Tag: myrca

Erb, Calyssa (Toronto, ON)

Writer’s Union member. CANSCAIP member. Middle Grade. 

In-Person Presentations (45-60 minutes): $300 for 1 session; $250 for each subsequent session up to four sessions in one day. For travel over 50 km, travel fee of $0.50 per km will be added.

Virtual Visits (45-60 minutes): $200 per session. $100 for each additional session on the same day.

Awards & Nominations:

  • 2027 Sakura Medal nominee
  • 2026 Manitoba Young Reader’s Choice Awards nominee
  • 2025 OLA Best Bets
  • 2025 Hackmatack Children’s Choice Book Award nominee
  • 2025 CCBC Jean Little First-Novel Award nominee
  • 2025 IBBY Outstanding Books for Young People with Disabilities nominee
  • 2024 CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens

Calyssa Erb is a queer, autistic writer for young readers. Her critically-acclaimed middle grade novel Maya Plays the Part follows an autistic girl attending musical theatre camp for the first time. Diagnosed with autism as an adult, Calyssa is passionate about sharing her journey from writing as a kid to publishing a book as an adult.

Presentations: Her presentations are ideal for grades 4-6 and typically include how she was inspired to write Maya Plays the Part based on her own childhood experiences, including photos of the real-life theatre in Halifax, Nova Scotia, along with behind-the-scenes of her writing and editing process. She is equally comfortable presenting to a single class or an auditorium of multiple grades.

Testimonial: “With slides of herself around the same age as the students holding her ‘first book,’ Calyssa made publishing a novel seem within reach. It is a testament to her talent as a storyteller and a presenter that Calyssa left everyone feeling ready to pursue their creative dreams.” —Chris Reed, Parent Council, Sprucecourt Public School

Writing Workshops: Calyssa can also offer a writing workshop for up to 30 students in grades 4-6 using the idea generation exercise that created Maya Plays the Part.Please reach out for more information and rates.

Venue/Equipment: Library, school auditorium, or classroom preferred. A digital projector, screen, and laptop are required for her in-person presentations. If the venue is larger than a classroom, Calyssa requires a microphone. For writing workshops, participants will required a pen or pencil. A table for supplies is helpful.

Contact Calyssa to book a visit:

    Cacao, Joanna (Winnipeg, MB)

    Member of SCBWI and CCBC.

    In Person: $300 plus tax per hour. (1 session = 1 hour)

    Virtual Visits are $250 plus tax per hour.

    *If outside of Manitoba: travel and hotel accommodations are needed. 

    *Will do a maximum 4 sessions in one area in a single day.

    Awards & Lists:

    • 2025 IL Rebecca Caudill Young Readers’ Book Award – Nominees
    • 2025 MYRCA Northern Lights Award Nominee
    • 2024 Aurora Award Nominee
    • 2024 Utah Beehive Book Awards – Nominees: Graphic Novels (Children)
    • 2023-24 Tennessee Volunteer State Book Award in the Middle School category.
    • 2023-24 Pennsylvania Keystone to Reading Book Award – Reading List
    • 2023-24 Pennsylvania Keystone to Reading Secondary Book Award – Reading List: Middle School
    • 2023 CBC Books’ Best Canadian Books for Kids & Teens
    • 2023 CBC Children’s and Young Adult Favorites Award List
    • 2023 CBC Children’s Favorites Award List: Grades 3-5
    • 2023 CCBC Choices List: Fiction for Children
    • 2023 Bank Street Children’s Book Committee Best Books of the Year – Book List: Ages 9-12
    • 2023 Sakura Medal
    • 2022 VLA Graphic Novel Diversity Award – Honors: Youth

    Joanna Cacao is a Canadian Filipino illustrator and author primarily for middle grade graphic novels. She is most known for her collaboration with Christina Soontornvat for The Tryout and The Squad, as well as her debut author/illustrator graphic novel: The Secret of the Ravens.

    Book Topics: Fantasy, Magic, Adventure, Culture, Friends, Family, Asian, Middle School, Poverty, LGBT+


    LIFE OF A CARTOONIST

    Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a cartoonist? What are their lives like? What goes into the world of creating a graphic novel from start to finish?

    Joanna delves into her experience from drawing on her notes in school to creating her first webcomic and taking the leap into traditional publishing. Joanna discusses her trials of following her dreams, growing up Filipino, seeing her name on a bookshelf for the first time and experiencing fame and getting to know her fans. Presentation ends with a Q&A.

    Ages: 8+
    Group Size: No max.

    A/V Needs: In Person sessions require the use of a projector, virtual sessions require the ability to share screens. 

    The above is Joanna’s go-to presentation, but she is happy to delve into other topics or activities to suit your school needs/events/activities! She has also done conversation styled panels, and is absolutely happy to be part of one.

    Contact Joanna to book a visit: