On Wednesday, November 2 schools across Mountain View School Division, and indeed across the country, celebrated I Read Canadian Day. Some schools even stretched out the fun for the whole week. Our friends at Dauphin Public Library and other public libraries in the region also celebrated the day. While this was only the third time this newly minted day of celebration of Canadian literature has been observed, the interest and support for the day has blossomed.
MVSD students spent time leading up to the day learning about Canadian authors and illustrators. Book displays and maple leaf stickers helped students locate Canadian books in their libraries. Our school libraries all have a wide variety of Canadian authors to choose from, though it is no surprise that Robert Munsch continues to be a favourite choice for read-alouds and individual reading at the elementary level. Many classes viewed livestreamed author talks with authors such as David A. Robertson, Kenneth Oppel, Monique Gray Smith, Barbara Reid, and more. I Read Canadian activities varied across schools but included a pyjama party, writing projects, story time with the principal, and much more.
You might wonder why we would make such a fuss over Canadian authors and illustrators. The organizers’ stated goal is to raise awareness of Canadian books and celebrate the richness, diversity, and breadth of Canadian literature. We make personal connections and feel seen or validated when we read books that reflect our own experiences. We learn to empathize and understand each other when we read about the experiences of those around us. Although our neighbours to the south dominate a lot of our media, we need to ensure that Canadian voices are heard and celebrated. Besides, Canada has produced so many amazing writers! Why wouldn’t we want to read what they write?
Canada has a strong history of celebrating its authors and illustrators with events such as Canada Reads and a variety of awards/prizes, including those for children’s and young adult literature. The Manitoba Young Readers Choice Awards (MYRCA), the Forest of Reading awards in Ontario, and the Governor General’s Literary Awards are just a few.
If you are looking to expand your child’s awareness and appreciation of Canadian authors, here are some authors worth keeping an eye out for when browsing the library or shopping at your favourite bookseller:
- Picture book authors: Elise Gravel, Tasha Spillett-Sumner, Eric and Terry Fan, Ashely Spires, and Jon Klassen
- Junior/middle grade fiction authors: Linda Trinh, Kevin Sylvester, Susin Nielsen, Michael Hutchinson, Colleen Nelson, and Marsha Skrypuch
- Young adult fiction authors: Cherie Dimaline, S.K. Ali, David A. Robertson, and Katherena Vermette