Category: 2023-2024 Red Cedar Award

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:

    Camlot, Heather (Toronto, ON)

    Writers’ Union Member. Fiction and nonfiction writer.

    Heather’s rates are $300 for one session, $550 for two, $800 for three. For virtual presentations: $300 for one session, $500 for two. HST applies to all sessions. No travel costs within Toronto or if I am in your city (I travel to Montreal several times a year). Able to present in English and French.

    Heather is an award-winning children’s author, journalist, editor and translator. Her two middle-grade novels, CLUTCH and THE OTHER SIDE, received Skipping Stones Honor Awards and nominations for Forest of Reading, among other honors. CLUTCH was also named a 2017 Best Book from Kirkus Reviews.

    CCBC Book Awards: David Booth Award for Children’s and Youth Poetry nominee

    The Other Side Heather Camlot

    Heather is also an accomplished nonfiction writer. SECRET SCHOOLS and THE PRISONER AND THE WRITER were named Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selections and What If Soldiers Fought with Pillows? True Stories of Imagination and Determination received a Skipping Stones Honor Award. Her next nonfiction book, Becoming Bionic and Other Ways Science is Making Us Super,

    In her presentations, Heather aims to entertain and educate, leaving the audience interested in writing fiction and nonfiction as well as looking into their own history for inspiration.

    PRESENTATIONS (60 minutes, grades 3+)


    Heather engages students with a fun and interactive presentation, customized to audience and interest.

    • Generally speaking: Heather shares the inspiration and the challenges of writing works that delve into history and social justice. She also discusses the basic elements of writing fiction and/or nonfiction, how to give stories life through research and why bringing the past to the present is so important. Q&A session and reading are included.
    • What does it mean to be a superhero?: This STEM/STEAM-related presentation draws on BECOMING BIONIC. We’ll delve get into how science is turning us into superbeings – powering up our bodies with what we may not have been born with and what we may never have thought we’d need. We’ll discuss what those powers look like in the real world, based on the sections of Becoming Bionic. We’ll create our own superhero identities and answer the ultimate question: Cape or no cape.
    • Stand up and speak out: This social-justice-related presentation, based on THE PRISONER AND THE WRITER, begins with a quote from Captain Alfred Dreyfus: “My only crime is to have been born a Jew.” How would students fill in the last word of Captain Dreyfus’s quote to reflect their lives or world around them? We’ll discuss the meaning of social justice, play a game of news fact vs news fiction, and discuss ways to stand up and speak out.

    Maximum presentation size: 100 for virtual presentations; 60 for in-person reading/Q&A. Teacher and/or librarian must be present.

    WORKSHOPS (60 minutes, grades 3+)

    • Look no further: A simple moment can kickstart the writing process. Students choose a moment in their own lives or family history and turn into a work of fiction or nonfiction. Based on CLUTCH and THE OTHER SIDE.
    • What’s news?: Bias in the media is not difficult to spot. This session will delve into media literacy and how to determine if what you’re reading is fact…or fiction. I’ll test students’ knowledge of news fact vs news fiction through a fun game and we’ll create a reference guide to better judge whether what they are reading, seeing, hearing is objective, biased or completely fake. Based on THE PRISONER AND THE WRITER.
    • A single object: A single object can inspire an entire world. Students will begin with an “item of interest” and learn how to add different layers — setting, storyline, character, big reveal — to build a short story. Based on THE OTHER SIDE.
    • Just the facts: How do you write a nonfiction book that makes tough subjects compelling and easy to understand all the while ensuring it stick to the truth? Based on her nonfiction books.
    • Get activ-ist!: “What cause would you defend…and how would you defend it?” We’ll discuss various forms of activism and what is important to students right now. We’ll come up with methods to get messages across and students will put ideas into action by creating a poster for their cause. Based on THE PRISONER AND THE WRITER and I CAN’T DO WHAT?
    • Customized topic: Heather is happy to tailor workshops to your needs and audience, including educators and the general public. Topics can include social injustice, advocacy, World War II, the Holocaust, antisemitism, soccer, baseball, media literacy, arts and entertainment, etc.

    Maximum workshop size: 30 (flexible).
    Equipment required: Flip chart and markers, screen and projector, microphone and podium (for large rooms), paper and pencils (for workshops). Teacher and/or librarian must be present.

    Heather offers the services of professional editing, copyediting, proofreading and
    translating. She also provides manuscript evaluations – fiction and nonfiction.

    Contact Heather to book a visit: