Go

Mini Review: Deborah Ellis is a Canadian author I've recently discovered, and I have devoured four of her books in the past couple of months. Known for her book The Breadwinner, for which she has won numerous awards (not to mention the Order of Canada!), Go is the third book in her Onward series. 

I previously read Sit and Step and was once again blown away with how Ellis brings her readers into the lives of several young characters with wonderful descriptions, a frank honesty and a lot of heart. Readers see that despite all that life throws at these kids; they fight to GO on with their lives.

This book will inspire great discussion and empathy, and the world needs a whole lot more of both. 

My Rating: 4 stars

Author: Deborah Ellis

Genre: Children, Short Story, Canadian

Series: Onward 3

Type and Source: Paperback from public library

Publisher: Groundwood Books

First Published: June 2, 2026

Read: June 9-10, 2026

Book Description from GoodReads: From Deborah Ellis, the bestselling author of Sit and Step, comes a new short story collection about the moments when the adult world disappoints, and it’s time to pick up … and Go.

Brodie’s parents and brother expect him to step up for Team Family, even when Team Family has no intention of returning the favor. Joanie is left to take a city bus for the first time with her impossibly cranky grandmother and learns to stand up for what she wants. Alone in a foreign country, without money, shelter or papers, Liberi steals an expensive purse from a tourist and then figures out what to do with his feelings of guilt. Bastien, the foster kid no one wants, discovers his own inner strength when a wildfire ravages the town. And Kelsey and his brother find themselves robbing graves in the middle of the night, but for the best possible reason.

When the grownups turn their backs, the kids in these stories find a way to go forward. Sometimes it takes a little magical thinking. Sometimes a small act of bravery. Sometimes extending a hand to someone else. But always a realization that there is somewhere to go, if you pay attention, take action and refuse to give into the dark.