Tag: immigration

Butt-Hussain, Ambreen (Milton, Ontario)

Member – Writer’s Union of Canada. CANSCAIP. 

Red Cedar Book Award nominee, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens, starred selection, The Pedro and Daniel Intersectionality Book Awards (PADIBA) MG nominee, amongst many more. 

Rates:

$300 plus HST for one sixty-minute session, $500 for 2, $750 for 3 and $1000 for 4 (Travel fees may apply).

Virtual Visits: $150 for one 60-minute session, $100 for each additional session on the same day, up to four sessions in one day.

Ambreen has been a teacher for thirteen years. She loves her job and her students, both of which have played a huge hand in ultimately leading her to write her middle-grade, Alina Butt series. Her books are inspired by her own childhood experience immigrating from Pakistan to England, being the new kid numerous times and trying to fit in…all with her funny last name! Now, she gets to combine both her passions of teaching and writing through her school visits. She loves to spread the message of the importance of inclusivity and diversity, believing in yourself, and becoming confident in your own voice. These themes are covered not only in her books, but are also incorporated in her engaging, thought provoking and inspiring presentations and workshops. Students leave feeling motivated, critically thinking and charged to create their own projects, with newly gained writing skills and a boost in their imaginations. In her workshops and presentations, she engages the audience through read alouds, funny anecdotes, open Q&A, and fun activities, suitable for all learners, with a memorable final product as a keepsake. 

Presentation – How to Achieve ANYTHING You Want! Ideal for Grades 4 – 12 (Can be done as a whole school presentation)

Do you want to know how to be able to achieve your wildest dreams? Join Ambreen as she reveals four simple steps to being able to reach any of your goals! Ambreen will talk about her journey of becoming an author of the Alina Butt series, as well as her writing process, highlighting the importance of hard work and resilience. She will read a chapter from The Unlovable Alina Butt, speaking about what inspired her to write and why she feels this story was so important to share with the world. Through this inspiring presentation, students will reflect on their interests and gain the confidence to pursue their passion. 

Workshop 1 – Turning Journaling into Story Writing

Grades 4 – 12 (Ideally maximum 20 – 30 students)

Join Ambreen for a fun and interactive session about turning journaling into story writing. Ambreen will read a chapter from The Unlovable Alina Butt, revealing how the story was inspired by her own childhood experiences, of immigrating to a new country, being the new kid, trying to fit in with a funny last name. Students will be inspired to learn that her writing journey began when her dad gifted her her very first, pink, fluffy diary as a 9-year-old – which she started journaling in every single day. Participants will think of their funniest memory, and learn how to turn that into a riveting story. Students will use their experiences and imagination to come away with the beginnings of their story, in written or picture format. 

Workshop 2 – Creating the New Kid

Grades 4 – 8 (Ideally maximum 20 – 30 students)

Join Ambreen for her “Creating the New Kid” workshop! Ambreen will read an excerpt from The Unlovable Alina Butt, introducing her main character, Alina, who is the new kid, starting her first day of school in a new country. Participants will create their very own “new kid” who is being introduced to the class. They will learn how to create a three-dimensional, relatable character by coming up with diverse physical features, a distinctive personality, past experiences, and finally give their character a unique name! Students will come away with a well-developed character, the “new kid” they have created, either in written or picture format.

Required Materials:

Blackboard/whiteboard, laptop (or connecting adaptor for a Macbook), projector and screen, internet access, speakers and mic (for larger presentation). 

Participants will require writing materials (lined paper and pencils, colouring pencils and crayons for younger grades), including assistive technologies for students who use them in the classroom on a regular basis.

Contact Ambreen to book a visit:

    Kawooya, Eddie (Toronto, Ontario)

    Writer’s Union Member, CANSCAIP Member. Middle-grade & High School. $400 plus HST for one session, $800 for two, for three or full day session (to be discussed). Virtual visits fees – $300 plus HST, per session. Plus travel fee of 0.50/Km, if outside Toronto.

    EDDIE KAWOOYA was born in Uganda and raised on three different continents before settling in Canada. His love for writing was inspired by his grandmother’s oral stories and the folklore of Uganda’s ancestral past. As an immigrant to Canada, he is passionate about issues related to race, inclusion and diversity. He has spent years honing his craft in the field of public policy, corporate governance, and strategic communications. He published his first novel, Ace and the Misfits, in 2024. The sequel novel Ace and the Misfits vs. the Soccer Knights was published in 2025. He lives in Toronto.

    Examples of Workshops:

    Grades 5 – 8 (Imagining the Possible Workshops)

    Students explore how imagination can open doors to new worlds, ideas and possibilities. Through guided exercises, discussions and story building activities, author Eddie Kawooya encourages students to harness their own voices, stretch their creativity and see how writing can be both powerful and fun.

    Grades 5 – 8 (Thematic & Interactive Workshops)

    Using themes from the Ace & the Misfit series, these workshops invite students to reflect on real-life challenges of fitting in, standing up to bullying, and building inclusive communities. Through story-telling and conversation, Eddie Kawooya helps students see how sport, friendship and resilience can inspire us to create spaces where everyone belongs

    All venues, including library. Equipment required: microphone, screen and projector, soccer ball, parchment paper and markers. Lunch for full day sessions.

    Contact Eddie to book a visit:

      Carlos, Monique. (Langley, BC)

      In-person: $300 for one session; $500 for two (same day and location) within Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. Virtual: $150. All fees plus GST. Travel costs may apply of $0.50/km + ferry fares in applicable)

      FOREST OF READING 2026 NOMINEE

      Monique is a passionate and engaging presenter with a background in early childhood education. With experience in facilitating workshops for young children, teens, adults, parents, and educators, Monique can speak on immigration, financial literacy, early childhood education, and parenting. An entrepreneur, financial professional, homeschool parent (for 5+ years), and an immigrant from the Philippines, Monique brings a wide range of experience in every visit.

      Presentations can be tailor fit to your specific needs and objectives. It is important to understand where the students are at in terms of their knowledge and understanding as well as what the goals are for the visit.

      Immigration: Whether this is for younger children, teens, or adults, this presentation starts off with a read aloud of the book “It’s Okay, Just Ask”. Then, depending on the group’s level, the presentation can range from discussing unique cultural experiences to exploring themes of identity, belonging, and acceptance.

      Financial Literacy: Audiences range from preschool to adults. The presentation format allows for sharing of concepts but also has room for more interactive elements such as brainstorming ways to save, invest, and earn money, business plan writing, formulating budget worksheets, and planning for retirement. This presentation is supported by the author’s self-published book series that explores habits and beliefs around the topic of finances.

      Small groups are preferred for more interactive workshops. Large groups also work depending on the theme of the presentation. Indoor venues like a classroom, or meeting rooms works great. For technical requirements, if the presentation calls for it, then there would be a need for a screen, projector, and sound system. For virtual presentations, access to the online platform and ability to screen share is necessary. If the group is much larger, then technical support might is helpful for monitoring the chat group and/or Q&A.

      Contact Monique to book a visit:

        Narsimhan, Mahtab (BC)

        Writers’ Union Member. Silver Birch winning author available for school, public library, and conference visits. Member of The Writers’ Union of Canada.

        Mahtab, in Persian, means moonlight. She won the Silver Birch award for her debut novel, The Third Eye. Many of her other novels have garnered critical acclaim. Mahtab loves connecting with her readers and encourages discussions about diversity. She’s comfortable with an adult audience as well as grades 4-8. As Writer-In-Residence at the Toronto District School Board and presenter at the Toronto Public Library, she has given numerous writing workshops and loves it!

        Mahtab Narsimhan
        Mahtab Narsimhan
        Mahtab Narsimhan

        Currently, due to travel constraints, she is focusing on Skype visits for Grades 4-8. Starting April 2020 when her latest picture book will be released, she will also include Grades 1-3, and will be able to present to the entire school in a day.

        Skype Presentations:
        Duration: 30 Minutes each
        Cost: $200 plus HST for one session, $350 plus HST for two back-to-back sessions, $450 plus HST for three back to back sessions and $500 plus HST for four back-to-back sessions.

        Equipment:

        • A PC or MAC with webcam, and a wired Internet connection
        • Skype Software and Skype ID

        Other Details:

        Questions will be written down in advance after having read at least one book. Each student will come up to the webcam and read out the question.
        For Skype visits, payment is due in advance.

        Mahtab’s books include a strong element of her Indian roots and she encourages discussions and questions on world cultures, and especially diversity. She immigrated to Canada in 1997 and is happy to share the struggles she faced while trying to fit into Canada.

        Format: Here is what we will cover in the 30 minute session:

        • Where I come from and how I became a writer
        • Diversity in Writing: How to use what you know, and your background in your books. The life of an immigrant in Canada and how I worked to fit in.
        • My latest book and how it came about: the process of writing it, where I got the inspiration for it.
        • 15 Minutes of Q&A. Students will have read at least one book of mine and come prepared with questions.

        Mahtab tailors her presentations to the age of her audience and makes them fun and interactive. Her talk is peppered with personal anecdotes about the challenges she faces when she writes, as well as tips and tricks she uses to meet her daily writing goals.

        I also conduct Writing Workshops for grades 7-8 where I will give writing exercises and provide tips for writing creative fiction.

        In-Person Presentations:

        Duration: 1 hour
        Cost: $300 plus HST for one session, $500 plus HST for two sessions, $750 plus HST for three sessions and $1000 plus HST for four sessions, plus travel per Canada Council mileage rates.

        Equipment: A microphone, table, projector screen and multi-plug power socket. Flip-chart and markers for workshops.
        Venue: All, though libraries and classrooms preferred.
        Maximum number of students per session:  100 for presentations and 16 for workshops. This is slightly flexible so please contact her to discuss.

        Email to contact Mahtab Narsimhan

          Skrypuch, Marsha Forchuk (Brantford ON)

           Writers Union Member. Fiction & NF, Multi awards, internationally bestselling. All ages. $400 plus HST for 1 session, $650 for 2, $900 for 3 and $1100 for 4, + travel (.68 cents per kilometer, round-trip for SW ON).

          Virtual Visits: $300 plus HST, per session.

          Marsha is an experienced and passionate speaker who tailors each presentation to the group in front of her. As the author of picture books, middle grade novels, narrative non-fiction and YA novels, she can present to an entire school over the course of a day. She also loves speaking to adult groups and she loves loves loves giving writing workshops. 

          Presentations by grade

          For most presentations, Marsha reveals her struggles with dyslexia and not being able to read until she was 9. Marsha talks about why she writes about war from a kid’s point of view and why she considers herself a librarian/detective. She also explains how she became a princess if asked.

          Here is an example of her themes by grade:

          JK to 1: two 30 minute storytelling sessions for the price of one full session ($400+HST) using When Mama Goes To Work.

          2 to 4: 45 to 60 minutes: Storytelling session plus Q&A on topic/book of your choice. Most of Marsha’s books delve into the issue of war and displacement from a kid’s point of view. For this age group, this topic can best be presented via specific books:

          Ukraine’s long struggle under war: Silver Threads, Enough.

          Vietnamese refugee books: Sky of Bombs Sky of Stars, Too Young to Escape and Adrift at Sea. 

          Armenian Genocide, orphan refugees: Aram’s Choice, Call Me Aram.

          4 to 8: Most of Marsha’s books are for this age group and she can present her WWII novels, and Winterkill, set during the Holodomor, but Marsha’s most requested presentation right now is about her brand new Kidnapped from Ukraine trilogy. Book one, Under Attack, has received rave reviews including starred reviews from Kirkus and Bookist, plus this from Canadian Children’s Book News:  “…Under Attack is an invaluable must-read and must-have educational resource for public, schools and home libraries everywhere. Lingering long after the last compelling page is turned, this timely book is inarguably a stirring catalyst for in-depth discussion…” Very highly recommended

          Book 2, Standoff, is published on Oct 7, and book 3, Still Alive, will be published in April 2026.

          Maximum group sizes for presentations: 45 for JK to 3. 100+ for everyone else.

          Writing Workshops work best with 16 or so participants

          Writing Workshop Topics:

          Teaching fun self-editing techniques to students in grades 4 to 12.

          How to create an awesome villain.

          How to assist gifted student writers (of any age) without tearing your hair out in frustration.

          Techniques for punching through writer’s block.

          Grade 12 Writers’ Craft personal memoir writing

          Other topics upon request.

          All Venues, library preferred. Equipment required: A glass of water, lunch (egg salad sandwich on brown bread) if she’s staying for the day. A table to spread her things out on. A microphone for larger groups or in the gym, or if the room acoustics are questionable. A screen and projector for power-point.

          Please note: Her surname is pronounced SKRIPP-ick.

          Contact Marsha for a visit:

            Camlot, Heather (Toronto, ON)

            The Writers’ Union of Canada 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 CAMLOT is an award-winning author of a dozen books for young readers.

            Her middle-grade nonfiction include What If Soldiers Fought with Pillows? True Stories of Imagination and Determination, The Prisoner and the Writer, and One Goal: How Soccer Can Help Save the Planet. Heather is also an accomplished fiction writer. Her two middle-grade novels are Clutch and The Other Side. 

            Fall 2026 will see two new nonfiction books, Have a Bite! How Food Connects Us and Beyond Words: The Meaning and Impact of Signs and Symbols. Two more books are slated for 2027  Champions for Change: How Athletes are Making a Difference and Poster Child: The Story of Artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, her first picture book. 

            Heather’s books have been honoured as a Best Book pick from Kirkus Reviews, a Canadian Jewish Literary Awards winner (juvenile category), Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selections, an Outstanding Science Trade Book (NSTA/CBC) and Skipping Stones Honor Awards. They have also been shortlisted for provincial, national, and international awards, including Forest of Reading, CCBC Book Awards, and Prix littéraire FETKANN – Maryse Condé. 

            PRESENTATIONS (60 minutes, grades 3+)

            Heather aims to entertain and educate, engaging students with a fun and interactive presentation, lively discussion and themed activities. We’ll talk about a specific book (choose from the list below), inspiration, challenges, themes and of course writing.

            Heather is happy to collaborate to create a customized presentation.

            Books and themes:

            • Clutch: Baseball, family, tradition, 1940s, Montreal, Jackie Robinson, Judaism, World War II, Holocaust, Canada, government of Canada, historical fiction, sports, courage, injustice
            • The Other Side: Mystery,family secrets, illness, soccer, 2014 World Cup,World War II, Germany, Canada, inter-generational, injustice, courage, history, present
            • What If Soldiers Fought with Pillows?: Social justice, human rights, imagination, real-world crises, asking big questions, courage, change, peace, reconciliation, bravery, injustice, leadership, history, present
            • Secret Schools: School, underground, hiding, current, history, present, education, learning, courage, perseverance, resilience, determination, change, injustice
            • I Can’t Do What?: Laws, rules, human rights, sports, art, entertainment, injustice, technology, family, crime and punishment, weird, governance, social justice
            • Becoming Bionic: STEM, science, biology, technology, superheroes, comics, cartoons, science fiction, technological innovations, medicine, pop culture, history, present
            • The Prisoner and the Writer: Dreyfus Affair, antisemitism, Judaism, advocacy, racism 19th century, France, media literacy, bias, fake news, treason, betrayal, courage, true story, justice, equality, prejudice, scandal, misinformation
            • One Goal: Soccer, climate change, World Cup, Olympics, sports, social justice, human rights, sustainability, environment, reduce, reuse, recycle
            • Beyond Words: Symbols, hate, peace, support, protest, social justice, human rights, history, racism, 2SLGBTQI+, sexism, physical and mental health, marginalized
            • Have a Bite: Food, food history, social justice, family, tradition, climate change, history, culture, trade, geography, connection, politics, food safety, food waste

            WORKSHOPS (60 minutes, grades 3+)

            • Where do ideas come from?: In this idea-generating workshop, we’ll discuss where to look for fiction and/or nonfiction book ideas – starting in our own lives. Students will get writing with two exercises to jumpstart the creative process. Based on ONE GOAL: HOW SOCCER CAN HELP SAVE THE PLANET.
            • What’s news?: Bias in the media is difficult to spot. In this media-literacy workshop, we’ll look into 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, and hearing is objective, biased or completely fake. Based on THE PRISONER AND THE WRITER.

            You can find more presentation and workshop descriptions available on Heathercamlot.com.

            Maximum presentation size: 100 (flexible) / maximum workshop size: 30 (flexible)
            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:

              Hohn, Nadia (Toronto)

              The Writers Union member. Picture book. All ages. $350 for 1 session (60 min) $ 600 for 2 sessions of 60 minutes (1/2 day)$ 400 for 2 x 30 minute sessions (great for JK to 1). Full day (4 sessions) $ 1000. + kilometrage. Can present in English and French.

              Malaika’s Costume (2016) and Malaika’s Winter Carnival (2017).

              Continue reading “Hohn, Nadia (Toronto)”

              McKay, Sharon (Burlington ON)

              Writers’ Union Member. Sharon travels across Canada several times a year. Sharon E. McKay (Mick-EYE) writes fact-based fiction for young adults. Multi-awards, all ages.

              Flat fee of $900 for a full day, four sessions and includes a free (optional) brown-bag lunch for anyone interested in writing. Flat fee of $600 for an afternoon. Parents and media are welcome in all sessions.

              Virtual Visits: $150, 60 minutes, Skype. Continue reading “McKay, Sharon (Burlington ON)”