. Am I requesting someone make a book for me? Yes yes I am.)

Where do you live?? No specifics haha just in general? 😛 Do you think there should be more books set in Canada? (The only answer is YESSSS btw) What other countries would you like to see books set in? Am I the only one who thinks YA is very filled with books in the States? Also I really want to write a book set in Canada now but like #lazy and how do you even write.

OOH and let me know if you’re Canadian!! (Aka squeal with me about the deliciousness of Canadian food.) If you don’t live in Canada, well I hope I made you want to visit?? (For the food obviously am I right.) And that I’ve shown you a part of the fabulousness of this countryyyy ahah. Let me know your thoughts and HAPPY CANADA DAY!! ❤ (Even if you’re not Canadian haha.) I won’t be able to get back to you right away because Canada Day festivities, BUT CELEBRATE CANADA WITH MEEEE! ❤ Let me know your thoughts!