Spreading the Word 2014 by Vancouver Writers Fest

SPREADING THE WORD 2014

Events and programs with writers from around the world for students in grades K–12. Includes La Joie de Lire events in French.

October 21 – 24, 2014 Caroline Adderson – Ellen in Pieces/Jasper John Dooley: NOT in Love/ Norman, Speak!

George McWhirter – The Gift of Women

Rabih Alameddine – An Unnecessary Woman

K.D. Miller – All Saints

Linda Bailey – If Kids Ruled the World/If You Happen to Have a Dinosaur

Katherine Palmer Gordon – We Are Born with the Songs Inside Us

Martha Baillie – The Search for Heinrich Schlögel

Alison Pick – Between Gods

Arjun Basu – Waiting for the Man

Mary Pinkoski

Helaine Becker – Gottika/Zoobots

Michael Pond – The Couch of Willingness

Tessa Bourguignon

Kate Pullinger – Landing Gear

Nadia Bozak – El Niño

Sina Queyras – MxT

Robert (Lucky) Budd – Echoes of British Columbia

Tom Rachman – The Rise & Fall of Great Powers

Sebastien de Castell – Traitor’s Blade

Carrie Snyder – Girl Runner

Michael Cho - Shoplifter

Elizabeth Stewart – Blue Gold

A.M. Dellamonica – Child of a Hidden Sea

Mariko Tamaki – This One Summer

Kris Demeanor

J. Torres – Bigfoot Boy: The Sound of Thunder

Cory Doctorow – Information Doesn’t Want to Be Free/In Real Life

Katherena Vermette – north end love songs

Sarah Ellis – Outside In Lee Edward Födi – Kendra Kandlestar and the Search for Arazeen

Anne Villeneuve – Loula and the Sister Recipe/L’écharpe rouge/ Loula part pour l’Afrique

Damon Galgut – The Arctic Summer

Russell Wangersky – Walt

Marie-Louise Gay – Any Questions?/Un été à Montréal, Stella

Ian Weir – Will Starling

William Gibson – The Peripheral

Robert Paul Weston – Blues for Zoey/The Creature Department

Chris Gilpin

Kathleen Winter – The Freedom in American Songs

Rebecca Mead – My Life in Middlemarch

Nick Gray – Escape from Tibet Fabian Grégoire – Les Cloches de la Libération C.C. Humphreys – Shakespeare’s Rebel Marthe Jocelyn – Sneaky Art: Crafty Surprises to Hide in Plain Sight/ Viminy Crowe’s Comic Book/What We Hide Eve Joseph – In the Slender Margin Anne Kennedy – The Darling North/The Last Days of the National Costume Herman Koch – Summer House with Swimming Pool Janice Lee Christopher Levenson – Night Vision Marie Lu – The Young Elites Jean-Pierre Makosso – Bibicha la danseuse/Jeunesse, verbe et proverbe Bob McDonald – Canadian Spacewalkers: Hadfield, MacLean and Williams Remember the Ultimate High Adventure

Al Roadburg Foundation Hamber Foundation Kinder Morgan Foundation Leon and Thea Koerner Foundation RBC Foundation

Lee Edward Fรถdi

Marthe Jocely

vMarie-Louise Gay

n Marie Lu

Cory Doctorow

William Gibson

Mariko Tamaki

Sarah Ellis

C.C. Humphreys

Robert Paul weston

Helaine Becker

Linda Bailey

It’s about reading, writing, books and writers

Reading with Writers

• It’s Spreading the Word, the Vancouver Writers Fest’s education program that offers K–12 students and teachers a rare opportunity to engage with internationally renowned writers. • Step out of the classroom and onto Granville Island. Authors, students and teachers converge for four days in engaging and informal settings. • Spreading the Word events inspire students to read and write by introducing them to exciting writers from around the world.

Each year Festival authors visit local schools in need to talk with students about reading and writing, at no cost to the school. To book a writer for a classroom visit, please contact Ilona Beiks at education@writersfest.bc.ca.

36 great events for grades K–12, in English and French • Hear authors of all genres read from their work, talk about writing and answer questions from the audience. • La Joie de Lire events are presented entirely in French. • Buy books at the venue and have them signed by the authors after the event. • A limited number of ticket subsidies, based on financial need, are available through the Cynthia Woodward Development Program. • The Bus Subsidy Fund, supported by Bonnie Mah, provides local travel assistance to groups of students attending Festival events, based on financial need. • For complete information on Spreading the Word events and programs, check our website or contact Ilona Beiks, Education Co-ordinator, at education@writersfest.bc.ca or 604.215.9726. • For information on La Joie de Lire events, please contact Anne Guagliardo at lajoiedelire@writersfest.bc.ca or 604.375.2646. • Festival books are available from Kidsbooks at the locations below: Tous les livres présentés dans le cadre du festival sont disponibles chez Kidsbooks: – 3083 West Broadway, Vancouver – 3040 Edgemont Boulevard, North Vancouver – The Boulevard at South Point Exchange, 15033-32nd Avenue, Surrey – kidsbooks.com

School Group Tickets • Tickets go on sale at 8:00 am on Monday, September 15th • Tickets are $8.50 per ticket for student groups and $17 for individual tickets. • Teachers and adults accompanying school groups must purchase tickets. • How to request tickets: – Online: writersfest.bc.ca/teachers/schoolorders – In person at the Festival box office: Main floor of Festival House 1398 Cartwright Street, Granville Island – Fax a ticket order form to 604.757.5772. • Ticket order forms are available on the Festival website, or call 604.681.6330 to request a form. • Please note, faxed orders will not be processed without a credit card number • Info: writersfest.bc.ca or 604.681.6330.

Book a Festival author for your classroom!

Chaque année, les auteurs francophones du festival visitant 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 votre classe au cours du mois d’octobre, veuillez communiquer avec Anne Guagliardo à l’adresse lajoiedelire@writersfest.bc.ca

Spreading the Word Youth Writing Contest Get your students writing! The Youth Writing Contest encourages students in grades 8 –12 to explore their imaginations and presents a worthwhile challenge, one that rewards creativity and hard work. Winners will receive a cash prize and have their work published in The Claremont Review, a magazine that showcases aspiring young writers. Please see our website for details: writersfest.bc.ca/youthwritingcontest Sponsored by Amazon.ca

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 • Emily Carr University of Art + Design and the Charles H. Scott Gallery • Art and craft galleries • Bird watching and sea life spotting • Vancouver Maritime Museum • The Museum of Vancouver • False Creek Ferries and Aquabus water taxis

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

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.

La Joie de Lire

Dessine-nous une histoire Anne Villeneuve, Animatrice: Anne-Laure Paulmont Mardi 21 Octobre, 13 h à 14 h STUDIO 1398

Le crayon au service de l’histoire Fabian Grégoire Animatrice: Anne-Laure Paulmont Mercredi 22 Octobre, 10 h à 11 h 30 IMPROV CENTRE

Anne Villeneuve esquisse, griffonne, éclabousse, déchire, recolle depuis 20 ans déjà. Son talent de conteuse et d’illustratrice nous touche profondément et nous ramène en enfance. Alliant le trait esquissé du crayon et les touches d’aquarelle librement disposées, les illustrations représentent de façon vive et colorée les personnages qu’elle met en scène. L’auteure-illustratrice lira de nombreux passages de Loula part pour l’Afrique ainsi que de L’écharpe rouge, et partagera avec les enfants le plaisir de lire.

Faites connaissance avec cet auteur-illustrateur belge de romans à caractère historique, à mi-chemin entre le documentaire et la fiction! Fabian Grégoire donne la parole au personnage principal de ses récits et illustre tous ses romans. Les enfants seront enchantés de constater comment les images symbolisent les mots tout en découvrant qu’elles peuvent aussi suggérer une vision différente de ce que les mots racontent...

Pour les élèves de la maternelle à la troisième année.

Les livres:

• Les Cloches de la Libération

• Loula part pour l’Afrique

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

• L’écharpe rouge 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 • Compréhension de lecture – comprendre et résumer une histoire

Parcours d’auteurs-illustrateurs

Pour les élèves de la troisième à la septième année.

Le slam, la musique des mots

Marie-Louise Gay, Fabian Grégoire Animatrice: Anne-Laure Paulmont Mercredi 22 Octobre, 13 h à 14 h 30 STUDIO 1398

Tessa Bourguignon Animatrice: France Perras Jeudi 23 Octobre, 10 h à 11 h 30 STUDIO 1398

Voilà l’occasion d’échanger avec deux auteursillustrateurs Fabian Grégoire et Marie-Louise Gay! Pour Marie-Louise Gay, écrire est l’occasion rêvée de tisser mots et images, poésie et couleurs, en créant des histoires où les personnages pourraient vivre des aventures merveilleuses et des émotions vives. Fabian Grégoire écrit et illustre tous ses romans depuis plus de 10 ans; il dessine la réalité à travers les yeux d’un gamin et crée des histoires où vie d’enfant et passé s’entremêlent. Pour les élèves de la troisième à la septième année. Les livres: • Un été à Montréal, Stella, Marie-Louise Gay • Le Phare de l’oubli/Les Verriers de Noël, Fabian Grégoire 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

Venez à la rencontre de Tessa Bourguignon, auteure bilingue de slam qui abordera dans son tout dernier poème les fiertés et défis que suscitent une enfance et scolarisation dans un environnement bilingue. Comment se construire une identité à partir de deux langues et de deux cultures? Tessa nous offrira un événement de plaisir où les mots, la voix, la bouche et le rythme nous réservent bien des surprises. Pour les élèves de la huitième à la douzième année. Lien avec les objectifs du programme d’études: • Les sciences humaines: l’histoire, l’identité, la culture • L’écriture

Jeunesse, verbe et proverbe Jean-Pierre Makosso Animatrice: France Perras Jeudi 23 Octobre, 13 h à 14 h 30 IMPROV CENTRE

L’auteur Congolais Jean-Pierre Makosso nous fera découvrir un de ses tout derniers ouvrages: Jeunesse, verbe et proverbe, un recueil de poésie qui traite de cette jeunesse qui succèdera aux adultes. Dans ce recueil, les vers riment et abordent les thèmes de l’injustice faite aux femmes, de l’éducation des enfants et de l’insécurité de la jeunesse. Pour les élèves de la troisième à la septième année. Les livres: • Jeunesse, verbe et proverbe • Bibicha la danseuse Lien avec les objectifs du programme d’études: • Les sciences humaines: l’histoire, l’identité, la culture • L’écriture

Events for Primary Students Picture Perfect Caroline Adderson, Marie-Louise Gay, Anne Villeneuve Tuesday, October 21, 10–11:00 am IMPROV CENTRE

Three award-winning Canadian authors are on stage this morning to delight the eyes and ears of young readers. From a dog who only “speaks” Chinese, to a recipe for creating a baby sister, to a world inhabited by lost polar bears and talking trees; the stories that these authors have imagined come to life vividly in their delightful picture books. Caroline Adderson, Marie-Louise Gay and Anne Villeneuve are sure to keep young audiences entertained. Suitable for grades K–3 Books: • Norman, Speak!, Caroline Adderson • Any Questions?, Marie-Louise Gay • Loula and the Sister Recipe, Anne Villeneuve Curriculum Connections • Language Arts: literacy foundations • Visual Arts

Crafty Creations Linda Bailey, Marthe Jocelyn, Anne Villeneuve Wednesday, October 22, 1–2:00 pm IMPROV CENTRE

Meet three authors who are well-equipped to entertain and inspire a roomful of eager minds. Linda Bailey has two new picture books —If You Happen to Have a Dinosaur and If Kids Ruled the World. Marthe Jocelyn will delight kids as she demonstrates how to sneak funny art projects into surprising places to make people smile. And Québécoise author and illustrator Anne Villeneuve will amuse with her latest picture book about “not getting exactly what you want and perhaps enjoying it all the more.” Suitable for grades K–3 Books: • If You Happen to Have a Dinosaur/If Kids Ruled the World, Linda Bailey • Sneaky Art: Crafty Surprises to Hide in Plain Sight, Marthe Jocelyn • Loula and the Sister Recipe, Anne Villeneuve Curriculum Connections • Language Arts: literacy foundations • Visual Arts

Events for Primary & Intermediate Students Family, Fact and Fantasy Helaine Becker, Sarah Ellis, Moderator: Shannon Ozirny Tuesday, October 21, 10–11:30 am WATERFRONT THEATRE

Writer, storyteller and librarian Sarah Ellis tackles big themes—loyalty, legality, responsibility and family—in her new novel Outside In. And award-winning author Helaine Becker turns her amazing imagination to the fantasy world of Gottika, where fifteen-yearold Dany struggles with the shame of his mother’s illness and suspects that his father possesses a great secret. The stories created by these two seasoned and talented Canadian authors have lived in the minds of readers for years. Come and enjoy them in person. Suitable for grades 5–8 Books: • Gottika, Helaine Becker • Outside In, Sarah Ellis Curriculum Connections • Language Arts • Identity and self-esteem

Twists in the Road

Bigfoot Boy J. Torres Tuesday, October 21, 10–11:15 am STUDIO 1398

In the conclusion of J. Torres’ Bigfoot Boy graphic novel trilogy, ten-year-old Rufus is eager to recapture the magic totem he lost to trickster ravens. The totem was created to ward off developers who wanted to destroy the precious Pacific Northwest forest and Rufus is empowered with a newfound purpose to protect the woods. Many elements go into the creation of a comic book—artwork, editing and, most importantly, says Torres, the script. tCome hear how this awardwinning author puts it all together. Suitable for grades 2–5 Book:

Imaginations Run Wild Marthe Jocelyn, Robert Paul Weston Moderator: France Perras Tuesday, October 21, 1–2:30 pm WATERFRONT THEATRE

Marthe Jocelyn has written nearly 30 children’s books, and Viminy Crowe’s Comic Book, a book inside a book, is her latest delight. Robert Paul Weston’s imagination takes flight in The Creature Department, as Elliot and Leslie find troll-like creatures and winged things that sparkle as they fly. These two authors have let their imaginations run wild, and invite you to join in the fun! Suitable for grades 4–7 Books: • Viminy Crowe’s Comic Book, Marthe Jocelyn and Richard Scrimger • The Creature Department, Robert Paul Weston

• Bigfoot Boy: The Sound of Thunder

Curriculum Connections • Language Arts • Visual Arts

Curriculum Connections • Visual Arts • Social Studies: environment and ethics

Zoobots

Playing for Gold

Linda Bailey, Marie-Louise Gay Wednesday, October 22, 10–11:30 am WATERFRONT THEATRE

Helaine Becker Wednesday, October 22, 10–11:15 am STUDIO 1398

Cory Doctorow, Elizabeth Stewart, Moderator: Susin Nielsen Wednesday, October 22, 1–2:30 pm PERFORMANCE WORKS

Linda Bailey has written more than 20 books and has garnered honours across North America. Bailey, however, claims that for many years she was scared of writing: “I was afraid to try in case I was awful.” Marie-Louise Gay, now a world-renowned author and illustrator, gave up drawing for 10 years after failing art in grade three. Here’s your chance to see these two superstars, and find out how they got from first picking up a pen to getting published.

In Zoobots: Wild Robots Inspired by Real Animals, award-winning children’s author Helaine Becker describes 12 robots that mimic the physical characteristics of particular animals in order to carry out tasks that humans can’t perform. Science fiction comes to mind at the sight of these creations, but, in fact, they’re firmly rooted in our own extraordinary world. Join Becker for a sensational morning of science. And, there’s always a chance—time permitting—that she’ll perform her classic poem Ode to Underwear.

Turn on your computer. Pick up your cellphone. Do you know where they were made,what went into them and who got hurt along the way? Cory Doctorow and Elizabeth Stewart make us think about these questions with protagonists who encounter kids their own age, living in developing nations, who are negatively affected by the creation of the latest gadget. Today’s technology has pluses and minuses for us all. Suitable for grades 7–10 Books: • In Real Life, Cory Doctorow and Jen Wang • Blue Gold, Elizabeth Stewart Curriculum Connections • Creative Writing • Social Studies: global cultural community • Humanities: ethics, identity and diversity

Suitable for grades 2–4 Books: • If Kids Ruled the World/If You Happen to Have a Dinosaur, Linda Bailey

Suitable for grades 3–6 Book:

• Any Questions?, Marie-Louise Gay

• Zoobots: Wild Robots Inspired by Real Animals

Curriculum Connections • Language Arts • Visual Arts • Identity and self-esteem

Curriculum Connections • Science • Non-fiction

This event is sponsored by Kidsbooks.

Magic Close to Home

Tell Me More

Kendra Kandlestar

Lee Edward Födi, J. Torres Wednesday, October 22, 1–2:30 pm WATERFRONT THEATRE

Caroline Adderson, J. Torres Thursday, October 23, 10–11:30 am WATERFRONT THEATRE

Local author Lee Edward Födi’s Kandlestar series stars a young misfit, Kendra, who is continually heading off on adventures into lands populated by mythical creatures. Rufus, the hero in J. Torres’ Bigfoot Boy graphic novel trilogy, is an average kid who finds a magic totem that can transform him into a Sasquatch. Both Födi and Torres find inspiration for their writing in Pacific Northwest mythology and world folklore. Escape with them for an afternoon of magic, mystery and adventure—surprisingly close to home. Suitable for grades 3–5 Books: • Kendra Kandlestar and the Search for Arazeen, Lee Edward Födi • Bigfoot Boy: The Sound of Thunder, J. Torres Curriculum Connections • Language Arts: mythology and folklore • Visual Arts

Sometimes a character is too appealing, too multi-faceted, to let go of after just one book. Caroline Adderson’s Jasper John Dooley—with his poetic name and irrepressible spirit—has been “star of the week” and “left behind.” Now he is definitely NOT “in love.” J. Torres’ Rufus, the star of his Bigfoot Boy graphic novel trilogy, is an ordinary boy who becomes a Sasquatch through the powers of magic. Get reacquainted with two very lovable and lasting characters.

Lee Edward Födi has been asked a lot of questions by kids, but there’s one in particular he always hopes they’ll ask: What’s the hardest thing about writing a series? Födi recently completed the fifth and final instalment in his wildly popular Kendra Kandlestar series. Settle in this afternoon to learn about Kendra’s latest escapades, pepper Födi with all your pressing questions and perhaps gain a glimpse into what’s percolating in his “imagination tank.”

Suitable for grades 3–6

Books:

Book:

• Jasper John Dooley: NOT in Love, Caroline Adderson

• Kendra Kandlestar and the Search for Arazeen

• Bigfoot Boy: The Sound of Thunder, J. Torres Curriculum Connection • Language Arts: character development

Lee Edward Födi Thursday, October 23, 1–2:15 pm STUDIO 1398

Curriculum Connections • Language Arts: plot development • Visual Arts

For Secondary Students Not a Kid Anymore Michael Cho, Mariko Tamaki, Moderator: Nancy Lee Tuesday, October 21, 10–11:30 am GRANVILLE ISLAND STAGE

Mariko Tamaki’s new graphic novel, This One Summer, explores theuncharted territory of adult secrets revealed to two girls on the cusp ofbecoming teenagers. Skip ahead a few years and meet disillusioned Corrina Park in Michael Cho’s debut graphic novel, Shoplifter. After college, Corrina imagined she would become a successful novelist, but instead finds herselfworking as a copy writer. Transitions—from childhood to adolescence, from school to the adult world of work—aren’t always easy. Cho and Tamaki aremasters at conveying their characters’ trials and triumphs as they really are—graphically. Suitable for grades 8–12 Books: • Shoplifter, Michael Cho • This One Summer, Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki Curriculum Connections • Creative Writing • Visual Arts

Word! Kris Demeanor, Janice Lee, Mary Pinkoski Host: Brendan McLeod Wednesday, October 22, 10–11:30 am Thursday, October 23, 1–2:30 pm GRANVILLE ISLAND STAGE

The Sky is Not the Limit Bob McDonald Tuesday, October 21, 1–2:30 pm GRANVILLE ISLAND STAGE

Bob McDonald is one of Canada’s best-known science journalists. In his new book, Canadian Spacewalkers, McDonald showcases the accounts of astronauts Chris Hadfield, Dave Williams and Steve MacLean, who have all taken the trip of a lifetime. He also relates his own thrills back on Earth—riding in astronaut-training equipment, experiencing space-flight simulators and crawling through full-scale mock-ups of the Space Station. This is probably as close to walking in space as you’ll get. Suitable for grades 8–12 and adults Book: • Canadian Spacewalkers: Hadfield, MacLean and Williams Remember the Ultimate High Adventure Curriculum Connections • Non-fiction Writing • Science • Identity and self-esteem

15&38

Kris Demeanor, Calgary’s first Poet Laureate, is a songwriter and performer. He appears with Mary Pinkoski, the Poet Laureate for the City of Edmonton and Canada’s top female slam poet. A storyteller at heart, Pinkoski’s writing has been called dynamic and visceral. Janice Lee is a singer-songwriter, spoken word poet and community organizer from Kitchener-Waterloo. Enter the room with these three performers—engaged, politically aware and artful in all that they do— and you will leave a changed person. Suitable for grades 8–12 and adults Warning: Content in this event may not be suitable for all classes. Curricululm Connections • Creative Writing • Drama/Fine Arts • Humanities

Secrets and Lies Marthe Jocelyn, Mariko Tamaki, Robert Paul Weston Thursday, October 23, 10–11:30 am PERFORMANCE WORKS

Marthe Jocelyn’s What We Hide features a cast of boarding school students who offer a provocative, often funny, look at secrets. In Mariko Tamaki’s evocative graphic novel This One Summer, two girls come to realize that teenagers are keeping just as many secrets as the adults in their lives. And in Robert Paul Weston’s Blues for Zoey, Kaz’s obsessive love blinds him to the truth. What can we take from these stories? One of life’s greatest lessons: stay true to yourself. Suitable for grades 8–10 Books: • What We Hide, Marthe Jocelyn • This One Summer, Mariko Tamaki • Blues for Zoey, Robert Paul Weston Curriculum Connections • Creative Writing • Humanities: diversity, adversity and identity

Blade Writer Sebastien de Castell, C.C. Humphreys Tuesday, October 21, 1–2:30 pm IMPROV CENTRE

Two BC based authors who also work as fight choreographers take the stage this afternoon. Sebastien de Castell’s Traitor’s Blade stars a trio of bodyguards on a mission to foil a conspiracy with nothing but the swords in their hands. C.C. Humphreys’ new novel Shakespeare’s Rebel stars England’s finest swordsman, who is helping playwright Will Shakespeare mount a new tragedy about a Danish prince. There may be real swordplay, as well as wordplay. En garde! Touché! Suitable for grades 8–12 Books: • Traitor’s Blade, Sebastien de Castell • Shakespeare’s Rebel, C.C. Humphreys Curriculum Connections • Creative Writing: fantasy and historical genres • Social Studies: history

Escape from Tibet Nick Gray, Tenzin, Moderator: Frank Edwards Wednesday, October 22, 10–11:30 am PERFORMANCE WORKS

Each year, thousands of Tibetan refugees risk death to escape political oppression by climbing over the highest mountain range in the world, the Himalayas. Nick Gray, an author and television producer, captured this journey in his 1997 film Escape from Tibet. Among the group of refugees he followed were Pasang and Tenzin, young brothers who became the focus of the film that Gray has now turned into a book. Tenzin joins Gray to talk about their collaboration, their journey and where the brothers are today. Suitable for grades 8–12 Book: • Escape from Tibet, Nick Gray Curriculum Connections • Language Arts: non-fiction narrative • Global Community: geography, history and ethics • Humanities: identity and diversity

Disconnect, then Reconnect Sarah Ellis, Elizabeth Stewart Thursday, October 23, 1–2:30 pm WATERFRONT THEATRE

It’s easy to forget the rest of the world doesn’t live as we do. Sarah Ellis’ Lynn has a typical teen’s fascination with texting and clothes until she meets Blossom, whose “family” lives in a hidden underground bunker and survives by recycling and trading for goods. Elizabeth Stewart’s Blue Gold tells a story of injustice, refugee life and worker’s rights. This event brings a new perspective to our concerns and a chance to tune into a bigger picture. Suitable for grades 8–10 Books: • Outside In, Sarah Ellis • Blue Gold, Elizabeth Stewart Curriculum Connections • Creative Writing • Humanities: global community, geography and ethics

Grades 10 – 12, Teachers & Parents Local Legends Sebastien de Castell, William Gibson Moderator: Robert Wiersema Thursday, October 23, 10–11:30 am GRANVILLE ISLAND STAGE

A seasoned veteran and a relative newcomer share tales of spectacular sci-fi and swashbuckling fantasy. William Gibson’s The Peripheral has two storylines, one set in the recognizable future and the other a much more distant one. Sebastien de Castell’s Traitor’s Blade gets off to a roaring start with a royal conspiracy in the most corrupt city in the world. Join these authors for a conversation about their latest creations and how they teased out a fantastic idea from concept to polished, published page. Suitable for grades 10–12 Books: • Traitor’s Blade, Sebastien de Castell • The Peripheral, William Gibson Curriculum Connections • Creative Writing: fantasy and science fiction plot development

Serial Success A.M. Dellamonica, Marie Lu Moderator: Robert Wiersema Thursday, October 23, 1–2:30 pm PERFORMANCE WORKS

Marie Lu has completed one blockbuster trilogy with her Legend novels and now she’s embarking on a new series, The Young Elites, in which survivors of a deadly fever are rumoured to possess mysterious and powerful gifts. A.M. Dellamonica joins Lu with the first in a new fantasy series, the Hidden Sea Tales, which takes place in the magical world of Stormwrack. This afternoon, step into two utterly novel worlds—and savour the fact that there’s more to come. Suitable for grades 10–12 Books: • Child of a Hidden Sea, A.M. Dellamonica • The Young Elites, Marie Lu Curriculum Connections • Creative Writing: fantasy genre

To Link or Not to Link Caroline Adderson, George McWhirter, K.D. Miller, Kathleen Winter, Moderator: Shaena Lambert Friday, October 24, 10–11:30 am PERFORMANCE WORKS

Four authors discuss the contrasting challenges and pleasures that come from either linking short stories or taking free range to explore a wide variety of characters and themes in the short story form. Caroline Adderson’s Ellen in Pieces is billed as a novel, but was published in pieces. K.D. Miller’s All Saints features plots and characters linked to a fictional Toronto Anglican church. New short story collections by George McWhirter and Kathleen Winter go in a different direction, with a mix of unique characters and creative scenarios. Suitable for grades 10–12 and adults Books: • Ellen in Pieces, Caroline Adderson • The Gift of Women, George McWhirter • All Saints, K.D. Miller • The Freedom in American Songs, Kathleen Winter Curriculum Connection • Creative Writing: short fiction

Beyond Word(s) Janice Lee, Mary Pinkoski Host: Chris Gilpin Thursday, October 23, 10–11:30 am IMPROV CENTRE

Each year our two spoken word events for high school students sell out within days of going on sale. Some classes are inevitably disappointed. So this year we’re going a step further and offering a third event, with a twist: interactivity! We know there are aspiring spoken word stars out there who crave a little more instruction and collaboration, and, of course, some who haven’t yet discovered their talents. Get the creative juices flowing in a fun, inclusive and inspiring event hosted by Chris Gilpin and led by Mary Pinkoski and Janice Lee. Suitable for grades 10–12 Curriculum Connections • Creative Writing: poetry and spoken word • Drama Arts: performance When your booking is confirmed, you will receive information about advance preparatory work for your class.

Not a Mystery Herman Koch, Carrie Snyder, Russell Wangersky, Ian Weir, Moderator: Timothy Taylor Friday, October 24, 10–11:30 am GRANVILLE ISLAND STAGE

The authors in this event haven’t written traditional mysteries but that doesn’t mean the levels of intrigue aren’t high. Herman Koch’s gathering of not so-nice characters and Carrie Snyder’s part historical page-turner, part contemporary “mystery”about family and memory are tense at every turn. Russell Wangersky brings us a dark psychological thriller about a man who pokes into people’s lives through their abandoned grocery lists. And Ian Weir’s narrator keeps his secrets to himself through the dark alleyways of 1816 London. Suitable for grades 10–12 and adults Books: • Summer House with Swimming Pool, Herman Koch • Girl Runner, Carrie Snyder • Walt, Russell Wangersky • Will Starling, Ian Weir Curriculum Connections • Creative Writing: mystery genre • Literary Analysis: plot development

Pure Poetry Kris Demeanor, Eve Joseph, Christopher Levenson, Anne Kennedy, Sina Queyras, Katherena Vermette Host: Chris Gilpin Friday, October 24, 10–11:30 am WATERFRONT THEATRE

Confessional, lyrical, lavish and spare, the poets reading this morning are as varied as the tools of expression at their disposal. Kris Demeanor draws on classic folk storytelling and spoken word to get his message across. Eve Joseph “employs a lean, streamlined lyric.” Christopher Levenson tackles the “political” poem. Narrative energy is at the heart of Anne Kennedy’s work. Sina Queyras combines “lyric homage and social critique.” And Katherena Vermette astounds with her minimalist style. Suitable for grades 10–12 and adults Books: • In the Slender Margin, Eve Joseph • The Darling North, Anne Kennedy • Night Vision, Christopher Levenson • MxT, Sina Queyras • north end love songs, Katherena Vermette Curriculum Connections • Creative Writing: poetry • Humanities: activism and global citizenship

Grades 10 – 12, Teachers & Parents continued Better Living Through Books? Nadia Bozak, Damon Galgut, Rebecca Mead Moderator: Angie Abdou Friday, October 24, 10–11:30 am STUDIO 1398

Three authors for whom books are the real stuff of life talk about the influence of literature on living. Great novelists don’t set out to be didactic, but read at the right time, books can increase our empathy, invite new insights and open our minds. Nadia Bozak says she writes “in the shadows of everything I have ever read.” Damon Galgut teaches us how to read E.M. Forster afresh. And for Rebecca Mead, reading “helps you see the world beyond yourself.” Suitable for grades 10–12 and adults Books: • El Niño, Nadia Bozak • The Arctic Summer, Damon Galgut • My Life in Middlemarch, Rebecca Mead Curriculum Connection • Literary Arts: literary evaluation and analysis

Turning the Page Cory Doctorow in conversation with Charlie Smith Friday, October 24, 10–11:30 am Improv Centre

It’s a time of immense change in the publishing world, from self-publishing to the digitization of books themselves. With these changes have come positive outcomes, but there are questions about the future of the industry—particularly digital copyright issues, the future of publishing houses and the changing ways that people read. Award-winning science fiction writer and technology activist Cory Doctorow has first-hand experience navigating these changes. In Information Doesn’t Want to Be Free, Doctorow addresses the “pitfalls, and the opportunities, creative industries (and individuals) are confronting today.” Suitable for grades 10–12 and adults Book: • Information Doesn’t Want to Be Free Curriculum Connection • Language Arts: the life and process of being a writer This event is supported by the Leon & Thea Koerner Foundation.

Writing Back to the Self Eve Joseph, Alison Pick, Michael Pond, Kathleen Winter Friday, October 24, 1–2:30 pm GRANVILLE ISLAND STAGE

Spend time with four insightful authors whose personal journeys reveal larger truths for us all. Eve Joseph’s meditation on dying is based on her experience working in a hospice. In reclaiming her Jewish identity, Alison Pick raises larger questions about faith and family. Therapist Michael Pond’s memoir of his journey to sobriety calls for a more compassionate approach to addictions treatment. And Kathleen Winter reflects on her journey across the storied Northwest Passage, which changed her relationship with this planet forever. Suitable for grades 10–12 and adults Books: • In the Slender Margin, Eve Joseph • Between Gods, Alison Pick • The Couch of Willingness, Michael Pond • The Freedom in American Songs, Kathleen Winter Curriculum Connection • Language Arts: personal narrative and memoir writing

The Tangled Web Martha Baillie, Arjun Basu, Kate Pullinger Moderator: Lee Henderson Friday, October 24, 1–2:30 pm STUDIO 1398

We are only minutes into a new millennium of digital interplay and already, brave and imaginative authors such as Martha Baillie, Arjun Basu, and Kate Pullinger are testing the waters. “I wanted to explore how authors and readers relate to each other in our time,” says Baillie. Pullinger’s Landing Gear can be accessed with an interactive map that pins extracts from the novel to the relevant locations. Basu explores the brave new world of social media, plunging his character into a culture of compulsive sharing. Suitable for grades 10–12 and adults Books: • The Search for Heinrich Schlögel, Martha Baillie • Waiting for the Man, Arjun Basu • Landing Gear, Kate Pullinger Curriculum Connections • Literary Arts

Books Beget Books Rabih Alameddine, Nadia Bozak, Tom Rachman Moderator: Rebecca Mead Friday, October 24, 1–2:30 pm WATERFRONT THEATRE

Rabih Alameddine’s character Aaliyah keeps company exclusively with her writers—living and dead. Nadia Bozak is clear that her trilogy is based closely on the works of McCarthy, Coetzee and Conrad. And Tom Rachman’s character Tooly, inhabiting the World’s End bookshop, reflects that readers keep their books “because these objects contained the past—each volume a piece of one’s intellect.” These three writers’ books are permeated by what they have read and loved. Suitable for grades 10–12 and adults Books: • An Unnecessary Woman, Rabih Alameddine • El Niño, Nadia Bozak • The Rise & Fall of Great Powers, Tom Rachman Curriculum Connection • Creative Writing: inspiration and process

Celebrating 40 Years of Harbour Publishing Robert (Lucky) Budd, Katherine Palmer Gordon Host: Howard White Friday, October 24, 1–2:30 PM IMPROV CENTRE

For 40 years Harbour Publishing has been publishing BC born-and-bred books, full of authentic knowledge about life on the coast. Robert (Lucky) Budd’s Echoes of British Columbia tells the stories of some of BC’s remarkable and inspiring pioneers. In We Are Born with the Songs Inside Us, Katherine Palmer Gordon reveals 16 candid stories of young First Nations people living in BC. Come celebrate Harbour and our BC heritage. Suitable for grades 10–12 and adults Books: • Echoes of British Columbia, Robert (Lucky) Budd • We Are Born with the Songs Inside Us, Katherine Palmer Gordon Curriculum Connections • Social Studies: First Nations and BC history • Non-fiction Writing