Toronto author Kevin Sands had earned two degrees in theoretical physics and was toiling away as a researcher and teacher before writing his first middle-grade novel, The Blackthorn Key (Simon & Schuster Canada).
Remembering Another Story owner and social-justice activist Sheila Koffman
When Sheila Koffman opened Toronto’s Another Story Bookshop 30 years ago, publishing and selling books about social justice by and about culturally diverse and disenfranchised figures – in particular for young readers – was considered a fringe business.
Angie Abdou on seeking permission to use a First Nations character
When I embarked on writing what would become my latest novel, I did not set out to write about Indigenous characters. I began composing a work of straight-up horror, hoping to be the next Stephen King. But that’s not how In Case I Go turned out.
Fanny Britt and Isabelle Arsenault reveal the delicate dance that is their creative process
Montreal author Fanny Britt and illustrator Isabelle Arsenault did not meet until they started collaborating on their first graphic novel, 2012’s Jane, le renard et moi.
Monique Gray Smith: To explain reconciliation to children, we must be truthful and face our own fears
Sometimes life requires us to be braver and bolder than we think we can be.
Innovative new services born from the bankruptcy of Douglas & McIntyre
When Douglas & McIntyre – once one of Canada’s largest independent book publishers – filed for bankruptcy in fall 2012, the news sent reverberations throughout the industry.
Q+A: Erinne Paisley on using books to encourage social media activism
Erinne Paisley is the author of Can Your Smartphone Change the World?, the first in a new series of nonfiction pop activism books, which encourages and teaches young people to use social media for good
Casey Plett on co-editing an anthology of sci-fi and fantasy from transgender writers
“Who needs to imagine different worlds? Well, trans people certainly do,” says editor Casey Plett.
Q&A: Kidlit scholar Heba Elsherief on the problematic representation of Muslim girls in children’s literature
In her work as a PhD student at University of Toronto and children’s literature teacher at Seneca College, Heba Elsherief has turned her attention toward the representations of Muslim characters in children’s literature.
Vancouver Writers Fest’s Hal Wake is celebrated for his authors-first philosophy
Hal Wake stands will stand down from the Vancouver Writers Fest this fall.
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