Tag: inclusion

Bandali, Zain. (Milton, Ontario)

Writers Union Member. Author of Early Reader Chapter Book Mehndi Boy. A Silver Birch Express nominee, and New York Public Library Best Book for Kids joint winner in 2023. All ages & grade levels. Ideal for schools commemorating South Asian, Islamic Heritage, & LGBT Pride month festivities.

Rates: $300 plus HST for one session, $450 for two, $675 for three, $900 for a full day (four sessions). Plus a travel fee of $0.68 cents per kilometer if school is more than 30 km away from my home. A virtual visit is $150 plus HST per session.

Zain Bandali (he/they) is an unapologetic storyteller who uses the beautiful South Asian tradition of henna to push stubborn gender norms in a kid friendly way. Zain is a versatile public speaker that can engage the entire school, providing fully customizable sessions for primary, junior, and intermediate students that meet your school’s needs. From packed gymnasiums to intimate classrooms or libraries, any audience will leave being engaged by Zain’s author visits. Zain has led over 80 talks for his debut Mehndi Boy, and has presented across Canada, the Northeastern United States, India, and Dubai. Zain also enjoys presenting to intermediate and high school students on his experiences being Queer & Muslim too. 

“Zain’s sharing of his book “Mehndi Boy” with The Sterling Hall Schools grade 3-5 students was one we will never forget! Zain was incredibly personable and connected with the students immediately! We were all hooked as he read us the first 2 chapters of Mehndi Boy and explained the art of mehndi. Zain’s ability to bond with the students and make a big presentation feel like a cozy chat was fantastic to witness. It is wonderful to see teachers and students so enthused with a new book, they could hardly wait to get hold of “Mehndi Boy”and continue reading about Tehzeeb. We can’t wait to see what books Zain writes in the future and to have him back!” 

– Gillian Younger, Teacher Librarian
The Sterling Hall School

Mehndi Boy Session (45 – 60 min)

Mehndi Boy is a heartfelt story that celebrates identity, culture, creativity, and inclusivity. Learn about the inspiration behind Mehndi Boy, discover more about henna traditions and artistry, and engage in an interactive storytelling with the author himself!

  • Introduction to henna and its cultural significance in South Asian culture 
  • Discussion on the journey behind publishing Mehndi Boy
  • Interactive read aloud storytelling of two chapters
  • Q&A session for students to ask their burning questions
  • Fun colouring & activity sheets for educators

Grades: 1-3, 4-6, 7-8, 9-12

Audience: Any size 

No caps, preference for students in related ages and grades to be grouped together so that I may tailor my presentation that is best suited to them.

Tech Requirements: I’ll need a projector or screen to display visuals from the book, and a small table and chair at the front of the space for me. If we are in a larger space, I will also need a mic and mic stand, as well as a handheld mic for student questions ideally. 

Purchasing Books: Happy to arrange for the purchase of signed copies of Mehndi Boy to students and staff, or coordinate with school administration if there is interest in ordering classroom sets. 

Being Queer & Muslim Session (60 min)* Intermediate & High School ONLY

An engaging conversation about the LGBT community and Islam, drawn from my own personal experiences coming out as gay to my family, how I found comfort in my queer Muslim identity, and the ways in which it has impacted my writing. Perfect for GSA (gender and sexuality alliance) clubs or for Pride Month. 

  • Introduction to being LGBT in the context of Islam 
  • Dispelling the misconception “you can’t be Gay and Muslim” 
  • Coming out at 19, my own personal journey
  • Joy, writing, and finding community 
  • Q&A session for students to ask their burning questions
  • Resources and literature for educators

Rates: $500 plus HST for one session. Plus a travel fee of $0.68 cents per kilometer if school is more than 30 km away from my home. A virtual visit is $300 plus HST per session.

Grades: 7-8, 9-12

Audience: Preference for 10-60 students per session

Tech Requirements: Projector or screen. If we are in a larger space, I will also need a mic and mic stand, as well as a handheld mic for student questions ideally. 

Contact Zain 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:

      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). 

      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.

      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

      “An in-depth look at a cutting-edge industry preparing solutions to a crisis… painting an optimistic view of the future and inviting readers to explore careers in these exciting and quickly changing fields. This will fill a gap in most collections.” – School Library Journal

      “This is a true STEAM offering…Two overarching themes resonate throughout: first, that housing is a universal right, and second that there is hope.” – Booklist

      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. 

      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

      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.

      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. 

      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: