Vancouver Writers Fest (October 18-24, 2021)

The Vancouver Writers Fest is again presenting a stellar list of authors in dozens of virtual, in-person and hybrid events. While many BC readers have been able to partake in the VWF over its 30+ years, virtual events have now opened up possibilities for young readers across Canada to enjoy these same events.  I encourage teachers and parents to check out the plethora of author events at this year's VWF, to be held from October 18-24, knowing that there is something for everyone here.

 

To help get you interested, let me tell you about the events featuring Canadian authors of books for young readers. Then you can head to the festival website, check out this year's Program Guide, look into all their youth events, or book a visiting author as part of their Writers in the Classroom.

 

 

Scheduled Events  

(of Canadian authors for youth)

Monday, October 18, 2021

 

9:30 AM

Caroline Adderson

Sunny Days Inside and Other Stories

Reviewed here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11:00 AM

Tom Ryan and Robin Stevenson

When You Get the Chance

Reviewed here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2:00 PM

Wab Kinew

Walking in Two Worlds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

 

9:30 AM

David A. Robertson

On the Trapline

Illustrated by Julie Flett 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11:00 AM

Jen Sookfong Lee

Finding Home: The Journey of Immigrants and Refugees

 

 

 

and 

Lois Peterson

Shelter: Homelessness in Our Community

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

9:30 AM

Ashley Spires

Burt the Beetle Doesn't Bite!

Reviewed here

 

 

 

 

 

 

11:00 AM

Sarah Raughley

The Bones of Ruin

 

 

and

Xiran Jay Zhao

Iron Widow

Thursday, October 21, 2021

9:30 AM

David A. Robertson

The Great Bear (The Misewa Saga, Book 2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11:00 AM

Susin Nielsen

Tremendous Things

and 

Peyton Thomas

Both Sides Now

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2:00 PM

Gordon Korman

Linked

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Writers in the Classroom

 

The Vancouver Writers Fest also organizes a program called Writers in the Classroom which provides opportunities for young readers to connect with authors. This year, sixteen authors offer virtual presentations for classes from Grades 1-12. Deadline to apply for an author visit is September 30, 2021 and are booked on a first come, first serve basis, so teachers are encouraged not to delay. Details may be found at https://writersfest.bc.ca/youth#writers-in-the-classroom.

 

Hope young readers get to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to listen to some Canadian authors of books for young people read and speak about their books. 

It's sure to be a great author event.

 

Eden Mills Writers' Festival: Sunday, September 13, 2015

As a resident of the quaint hamlet of Eden Mills, just outside of Guelph, I love promoting its annual Eden Mills Writers' Festival celebrating the written and spoken word arts.  This year will be the 27th since Governor-General award-winning author and poet Leon Rooke started the festival and, though the festival continues to evolve over the years, it is at its heart an outdoor festival of authors of children's, young adult and adult literature reading from their works.  

Details about tickets (less expensive if purchased in advance) and schedule, and all the authors who will be present are available at the Eden Mills Writers' Festival website here.

If you're around southern Ontario on Sunday, September 13 (the main day event of readings and author events), come on down and visit with a few of our favourite CanLit authors, including the children's and young adult writers and illustrators I've listed below with images of some of their most recent works.

Children's Authors

Carolyn Beck 

Sean Cassidy 

Wallace Edwards 

Debbie Ridpath Ohi 

Jan Thornhill

Kari-Lynn Winters

Magician Ben Caesar and Singer-Songwriter Eddie Douglas will also be on hand to entertain in the Children's Venue.

Young Adult Authors

Lesley Choyce

Megan Crewe

Catherine Egan

Alyxandra Harvey

Norah McClintock

Caroline Pignat

Bill Swan

Caitlin Sweet

We're anticipating a great day, so come out and join us and meet a few of your favourite authors and illustrators, do a little book-buying on Publishers' Way and through The Bookshelf, get a book or five signed, and enjoy a spectacular day!  

Hope to see you there.