Trillium Book Awards Author Reading 2015

Literature For Life

Submitted by dellis on March 19, 2008 - 2:42pm
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The co-ordinator of Literature For Life contacted me the other day, and I was reminded of the incredible work they do. Based in Toronto, they engage teen and young mothers in literature circles. The women read books together and discuss them. Not a very complicated process, but by creating a safe space for these women to explore another side of themselves, they are opening up whole realms of possibilities for other things they could do. In addition, it increases the young mom's confidence with language, and with using language in creative, expressive ways with their own kids.
Literature For Life has brought over 500 young mothers into book clubs since it began in 2000. They can be contacted at www.literatureforlife.org staff@literatureforlife.org 416-203-9830 Their office is at 7 Labatt Ave., Toronto, M5A 1Z1

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Date
Wed May 14, 2008

A Heatbreaking Idea of Staggering Genius

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Submitted by kickstart on May 14, 2008 - 9:39am

A Heatbreaking Idea of Staggering Genius

Paul here -

So I've made it my daily routine to watch TED Prize speeches every morning. Think of it like Wheaties for the dream reflex. An old family friend of Alex's wakes up at 4 am and reads the Saints Lives every morning as the sun comes up. Me, I log on and listen to people in Monterrey telling me to think big.

Anyway, here is David Eggers talking about a tutoring project he and McSweeney's run in San Francisco. The program's combination of selfless altruism and off-the-wallness made me want to go and set up a Fur Trader Canoe Wash on Queen Street, with tables in the back where kids can meet up with local artists and make stuff. Who's up for starting this?

Deborah Ellis

Deborah Ellis is the acclaimed author of over 18 books and the recipient of numerous literary awards, including the Vicky Metcalfe Award for a body of work, the Governor General’s Award, the Africana Book Award, the Canadian Library Association Book of the Year Honour, and the Red Cedar Award. She has traveled the world to meet with and hear the stories of children marginalized by war, illness, and poverty, and has recorded their stories for others to read and learn from.

Go to Deborah Ellis’s Author Page