When a young schoolteacher decides to teach her Grade 8 class about filmmaking and creates a documentary that ends up being broadcast internationally, she sets in motion a career of storytelling for an age group largely ignored by TV executives … and creates one of the most-loved television franchises of all time

Includes fabulous behind-the-scenes photos and stories for Degrassi fans

Linda Schuyler, co-creator and executive producer of the long-running Degrassi series, shares her personal stories about the grit and determination necessary to make it as a woman entrepreneur in the bourgeoning independent Canadian television industry of the early 1980s.

After surviving a near-fatal car accident in 1968, Linda found her life continuing to veer in unexpected directions, ultimately leading her to use her innate abilities as an educator to become a successful storyteller and businesswoman.

Linda’s deep fondness for teenagers has made her a champion for adolescents. In The Mother of All Degrassi, she shares her strong belief that television is all about the story, and a good story is all about making the political personal. Through anecdotes and introspection — and some great behind-the-scenes stories for Degrassi fans — Linda examines her philosophy to dream big, think small, meet life head-on, and always keep an open heart.

LINDA SCHUYLER, a former grade 8 schoolteacher, produced and co-created the multi-award winning Degrassi series including The Kids of Degrassi Street, Degrassi Junior High and Degrassi High.

Linda Schuyler's profile page

“The Mother of All Degrassis is a must-read for fans of the show. Just as Degrassi did, Linda’s story will inspire readers everywhere. Her decades-long persistence and passion will be a guiding light for any budding storyteller seeking to break into the world of television and film.” — Michael Grassi, TV writer and executive producer, Riverdale and Supergirl

“Linda cast me in my first major television role — Craig on Degrassi: The Next Generation — and I owe so much to her. I was blown away by her book. Linda shares the origin story of a TV show that paved the way for a young Canadian industry and countless careers. It offered encouragement to millions of fans worldwide. Written with immense honesty, her life story is filled with wisdom, comforting anecdotes, and heartbreak and is a must-read for fans of the Degrassi franchise.” — Jake Epstein, actor, playwright

“I thought I knew everything about the creation of this show, but The Mother of All Degrassi took me on a trip into the real nitty-gritty of birthing an iconic television hit. Not only a fun, exciting, emotional read but a time capsule into the early days of guerrilla television in Canada. There aren’t many stories of success like Linda’s, and to know that I was a small part of it gave me goosebumps. Now I know what all the adults around me were doing when I was thirteen! The circle is complete, and what a wonderful way to learn about it.” — Stefan Brogren, actor, director

“A fascinating glimpse into the life of an iconic Canadian television producer whose creative vision revolutionized the way the world makes TV and film for and about teenagers. It’s also the rarely told story of a woman struggling to process her own infertility, while making it in a man’s world on her terms and introducing audiences to storytelling on hot button social issues others weren’t courageous enough to tackle.” — Zoe Whittall, screenwriter, author of the bestselling novel The Best Kind of People

“Linda Schuyler’s memoir is a portrait of passion, strength, and courage — a gutsy tribute to a creative life of vision and tenacity. Her career trajectory is a road map for young women who yearn to take charge, touch people, and leave a mark. With her finger on the pulse of youth culture, Linda’s dogged determination as an innovative storyteller gave birth to the whole Degrassi phenomenon and a homegrown entertainment platform that helped change lives.” — Jeanne Beker, journalist, TV personality, author