writes about war from a young person's view #bannedbyrussia
Honoured to have contributed a chapter in this important book by Sarah J. Donovan. My chapter references Russia’s ongoing genocide in Ukraine. The chapter is titled, Creating With Empathy: Witnessing Genocide Through Historical Fiction
It was so meaningful to meet my fellow panelists for the War and Trauma panel. I was particularly struck by the work that Hooria Rezaei is doing with children in Tehran during this current war, using books as a refuge and a way of dealing with trauma in kids who are in the midst of the unimaginable.
Just had the most wonderful visit with Green Grove Camp — a summer Ukrainian dance camp in Saskatchewan for Ukrainian Orthodox children and youth! Their teacher, Anya Shyian, let me know that the board had provided each participant with a copy of one of my books, so I mailed a personalized book plate for each of them. The questions were fantastic! So detailed and specific from so many different books and and times in my own life. I extended the session so that all questions could be answered, and extended again when a cluster of kids had more questions. I asked them to show me some of their dance moves — beautiful! And we ended with them dancing out of the room!!
After my last school session and on my way to returning the rental car, I stopped in at Book Warehouse on Main to autograph their stock copies of my books. The traffic was heavy and where I parked wasn’t exactly great, but the books are signed! LOVE independent bookstores. They are an author’s best friend, and readers’ best friend!
My final school visit for Book Week was on Friday afternoon at École Sherwood Park ES. Students had so many interesting questions and observations about writing, world history, the war in Ukraine, and dyslexia. Often, by Friday afternoon, students are tired, but these young readers were animated and interested. Thanks so much, Patricia Laursen, teacher-librarian!
I had been in correspondence with Linette McNeil, Highland’s teacher-librarian, for several weeks. She had been searching for copies of my Dear Canada novel, Prisoners in the Promised Land, but could only find used copies. Nearly all of my 30 years of books are still in print, but this one currently isn’t. However, a few years ago the Toronto Ukrainian Canadian Congress ordered a special print run in softcover to give as a graduation gift to grade 8 students in Toronto Ukrainian schools. I received some author copies. I brought Linette two of them, and in lieu of payment, she made a donation to the Canada-Ukraine Foundation.
What a lovely surprise I had when I got to the school!
Students were very engaged and asked lots of questions. In the background is my grade 4 report card — the first one — when I was failed.
K, who escaped from Mariupol when the the 2022 attacks began, was in the audience and stayed after to introduce herself. She asked if she could get her sister M out of her class so we could meet and get a photo. A very emotional meeting.
These are the students who introduced me. I’m always impressed with students who are able to get up in front of a big group of their peers and calmly deliver their words.
We got a group pic too!
I was back at Signal Hill in the morning on Thursday and had the opportunity to speak with grade four students. They were very engaged and had lots of questions. In the afternoon, I presented to grade nine students at Pemberton Secondary School. Nicole was also the teacher-librarian for this school! I am impressed and amazed by how many hats she wears! With older students, I like to talk about the process of writing a book, including research and challenges, getting it published, what happens then. We also discussed the need for accurate information, even in fiction. Often grade 9s won’t ask questions, but these students weren’t at all shy and asked away.
I had two sets of grade 6 and 7 students on Wednesday April 29 at Signal Hill ES in Pemberton. Both sessions were in the morning and the kids were fantastic. Teacher-librarian Nicole Benes is amazing! Not only did she organize these sessions, and the ones for tomorrow, but she was taking a bunch of her students on a bike ride midday!
The afternoon was open, so I got some fresh air and took in my stunning surroundings.
And look at this matcha latte, made with care by the barista at Mount Currie Coffee! It was as delicious as it was beautiful. I bought a package of locally roasted coffee as well so I could make coffee in my hotel room each morning. I had brought some with me, but had run out. (I bring my own filters, pour-over cone, and mini-kettle — obsessive, I know)
