What an extraordinary event to celebrate six months of reading by over 250,000 students throughout Ontario and to have Hold the Oxo! A Teenage Soldier Writes Home as one of the ten non-fiction books chosen for reading by junior high/high school young people.  During the two day event 9,000 students in and surrounding Toronto (one of 8 festivals throughout Ontario) attended at the Harbour Front Centre, escorted authors on stage, introduced them and voted on the works.  Kudos to the organizers and 250 volunteers who assured the event was exciting for all attendees.  I was thrilled to be part of such an exceptional program.

A new and eye opening experience to be invited as a ‘pioneer’ to speak to the young students.  Once again Noreen and the Amazing No-Good Horse served as an invaluable resource.

What a fun evening!  And such a privilege to speak to this group of individuals who care and guide our very important citizens – our children.  It was an evening of honouring each one of them and of being part of recognizing fourteen of them for their innovative and dedicated contributions.

1. Hold The Oxo: A Teenage Soldier Writes Home
Author – Marion Brooker

2. Tadeo's Search for Circles (picture book)
Author – Marion Brooker
Illustrator - Kyrsten Brooker