Spreading the Word 2012 by Vancouver Writers Fest

SPREADING THE WORD 2012 Includes La Joie de Lire events in French C.R. Avery – Act One (CD) Ekiwah Adler-Beléndez – Love on Wheels Deni Y. Béchard – Cure for Hunger Heather Birrell – Mad Hope John Burnside – A Summer of Drowning

Susin Nielsen – The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen Martine Nöel-Maw – Les fantômes de Spiritwood, Amélia et les papillons Kenneth Oppel – Such Wicked Intent

Nicola Campbell – Grandpa’s Girls

Shane Peacock – Becoming Holmes: The Boy Sherlock Holmes and Last Message

Marjorie Celona – Y

Nancy Richler – The Imposter Bride

Scott Chantler – The Captive Prince

J. Jill Robinson – More in Anger

Chris Cleave – Gold

Rachel Rose – Song and Spectacle

Ivan E. Coyote – One in Every Crowd

Rebecca Rosenblum – The Big Dream

Lorna Crozier – The Book of Marvels: A Compendium of Everyday Things

Emily Schultz – The Blondes

Angèle Delaunois – Une petite bouteille jaune et La Clé

Kim Scott – The Deadman Dance

Rick Scott – The Great Gazzoon (CD)

Sandra Djwa – Journey with No Maps, A Life of P.K. Page

Richard Scrimger – Ink Me

Joanne Drayton – The Search for Anne Perry

Lemn Sissay – Morning Breaks in the Elevator and Listener

Sheree Fitch – Night Sky Wheel Ride Anne Fleming – Gay Dwarves of America Patrick Friesen – A Dark Boat Tess Gallagher – Midnight Lantern Bill Gaston – The World

Carol Shaben – Into the Abyss

Arthur Slade – Island of Doom: The Hunchback Assignments 4 Carrie Snyder – The Juliet Stories Linda Svendsen – Sussex Drive

Rachel Hartman – Seraphina

Sarah Tsiang – Warriors and Wailers and Dogs Don’t Eat Jam and Other Things Big Kids Know

Simonetta Agnello Hornby – The Nun

John Vigna – Bull Head

Susan Juby – Bright’s Light

Seán Virgo – Dibidalen

A. L. Kennedy – The Blue Book

Mélanie Watt – Scaredy Squirrel Prepares for Christmas

Gary Kent – Gubby Builds a Boat

Jessica Westhead – And Also Sharks

Chan Koonchung – The Fat Years

Gillian Wigmore – Dirt of Ages

Kim La Fave – Gubby Builds a Boat Shari Lapeña – Happiness Economics

Janet Wilson – Shannen and the Dream for a School and One Peace: True Stories of Young Activists

Annabel Lyon – The Sweet Girl

David H.T. Wong – Escape to Gold Mountain

Kyo Maclear – Virginia Wolf Nina Matsumoto – Yokaiden 2 Norah McClintock – Close to the Heel and I, Witness Stephen Miller – The Messanger Garry Thomas Morse – Minor Episodes / Major Ruckus Kate Mosse – The Citadel Susan Musgrave – Given Riel Nason – The Town that Drowned

Kinder Morgan Foundation RBC Foundation Rix Family Foundation The McLean Foundation

sarah tsiang mĂŠlanie watt

ivan E. coyote

susan juby

kenneth oppel

richard scrimger

lemn sissay

nina matsumoto

rick scott arthur slade nicola campbell

SHERee FITCH

School Group Tickets • Tickets are $8.50 for student groups and $17 for individual tickets

Reading with Writers

• Teachers and adults accompanying school groups must purchase tickets

Book a Festival author for your classroom!

• Online: go to writersfest.bc.ca/teachers/schoolorders • In person at the Festival box office Festival House, 202- 1398 Cartwright Street, Granville Island • Fax a ticket order form to 604.681.8400. Ticket order forms are available on the Festival website, or call 604.681.6330 ext. 0 to request a form. • Info: writersfest.bc.ca or 604.681.6330.

It’s about reading, writing, books and writers • It’s Spreading the Word, the Vancouver Writers Fest’s schools program that offers K-12 students and teachers a rare opportunity to engage with internationally renowned writers. • Spreading the Word events inspire students to read and write by introducing them to exciting writers from around the world. • For complete information on Spreading the Word events and programs, check our website or contact Ilona Beiks, Education Coordinator, at education@writersfest.bc.ca or call 604.215.9726. • For information on La Joie de Lire events, please contact Brenda Berck at lajoiedelire@writersfest.bc.ca or 604.681.0315. • Festival books are available from Kidsbooks at the locations below. Avis important : Les livres des auteurs présents au Festival seront mis en prévente au magasin Kidsbooks.

Each year Festival authors visit inner city school classrooms, at no cost to the school, to talk with students about reading and writing. To book a writer for a classroom visit, please contact Ilona Beiks at education@writersfest.bc.ca. Chaque année, les auteurs francophones du Festival visitent les classes des quartiers défavorisés pour éveiller les élèves à l’importance de lire et d’écrire. Si vous êtes intéressé par la visite d’un écrivain dans vote classe au cours du mois d’octobre, veuillez communiquer avec Brenda Berck à l’adresse lajoiedelire@writersfest.bc.ca. Reading with Writers is sponsored by HSBC Bank Canada.

Study Guides Make the most of your experience! Study guides that are directly tied to BC Curriculum goals are available for all Spreading the Word events. Please see our website for details: writersfest.bc.ca. Guides d’études! Les activités « Spreading the Word » ont des liens directs avec les programmes d’études de la C.-B. Pour permettre aux enseignants de tirer plein parti du Festival, un guide d’études a été élaboré pour chacune des activités. Ces guides seront disponibles sur le site Web du Festival en septembre.

Make a day of it! Experience the many wonders that Granville Island and False Creek have to offer: • Granville Island Public Market • Kids Market

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3083 West Broadway, Vancouver

• Emily Carr University of Art and Design and the Charles H. Scott Gallery

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3040 Edgemont Blvd, North Vancouver

• Art and craft galleries

– The Boulevard at South Point Exchange, 15033 - 32nd Avenue, Surrey. –

Website: kidsbooks.com

36 great events for grades K-12, in English and French • Step out of the classroom and onto Granville Island. Authors, students and teachers converge for four days in engaging and informal settings. • Hear authors of all genres read from their work, talk about writing and answer questions from the audience. • Buy books at the venue and have them signed by the authors after the event. • La Joie de Lire events are presented entirely in French.

• Bird watching and sea life spotting • Maritime Market • The Museum of Vancouver (museumofvancouver.ca) • False Creek and Aquabus water taxis

Author biographies and website links are available on the Festival website: writersfest.bc.ca

La Joie de Lire

Ces événements sont pour tous les âges et se tiendront exclusivement en français; il y aura beaucoup de possibilitiés d’interaction entre les élèves et les écrivains.

Mélanie et ses amis Mélanie Watt Animatrice : Anne-Laure Paulmont

Aventures avec Chester, Frisson et d’autres amis de Mélanie Mélanie Watt Animatrice : Anne-Laure Paulmont

Mardi le 16 octobre 13 h – 14 H

Jeudi le 18 octobre 10 h – 11 H

Venez rencontrer l’auteure Mélanie Watt qui racontera et illustrera des histoires d’aventures et d’amitié en compagnie de Frisson l’écureuil, de Chester le chat mégalomane et de Léon le caméléon. Les récits et leurs illustrations raviront les enfants… et les jeunes de cœur.

Les personnages de Mélanie Watt, Frisson l’écureuil, Léon le caméléon et Chester le chat mégalomane, l’accompagnent au festival! Venez les rencontrer – sur papier bien sûr – alors qu’elle nous racontera et illustrera les contes de son Frisson l’écureuil et d’autres récits d’aventures et d’amitié amusants, pour le plaisir des petits… et des grands!

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Pour les élèves de la maternelle à la troisième année Lien avec les objectifs du programme d’études: • enrichir son vocabulaire et mettre en pratique les acquis. • améliorer ses aptitudes à communiquer et à écouter. • communiquer efficacement de façon verbale, écrite et à l’aide d’outils visuels. • lecture orale • compréhension de lecture – comprendre et résumer une histoire • cultiver une appréciation des arts visuels.

Chez-soi et solidarité Angèle Delaunois, Martine Noël-Maw Animatrice : France Perras Jeudi le 18 octobre 10 h – 11 h 30

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L’un des livres d’Angèle Delaunois, La Clé, raconte l’histoire d’une famille chassée de sa maison, qui en emporte la clé dans l’espoir d’y revenir. Drôle de zèbre, de Martine NoëlMaw, a été écrit en collaboration avec les élèves de l’école Ducharme de Moose Jaw.

Amitié et solidarité Angèle Delaunois, Martine Noël-Maw Animatrice : Anne-Marie McGinn

Pour les élèves de la quatrième à la septième année Lien avec les objectifs du programme d’études: • les sciences humaines: l’histoire, l’histoire canadienne, la géographie, l’identité, la culture • l’écriture

mercredi le 17 octobre 10 h – 11 :30 h

Improv Centre

Une petite bouteille jaune, d’Angèle Delaunois, n’est pas qu’un titre de livre et une jolie bouteille. Pour Marwa et Ahmad, c’est une histoire de courage, de défis, d’amitié et de solidarité, alors que le danger menace leur vie et leurs parties de soccer qu’ils aiment tant. Dans le pli des collines, de Martine Noël-Maw, est une histoire de rumeur malveillante, d’étonnants secrets… et de tuberculose. L’intrigue se déroule en Saskatchewan, mais pourrait se situer n’importe où. Pour les élèves de la huitième à la douzième année Lien avec les objectifs du programme d’études: • les sciences humaines: l’histoire, l’histoire canadienne, la géographie, l’identité, la culture • l’écriture

Sorcières et papillons Angèle Delaunois Martine Noël-Maw Animatrice : France Perras

jeudi le 18 octobre 13 h – 14 h 30

Improv Centre

Parmi les nombreux livres d’Angèle Delaunois, vous découvrirez notamment ses Chroniques d’une sorcière d’aujourd’hui, une série en trois volumes. Amélia et les papillons, un conte primé de Martine Noël-Maw, nous rappelle l’importance de l’amitié – l’importance de pouvoir compter sur des amis présents, qui nous soutiennent et qui ne nous jugent pas. Pour les élèves de la huitième à la douzième année. Lien avec les objectifs du programme d’études : • les sciences humaines: l’histoire, l’histoire canadienne, la géographie, l’identité, la culture • l’écriture

Events for Primary Students Kid Stuff Sheree Fitch, Sarah Tsiang, Mélanie Watt Tuesday, October 16 10–11:00 am

IMPROV CENTRE

Scaredy Squirrel Mélanie Watt Wednesday, October 17 1–2:00 pm

IMPROV CENTRE

Sheree Fitch, one of Canada’s best-loved children’s poets, takes the stage this morning with her trademark energy and her new rhyming Ferris wheel picture book. She’s joined by Sarah Tsiang, whose book Dogs Don’t Eat Jam and Other Things Big Kids Know is full of useful tips for newborns from experienced older siblings, and Mélanie Watt, whose Scaredy Squirrel has delighted thousands of young readers. Join us for fun and frivolity in fiction—led by three of the country’s best authors for young readers. Suitable for grades K–3 Curriculum connections: • Language Arts • Literacy foundations

Mélanie Watt’s nervous little rodent, Scaredy Squirrel, worries about everything from killer bees and green Martians to germs, poison ivy and dogs with sharp teeth. But worrying is often the worst part of any situation, as Scaredy Squirrel proves over and over. Suitable for grades K–3 Curriculum connections: • Language Arts • Literacy foundations

Events for Intermediate Students Music, Mayhem—Magnificent! Scott Chantler, Rick Scott Tuesday, October 16 10–11:30 am

WATERFRONT THEATRE

Suitable for grades 3–6 Curriculum connections: • Language Arts • Visual Arts • Music

Gary Kent, Kim La Fave Wednesday, October 17 1–2:30 pm

Tuesday, October 16 1−2:30 pm

Ancient and modern history come together this afternoon with two Canadian authors who mine their heritage to show life as it was for Chinese people. Sarah Tsiang matches humorous illustrations with thoughtful words to present a panoply of jobs people held in the time of the emperors. David H.T. Wong uses an approachable graphic novel format to tell the story of Chinese newcomers to Canada searching for “Gold Mountain,” an adopted homeland that was often inhospitable. Suitable for grades 4–7 Curriculum connections: • Language Arts • Visual Arts • Social Studies: Canadian History, Identity, Diversity

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Gary Kent and Kim La Fave’s Fishing with Gubby, with its humorous adventures and cartoon-like drawings, made salmon fishing on the West Coast come alive for young readers. Now Gubby’s boat, the Flounder, needs to be replaced. In Gubby Builds a Boat, Gubby works with a Japanese-Canadian boat builder in Steveston to build a new one. Slickers are optional, but you’ll almost be able to smell the brine. Suitable for grades 3–6 Curriculum connections: • Language & Visual Arts • Social Studies: BC History

Sarah Tsiang, David H.T. Wong IMPROV CENTRE

Musician and author Rick Scott delights readers with his illustrations and songs from The Great Gazzoon. Author and illustrator Scott Chantler presents the comic book world he has created, filled with circus acrobats and jugglers, arrows and adventures. Even reluctant readers will be enthralled by the stories these two tell through songs and comic illustrations.

Fishing with Gubby

From Ancient China to Gold Mountain

Tales of BC Nicola Campbell, Gary Kent, Kim La Fave Thursday, October 18 10–11:30 am

WATERFRONT THEATRE

Illustrator Kim La Fave has worked with both Gary Kent and Nicola Campbell and joins them this morning to show two sides of life in British Columbia. Campbell’s story centres on the experience of a young First Nations girl as she prepares to leave for residential school. Kent explores the world of a commercial salmon fisher on the West Coast. Suitable for grades 3–6 Curriculum connections: • Language Arts • Social Studies: First Nations studies, Japanese-Canadian West Coast history

Events for Intermediate Students CONTINUED The Great Gazzoon Rick Scott Wednesday, October 17 10–11:30 am

PERFORMANCE WORKS

Kid Activists Janet Wilson, Michael Darnel Wednesday, October 17 10–11:30 am

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An illustrated musical audio-novel, The Great Gazzoon is a story of the world’s most reluctant tightrope walker, who’s more interested in creating and playing music. Rick Scott, who used to walk a tightrope himself, is a gifted musician, and an award-winning singersongwriter and entertainer. Come and enjoy a morning of music, pictures, words and charm.

Author-illustrator Janet Wilson has a strong social and environmental conscience and her books carry the message that one person—even one child—can make a big difference. If anyone doubts that a child can change the world, that doubt will be banished forever by this inspiring event. Janet will be joined by Michael Darnel, who will share his inspiring story.

Suitable for grades 3–6 Curriculum connections: • Language & Visual Arts • Music

Suitable for grades 3–6 Curriculum connections: • Language Arts • Global Community: human rights, social justice, environmental sustainability & stewardship This event is supported by the Rix Family Foundation.

High and Low and All Around Sheree Fitch, Kyo Maclear Thursday, October 18 10–11:15 am

IMPROV CENTRE

Sometimes you need a hand up when you’re feeling down, and that’s just what Virginia got from her sister when they created a mural on their bedroom wall. Kyo Maclear’s picture book acknowledges and finds a way through that low feeling. The many moods of Sheree Fitch will also be on show this morning, as she combines the delights of the Ferris wheel with her trademark whimsical poems on stage. This is a feel-good celebration of the power of imagination. Suitable for grades 2–4 Curriculum connections: • Language Arts: Word Play • Diversity, identity & self-esteem

A Dream for a School Janet Wilson Thursday, October 18 1–2:30 pm

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While Janet Wilson was researching stories of young children’s rights activists, she learned about Shannen Koostachin and her fight to replace the dilapidated portable classrooms that housed the 400 students of Attawapiskat First Nation. Wilson was shocked to discover that such systematic injustice was happening in her own country and inspired by the actions of the Attawapiskat children, she wrote Shannen’s story to raise awareness in Canada. Suitable for grades 4–7 Curriculum connections: • Language Arts: Non-Fiction • Global Community: First Nations studies, social activism & human rights This event is supported by the Rix Family Foundation.

Events for Intermediate & Secondary Students Seven: The Series Norah McClintock, Shane Peacock, Richard Scrimger Tuesday, October 16 1–2:30 pm

GRANVILLE ISLAND STAGE

Suitable for grades 7–10 Curriculum connections: • Language Arts: creative writing process, plot & character development

Shane Peacock, Arthur Slade Wednesday, October 17 1–2:30 pm

Wednesday, October 17 10–11:30 am

Two popular Young Adult authors are together this morning with very different novels that deal with gritty reality. Susin Nielsen’s contemporary novel handles the dark topic of bullying in true Nielsen style, with humour and sensitivity. She’s joined by Arthur Slade, who melds worlds both imagined and historical in The Hunchback Assignments. Imagine a time when technology wasn’t taken for granted, when one could only reach out to a friend faceto-face rather than through Facebook. That’s the delight of reading! Suitable for grades 7–9 Curriculum connections: • Language Arts: personal narrative & fantasy, historical genre • Health & Career: identity, diversity, self-esteem

PERFORMANCE WORKS

For an author, the moment you finish a series you’ve been writing for years must be a bittersweet one. Share that moment with Shane Peacock and Arthur Slade, both of whom are bringing the last books in their series to Vancouver readers. Discover what’s next for these popular authors. Suitable for grades 7–9 Curriculum connections: • Language Arts: creative writing process, plot & character development

Susin Nielsen, Arthur Slade WATERFRONT THEATRE

Orca Books has just launched a unique and ambitious series—seven Young Adult novels published simultaneously, stemming from the fictional instructions of a dying man to his seven teenaged grandsons. Three of the seven exceptional Canadian authors chosen to write these stories will talk about their part in this unusual project. Readers can look forward to Scrimger’s sense of humour, McClintock’s sense of mystery and Peacock’s dark plotting.

The Final Chapter

From Steampunk to Punksville

Stars Aligned Kenneth Oppel, Richard Scrimger, Arthur Slade Thursday, October 18 1–2:30 pm

PERFORMANCE WORKS

Three of the top Young Adult writers working today are on stage together this afternoon to present their new novels and talk about their trade. Richard Scrimger has more than 15 novels to his credit, Arthur Slade is wrapping up his Hunchback Assignment series this year with one of the 16 novels he’s written and Kenneth Oppel is bringing the sequel in his latest series, Such Wicked Intent. Whether you know these authors or not, you won’t want to miss this event. Suitable for grades 6–9 Curriculum connections: • Language Arts: creative writing process This event is sponsored by HarperCollinsCanada Ltd.

Events for Secondary Students Books to TV and Back Again Susan Juby, Susin Nielsen Moderator: Dennis Foon

Worlds Run Amok Rachel Hartman, Susan Juby Moderator: Susin Nielsen

Tuesday, October 16 10–11:30 am

Tuesday, October 16 1–2:30 pm

Susin Nielsen was best known for her screenwriting on the hit TV series Degrassi Junior High—until she turned the Degrassi world into four novels. She also wrote the screenplay to bring Susan Juby’s beloved character Alice (Alice, I Think) to television. Spend the morning with two experienced authors talking about the creative act of bringing characters to life both on the page and on the screen.

Dangerous circumstances and malevolent forces run rampant through the new fantasy novels by BC authors Rachel Hartman and Susan Juby, in addition to dragons that can fold themselves into human shapes and bodies that are engineered for mysterious purposes. Join these two authors and let your imagination run amok!

GRANVILLE ISLAND STAGE

WATERFRONT THEATRE

Suitable for grades 8-10 Curriculum connections: • Language Arts: fantasy & dystopian fiction, creative writing

Suitable for grades 8 – 12 Curriculum connections: • Language Arts: character development • Fine Arts: drama, screen writing, stage craft

Word! (1 & 2) C.R. Avery, Ivan E. Coyote, Lemn Sissay Host: Brendan McLeod

13& 34

(1) Wednesday, October 17 10–11:30 am (2) Thursday, October 18 1–2:30 pm

GRANVILLE ISLAND STAGE

Three masters of words on the fly appear together for this event and who knows what might happen! The UK’s Lemn Sissay joins the ever-popular Ivan Coyote and the beatboxing C.R. Avery for a morning of creativity and fast talking that will leave you energized, awestruck, and thrilled that spoken word knows no boundaries.

Flights of Fantasy Rachel Hartman, Kenneth Oppel Thursday, October 18 10–11:30 am

GRANVILLE ISLAND STAGE

A seasoned writer and a first-time novelist join forces this morning to show that the imagination is limitless. Rachel Hartman has produced a wonder-full fantasy that plots humans against shape-changing dragons that can pose as teachers and ambassadors. Kenneth Oppel, no stranger to young readers, imagines in his new novel a hidden staircase leading to a library full of alchemy guides and a portal into the spirit world. Let your imagination soar. Suitable for grades 8–10 Curriculum connections: • Language Arts: fantasy, creative writing This event is sponsored by Kidsbooks.

Suitable for grades 8–12 and adults. Warning: Content in this event may not be suitable for all classes. Curriculum connections: • Language Arts: poetry, spoken word • Fine Arts: drama, music

Words and Images Scott Chantler, Nina Matsumoto, Norah McClintock

Thursday, October 18 10–11:30 am

PERFORMANCE WORKS

The challenge of making words work with images is just one more element in the process of narrative: keeping plot well-paced, developing characters and the basics of storytelling. Norah McClintock, who worked with an illustrator for her new graphic novel, joins two award-winning illustrator/writers, Scott Chantler and Nina Matsumoto, to talk about blending the worlds of word and image. Suitable for grades 8–12 Curriculum connections: • Language Arts: creative writing • Visual Arts: graphic novels & illustration process

Grades 10 – 12, Teachers & Parents Thrills and Chills John Burnside, Stephen Miller, Kate Mosse Wednesday, October 17 1–2:30 pm

WATERFRONT THEATRE

Bill Gaston, Simonetta Agnello Hornby, Annabel Lyon, Kate Mosse, Kim Scott Moderator: Ian Weir

Deni Y. Béchard, Carol Shaben Thursday, October 18 1–2:30 pm

WATERFRONT THEATRE

From Scotland, England and Vancouver come three extraordinary authors with tales of mystery, intrigue, time past and time imagined. John Burnside, a Scottish novelist and poet, sets his mystery deep in the Arctic Circle, local author and actor Stephen Miller unrolls a thrill of a story of bioterrorism, and England’s Kate Mosse sets her thriller in the midst of a cell of female resistance fighters in southern France. Travel the world while the chills travel up your spine. Curriculum connections: • Language Arts: creative writing, plot & character development

Past Times

Long Walk to Truth

Two writers have turned close to home to explore lives and events that profoundly affected them. Deni Y. Béchard was haunted by the myth of his father, a charismatic hero, until he discovered the crime sprees and prison sentences that are part of his father’s past. Carol Shaben’s Into the Abyss explores an event that occurred 28 years ago when her father was injured in a plane crash. Getting to the bottom of family stories is a long and difficult task, but one that often leads to a deeper understanding of oneself. Curriculum connections: • Language Arts: memoir, personal narrative • Self-reflection

Friday, October 19 10–11:30 am

GRANVILLE ISLAND STAGE

Reaching into the past for stories and material is a common approach for many novelists, but these five writers each come up with new ways to bring history to life. In the hands of these skilful storytellers, individuals who plotted, struggled and loved in past times live again. There’s no dusty history here, so revel in this rich morning of reading. Curriculum connections: • Literary genres: historical & speculative fiction • Narrative structure

Humour with a Bite

Anne Fleming, Chan Koonchung, Shari Lapeña, Emily Schultz, Linda Svendsen Friday, October 19 10–11:30 am

PERFORMANCE WORKS

The Poetry Bash Ekiwah Adler-Beléndez, Lorna Crozier, Patrick Friesen, Garry Thomas Morse, Rachel Rose, Gillian Wigmore Host: Billeh Nickerson

Friday, October 19 10–11:30 am

WATERFRONT THEATRE

Six poets will show off the universal power of the well-chosen word and get you excited about the melodic line and the insights that grow out of keen observation. Poetry is the distillation of life and experience through language, and each of these poets promises to deliver fresh and startling takes on the world we share. Curriculum connections: • Literary genre: poetry • Word play • Poetic devices and structures

Enjoy a morning of absurdity. Chan Koonchung’s biting satire is set in modern China sometime in the near future. Linda Svendsen’s satirical romp is inspired by recent events in Canadian federal politics. Emily Schultz turns the blonde cliché on its head as deadly blondes terrorize New Yorkers. Anne Fleming’s short story collection, Gay Dwarves of America, brings compassion to those who have been treated as carnival creatures. And Shari Lapeña tackles the meaning and relevance of poetry. Curriculum connections: • Language arts: poetry, fiction, satire • Social Studies: Canadian politics

Grades 10 – 12, Teachers & Parents CONTINUED Out of the Mouths of Babes Marjorie Celona, Riel Nason, Carrie Snyder Moderator: Shaena Lambert

All in the Family Heather Birrell, Nancy Richler, J. Jill Robinson, John Vigna

Friday, October 19 10–11:30 am

Growing up, there is a crucial moment when the insulating innocence of childhood clashes with the realities of adulthood. Marjorie Celona’s novel Y follows the young Shannon and the mother who abandoned her on the steps of the YMCA, Riel Nason’s first novel takes the voice of 14-year-old Ruby and Carrie Snyder tells her story through the voice of 10-year-old Juliet, who has just moved to Nicaragua with her peace-activist family. It’s a fine balancing act to keep the older, knowing voice at bay while continuing to tell a tale that matters. These are three storytellers who have mastered this tightrope. Curriculum connections: • Language Arts: writing dialogue, character development

The family—its delight and despair—provides fertile ground for these four writers to dig around in. J. Jill Robinson presents a multi-generational tale about the emotional inheritance, Nancy Richler’s The Imposter Bride focuses on one child’s search for her mother, Heather Birrell’s collection threads together stories about family, in its various forms and John Vigna looks at familial relationships from the male perspective. In the “family” plot, there are plenty of thorns among the roses. Curriculum connections: • Language arts: creative writing process • Narrative structure • Character development

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The Ghost of a Story John Burnside, Tess Gallagher, Susan Musgrave, Seán Virgo

IMPROV CENTRE

The Interviews Chris Cleave, Annabel Lyon, Carrie Snyder Moderator: Marsha Lederman

Friday, October 19 1–2:30 pm

Myth, allegory, folk tales, ghosts and spirits have been part of storytelling from the beginning of time. These four writers use aspects of the supernatural to create modern-day tales that are firmly rooted in reality, but take flight into other worlds. Tess Gallagher’s poems, Seán Virgo’s new collection of short stories, Susan Musgrave’s afterlife adventure novel and John Burnside’s Arctic thriller all weave in the powerful device of the unreal. Curriculum connections: • Language arts: speculative fiction, poetry, short stories

Join the Globe and Mail’s Marsha Lederman this afternoon for interviews with three distinctly different authors. In his new novel, Gold, Chris Cleave traces the friendship of two competitive cyclists preparing for the 2012 Olympics. Annabel Lyon has returned to ancient Greece for her second novel, The Sweet Girl. Carrie Snyder’s The Juliet Stories is based on her own experiences growing up in Nicaragua. This is sure to be an afternoon of entertaining anecdotes and thoughtful insights. Curriculum connections: • Language arts: writing inspirations and processes

GRANVILLE ISLAND STAGE

Telling True Lives Sandra Djwa, Joanne Drayton Moderator: Charles Foran

WATERFRONT THEATRE

Friday, October 19 1–2:30 pm

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The challenge most biographers face is to find the path of an interesting life through events of the day, letters, interviews and diaries, if they are lucky. These two biographers have no shortage of material, as their subjects are prolific writers themselves. Sandra Djwa has written the first biography of P.K. Page, beloved Canadian author of more than 30 books, and Joanne Drayton has written the authorized biography of crime novelist Anne Perry. Curriculum connections: • Literary genre: biography • Applied Skills & Technology: research and analysis

The Human Carnival Anne Fleming, A. L. Kennedy, Rebecca Rosenblum, Jessica Westhead

Friday, October 19 1–2:30 pm

IMPROV CENTRE $17 / $8.50 for student groups

Off-kilter, slightly twisted characters are perfect fodder for fiction. A. L. Kennedy’s novel features a nomadic psychic, Jessica Westhead presents stories about misfits and supremely neurotic protagonists, Rebecca Rosenblum plumbs the offices of a lifestyle magazine for her characters and in Anne Fleming’s Gay Dwarves of America, there is a hockey mom who imagines she’s Swiss. We read fiction to broaden our worlds and meet interesting characters— and you’ll be sure to meet the human carnival this afternoon. Curriculum connections: • Language arts: character development