Author: Caroline Fernandez

Grant, Vicki – (Halifax, Nova Scotia)

Member – Writers Union of Canada, Writers Federation of Nova Scotia, CCBC and CANSCAIP.

Middle-Grade and YA fiction.

Grades 4-12. $300 plus HST for 1 session, $500 for 2, $750 for 3 and $1000 for 4, + travel (.68 cents per kilometer, round-trip for SW ON).

Virtual Visits: $300 plus HST, for one session, 20-60 minutes, $200 for each additional session on the same day.

Winner: Red Maple Award, Arthur Ellis Award winner for juvenile crime fiction, CBC Young Canada Reads winner.

Nominated for Edgar Allan Poe Award, CLA Children’s Book of the Year, Young Canada Reads, New Jersey Library Association’s Garden State Teen Book Award, Ann Connor-Brimer Award x3, Red Cedar, Silver Birch x 2, Arthur Ellis x3, Red Maple, Golden Oak, BC Stellar, Saskatchewan Snow Willow x 3, and Hackmatack. Multiple awards for children’s television scripts and advertising work.

Television screenwriter, advertising copywriter and multi-award-winning author of eighteen middle-grade and young adult novels, Vicki brings her trademark humour to the classroom in her fun and informative school visits. Geared to the interests of the class, her presentations will delight Grades Four through Twelve. “The best presentation we ever had!” Ian Forsyth Elementary. “A wonderful rapport with students of any age!” Ellenvale Junior High. “She entranced our Grade 12 writing class!” St. Paul Catholic High School.

Vicki loves being a writer but that doesn’t mean she always loves to write. Illustrated with humorous slides and personal examples, her presentations focus on the tricks she’s learned to keep herself inspired and productive. She engages the class with hilarious read-alouds, lively Q & As, and easy exercises geared to their interest and age-group. She’s also happy to give presentations about writing humour, plotting mystery novels, character development and, for older kids, the business of writing.

Here’s a selection of her books:

Quid Pro Quo: A comic high-action legal thriller for 10 to 14-year olds

Also available in French

“A very, very funny book. I couldn’t put it down!” CBC’s Children’s Book Panel

“The kind of timing, pacing, deadpan one-liners and punchy humour that a seasoned stand-up would envy…but real and funny.” Quill & Quire starred review.

Winner of the Arthur Ellis Award for Best Juvenile Crime Novel, CBC Young Canada Reads. A Silver Birch Honour Book. Nominated for the Edgar Allan Poe Award, CLA Children’s Book of the Year, Young Canada Reads, New Jersey Library Association’s Garden State Teen Book Award, Ann Connor-Brimer Award, Red Cedar Award. A New York Public Library Best Book for Teens. Bank Street College List of Best Books

A Green Velvet Secret: A Middle-Grade mystery about love, grief and fabulous vintage clothes

“Upbeat and heartwarming. Stock up on tissues and settle in for a wholly satisfying read. Highly recommended.” CM: CANADIAN REVIEW OF MATERIALS

“Quirky, fully fleshed characters and a tender third-person narration accompany themes of grieving…in this winning novel.” PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY

Short for Chameleon: A Middle-Grade mystery about a boy, his Dad, and their rented family.

Red Maple nominee. Also available in French

“Short for Chameleon is a near perfect book. It bursts with a unique voice and a delightfully surprising plot.” Quill & Quire

“A delightful, quirky, and engaging read. 4 out of 4 stars.” CM

“Original, hilarious and evocative.” — Resource Links 

Pigboy: A comic high-low adventure novel for 10 to 14 year-olds

ALA Quick Pick 2008, Silver Birch Honour Book

Also available in French

“Grant hits the nail on the head…A compelling story with lots of suspense, but it’s the journey to Dan’s personal redemption that is most enjoyable to read. Highly recommended.” CM Magazine

“Grant has done a fantastic job of developing the voice of an adolescent who is the class bully’s whipping boy. Dan’s wry sense of humor catches readers’ attention and has them rooting for him practically from the first page. Pigboy is a great quick read for boys who may be reluctant readers but others will enjoy it as well.” School Library Journal

36 Questions That Changed My Mind About You: A YA romcom based on a real psychological study

Also available in French

White Pine Honour Book. Chosen by the Toronto Public Library for THE LIST – 100 top books for teens

Foreign rights sold to 20 territories worldwide.

“Lots of laughs and a message about looking past appearances to make a connection” Publishers Weekly

Tell Me When You Feel Something: A YA medical thriller

Ann Connor Brimer nominee, CCBC’s Best Books for Kids and Teens, Fall 2021 — Starred Pick

“An important representation of the pressure that teenagers can feel and the damaging coping habits that they can use to maintain a semblance of normalcy.” —CM: Canadian Review of Materials

Maximum group sizes for presentations: 100+ for everyone else.

Writing Workshops 10 to 20 participants

Writing Workshop Topics:

Funny Pages: Tips on writing humour

Whodunnit?: How to plot a satisfying mystery

Making friends (or enemies!): Developing realistic and engaging characters

Other topics upon request.

All venues, library or classroom preferred. Equipment needed: A small table for books. A microphone if the room requires it. A screen and projector. (I have a MacBook but can also bring my presentation saved in Power Point on a USB stick.) A glass of water and lunch if I’m staying for the day. (I don’t need anything fancy!)

Contact Vicki to book a visit:

    Join our roster

    author and illustrator applications to authors’ booking service

    The roster opens in June.

    If you are interested in being considered for our roster we invite you to apply via the Authors’ Booking Service online application. 

    Who is a great candidate for our roster?

    • Canadian authors and illustrators
    • Traditionally published creators
    • Creators who enjoy speaking about their books and creating process
    • Authors and illustrators able to do either in-person, virtual visits or both

    Please note: we do not represent self-published or hybrid-published authors or illustrators.

    • Membership in our community of Canadian, traditionally published, authors and illustrators
    • Customized author/illustrator page on the Authors’ Booking Service website complete with your author bio, school presentation info, author headshot, book cover gallery (up to 6 covers), contact form and SEO.
    • Inclusion in the Authors’ Booking Service directory of Canadian authors/illustrators available to do school and library visits (in-person and virtual).
    • Monthly newsletters to members with industry news, author/illustrator opportunities, professional development, member marketplace and more.
    • Monthly newsletters to educators/librarians with calls to action to book Authors’ Booking Service members
    • EXCLUSIVE monthly members zoom
    • Promotion and amplification of your social media posts.

    Campbell, Duncan (Toronto, ON)

    Bilingual (English with some Spanish words) early elementary picture book in rhyming verse for all ages.

    In-Person Workshops: $200 plus HST for 1 session of 20-60 minutes, $350 for 2, $500 for 3 and $650 for 4, + travel (60 cents per kilometer for SW Ontario).

    Virtual Workshops: $150 plus HST for one session of 20-60 minutes, $125 for each additional session on the same day.

    Books

    Duncan admits that he’s always alert
    For words he can use for a rhyme
    Putting them into relatable verses
    That hopefully you think sound fine
    Sometimes it all comes out awesome
    Sometimes it’s almost divine
    And you can be sure that the best ones
    Will cost you much more than a dime!

    … But if you should find that your wallet
    Is currently looking quite thin
    He’ll do it for less than what’s written
    So we can all have a big win!

    Duncan has been playing with words all his life, is a terminal rhyming addict, and all three of his children have nominated him for the “Lethal Punster Award.” He is a writer of prose, poetry, and songs, an experienced speaker, and skilled in doing workshops with audiences of all ages on diverse subjects, including how to do rhyming poetry. He has travelled the world, working with a broad array of cultures and people groups, especially in Africa and Latin America. His areas of expertise include international relief and development, travel and adventure, cross-cultural experiences, and, of course, rhyming! Duncan is an experienced children’s worker, with over 30-years of teaching short, appealing lessons to children ages 4 and up, singing songs with actions, and organising fun games. He tailors his talks to each group, and is available to do multiple talks or workshops over the course of the day. He can share from his 30 years of international experiences, and from his life-long writing journey to finally becoming a published author. Duncan would be especially happy to do joint talks, presentations, and workshops with Ashlee Campbell, the main author of Señora Sanasana. (See Ashlee’s profile for more details.)

    Examples of workshop options:

    All presentations available in English, Spanish, French, or a combination of language of instruction.

    JK- Gr. 2:

    • Duncan only: 30–60-minute workshop, reading Señora Sanasana out loud, discussion about some of the verses and how they rhyme, definition of a rhyme, how to find rhymes and make rhyming verses, use of a Thesaurus, exercises to write one rhyming verse couplet and volunteers to share. Includes speaker-led, multilingual “brain breaks” for children such as fun games and action songs.
    • With Ashlee: 60–75-minute workshop, Ashlee leading with study of character creation or learning the Spanish words, including exercises and sharing. (See Ashlee Campbell’s profile for more details.) Duncan would follow with the rhyming component and help with breaks throughout.

    Gr. 3-6:

    • Duncan only: 30–60-minute workshop, study more rhymes from Señora Sanasana, deeper dive into concept of rhyming and Thesaurus usage, longer exercise in writing rhyming verses.
    • With Ashlee: 60–75-minute workshop, Ashlee leading, deeper dive into character creation based on common nursery rhymes, sayings and idiomatic expressions, longer writing activity, group discussions, and more sharing by students. (See Ashlee Campbell’s profile for more details.) Duncan intervening for rhyming components integrated throughout the workshop, and assisting with brain break games and action songs.

    Highschool and Adult:

    • Duncan only: 45–90-minute workshop, deeper and longer dive into the concept and practice of rhyming, creating rhyming verse, Thesaurus usage, increased content creation time to write a full poem or story in rhyming verse, and everyone sharing and critiquing each other.
    • With Ashlee: 60-90-minute workshop, or two sessions for increased content creation time. Character creation as above, with discussion of “own voice” stories and introduction to constructive writing critique groups. (See Ashlee Campbell’s profile for details.) Duncan adding rhyming analysis, exercises, and critique throughout.

    Duncan and Ashlee also take workshops on request.

    All Venues. All Group Sizes. Equipment required: A table or podium. A microphone for larger groups and when room acoustics require it. A screen and projector for power-point and videos.

    Contact Duncan to book a visit:

      Campbell, Ashlee (Toronto, Ontario)

      Bilingual early elementary picture book (Spanish/English). All ages.

      $200 plus HST for 1 session, $350 for 2, $500 for 3 and $650 for 4, + travel (50 cents per kilometer, round-trip for SW ON). Virtual Visits: $150 plus HST, for one session, 20-60 minutes, $125 for each additional session on the same day.

      Ashlee is an experienced speaker and Creative Writing teacher at the highschool and elementary levels. Ashlee tailors her talks to each group and is available to present in English, Spanish and French or a combination of languages of instruction. Ashlee is available to do multiple talks or workshops over the course of the day with groups ranging from kindergarten to high school. As a homeschool co-op organizer Ashlee also prepares talks and workshops for mixed-age groups. Ashlee has also given talks on writing, publishing and the author’s journey for adult groups.

      Sample pre-recorded workshops available upon request. Ashlee also takes workshop requests.

      Examples of workshop options:

      All presentations available in English, French and Spanish or a combination of language of instruction.

      JK- Gr. 2 – 45 – 60 mins (including speaker-led multilingual “brain breaks” for children)

      Reading of “Senora Sanasana” followed by a character creation workshop including a LA tie-in worksheet for Gr. 2 and a drawing activity for younger ages.

      OR

      Reading of “Senora Sanasana” followed by learning Spanish words and class discussion about languages spoken and heard in the children’s home and communities and creation of a classroom word cloud of words in other languages the children know.

      Gr. 3-6 – 45 – 60 mins

      Character creation workshop based on common nursery rhymes, sayings and idiomatic expressions, including worksheet and writing activity and group discussion about the rhymes and sayings from their diverse backgrounds. Workshop includes time for students to share their characters.

      Highschool – 45 – 60 mins or two sessions for increased content creation time

      Introduction to critique circle practices and character creation workshop (see above). Workshop includes discussion of “own voice” stories and how to create supportive, compassionate and constructive writing critique groups.

      Adults – 45 – 60 mins

      “Abundance versus scarcity for artists” – this is a talk on having an “abundance” mentality as an artist, basing our creative practices on the belief that there is enough space and enough audience in the world for everyone’s art and writing. This talk also delves into how we define success and takes an anti-capitalist approach to redefining both “success” and “audience” in order for artists to thrive.

      All Venues. All Group Sizes. Equipment required: A table or podium. A microphone for larger groups or in the gym, or if the room acoustics require it. A screen and projector for power-point.

      Contact Ashlee to book a visit:

        Currie, Susan (Brampton, Ontario)

        Member: Writer’s Union of Canada, Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators. Winner: Second Story Press’s Aboriginal Writing Award. Finalist: Ontario White Pine Award, Ontario Silver Birch Award, CLA Book of the Year for Children, CODE Burt Award, Hackmatack Award, Manitoba Young Reader’s Choice Award, First Nations Communities Read Award. Several times included in Canadian Children’s Book Centre Best Books for Children and Teens. All ages from 8 and up. Up to 100 or so participants. $250 for one session, $450 for two, $675 for three, $900 for a full day (four sessions). Plus a travel fee of $0.50/km to and from Brampton, Ontario. Virtual visits $200 plus HST for 30-60 minutes, $150 plus HST for each subsequent session on the same day.

        Susan Currie is a passionate and dynamic elementary teacher in Brampton, Ontario. Before she entered the public school system, she earned a living as an accompanist, music director, choir director, dinner musician, leader of various music programs for children, and piano teacher. She’s the author of two middle grade novels, and two YA novels. Her novels all explore themes of friendship, music, navigating challenges, being resilient, and finding your identity. She has also written three nonfiction books on Indigenous topics. Susan has been on multiple Indigenous writing teams through the Elementary Federation of Ontario. She wrote lesson plans and prompts for Spark, Pearson’s online reading program. Susan is an adoptee who was in the foster care system briefly as a baby, and only learned of her Haudenosaunee heritage (Cayuga Nation, Turtle Clan) as an adult. She is happily married to John and has a wonderful daughter named Rachel.

        Susan is extremely flexible as a presenter and can customize a presentation to the needs of each venue. Through years in the classroom, she is very comfortable engaging in conversation with young people. In each presentation, she will include readings from her books and a Q and A. Possible topics could include the following, but please reach out to discuss your needs as Susan will happily customize a session.

        • Friendship, strategies for building your voice, facing down bullies
        • Notable Indigenous figures like Autumn Peltier; telling how she has fought to protect water around the world; sharing how you can help
        • The history of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy and the Cayuga Nation, including life long ago, the impact of the Indian Act, and the rise of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission; what you can do to help with reconciliation
        • Susan’s own history as an adoptee who later learned her Cayuga heritage
        • Raising awareness of social inequities, such as institutionalized racism, the limited rights of foster children, and differences in opportunities based on socioeconomic status; sharing how you can advocate for others in your immediate community and around the world
        • What it is like to be a writer, with focus on the process of writing a novel, and the steps you go through to have a published book

        Susan is also delighted to do writing workshops with small groups (no more than 15 or so). Topics might include the following, but please reach out to discuss your needs as Susan will happily customize a session.

        • Building exciting scenes or characters
        • Fun ways to edit your work that bring your story to vivid life
        • Finding your creative voice
        • Using other art forms to inspire your writing – paintings, pieces of music, dance, etc. Writing a story based on one of these.
        • Telling a story from your life in a dramatically compelling way
        • Writing effective and interesting dialogue
        • Creating a character driven plot

        Susan’s Books:

        Basket of Beethoven (Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2001)

        Grades 4-8

        Sam, whose single mom is so strapped for cash that she can barely afford food, talks the privileged Helen into teaching him how to play the piano. He has to keep up his end of the bargain, which involves getting rid of the threatening bullies who plague her. But anything is worth having an outlet for the music inside him. Themes: friendship, family, strategies for standing up to bullies, resiliency, courage, music, creativity, imagination.

        The Mask that Sang (Second Story Press, 2016)

        Grades 4-8

        Cass learns about her Indigenous identity via a mysterious Haudenosaunee mask that shows her visions and sings to her. Through her friendship with Degan, an Indigenous boy, she uncovers what the mask is trying to tell her. Themes: magic realism, bullies, resiliency, systemic racism, residential schools, foster care, loss of identity, found friends, Indigenous history in Canada.

        Haudenosaunee: the People and Nations (Saunders/Beech Street, 2023)

        Grades 4-12

        This nonfiction book explores the history of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, and the impact of the Indian Act on Indigenous peoples in Canada. It also tells about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and ways that ordinary people can help to fulfil the calls to action. It highlights how the Haudenosaunee are fighting to regain their language and culture.

        Amazing Women in Canada: Autumn Peltier (Saunders/Beech Street, 2024)

        Grades 3-12

         This nonfiction book tells about Autumn Peltier, who has become a water warrior on the global stage, fighting for the protection of water around the world, and advocating for the rights of people on reserves to have clean water. She has shown resiliency in her mission, not backing down even in the face of negative criticism.

        Indigenous People and Nations: Cayuga (Saunders/Beech Street 2026)

        Grades 4-12

         This nonfiction book tells about the history of the Cayuga Nation, one of the six nations of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. While highlighting ways that the Cayuga lived in the past, it also explores the impact of the Indian Act, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and the fight to revitalize Cayuga language and culture.

        Fierce Voice (Common Deer Press, 2025)

        Grades 6-12

        This YA novel is the sequel to Iz the Apocalypse (described below). Iz has everything she’s ever wanted: she’s found the foster home of her dreams and is attending the prestigious music school she moved heaven and earth to get into. But secrets from her past keep threatening to spill into the present, and Iz is sure that her newfound loved ones will abandon her if they learn of her terrible history. When she meets Skye, a young foster child with her own terrible secret, Iz must make a dreadful choice—one that could free them both from their demons or completely destroy everything Iz has fought so hard for. Is raising her voice worth the risk? Themes: advocating for foster children; music education; found family; adoption; finding your own power.

        Fierce Voice is listed by CBC Books – 23 Canadian books for tweens & teens to read this fall

        Iz the Apocalypse (Common Deer Press, 2023)

        Grades 6-12

        This YA novel is about a musically gifted foster child who does whatever is necessary to be able to attend a prestigious international high school for music and to have a voice of her own. Themes: challenges foster children face, including the way that a disrupted education eliminates many possibilities for the future; how past trauma impacts the present; creativity and the arts; finding identity; loneliness and found family.

        All Venues. Equipment required: a glass of water, lunch if she’s staying for the day. A table to spread her things out on. A microphone for larger groups or in the gym. A screen and projector for presenting slides and doing shared writing.

        Contact Susan to book a visit:

          Lyall, Casey (Strathroy, ON)

          Copyright Jordan Lyall Photography Personal

          Writers’ Union member. CANSCAIP member. Picture Books. Middle grade. Graphic Novels.
          English language presentations and workshops for all ages.

          In-Person Visits (45-60 minutes): $300 for 1 session; $250 for each subsequent session up to four sessions in one day. A session may be split into two 25 minute storytime events for grades K-2.

          Virtual Visits (45-60 minutes): $200 per session. A session may be split into two 25 minute storytime events for grades K-2.

          FOREST OF READING 2026 NOMINEE

          HST applies to all sessions. If travel is over 50 km, a rate of 50¢/km, round trip, will be charged.  

          Notables:

          • Multiple nominee for the CCBC Book Awards, the Forest of Reading, and the Manitoba Young Reader’s Choice Awards (MYRCA)
          • Red Cedar Fiction Award winner
          • Selected for Junior Library Guild, OLA Best Bets, and the International Youth Library’s White Ravens list
          • Barnes and Noble Best Picture Book nominee

          Testimonial: “Casey’s presentation was an absolute delight and so engaging for the over 150 students that came to see her! She shared her own story of perseverance in chasing her dream of writing stories and was so personable with the students answering all of their many questions with humour and respect. Casey’s story writing exercise provided the audience with an excellent example of developing their own story. Truly an inspiration to inspiring authors young and old. Thank you!” – Peggy Cline, Children’s Programming Coordinator, Grimsby Public Library

          Casey Lyall is the author of nine (and counting!) humorous books for kids such as the Howard Wallace, P.I. series, A Spoonful of Frogs (illustrated by Vera Brosgol), Gnome Is Where Your Heart Is, Waking the Dead and Other Fun Activities, and The League of Littles (illustrated by Sara Faber.)

          Casey offers fun, dynamic, and interactive presentations that entertain and inform while leaving her audience excited about creating their own stories.

          Her general presentation covers the key elements that Casey has learned over her years as a writer while allowing time for a Q&A with students and a group story-building game. Casey is a very flexible presenter and can adapt her presentation to suit the needs of a school. If there is an interest in focusing more on one aspect of writing or on one of her books specifically, that can be accommodated.

          Casey also loves presenting at libraries! She’s available for storytime visits as well as workshops for all ages. Reach out to discuss what kind of visit would best suit your organization.

          If there is an interest in book sales at an event, Casey can provide order forms with instructions to help organize the process in advance. She co-ordinates with a bookstore that offers her titles at a discount.

          Testimonial: “Casey presented at the Lakefield Literary Festival Children’s Tent Event, and we loved her performance. She had the kids and adults laughing with her fun, improvised story. It was hilarious, and very engaging for the audience. Casey was a skilled, organized and enthusiastic performer, and our community adored her.”- Kacie Gardiner, Lakefield Literary Festival and Selwyn Public Library

          Free Virtual Visits: Casey offers a limited number of free fifteen-minute virtual visits to classes or book clubs who have read one of her books. These sessions are strictly Q&A only with no presentation.

          Writing Workshops: Available on request. Fees negotiable based on time and intensity. Casey will work with schools and libraries to craft a workshop specifically suited to their needs. These are available for smaller groups – maximum size is one class or approximately twenty adults.

          Equipment: Casey can accommodate presentations to groups of any size, but if she is presenting in a large venue, a microphone is required. A librarian, teacher, or other school representative must be present throughout any event. A digital projector and screen may be required (Some presentations are accompanied by PowerPoint slides. Casey can bring her laptop or provide a flash drive). A table to keep supplies on is also appreciated.

          Contact Casey to book a visit:

            Trinh, Linda (Winnipeg, MB) 

            Member of The Writers’ Union of Canada (TWUC), Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators and Performers (CANSCAIP), and The Manitoba Writers’ Guild (MWG).

            Co-winner of the Eileen McTavish Sykes Award for Best First Book, Manitoba Book Awards. Nominee for the Carol Shields Winnipeg Book Award, Manitoba Book Awards.

            Rates: In-person: $300 for one session, $200 for each additional same-day session. Virtual: $200 for one session, $150 for each additional session.

            Linda Trinh is an award-winning Vietnamese Canadian author who writes fiction and non-fiction for children and adults. Her work has appeared in anthologies and literary magazines. She explores identity, cultural background, and spirituality.

            Presentations by Grades

            Linda is happy to work with teachers and librarians to develop a need-specific presentation. Here are some examples.

            Kindergarten to Grade 6 (60 minutes)

            All presentations include read aloud and author Q & A.

            Presentation: Your Stories Matter

            In this presentation, Linda will talk about how intersecting elements of her identity show up in her books and talk about her journey to becoming an author. There will be interaction and engagement throughout the presentation, allowing for questions. All this to inform and inspire young readers that their own stories matter.

            Presentation / Workshop: Write Your Own Story

            In this half presentation half workshop, Linda will talk about how her books reflect who she is and what she’s into and engage student participants to think about the same. She will do an exercise exploring what participants are interested in and how those things could show up in a story only they could write. All this to inform and inspire student participants to write their own stories.  

            The Nguyen Kids is a charming early chapter book series that explores Vietnamese culture and identity through the eyes of the Nguyen siblings, with elements of the supernatural, spirituality, and social justice woven in.

            The Secret of the Jade Bangle

            Eldest sibling Anne used to love ballet – until her new teacher starts treating her differently than the others. Will Anne be able to stand up to her?

            Themes: siblings, prejudice and racism, Asian, emotions and feelings, empathy, empowerment, problem solving, early reader chapter book

            The Power of the Pearl Earrings

            Middle sibling Liz doesn’t understand why the new boy in school doesn’t like her. How does she find her own inner power to overcome this?

            Themes: self-esteem and self-reliance, peer pressure, bullying, feminism, Asian, multigenerational, early chapter book

            The Mystery of the Painted Fan

            Jacob, the baby, is tired of always being told what to do. Can his mysterious painted fan help him find his voice in how he wants to express himself?

            Themes: multigenerational, emotions and feelings, siblings, bullying, prejudice and racism, gender identity, gender expression, early chapter book

            The Journey of the Ancestors’ Gifts

            It’s their first time in Vietnam and staying in Grandma Nội’s childhood home, so they should be excited. As soon as they enter the house, though, something doesn’t feel right. Why can’t they connect with Grandma Nội using their gifts, the way they can at home?

            Themes: multigenerational, Asia, travel, points of view, siblings, diaspora, Vietnam, identity, ancestors, early chapter book

            Venue: classroom, gym, library preferred.

            Equipment: Screen, microphone, and a table.

            Contact Linda to book a visit:

              Kachala, Elaine (Toronto, Ontario)

              Member: The Writer’s Union of Canada. SCBWI. CANSCAIP. Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC). Elaine Kachala is a Toronto-based author of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) nonfiction books for kids, including Building Homes for All: Technology for a Fair and Green Planet (Orca Book Publishers, March 17, 2026) and Superpower? The Wearable-Tech Revolution (Orca Book Publishers, 2022). 

              Both books are part of the Orca Think series, which introduces middle-grade readers to issues making headlines in the world today and helps them question, connect, and take action for a brighter future! 

              Elaine writes engaging books that spark curiosity and invite young readers to explore how people and technology work together to shape a better world. She’s also committed to raising the profile of non-fiction books as tools for STEAM education at teacher/librarian conferences and workshops. 

              Building Homes for All: Technology for a Fair and Green Planet is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection (2025). 

              –“Realistic yet uplifting—a testament to the power of STEAM”  –  Kirkus Review

              Superpower? The Wearable-Tech Revolution (2022) is…

              –      a National Science Teaching Association (NSTA)/Children’s Book Council (CBC) Best STEM Book (K-12) (2023)

              –      a finalist for the AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books (2024)

              –      a finalist for the Young Readers’ Choice Book Awards (Red Cedar Book Awards) (2023)

              –      a finalist for the SCBWI Golden Kite Awards, Nonfiction Text for Older Readers (2023) 

              –      CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens, Commended (2023)

              –      Top Grade CanLit for the Classroom, Commended (2023)

              –      BC Books for Schools, Commended (2022)

              –      Superpower? also received glowing reviews from Always in the Middle, Children’s Literature, Dr. Larry Recommends, Exoskeleton Report, Great Books for Kids, Science Adviser, SLJ, TEACH Magazine, teachers, librarians, and parents. 

              Fees for on-site visits: $350 + HST per presentation, $600 + HST for two presentations on the same day. Each additional presentation on the same day $250 + HST, up to a maximum of 3 presentations. Mileage for school visits outside of Toronto $0.61/km. Accommodation fees may apply if outside GTHA. Fees for virtual visits: $300 + HST per presentation, $200 + HST for each additional presentation on the same day, to a maximum of 3 presentations per day.

              Before writing for children, Elaine spent more than 20 years as a health policy writer and adviser. With degrees in psychology and sociology from the University of Toronto and a master’s in environmental studies from York University, Elaine draws on her background to engage readers in critical thinking about how innovations affect our world. Through her books, she encourages young readers to learn from real-life inventors who dream big while considering health, social, and ethical issues. 

              BOOKS:

              School Programs for Grades 4 to 8:

              Two thumbs up! Kids, parents, teachers, and librarians say that Elaine’s books and presentations inspire young people to wonder about inventing technology for a better world. They’re a perfect blend of children’s social, science & technology themes. 

              Elaine’s happy to lead small or large groups. She’ll present to classes individually or in groups but asks that they’re grouped appropriately by grade level (i.e., 4-6; 7-8).

              Today’s students face an almost never-ending list of societal challenges, such as the fast pace of tech, climate change, and the housing crisis, all of which can weigh heavily on their mental health and contribute to a sense of helplessness. But STEAM nonfiction books at the intersection of technology and society can show young people that problems have solutions, questions have answers, and with STEAM skills and teamwork, there is hope for the future.

              *Free teaching guides available

              Superpower? The Wearable-Tech Revolution

              • Do you wonder how wearable technology (the next wave of computing) changes us and society? 
              • Can innovation go too far? 
              • How do we design responsible technology to gain benefits and mitigate harm?
              • Are you interested in stories about inventors, including young inventors, and how they’re navigating the next tech frontier?
              • Curious about what it’s like to be a children’s author?

              Following a brief introduction about myself, I’ll draw on questions in the Teacher’s Guide to activate students’ background knowledge and excite them about the subject of wearable technologies. I’ll highlight what wearable technology is and how it works, with examples of how wearables impact our lives and change the world. I’ll introduce students to some of the book’s experts. They’ll meet inventors, engineers, scientists, and young people who see a problem and create technology to solve it. But experts face a dilemma when their devices have unintended consequences; we’ll discuss it. I’ll briefly speak about what it’s like to be a nonfiction children’s author. I’ll use slides for visuals and there will be a Q/A opportunity.

              I’ll have bookmarks and a Get Brainstorming Activity (from the book) for handouts. 

              Building Homes for All: Technology for a Fair and Green Planet

              • What if you could 3D print affordable, eco-friendly houses in months, weeks, or even days?
              • And what if 3D printing human settlements on the Moon and Mars helps us tackle housing challenges here on Earth?
              • What if you could quickly manufacture wood buildings that actually slow climate change?
              • Can you imagine an exciting STEAM career in clean, green, smart construction?
              • Curious about what it’s like to be a children’s author?

              Following a brief introduction about myself, I’ll draw on questions in the Teacher’s Guide to activate students’ background knowledge and excite them about the subjects of housing, health, climate, and awe-inspiring machine innovations. While technology offers hope and solutions, it takes teamwork to challenge old ideas and change traditional ways of doing things. With engaging photos and videos, this presentation takes kids on a journey through housing issues in our world: how we got there, how we’re fixing it, and how we move forward. It will also spark their interest in exciting new career possibilities in construction. I’ll briefly speak about what it’s like to be a nonfiction children’s author. I’ll use slides for visuals and there will be a Q/A opportunity.

              Teaching and librarian professionals seeking new ways to explore timely social and environmental topics, encourage young readers to explore STEAM solutions, and expand STEAM programming will gain valuable ideas from this book and guide.

              I’ll have stickers and a STEAM Activity (from the book) for handouts.

              EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:

              I use PowerPoint, so I need a projector, screen, and extension cord. Water would be great too! And lunch and coffee if I’m staying for the day. A microphone for larger groups, in the gym, or if the room acoustics are questionable.

              Contact Elaine to book a visit:

                Beddia, Lea (Joliette, Quebec)

                CANSCAIP and SCBWI member, two-time recipient of Canada Council of the Arts grants. Member of Quebec Writers’ Federation and selected mentee for Young Adult fiction in 2020.

                Workshops are best for ages 9 to 17. $250.00 for one sixty-minute session. $450 for two sessions. $675 for three sessions and $900 for 4 sessions. + travel (50 cents per kilometer, round-trip for Lanaudière, Laurentides, Montreal, Laval, Mauricie regions.

                Virtual Visits: $200 for one 60-minute session, $100 for each additional session on the same day, up to four sessions in one day.

                Lea is an experienced English Language Arts teacher who loves to talk about books and writing. As a writer of books for striving readers, she is passionate about bringing accessible literature to all readers and second language learners. Lea believes anyone can be a writer and all it takes is the right tools, some hard work, and the right encouragement. She wants to bring the power of writing to all types of learners. She is experienced working with students will learning difficulties, and can offer flexible workshops to accommodate all learners. She provides graphic organizers and worksheets, including editable digital copies for learners using assistive technologies. She has also been known to bring tasty snacks!

                Writing Workshop Topics for ages 9 to 17

                Workshops are conducted in English, but Lea is comfortable speaking French to second language learners. She can answer questions/provide translation and communicate fluently in French. Participants who speak languages other than English or French are encouraged to teach Lea some new words!

                All workshops use a combination of large and/or small group discussion, group activity/game, writing, revising, and sharing.

                Writing Makes Sense: Showing vs. Telling

                Lea will use a combination of discussion, group activity and writing to create strong sentences using sensory details.

                Words for Humanity: Using Conflict to Write About Emotions

                Based on the “Cards Against Humanity” or “Cards Against Maturity” game, with an age-appropriate and positive twist, we will create solutions to problems for our characters.

                From Memory to Fiction

                Based on the game “Clue,” students will use detective work to piece together memories to create a setting, a character and/or a conflict as a stepping stone for their own creative writing.

                Dialogue that doesn’t drag: using dialogue to build character.

                Using video clips of well-known characters, students will predict what/how characters will speak. We will use character charts, to create personalities and with them, a way to let characters speak that is dynamic and exciting.

                Words, Words, Words: Beyond the Thesaurus.

                Based on the game “Taboo,” and incorporating improvisation/acting students will explore their vocabulary by acting out adverbs, describing movements and using action words instead, to create a scene.

                These workshops are ideal for groups between 10 and 20 participants. Lea prefers small settings for workshops such as a classroom, library or other space large enough to move around, but not so large that she cannot connect with each participant.

                Tech requirements include a blackboard/whiteboard and a screen for the dialogue workshop with internet access, speakers, etc. Participants will require writing materials, including assistive technologies for students who use them in the classroom on a regular basis.

                Contact Lea to book a visit: