In response to events surrounding its inaugural publication, emerging B.C.-based children’s publisher Rebel Goose Books is organizing a free public event about representation in books called The Books We Wish We’d Had.

The event, which takes place at the Vancouver Art Gallery on Nov. 15, was born out of a Calgary business withdrawing sponsorship for the Alberta and B.C. leg of Chris Paul (Rainbows) Farias’s Guinea Pigs Don’t Wear Pants book tour over fears of potential backlash. Guinea Pigs, which celebrates individuality and self-expression, sees animals behaving and wearing things contrary to the restrictions that have been imposed on their lives. The book was published in June 2026, garnered an endorsement from Rosie O’Donnell and was designated an Indigo Staff Pick and a Today’s Parent pick. The picture book also drew outsized negative reactions.

Before the withdrawal of sponsorship, both Susan Pi, founder of Rebel Goose, and the author were, and continue to be, on the receiving end of anti-LGBTQ hate messages. 

In 2025, the Alberta government placed restrictions on books in school libraries that critics said targeted teen graphic novels by queer creators that depict coming-of-age stories that are 2SLGBTQIA+ in nature. Earlier this year, the Freedom to Read Panel and Banned Books Open Mic had their contract for the rental of a Calgary legion cancelled. 

In response to both the hate and then the countering messages of support, Pi launched a program called the Guinea Piggy Bank where people can donate a copy of the book or pay for shipping, and Rebel Goose will match that by donating a second book.

“One of the most meaningful parts of this journey has been seeing how the book resonates with both children and adults,” Farias told Q&Q. “Children connect with the humour and the characters, while adults often share what it would have meant to them to have a book like this growing up. Those conversations remind me that representation matters at every age. It’s never too early to help a child feel seen, and it’s never too late to give someone a story they wish they had. That’s why I do what I do.”

The Books We Wish We’d Had panel brings together Canadian 2SLGBTQIA+ children’s and YA authors Chris Paul (Rainbows) Farias, Tegan Quin (Merry Christmess), Stacey Chomiak (Who You Will Be), Tash McAdam (No One Left But You), and Tony Correia (One Summer in Vancouver and Checked Out), with moderator Jillian Christmas to discuss the books they grew up with, the stories they wish had existed, and how queer children’s literature is changing for kids today.

“Reading was hugely important to me growing up. Books were an escape, but they also introduced me to new ideas, cultures, and emotions. It’s a gift to now write for middle grade readers, especially because that’s the age when I fell in love with reading,” says musician and author Quin. “With so many distractions competing for kids’ attention, I want to write stories that make them excited to pick up a book. Events like this are an opportunity to connect with readers and celebrate storytelling. Ultimately, whether I’m making music or writing books, it’s about sharing experiences, connecting emotionally, and building community.”

In advance of the event, a few of the panellists shared a book that would have been pivotal for them growing up. 

Stacey Chomiak

Chomiak points to her own Still Stace: My Gay Christian Coming-of-Age Story: “There isn’t really any other book that I could have used more when I was younger. Which is why I felt compelled to write it. Growing up in the conservative church and wrestling with my faith and sexuality, there were no stories of queer people of faith existing. That would have changed everything for me. Perhaps I wouldn’t have struggled for as many years as I did – to see that my entire identity could be called Good.”

Tash McAdam

Sixteen Souls by Rosie Talbot: “Seeing a queer, disabled teen falling in love with a trans guy in an adventure story would have been game-changing for me. There were no stories about growing up [as] a person like me that didn’t end in tears when I was a teenager.” They also recount their favourite feedback from “young readers who reach out to me to say how fun and exciting they think my stories are. People are queer and trans in my books because they are in real life, but I like my stories with plenty of twists, so that’s what I hope to serve up.” 

Tony Correia

Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan: “The novel is narrated by the ghosts of gay men who died of AIDS. As a queer youth, I would have taken great comfort in knowing my queer ancestors were looking over my shoulder, guiding me. It also has one of my all-time favourite quotes: ‘People like to say being gay isn’t like skin colour, isn’t anything physical. They tell us we always have the option of hiding. But if that’s true, why do they always find us?’” Correia’s hope is to “impart how lucky queer youth are to be able to buy a queer YA book at a chain bookstore and not feel embarrassed about it. It’s a privilege they need to cherish and protect.” 

“There are people working very hard to make 2SLGBTQIA+ stories less visible and less accessible to young readers,” Pi told Q&Q. “We’re going in the opposite direction. We’re bringing together some of Canada’s most incredible queer creators to celebrate the books we wish we had growing up, and to make sure the next generation has them. Geese aren’t particularly good at being quiet, and neither are we.”

This article contains affiliate links. Quill & Quire has partnered with Booksellers.ca, a network of more than 180 independent bookstores across Canada, so we may earn a small commission when you purchase through links on our site – at no additional cost to you. More about Booksellers.ca.