Tag: Under Attack

Thursday in Pemberton

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.

Wednesday: Nicole Benes: a librarian of many hats!

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)

Tuesday afternoon: Lynne Valley PL and Kidsbooks

After speaking to big groups in the morning, it was a refreshing change to speak with a small group of homeschooled students and their parents. It was more like a conversation than a presentation and each person there had the opportunity to ask questions and comment. Thank you, Rachel Brown, librarian! I loved every minute of it!

I dropped by Kidsbooks on Edgemont to sign stock copies of my books and asked Alex to pose with me by the outdoor sign! I LOVE independent bookstores! What would authors do without the expertise and passion of independent booksellers?

After signing, I headed out to the Sea to Sky highway and drove to Pemberton — a 2+ hour GLORIOUS drive! I would have loved to take photos. The mountains and the sea were breathtaking. I kept my eyes glued to the road!

 

Tuesday: first up: Lynne Valley ES!

The last time I did a book tour for CCBC’s Canadian Children’s Book Week was way back in 2014 when I toured Quebec. Before that, I toured Alberta in 2008 and Manitoba in 2002. It’s always a great opportunity to interact with students and educators that I’d never otherwise get to meet. I was at the school about thirty minutes early — I hate being late!

Teacher Librarian Kate Montgomerie greeted me with an enthusiastic smile and told me all about her fundraising efforts to increase her book buying powers. As she talked, she rearranged the library for my presentation, chatted with students, set up my power point. First up were grades 6&7 students, and the next were grades 5&6. I talked about why I write what I write, and my own struggles as a student. They were full of interesting questions and comments.

Under Attack shortlisted for 2 readers’ choice awards

I am thrilled that Kidnapped from Ukraine book #1: Under Attack has been shortlisted for both the Wyoming Indian Paintbrush Book Award and the Manitoba Young Readers’ Choice Northern Lights Award. I love readers’ choice programs the best because young readers themselves select the books instead of adults on a jury.

Visiting Oakville Ridna Skhola for Holodomor Remembrance Day

Many thanks so educator extraordinaire Oksana Levytska, her team, and her fabulous students. It was a pleasure to discuss my books set during various times in Ukraine’s history, particularly my books set during the Holodomor, and my Kidnapped from Ukraine trilogy, which is set during a time these students are all too familiar with. It was a dual presentation, with some students in person, and others attending remotely.

Copies of Under Attack, book #1 of my Kidnapped from Ukraine trilogy had been pre-purchased through Koota Ooma, my favourite Ukrainian book and gift store, so I got to know the names of each student as I signed them.

After all of the books were signed and I was packing up my things, it was thrilling to see so many students reading their brand new books — an author’s dream.

Ms Levytska invited me to attend the school’s Holodomor assembly. I was moved by students’ dedication and talent in honouring those who had perished in this genocide orchestrated by Stalin.