If you’ve recently discovered the hauntingly beautiful prose of Amanda Peters, you’re not alone. Since her explosive debut in 2023, this Mi’kmaq author from Nova Scotia has quickly become one of the most talked-about voices in Canadian Indigenous literature. Her books blend heartbreaking family sagas, historical truths, and the resilience of Mi’kmaw culture in a way that keeps readers up all night.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or just heard about her Giller Prize-winning novel, this complete Amanda Peters books in order guide will help you read her work the right way (and avoid spoilers!).
Who Is Amanda Peters?
Amanda Peters is an award-winning Mi’kmaq writer and professor who grew up in both the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia and on the Southwest side of Newfoundland. Her writing focuses on identity, belonging, the legacy of residential schools, and the strength of Indigenous women across generations.
Her debut novel made history as the first book by an Indigenous woman to win Canada’s prestigious Scotiabank Giller Prize.
Let’s dive into her published works so far.
Amanda Peters Books: Complete List by Series
Amanda Peters, the acclaimed Mi’kmaq author known for her poignant explorations of identity, family, and Indigenous resilience, has published two major works to date. As a debut author, she doesn’t have a multi-book series in the traditional sense. Instead, her bibliography consists of standalone titles: one debut novel and one short story collection. Below is a complete list organized by series (or standalone), presented in publication order for easy reading. This table is updated as of November 2025—no new releases have been announced yet.
| Series/Standalone | Book Title | Publication Year | Type | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standalone | The Berry Pickers | 2023 | Novel | A gripping family saga and mystery about a Mi’kmaw girl’s disappearance during a blueberry harvest, spanning decades and perspectives. Winner of the 2023 Scotiabank Giller Prize and 2024 Andrew Carnegie Medal. |
| Collections | Waiting for the Long Night Moon: Stories | 2024 | Short Story Collection | Interconnected tales of Mi’kmaw life in Atlantic Canada, echoing themes from her novel, with quiet emotional depth. Longlisted for the 2025 Giller Prize. |
Notes:
- Recommended Reading Order: Start with The Berry Pickers (her breakout hit), then move to Waiting for the Long Night Moon for thematic connections.
- No Series Yet: Both works are self-contained, but fans speculate future novels might expand into a loose interconnected universe based on shared cultural motifs.
- Upcoming? As of November 24, 2025, no second novel or series has been released or officially announced, though Peters is reportedly at work on new projects.
If you’re diving in, The Berry Pickers is the perfect entry point—grab a copy and prepare for an emotional journey! Have a favorite? Share in the comments. 📖
Amanda Peters Books in Publication Order
1. Waiting for the Long Night Moon: Stories (2024) – Short Story Collection
- Publication Date: September 17, 2024
- Publisher: Goose Lane Editions
- Awards & Recognition: Longlisted for the 2025 Giller Prize
This stunning collection of interconnected short stories marks Amanda Peters’ first published work (yes, the short stories came out after her debut novel due to publishing timelines!). Many of these stories explore themes that later appear in her novel, making it a perfect companion read.
Readers call it “quietly devastating” and “essential Atlantic Canadian literature.” If you love Alice Munro or Lisa Moore, you’ll feel right at home here.
Perfect for: Readers who want to see Peters master the short form before tackling her novel.
2. The Berry Pickers (2023) – Debut Novel
- Publication Date: April 2023 (Canada) / October 31, 2023 (US)
- Publisher: Harper Perennial (Canada) / Catapult (US)
- Awards:
- Winner of the 2023 Scotiabank Giller Prize
- Winner of the Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction (2024)
- Winner of the Andrew Carnegie Medal
- Longlisted for the 2024 Women’s Prize for Fiction (UK)
This is the book that put Amanda Peters on the international map.
Set in Maine and Nova Scotia between the 1960s and present day, The Berry Pickers follows a Mi’kmaw family whose four-year-old daughter, Ruthie, vanishes while picking blueberries in Maine. Decades later, a young woman in New Brunswick named Norma begins to uncover secrets about her own identity.
Told in alternating perspectives (primarily between Ruthie’s brother Joe and Norma), the novel is a masterclass in slow-burn suspense wrapped in profound grief and love.
Why readers are obsessed:
- Gorgeous writing about nature and Mi’kmaw traditions
- A mystery that doesn’t rely on cheap twists
- One of the most emotional final 50 pages you’ll ever read
Warning: Have tissues ready. This book has made entire book clubs sob.
Recommended Reading Order for Amanda Peters Books
Here are the two best ways to read her work:
Option 1: Publication Order (Recommended for most readers)
- The Berry Pickers (2023) – Start here! It’s her most famous and accessible work.
- Waiting for the Long Night Moon: Stories (2024) – You’ll recognize echoes of characters and themes, which makes the collection even richer.
Option 2: Chronological Publication of Writing (for super-fans)
Some of the stories in Waiting for the Long Night Moon were written before The Berry Pickers, so die-hard fans sometimes read the collection first. However, most readers (and the author herself in interviews) recommend starting with the novel.
What’s Next? Upcoming Amanda Peters Books (2025–2026)
As of November 2025, Amanda Peters has confirmed she is currently working on her second novel – though no title or release date has been announced yet. Given the two-year gap between her short story collection and debut novel, many fans are hoping for a 2026 release.
She’s hinted in interviews that the new book will again center Mi’kmaw characters and intergenerational stories, possibly touching on the fishing rights struggles in Atlantic Canada.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Read Amanda Peters Right Now
In just two books, Amanda Peters has proven herself to be one of the most important new voices in North American literature. Her writing is gentle yet unflinching, lyrical yet grounded in harsh historical truths.
If you loved books like:
- The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich
- There There by Tommy Orange
- Crow Winter by Karen McBride
- Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice
…then Amanda Peters will feel like coming home.
Quick Start Guide:
- Grab The Berry Pickers (trust me – you won’t be able to put it down)
- Immediately follow it with Waiting for the Long Night Moon: Stories.
- Join the rest of us waiting impatiently for book #3!
Have you read Amanda Peters yet? Which book broke your heart the most? Drop your thoughts in the comments – I’d love to hear from you! 💔📚
This guide is updated as of November 2025. Bookmark this page – I’ll keep it current as soon as new Amanda Peters books are announced!
