FREEDOM TO READ WEEK // Feb 23 - Mar 1 |
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| "Freedom to Read Week is an annual event that encourages Canadians to think about and reaffirm their commitment to intellectual freedom. As of 2024, Freedom to Read Week entered a new phase led by Library and Archives Canada, the Canadian Urban Libraries Council, and the Ontario Library Association in partnership with the Book and Periodical Council." Learn More |
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OLASC // "Keeping it Real" Panel Discussion |
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On January 30 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Black Canadian kidlit creators group Sankofa's Pen presented a panel "Keeping it Real: Featuring Books with Lived Experiences into Children's and Young Adult Fiction," featuring Sarah Raughley, Liselle Sambury, Carlos Anthony, Julie Thompson, and Sade Smith.
The panel was moderated by Nadia Hohn and highlighted the following topics:- Experiences with identity, and collective generational experiences
- Navigating and surviving Canadian culture
- Emphasizing Black joy, understanding Black boys and mental health
- Book bans of Black/ racialized/ LGBTQ stories
- Support for Black authors after the 'George Floyd' era, and the current discussion of DEI and pushback on 'wokeness'
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A few thoughts shared from the panel:- Efforts to reframe past experiences, for the benefit of today's youth
- How writing cultural topics is healing for authors
- The plurality of Black Canadian experiences within various genres of fiction
- The availability of authors beyond February/Black History Month
- The crucial role of the librarian in gatekeeping or putting the right books into the right hands
Stay connected with the Ontario Library Association, and look out for announcements for their upcoming events, and next year's Super Conference by visiting their website here. |
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CONFERENCE // Writers Day |
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| "The 2025 Writers Day Conference is designed to inspire and educate writers of all levels. It offers a unique platform for networking with like-minded individuals and industry professionals, providing valuable opportunities to forge new connections and collaborations... |
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Participants will gain exclusive insights into the writing world from seasoned experts and thought leaders to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their craft."
For more information, contact oliverose29@yahoo.com, or visit the event page. |
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SUPPORT FOR WRITERS // View Our Services |
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Kya Publishing Inc. is dedicated to elevating diverse voices through professional writing and editing services, including:- Copyediting your article, manuscript, paper, or other document
- Copyediting your children's book or novel
- Resume writing/updates
- Biography/profile writing
- Promotional content writing
Learn more at kyapublishing.com/editing |
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NATIONAL BLACK WRITERS CONFERENCE // Highlighting Black YA and MG Literature |
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The Center for Black Literature's National Black Writers Conference Biennial Symposium (#NBWC2025) returns Thursday, March 27 to Saturday, March 29, 2025 held in-person and virtually at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, New York. |
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"Come immerse yourself in the wonders of Young Adult and Middle Grade literature. These genres serve as energizing forces for cultivating and nurturing the critical reading and writing habits of a cross-generation, and helps to affirm issues of self-esteem, literacy, identity, and fosters awareness of the contributions to literature by Black writers."
Registration is now open; for more information and symposium details, visit the Center for Black Literature website. |
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REGGAE MONTH // Dancehall Booklist |
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| February is Reggae Month! We have curated a list of dancehall books (non-fiction, children's, and fiction) from the last 25 years. These texts are documenting history, analyzing trends and activities, and communicating recommendations, success, ideologies, and other elements of dancehall reggae music culture. View Booklist |
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KEVIN HERONJONES // Writer in Residence |
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| "Kevin heronJones is Brampton’s first Writer in Residence. This exciting new initiative is co-presented by Brampton Arts Organization, Brampton Library, and the FOLD Foundation. Kevin will be in-residence at Gore Meadows Branch Library from February 24 to April 25, 2025." |
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| Pre-order Kevin's new teen novel "Hacking Heartbreak" (Lorimer Kids, 2025) or one of his previous titles by visiting kevinheronjones.com. |
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DANCEHALL REBEL // Canadian Teen Novel |
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| In the novel Dancehall Rebel (Lorimer Kids, 2024), a Caribbean-Canadian teen with big dreams and a love for reggae music navigates family expectations and cultural traditions. Order Info |
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OPPORTUNITY // Black Canadian Research |
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WRITERS // Submit Your YA Book Proposal |
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| Canadian Publisher Lorimer Kids is currently open for children's and teen fiction proposals from experienced writers. Visit their website for complete details and submission guidelines, and join the growing list of diverse authors who are guiding and entertaining our youth through their fiction! |
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