PRESENTED ONLINE // OCTOBER 3–4, 2020
CONTENTS
WRITING PORTFOLIO
ONCE UPON A FOLD... 3
FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
4
BOOK LIST
6
PARTICIPANT BIOS
7
House Fire // Tamiera Baker
13
Why the Delay? // Naomi McDonald
14
Trees of Memories // Isabel Swan
16
A Forest Home // Zara Zafar
17
The R.M.S. Titanic // Olivia Gyuran
18
The Irony of a Country’s Name // Isabelle Mishkis
20
I Wish // Chase Ragoobar
22
Niagara Falls // Maya Adewunmi
23
My Sister // Charlotte Ma
23
Not Just Any Cupcake // Eric Sauvé
24
FOLD STAFF
FOLD 2020 PL ANNING TEAM
Jael Richardson | Executive Director
Louisa Atto
Amanda Leduc Communications & Development Coordinator
Cat Belshaw
Ardo Omer | FOLD Kids Coordinator
Toni Duval
Kilby Smith-McGregor | Graphic Designer 2020 FOLD BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ishta Mercurio | Chair Teri Vlassopoulos | Treasurer Ashish Seth | Secretary Karen Richardson Mason Director, Children’s Programming David Burga | Director, Adult Programming Felicia Quon | Director, Sponsorship and Prizes Cynthia Innes | Director, Human Resources Mark Richardson | Director, Board Governance FOLD KIDS 2020 PL ANNING TEAM Toni Duval Calyssa Erb Ardo Omer Jael Richardson Lamoi Simmonds
David Burga Calyssa Erb Kristen Johnston Shoilee Khan Chelsea LaVecchia Amanda Leduc Ricky Lima Karen Richardson Mason Emmy Nordstrom Higdon Alex Platt Natasha Ramoutar Jael Richardson Fiona Ross Natasha Shaikh Lamoi Simmonds Monika Trzeciakowski Léonicka Valcius Meg Wheeler C.J. Zvanitajs
An agency of the Government of Ontario Un organisme du gouvernement de l’Ontario
ONCE UPON A Once upon a time, there was a beautiful city full of people from all different cultures and communities. They loved books and they had beautiful book buildings, but they longed for a place to celebrate stories that reflected the magical flower world they called home.
FO LD . . .
In this city, there lived a woman. She wrote books and she dreamed of a celebration of books in her magical flower city that would draw readers and writers of every kind from far and wide. So she started a festival and when she assembled her team, she found one special friend—a writer who was bright and wise, who helped bring her dream to life. 3
There were wonderful book celebrations, and they were happy. But when they looked around, they saw that there were not enough celebrations for kids. So they dreamed and they dreamed about a special book party—a festival for kids and parents and teachers—and someone extra special to help make the festival fantastic. They searched far and wide for the perfect person, and when they found her, they were so happy. Now they have celebrations just for kids when the summer turns orange and red and the wind blows through the flower city. The three women work together to celebrate books for kids of all ages in a magical city called Brampton. They draw writers from around the world so that all children in all places can find themselves—and others— in books. And we all live happily ever after.
Jael Richardson, Amanda Leduc & Ardo Omer
FESTIVA L SCH ED ULE SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 7:00pm– 8:30pm (10+)
FANTASTIC FICTION FOR YOUNG READERS From solving mysteries to faraway lands, find out how these kidlit authors create exciting new characters who chart their own paths through magical and mysterious adventures. With David A. Robertson, Nafiza Azad, and Michael Hutchinson. [CC]
LIVE TRIVIA
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1 8:00pm– 9:00pm (18+)
WHAT’S THE BUZ Z: 2020’S BEST CANADIAN TITLES FOR TEACHERS, PARENTS & LIBRARIANS Grab your pen and paper and get ready to take notes. This showcase offers librarians and educators a snapshot of the best Canadian OwnVoices titles this year. Featuring FOLD Kids Coordinator Ardo Omer along with Khary Mathurin from Another Story Bookshop. [CC]
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2 4
8:00pm– 9:00pm (18+)
CHERISHING INDIGENOUS L ANGUAGES IN PICTURE BOOKS Picture books are playing an important role in preserving culture, customs, and sharing Indigenous languages with young readers. Bestselling author Waubgeshig Rice speaks with David A. Robertson, Dallas Hunt, and Jennifer Leason. [CC]
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3 10:00am– 11:00am (6+)
12:00pm– 1:00pm (6+)
2:00pm– 3:30pm (12-18)
2:00pm– 3:30pm (18+)
DOODLE WITH ME Debbie Ridpath Ohi reads from her picture book, Gurple and Preen: A Broken Crayon Cosmic Adventure (text by Linda Sue Park), then shows young artists and writers how to brainstorm character & story ideas through found object doodles. Bring paper and something to draw with! [CC] NOT SO DIFFERENT Disabled blogger, author and Youtube star Shane Burcaw talks about his children’s book Not So Different. This interactive event is designed to teach kids about spinal muscular atrophy and about all the ways Shane wants people to know he's not so different after all. [CC] WRITING WORKSHOP FOR YOUNG WRITERS In this workshop for young writers (12–18 years old), author Richard Van Camp provides practical tips and tricks for writing incredible stories. [CC]
WRITING KIDLIT WORKSHOP Award-winning author Jillian Tamaki shares practical resources and insight on the process of writing picture books. [CC]
4:00pm– 5:00pm (4+)
6:00pm– 7:00pm (12+)
THE BIG BIRTHDAY BASH An interactive virtual birthday party with two incredible authors. Danielle Murrell Cox reads from her book, My Hair, followed by a celebration with Yolanda T. Marshall reading My Soca Birthday Party. Be prepared to dance, sing, and laugh as we celebrate a fun-filled afternoon! [CC] THIS REALLY HAPPENED: TRUE-TO -LIFE STORIES FOR YOUNG READERS In this powerful panel, Canadian authors of fiction and non-fiction talk about how their books for young readers are rooted in real life events. Join Tina Athaide, Michel Chikwanine and June Hur discuss the important personal and historical moments that shaped their stories. [CC]
LIVE TRIVIA
8:00pm– 9:30pm (ALL)
ONE EARTH: YOUTH R ALLY FOR THE PL ANET Anuradha Rao checks in with One Earth: People of Color Protecting Our Planet contributors from around the world who are doing fantastic work advocating for the planet. Enjoy music and spoken word in a powerful family event that will inspire all of us to protect and defend the land. [CC]
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4 10:00am– 11:15am (6+)
12:00pm– 1:30pm (ALL)
2:00pm– 3:30pm
POWER POEMS FOR SMALL HUMANS Inspired by the book Power Poems for Small Humans, join Britta Badour as she teaches young writers how to craft powerful poems in an interactive event designed for writers 6–12 years of age. [CC] 5 OUR LIT TLE KITCHEN A kid-friendly, food-focused event with author Jillian Tamaki, Chef Joshna Maharaj, and two kid-cook assistants. You don't want to miss a minute of this tasty, interactive event designed for the whole family. [CC] LEARN TO ILLUSTR ATE Soyeon Kim leads an informative workshop on creating powerful images for picture books. [CC]
(14+)
4:00pm– 5:00pm (12-18)
6:00pm– 7:00pm (0+)
8:00pm– 9:00pm (15+)
THE YOUNG READERS BOOK CLUB: THE CANDLE AND THE FL AME In this first installment of FOLD's Young Readers Book Club, Ardo Omer and Ainara Alleyne chat with Nafiza Azad about her debut novel The Candle and the Flame. This event includes interactive polls and discussion about the book designed for readers 12–18 years of age. [CC] BUFF Y SAINTE-MARIE PRESENTS HEY LIT TLE ROCK ABYE Icon and rockstar Buffy Sainte-Marie reads from her picture book Hey Little Rockabye and performs a sing-along. Bring your pets or stuffed animals, and snuggle up for an incredible time with Buffy Sainte-Marie. [CC] AFTER HOURS: GET TING REEL WITH ADAM GARNET JONES
Fire Song follows Shane, a gay Anishinaabe teen, reeling after the suicide of his kid sister. Speaking about the YA novel adapted from his award-winning film, Adam Garnet Jones unpacks what it means to write difficult stories that shed light on important issues. [CC]
BOO K LI ST
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TINA ATHAIDE
SOYEON KIM
Orange for the Sunsets HarperCollins Canada 9780062795298
Once Upon an Hour Orca Books 9781459821279
NAFIZ A A Z AD
JENNIFER LEA SON
The Candle and the Flame Scholastic 9781338306040
Meennunyakaa / Blueberry Patch Orca Books 9781926886589
BRIT TA BADOUR
JOSHNA MAHAR AJ
anthology contributor Power Poems for Small Humans Flamingo Rampant
Take Back the Tray ECW Press 9781770414914
SHANE BURCAW
YOL ANDA T. MARSHALL
Not So Different (...) Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group 9781626727717
My Soca Birthday Party (...) Chalkboard Publishing 9781771055680
MICHEL CHIK WANINE
DEBBIE RIDPATH OHI
Child Soldier: When Boys and Girls are Used in War KidsCan Press 9781771381260
Gurple and Preen Simon and Schuster Canada 9781534431416
DANIELLE MURRELL COX
ANUR ADHA R AO
My Hair HarperCollins Canada 9780062897657
One Earth: People of Color Protecting Our Planet Orca Books 9781459818866
DALL A S HUNT
DAVID A . ROBERTSON
Awâsis and the World-Famous Bannock HighWater Press 9781553797791
The Barren Grounds / When We Were Alone PRH Canada / Highwater Press 978073526610 / 9781553799054
JUNE HUR
BUFF Y SAINTE MARIE
The Silence of Bones Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group 9781250229557
Hey Little Rockabye Greystone Books 9781771644822
MICHAEL HUTCHINSON
JILLIAN TAMAKI
The Case of the Missing Auntie Second Story Press 9781772601176
Our Little Kitchen Groundwood Books 9781773062624
ADAM GARNET JONES
RICHARD VAN CAMP
Fire Song Annick Press 9781554519781
We Sang You Home Orca Books 9781459811782
PARTI CI PANT BI O S AUTHORS TINA ATHAIDE was born in Entebbe. After leaving Uganda she immigrated with her family to Canada from England. She has been a teacher for thirty years. Believing that books can present different experiences to children in an organic, natural way, she started publishing early literacy readers for the educational market before her debut book, Orange For The Sunsets. The MG book is a Junior Library Guild Selection and is nominated for a Silver Birch award by the Forest of Reading program in Canada. NAFIZ A A Z AD is the author of The Candle and the Flame and the upcoming The Wild Ones. BRIT TA BADOUR, better known as Britta B., is a Kingston-born, Toronto-based spoken word poet, emcee and artist educator. She has mentored thousands of youth through arts programs initiated by organizations like JAYU (pronounced JAH-YOU), Poetry In Voice, Prologue Performing Arts and The Power Plant. Britta is an alumna of the Toronto Arts Council Leaders Lab and a member of the League of Canadian Poets. Currently, Britta is a Creative Writing MFA candidate at University of Guelph. SHANE BURCAW is the author of several award-winning books about disability. He is the President of a nonprofit organization called Laughing At My Nightmare, and a renowned public speaker who has performed across the country at places such as Harvard University, The University of Florida, The University of Connecticut, Princeton University, and many more. An accomplished motivational speaker and author, MICHEL CHIK WANINE grew up in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Much of his childhood was ravaged by a war that claimed the lives of 5.8 million people; his father included, and forced him to be a refugee and child soldier. Now, a United Nations Fellow for People of African Descent and graduate from the University of Toronto, he now inspires people to believe in their ability to fulfil their purpose.
DALL AS HUNT is Cree and a member of Wapsewsipi (Swan River First Nation) in Treaty 8 territory in Northern Alberta, Canada. He has had creative and critical work published in the Malahat Review, Arc Poetry, Canadian Literature, and the American Indian Culture and Research Journal. His first children’s book, Awâsis and the World-Famous Bannock, was published through Highwater Press in 2018, and was nominated for the Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Canadian Picture Book Award. JUNE HUR was born in South Korea, raised in Canada, and studied History and Literature at the University of Toronto. She began writing her debut novel, The Silence of Bones, after obsessing over books about Joseon Korea. She lives in Toronto with her husband and daughter. MICHAEL HUTCHINSON is a member of the Misipawistik Cree Nation, north of Winnipeg. He currently lives in Ottawa, Ontario where he works at the Assembly of First Nations, which advocates for First Nation families and communities across Canada. Prior to that, he spent 7 years as the host and producer of APTN National News. He wrote this book to instill pride in Indigenous youth and educate others about First Nation communities, beliefs, and opinions. ADAM GARNET JONES is a Cree/Metis author, filmmaker and beadworker from Edmonton, Alberta. His first book, Fire Song, is based on his award-winning feature film. He currently works as the Lead of Indigenous Initiatives at Telefilm Canada and the Canadian Media Fund. SOYEON KIM is a Korean-born artist and educator currently living in Toronto, Ontario. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts and Bachelor of Education from York University. She has participated in artist residencies at The Hermitage (St. Petersburg, Russia) and Spark Box Studios (Picton, Ontario). As a children’s picture book illustrator, she has participated in TD Book Week 2018 and Adelaide Writers’ Week (Australia) for the Kids’ Weekend in 2017.
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Boozhoo, Aniin Keesis Sagay Egette Kwe nindiznikaaz (greetings, my name is First Shining Rays of Sunlight Woman). Dr. JENNIFER LEASON is Anishinaabek and a member of Pine Creek Indian Band, Manitoba and the proud mother of Lucas (age 11) and Lucy (age 9). Dr. Leason is a Canadian Institute of Health Research, Canada Research Chair, Tier II, Indigenous Maternal Child Wellness and an Assistant Professor at the University of Calgary. JOSHNA MAHAR AJ is a chef, a twotime TEDx speaker, & activist who wants to help everyone have a better relationship with their food. Recently, Joshna has been working with hospitals & universities in Toronto to build new models for institutional food service. Her first book entitled Take Back the Tray (May 2020), captures the lessons and experience from her work. Joshna is a regular guest on CBC Radio and she cohosts a food podcast called HotPlate.
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YOL ANDA T. MARSHALL is a Guyanese-born Canadian Author. Her storybooks such as, A Piece of Black Cake for Santa, Miles Away In The Caribbean, and My Soca Birthday Party: with Jollof Rice and Steel Pans, represent Canadian children of Caribbean and African heritage. A world traveller, a jazz lover and a devoted Mother, she embodies Art and takes her readers on adventurous, cultured journeys. DANIELLE MURRELL COX is a minimalistic graphic designer from Canada. She graduated from the Graphic Design Program at Dawson College in 2011. In addition to her work as a graphic designer, she is an illustrator and the toy designer of the plush toys “Zuri & Dre”. Danielle is best known for her self-published coloring books Black Queens and Black Kings, which went viral on social media and gave her the opportunity to have a segment on NowThis, HER, amongst many other platforms. DEBBIE RIDPATH OHI is the author-illustrator of Where Are My Books? and Sam & Eva (Simon & Schuster). Her illustrations also appear in books by Judy Blume, Michael Ian Black, Aaron Reynolds, among others. Newest book: Gurple and Preen: A Broken Crayon Cosmic
Adventure, written by Linda Sue Park and illustrated by Debbie. Blog for kidlit creators: Inkygirl.com. For more info, see DebbieOhi.com. ANUR ADHA R AO is a conservation biologist, writer and facilitator born and raised in the traditional territories of the Anishinabewaki, Attiwonderonk and Haudenosaunee Nations and currently based in unceded Coast Salish Territories. She has worked on research, conservation and restoration projects with communities and organizations in Canada and internationally. Her worldview and approach to science are heavily influenced by teachings from her Hindu culture and from Indigenous knowledge holders. DAVID A . ROBERTSON is the author of numerous books for young readers including When We Were Alone, which won the 2017 Governor General’s Literary Award and was nominated for the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award. Strangers, the first book in his Reckoner trilogy, a young adult supernatural mystery, won the 2018 Michael Van Rooy Award for Genre Fiction (Manitoba Book Awards). A sought-after speaker and educator, he is a member of the Norway House Cree Nation and currently lives in Winnipeg. BUFF Y SAINTE-MARIE has made her voice heard worldwide through her music, art, and activism, establishing herself among the ranks of music greats. Her long career has seen her rise to stardom on the festival and performing arts circuit, with forays into country, rock, folk, soundtracks, acting, activism, and children’s television. In 2020, she added children’s picture-book author to her incredible list of accomplishments with the release of “Hey Little Rockabye – A Lullaby for Pet Adoption”. JILLIAN TAMAKI is a cartoonist and illustrator raised in Calgary. She currently lives in Toronto. A proud Tlicho Dene from Fort Smith, NWT, RICHARD VAN CAMP is the author of 24 books out these past 24 years. He lives in Edmonton with his family.
MODERATORS/INTERVIEWERS AINAR A ALLEYNE is an 11-year-old from Hamilton Ontario with a passion for reading, cosplay and acting. She started Ainaras Bookshelf, a bookstagram highlighting BIPOC characters and books for young readers. She believes that through reading kids of all backgrounds can share in the humanity and experiences of diverse cultures. She hopes to someday add her own book to these adventures. TONI DUVAL is a teacher in the Peel District School Board and a member of the FOLD Kids Planning Team. UZMA JAL ALUDDIN is the author of Ayesha At Last, and Hana Khan Carries On, published by HarperCollins. She writes a parenting column for The Toronto Star, and has written for The Atlantic. Uzma lives in Markham, Ontario, with her husband and two sons, where she also teaches high school. MICHELLE K ADARUSMAN grew up in Melbourne, Australia, and has also lived in Indonesia. Her 2019 middle-grade novel Girl of the Southern Sea was a finalist for the Governor General’s Literary Award, a USBBY Outstanding International Books List selection and a NCTA Freeman Award honor book. Her previous novel, The Theory of Hummingbirds, was a finalist for the Forest of Reading Silver Birch Award. Her latest middle-grade novel, Music for Tigers, was released in April 2020 and was chosen for the Washington Post’s KidsPost summer book club. Michelle lives in Toronto. KHARY MATHURIN is a bookseller and education support manager at Another Story Bookshop. Born and raised in Scarborough, Ontario, he studied literature at the University of Toronto and got his start selling books at the gone-but-not-forgotten World’s Biggest Bookstore. At Another Story Bookshop, Khary promotes the store’s values of equity and social justice by helping teachers and teacher-librarians update their bookshelves with more diverse titles. And when he’s not immersed in the world of books, he can be found spinning tracks behind the decks as DJ K.
ARDO OMER has written for online platforms as a reviewer and critic for almost a decade. She’s been a judge for a few kids comics awards and is an advisor at the Canadian Comics Open Library. Omer lives in Toronto, Ontario, where she serves as the Kids Coordinator for the Festival of Literary Diversity (FOLD). WAUBGESHIG RICE is an author and journalist from Wasauksing First Nation on Georgian Bay. He has written three fiction titles, and his short stories and essays have been published in numerous anthologies. His most recent novel, Moon of the Crusted Snow, was published in 2018 and became a national bestseller. He lives in Sudbury, Ontario with his wife and two sons.
RALLY FOR THE PLANET KENDI BORONA is a firm believer in the application of Indigenous Knowledge in the furtherance of just conservation regimes. Over the course of her career, she has worked towards the integration of natural and cultural heritage into a concrete whole, and to locate communities firmly in their landscapes. Her teaching philosophy is anchored on the belief that education should be transformational, and that it should help us create a just society for all beings. DOMINIQUE EDWARDS is a Black Womxn from the United States who is a Food Justice Activist fighting for a community controlled food system in Northwest Indiana. She is an expert in local and regional food systems, urban homesteader, and 2016 graduate of DePaul University. NANA FIRMAN previously worked with the World Wildlife Fund in Indonesia, directing the Green Recovery efforts in the wake of earthquake and tsunami, and also engaged to create climate resiliency plans. She organized Islamic Declaration on Global Climate Change and later co-founded the Global Muslim Climate Network, which calls to all Muslim nations to transition from fossil-fuel to clean-energy based development. She was named as the White House Champion of Change by the US President Obama.
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NIT YA CHARI HARRIS lives adjacent to the Sooke Hills Wilderness Area and has a deep relationship with this land. Seeing increasing conflict between people, bears, cougars and wolves in the Capital Regional District of Victoria, BC, she founded the Coexisting with Carnivores Alliance to help address human-wildlife interactions and enhance tolerance toward carnivores. Nitya is a retired engineer and presently a member farmer and Director of the Lohbrunner Community Farm Cooperative in Langford, B.C. SAMEER MULDEEN has been a vegan activist for over 13 years. He has led many campaigns in Quebec with the Montreal Vegetarian Association, the Vegan Festival of Montreal, the Green Party of Canada and Radio Centre-Ville. Today Sameer is a full time executive for a student union and a part-time DJ and dance instructor.
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BR ANDON NGUYEN is an environmental advocate from Toronto currently studying Political Science and Environmental Policy at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. He is particularly interested in environmental education, climate finance and urban sustainability. WILLI NOL AN CAMPBELL is a Faithful Daughter of Creation. An ecologist and an environmentalist who has been studying aquatic systems and marine mega fauna since 1999 in India. DIPANI SUTARIA is also a re-wilder and native species gardner; and likes to spend time in nature, sensitising children to all the world has to offer in diversity and plurality. She also advises graduate and post graduate students. At home she lives with a cat and 8 dogs. KIM SANDER WRIGHT is the ICCA Consortium’s Advisor for Coastal, Marine and Island Environments—Areas conserved by indigenous peoples and local communities. “Territories of Life” can still conserve biodiversity, culture, livelihoods and food sovereignty as they have done for millennia. As a Punjabi Canadian of mixed cultural origins she brings her personal experiences to ensuring this holistic approach to conservation is appropriately respected and that threats to ICCAs from land and ocean grabbing are removed.
KEN WU is the executive director of the Endangered Ecosystems Alliance. He studied ecology at the University of British Columbia, and has worked as a biologist, tree-planter and door canvasser. He previously was the executive director of the Ancient Forest Alliance and the Wilderness Committee’s Victoria chapter.
PUBLISHING PROFESSIONALS FIONA KENSHOLE: I love the midwifery of being an agent, from your debuts to the movie deal. I specialize in children’s and YA with a special interest in international rights. Previously, I was a VP at Laika working on the Oscar-nominated The Boxtrolls, and UK editor for Beverley Cleary, Lois Lowry and Bruce Coville, and was nominated for “Editor of the Year” at the British Book Awards. Recent successes include Rosanne Parry’s MG A Wolff Called Wander (36 weeks as a NYT bestseller) and Vicki Grant’s YA romcom, 36 Questions that Changed My Mind About You sold in 22 languages . LYNNE MISSEN is Publishing Director of Fiction at Penguin Random House Canada Young Readers, focusing on novels for middle-grade and young adult readers. She has been an editor for over thirty years, and has been editing books for young readers, specifically, for the past eighteen. She has worked with many Canadian and international writers, including Susan Juby, Sheena Kamal, Tanaz Bhathena, David Robertson, Wab Kinew, Kelley Armstrong, Polly Horvath and Angela Ahn. EMMY NORDSTROM HIGDON: I am a bookseller at an independent book shop, a blogger at Books Beyond Binaries, and a member of the planning team for the Festival of Literary Diversity. I am a queer, trans, non-binary colonizer originally from Newfoundland, now based in Tkaronto (Toronto, Ontario). I keep busy with finishing up my PhD dissertation, spending time with my family (including adopted dogs and cats), embroidery, vegan cooking, playing Animal Crossing, and…obviously, a lot of reading. My author clients are known as the #SpineSquad! SUZ ANNE SUTHERL AND is the Children’s and YA Editor at HarperCollins Canada, where she acquires, edits, and commissions titles by bestselling and award-winning authors and illustrators. She is also the author of several novels for young readers. She lives in Toronto.
SAMANTHA S WENSON is a senior editor for all ages at Penguin Random House Canada Young Readers. Some recent books are Ho’onani: Hula Warrior by Heather Gale and Mika Song; Alis the Aviator by Danielle Metcalf-Chenail and Kalpna Patel; and Sir Simon by Cale Atkinson. She looks forward to On This Airplane by Lourdes Heuer; Viewfinder by Salwa Majoka and Christine Chung; and Out Into the Big Wide Lake by Paul Harbridge and Josée Bisaillon. AMY TOMPKINS is a senior agent and partner at the Transatlantic Agency, and is based in Toronto. She represents both children’s and adult authors.
WRITING PORTFOLIO MAYA ADEWUNMI is a grade 5 student who is very passionate about the outdoors. She loves to sing, write, and enjoys sports. TAMIER A BAKER is a 12 yr old from Brampton Ontario. When Tamiera and her mother lost everything in a house fire, she turned loss into art. OLIVIA GYUR AN is a Guelph-based aspiring author who loves swimming, sharks, fashion and obviously, writing. She anxiously awaits to see her first young adult novel, SoulMaster, in print.
NAOMI MCDONALD, a future speed skating Olympian and cardiologist, is an avid reader and speller who enjoys playing the harp and the steel pan. CHARLOT TE MA is excited about going to grade Two. She loves reading, bike riding and playing hockey. She also loves learning about animals, especially the cheetah. ISABELLE MISHKIS is a 14-year-old author from Ottawa, Ontario. CHASE R AGOOBAR is a 7-year-old author from St. Thomas, Ontario. ERIC SAUVÉ is a Jewish, Franco-Ontarian from Toronto. Eric speaks 5 languages and enjoys Geography, Math, reading, writing poems and cupcakes. ISABEL S WAN loves writing, collecting & reciting quotes and poems. She began writing poems when she was six and she loves it! Z AR A Z AFAR is a 14-year-old who loves reading, writing, and travelling. She lives in Ajax, Ontario with her parents and two younger brothers.
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W R ITI N G
P O RTF O L I O
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YOUR
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HOUSE FIRE Tamiera Baker, age 12
I got out of the car; the cold wind kissed me on the cheek to say hello I was greeted by flashing lights and crowds of people I walked a little further and there it was, one of the most beautifully horrific performances, bringing tears of fear to my eyes and screams from others It danced in the colors of orange and fiery red, it danced until the end of the night I stood there, swimming in seawater, as my mother said “It’ll be okay” One of the most horrifically horrendous scenes It was as if a dragon had had a bad day, at least that’s what I told myself I pinched myself hoping that the street would crumple and I’d wake up in my bed That it was all just a dream that I would forget in an instant But it wasn’t, at the end of the performance there was nothing but the ashes of a burnt stage Everything was gone, no one clapped, no one cheered, Just tears and the flashing lights of blue and red as the dancers took a final bow
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WHY THE DELAY? Naomi McDonald, age 11
You say no more slavery and that we walk hand in hand We march, we kneel and we take a stand I hear whitefolks say anti-Black racism has come to an end Then why do they say we will have life behind bars We gangsters, we dumb, we belong in cop cars
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It happened yesterday, why still happening today? When it comes to anti-Black racism why the big delay? You may think blond hair, blue eyes mean you are pretty and will succeed Well I have dark cocoa skin, I am Black why you call me ugly? I am taught to be fearless Be bold and be tearless It’s like a bullet in my mind, no one is designed To be slaves, or birds trapped in a cage anti-Black racism happens everyday
We need to make change now People said that for years Owww You get hurt they ask “you ok” I, a Black, get whipped, you look right past me You laugh, watch me cry While I boil up inside, watch the fire in my eyes Why is my race always under attack? You strike me now but I can’t fight back Not ‘cause I ain’t strong But if I fight back the police surround me with guns Whose fault is it? They say it’s the Black ones It happened yesterday, why still happening today? When it comes to anti-Black racism why the big delay? I am tired, filled with pain, hurtfulness and sorrow I am told anti-Black racism will end, just wait until tomorrow
Years have past learnt so much about European settlers Where’s my type? Why the Whites act like predators? In classes students talk about dreams and ways to succeed When it’s the Black students turn they are overlooked and forced to yell “Blacks can achieve!” What makes me different from you? I love the skin I am in You hate me why? Because of extra melanin? I am not afraid, I am used to the violence Come at me, I don’t care I know I will make a difference somewhere That’s when silence filled the air
Yes I faced barriers, challenges, discrimination All my life I wanted to stop and solve this situation So far no one answered my equation That’s why I am still here today Looking for a railroad to show my people the way To true freedom It Happened yesterday, why still happening today? When it comes to anti-Black racism, Why the big delay?
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TREES OF MEMORIES Isabel Swan, age 9
Today each family plants a tree in memory of a loved one Who has passed away We wish they were still here today. They were all important, and meant so much to us We miss them, because we loved them so much Some were family, some were friends, All were special, each one of a kind We cherish the beautiful memories They each have left behind. 16
Today each family plants a tree part of a memory forest we hope lasts eternally Today I plant a living tree for all to see to tell the world you lived and were loved by me! For recital at tree memorial dedication ceremony in memory of her great–Nin’s passing.
A FOREST HOME Zara Zafar, age 14
The snake slithers across the forest floor. Moving silently, Left and Right. It follows the dying laughter of the stream, Dodging the falling leaves, Side to Side. It watches the squirrels play in the trees, Staying in the shadows,
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Here and There. It ignores the birds cries as they fly, Looking for their houses, This way and That. It pretends the shade over its burrow isn’t missed, As the trees walk away, East to West. It wonders if his home will be there When the dust storms away, Angry and Unforgiving.
THE R.M.S. TITANIC Olivia Gyuran, age 13
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The largest ship in 1912 Caused an excited panic Made of thousands of tons of metal The R.M.S. Titanic Her corpse lies at the ocean floor Her proud frame broken and bent Her windows smashed, her hallways dark 100 years she has spent But let’s go back to her glorious days When people strolled her decks Black top hats and dresses a twirl Off polished floor reflects People spent all their huge some fortune To get a lodging here The women enjoyed their time at a party While men got drunk on beer But one clear starry, cloudless night When the water was frigidly cold The captain got a radio call “Icebergs ahead!” they were told Having ignored these ominous warnings Something came into their sight A glowing white iceberg loomed out of the dark Giving the crew a fright A panic erupted amongst the men And they tried to steer away But alas, she hit, she struck the burg A terrible price she’d pay Her hull was punctured with dagger like ice And water gushed in with greed But all the passengers felt was a jolt While the poor Titanic screamed They didn’t know the extent of the damage Until the reporter came back The massive doomed ship had sparse hours left And half the lifeboats she lacked They quickly handed the lifebelts out And passengers woke from sleep
Confused, and worried- the engine had stopped The crew’s feeble lies were cheap C.Q.D. and S.O.S. Cries of help were sent But the nearest ship was four hours away; Their beloved ship was spent “Women and children first” they decided And piled them into boats But those lifeboats were only halfway full As they were lowered, left to float The ship’s great bow gracefully dipped Into the bone-chilling cold A firework of distress was desperately shot; Fiery reds and glittering gold An hour later the lifeboats were sparse The brave musicians stopped playing The decks were tilted to such a degree That the massive smokestacks were swaying The dying ship was moaning now Her stern was high in the air “Every man for himself!” was the helpless command To the hundreds still trapped there Then, with a flicker, the lights went out And the mighty smokestacks fell Passengers slid towards the dark water; Life was a living hell But then, with a mighty shudder and crack The unsinkable ship split in two The stern crashed back down to the ocean’s black waters While the half-attached bow sank, a strewn Then the stern went vertical again Screaming people tried to hold on They banged against rails and shattered their bones, They saw no more of dawn
The water-logged ship bobbed for a moment And the survivors held their breath But it only took suspenseful moments Before it plunged them towards their deaths The ship went down, bubbling and slurping As she was pulled to the ocean floor But she also dragged down hundreds of souls From their bodies tore At last, her proud name, mighty “Titanic” Sunk beneath the surface And the terrified stranded souls were shattered; They would never forget this. An anguished wail rose from the water Hundreds cried as one Out of the flourishing 2,000 people 1,500 were gone But the little amount of people left Could only cry and hope
That their hearts kept beating a little longer And with the cold they could cope Hours later, like the sun The hero ship arrived And saved them from the icy water Frozen and barely alive Back on shore the news did fly The newspapers’ tongues went loose; “The Titanic crashed, but is being towed in” Of course, that was anything but truth But when the real news was released Families were broken and shook They searched in vain for a lost brother or father With hopeless, black-clothed looks 100 years later we still remember That horrible, tragic panic She now lies rusting at the ocean floor The R.M.S. Titanic
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THE IRONY OF A COUNTRY’S NAME Isabelle Mishkis, age 13
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Bailey Holt, age 15 Gina Montalto, age 14 Christian Garcia, age 15 Alaina Petty, age 14 Peter Wang, age 15 Martin Anguiano, age 14 You know who those people are? Kids Kids that went to school every day just like us Except they never walked out and I don’t think I need to explain why Kids that were so young Robbed of the bright futures they had in store for them They died because of a teenager with access to a gun They died trying to text their family “I love you” Between July 24 2009, and July 24 2019 There were 180 school shootings With 356 students posing as victims In one country Maria Granados Edwin Perigrino Joe Griffith Raul Garcia Rodolfo Julio Arco You know who these people are? People that were just trying to go from one place to another on a highway in Texas They didn’t reach their desired destination Because of one person who was maybe just ‘bored’ that day How difficult is to understand that monotony is not an excuse to the sole fact that More Americans have been killed by guns since 1968
Than every US war you could possibly combine You probably know that eating a kinder surprise egg in America is a huge no-no As well as sleeping in a cheese factory in South Dakota Owning a pet rat in Montana Or honking a car horn at a sandwich shop after 9pm in Arkansas Walking around with a gun in your pocket though is okay for the most part The Irony of a Country’s Name For a first world country That has the word UNITED in their name It’s ironic Isn’t it? How no one wants to be the same How people shoot up Synagogues, Mosques, and Churches Just to prove that their religion is the most sane Ironic Isn’t it? That dozens of people were visiting a church on the morning of November 5th, 2017 Praying for a LONG peaceful life in a beautiful state When a convict decided to “attend” Sutherland Springs church at 11:20 am And when he walked out the church doors at 11:30 am He took the lives of Ten women Seven men Seven girls One boy And an unborn child With him
Just with a gun This could have been stopped He already had a reputation But this is a nation Where you can walk into Walmart And purchase anything of your needs Including, can you guess? Guns and Ammunition Speaking of Walmart Let’s not ignore the fact That the seventh deadliest mass shooting Happened in a walmart In El Paso, Texas, on August 3rd 2019 Taking the lives of 22 people And injuring 24 more A shooting targeted against hispanic people Let’s also not ignore the fact that on June 12th 2016 The Irony of a Country’s Name 49 people were shot and killed 53 people were left wounded At an Orlando nightclub And for what? Dancing? My bad, I didn’t realize it was a crime to dance now. What about December 10th, 2019 When three people were shot and killed Remind me not to bring my jewish self to a kosher grocery store in Jersey City Remember when four people died after being shot In a waffle house in Tennessee Makes you wonder just how many people were scared to go out to eat after that Imagine this
You’re in a restaurant, just eating food Suddenly shots ring out You hear shrieks as loud as a child’s first tantrum You’re imagining this, but so many people don’t have too The second amendment of the US constitution clearly states “ A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed” For the sake of that People believe it’s their right Their right to own a machine that can kill within seconds That can strip someone of their parents, their child, their best friend or the love of their life People believe that it’s their right to kill What is the problem with understanding the fact Thousands are dying because of a curable disease Many are suffering And the ones that survive The trauma stays with them for the rest of their lives The second amendment couldn’t have predicted this No one could’ve 517 lives could’ve been protected That’s just from 2019 435 mass shootings last year More shootings than days In one country
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The Irony of a Country’s Name I’m waiting for when we finally take a stance Claim enough is enough when it comes down to our lives being playing around with as if they’re games I think we can all agree That we don’t want our kids having to sacrifice their childhoods Because playing at the park is no longer safe Oh and fellow police officers Your job is to protect us not kill us Racial profiling shouldn’t be a thing in this day and age And neither should be arresting 6 year olds And now you see the irony that comes with a country’s name The “United” States of America Hah Funny joke. Let’s stop for a moment And take a look around ourselves Along with guns
Continents are on fire Police brutality is back like it’s 1965 There are kids sitting in cages at the border and dying But nah, that ain’t a problem right? The fact that homelessness is on the rise again Poverty levels are at their highest Maybe we just got lucky More than 3 billion people live on less than $2.50 a day That’s not a problem either, is it? The world is slowly dying Can’t we see this? Do we not care and choose to ignore it? Do we think someone else is going to do something heroic We’re the generation that has to live with this Not the generation of people we rely on If you think this doesn’t affect you It does Wake up It’s not just one race, it’s everyone’s lives. The Irony of a Country’s Name
I WISH
Chase Ragoobar, age 7 I wish the world would go back to normal without covid 19 I wish there was no lockdown and school would reopen and my drama class too I wish i could see my friends to talk to once again, see my cousin and have sleepovers I wish i could go to the store, eat out, sit on the beach, maybe go to Cuba like i did once before or visit my grandparents in England I wish i could go to the park and play just like before I wish events was not cancelled due to Covid 19 and i could see the fireworks for Canada day, i hope Halloween and Christmas and other events too will be able to celebrate. I wish that i don’t need to wash my hands, wear mask and social distancing I wish i didn’t need to live in a bibble I wish i could see covid 19 and tell it to disappear. Is covid 19, 19 years old???
NIAGARA FALLS Maya Adewunmi, age 10
Oh nature, Oh Nature, How wonderful you can be, letting me watch the water and the mist of the falls. Going to Parks. Watching dogs chasing squirrels. People eating ice cream. Walking along sidewalks and singing with the birds. Going hom in our car. Seeing the ship wreck of “La GRAND HERMINI”. Memories I will never forget. Oh Niagara Falls, beauty of nature, until I see you again.
MY SISTER Charlotte Ma, age 7
My sister just turned 17. She is 10 years older than me. She was born in the year of the sheep. She is like a sheep. She is loyal. Sometimes she doesn’t tell my parents when I do something wrong. But sometimes she does. I don’t mind because I love her. When we watch a scary movie, I sit on her lap and she comforts me. Sometimes her legs are prickly. It feels as if beetles are crawling up my legs. But I don’t mind because I love her. Sometimes she braids my hair. When I take it out in the morning, my hair is curly. I like that. Sometimes we practice Mandarin together. I say wo ai ni jie jie. That means I love you older sister.
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NOT JUST ANY CUPCAKE Eric Sauvé, age 11
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I want a cupcake with a mountain of icing, I want a cupcake that is wonderfully whimsical. I want a cupcake as shiny as a ruby ring, I want a cupcake fit for a king. I want a cupcake that wins the Nobel Pastry Prize, I want a cupcake that tops the Tashkent Tower in size, Whose spirit never dies, even after it is eaten, I want a cupcake that cannot be beaten. I want a cupcake that undoubtedly wants me, I want a cupcake that spiritually haunts me! I want a cupcake that endlessly taunts me, That is the king of sweet treats, The prince of baking feats, And the duke of amazing everyone it meets. I want a cupcake worthy of praise, I want a cupcake I can savour for days, I want a cupcake with unbeatable flavour, To enjoy in many different ways. I want a cupcake that is flooded in frosting, I want a cupcake that is drowning in sprinkles, I want a cupcake with flavours galore: Raspberry, rosemary, and many, plenty more! I want a cupcake that melts in my mouth Like a snowball in July, I want a cupcake that is filled To the brim with love, I want a cupcake that is pretty; a Picasso painting For my belly. I want a cupcake that is not just a muffin with icing,
I want a cupcake that is outrageously enticing! I want a cupcake as colourful as a pyrotechnics display, That will light up the desolate road Of my miserable life. I want a cupcake that gives life a whole new meaning, I want a cupcake that leaves its baker preening. I want a cupcake worthy of Sugar Rush, And when I eat it, everyone goes, “Hush”. I want a cupcake that is as tasty as pizza, ( Just kidding, nothing is as tasty as pizza.) I want a cupcake that tells a story, I want a cupcake that will lead me to glory! I want a cupcake that is really neat. All this talk about cupcakes Is making me hungry for something sweet, Where are you, cupcake? I WANT TO EAT!
I M A G I N E T H AT poem and artwork by - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
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ORCA BOOK PUBLISHERS produces books that illuminate the experiences of people of all ethnicities, people with disabilities and people who identify as LGBTQ+. Our goal is to provide reading material that represents the diversity of human experience to readers of all ages. Orca aims to help young readers see themselves reflected in the books they read. As a publisher of Canadian authors and illustrators, we are mindful of this in our selection of books and work every day to create material for a more compassionate world.
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