• Age: 8 to 12
• Grade: 3 to 7
• Reading age: 8 to 12

This anthology showcases ten authors, each contributing unique and powerful narratives that reflect the diverse and unpredictable experiences of childhood. The collection aims to challenge perceptions, inspire creativity, and celebrate the individuality found within each person's story. You never know what you'll get in each chapter, but be prepared to be glued to each page.

Ndija Anderson-Yantha is a second-generation Caribbean Canadian author, lawyer, speaker, university administrator, and a former Thomas J. Watson Fellow, who is passionate about EDI, promoting literacy, and combatting anti-Black racism through education. As a result of her Thomas J. Watson Fellowship, Ndija wrote What Are You Gonna Do with That Hair?, a nonfiction children’s book about the beauty and historical significance of Black hairstyles; she is thus frequently called on to conduct school assemblies, EDI training and workshops, and panel discussions. Ndija graduated from Spelman College (BA in political science and French) and McGill University (LLB and BCL law degrees). She lives in the Greater Toronto Area, Canada.

Ndija Anderson-Yantha's profile page

Gayle Gonsalves is an established storyteller. Her short stories have appeared in numerous anthologies, such as The Bluelight Corner, In the Black, The Black Notes, Tongues of the Ocean, So the Nailhead Bend, and So The Story Ends. Her first book, Painting Pictures and Other Stories is a collection of short, lyrical stories of love and betrayal, reflection, and reconciliation in Canada and Antigua. My Stories Have No Endings, her first novel, received 6 Indie Awards (2021 NIEA Finalist, 2021 CIPA EVVY Award – 2nd Place; 2021 NYC Big Book Award Distinguished Favorite; 2022 Independent Press Award - Distinguished Favorite; 2022 The Next Generation Indie Book Award - Winner (Multi-cultural Fiction); and 2022 The Global Book Award – Gold Prize Winner (Worldwide Fiction)). Gonsalves enriches her narrative by evoking colours, textures and shapes with words. Gonsalves has lived in Antigua and Canada and is a graduate of York University in Toronto, the city where she currently lives and writes.

 

Gayle Gonsalves' profile page

Jaimie Franchi is a writer, educator, gardener, and maker. She is the creator of All Kinds of Neighbours, a children’s urban nature storytelling series supported by a grant from Canada Council for the Arts and CBC Radio Canada. Her children’s picture book text, Melt, was shortlisted for the 2022 CANSCAIP Writing for Children Competition. Her writing for adults has appeared in print in the literary journal filling Station, in the poetry anthology Poems for the Solstice, in Kitchen Table Magazine, in the journal Farmerish and the former Athens Free Press. She’s currently writing a picture book text with the support of a literary arts grant from the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec. She earned an MA in literature from the University of Georgia in 2003 and taught college English in Georgia and California. After a break of many years, she has recently returned to teaching, this time online. She lives with her family in Montreal, Quebec.

 

Jaimie Franchi's profile page

Peter Loveson is a Ghanaian poet and creative fiction writer living on the US-Mexico border. His work, shaped by his travels and life experiences, explores the human condition, spiritual questions, and existential longings. Known for capturing quiet moments with evocative language, Peter delves into themes of connection, hope, grief, and everyday wisdom in life’s simplest moments. Inspired by music, philosophy, and travel, he draws on influences such as spoken-word poet Levi the Poet and the contemplative voices of Krista Tippett, Rumi, Mary Oliver, Scott Erickson and Thomas Merton. His Ghanaian roots and a life rich in stories and spiritual discovery add depth to his unique perspectives. Peter is excited to lend his voice to the upcoming publication of “You Never Know What You’re Going to Get.” He hopes to inspire young readers and authors, encouraging them to keep reading, writing, and crafting their unique voices. Peter aims to create a lasting impact through storytelling, fostering a love for literature, personal expression, and creativity. Besides his literary pursuits, Peter enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing music, capturing the world through photography, and supporting local cafes.

 

Peter Tettah Loveson's profile page

Abigail Grimes is a Canadian multi-genre author of gripping fiction, poetry, and non-fiction with heart. Living in rural Ontario and working in the bustling metropolitan city of Toronto, Ontario, she finds inspiration in the diverse settings around her. A featured author at the Salon of the Refused, BlackLit Durham, and the Northumberland Festival of the Arts, Abigail’s work centres on flawed and relatable women in a contemporary world. She is the author of the poetry and prose collection For The Quiet and the thriller The Violence of Fire and is a member of the Writing Community of Durham Region. For stories, musings and more, check out abigailgrimes.com.

Abigail Grimes' profile page

Deb Attas is an educator who loves to write stories for kids. Although grown today, Deb’s three sons are often included in her writing as she is inspired by their curiosity and the mischief they have caused over the years. Deb organizes and volunteers at a Toronto school, helping students become confident readers. When she isn’t teaching or writing, you can find her taking art lessons, going on long neighbourhood walks, and dancing up a storm in her Dancefit classes.

Deborah Ross-Attas' profile page

Julianne Mundle is the author of the novel Come With the Fire. She was also featured in the Writers’ Collective of Canada’s 2022 anthology series “Front Lines: Resilience. I open my Mouth to Speak.” Julianne was born in Jamaica and currently lives in Mississauga, Ontario. She received a BA from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, and is completing a Post-Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing from Humber College.

Julianne Mundle's profile page

Saira Batasar-Johnie locates herself as a brown, Indo-Caribbean Canadian cisgender woman of

Indo-Caribbean/South Asian Indian descent and 1st generation settler in T’karonto/Toronto,

Ontario situated on the territory of the Anishinaabe, Mississaugas of the New Credit and

Haudenosaunee Peoples, with recognition to "The Dish With One Spoon" wampum and Treaty

13. Saira is an author, Child and Youth Care Practitioner, Registered Social Worker, who

currently works in post-secondary as a Student Affairs Coordinator, Part-time Professor across

the GTA and runs her own private practice. She is also a mom, wife, daughter, sister and friend.

Saira is passionate about bringing the history of Indo-Caribbeans to the newest diaspora of young

people. She hopes to educate young people with her words, her book “Dear Divya” is the first of

many and she hopes to inspire them to continue their journey of understanding themselves in this

world.

Saira Batasar-Johnie's profile page

Caroline Bennett is a passionate elementary school teacher and librarian with over 30 years of experience. She has taught in three countries and brings a rich global perspective to her work. Born in the UK, Caroline earned a Bachelor’s in Education and English Literature, which sparked her lifelong passion for teaching and learning. She was the eldest of eight children and knew from a young age that she wanted to be a teacher. After beginning her career in London, she moved to Hawai’i for seven years, where she taught and earned a Master’s in Educational Foundations. In 1995, Caroline moved to Toronto, where she lives with her three children. A storyteller at heart, Caroline has been writing picture books, creative nonfiction, and short stories since childhood. She loves using stories to engage and inspire her students’ imaginations. Her writing, including longlisting in CANSCAIP’s Writing for Children Competition in 2020, has gained recognition. Whether in the classroom or through her books, Caroline is dedicated to fostering a lifelong love of reading in children and their caregivers, encouraging them to explore their world through books.

Caroline Bennett's profile page

Latoya Belfon is a renowned author, CEO of Labworks Publishing, McGill University alumna, Innovative Educator, Workshop & Webinar Facilitator and dynamic Motivational Speaker. Latoya has left an indelible mark on the literary landscape with a remarkable portfolio of over 15 books as an author and successful collaborations as a publisher. Her expertise extends to leading workshops and webinars for esteemed organizations like the Quebec Writers Foundation and the BMO Black Entrepreneurship Program, where she understands that her presence in these spaces advocates for diverse representation. As a dedicated English Montreal School Board teacher and a past Co-operating teacher at McGill University, Latoya shares her knowledge and shapes the next generation of educators. Co-founding Empowered Women in Lit, an online platform promoting diverse authors and combating bias in literature, further demonstrates her commitment to empowering marginalized voices. Latoya Belfon's multifaceted contributions have garnered recognition and significantly impacted the literary community and beyond.

Latoya Belfon's profile page

Juleus Ghunta is a Chevening Scholar, poet, children’s writer, and a member of Jamaica’s National Task Force on Character Education. His work explores the links between toxic stress and academic underachievement. His poems and essays on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have appeared in over 30 journals across 16 countries. Ghunta won the Catherine James Poetry Prize in 2017 and was shortlisted for the Wasafiri Poetry Prize in 2022 and the Small Axe Poetry Prize in 2015 and 2016. His picture book, Tata and the Big Bad Bull was published by CaribbeanReads in 2018, and he is the co-editor of the December 2019 and March 2020 issues of Interviewing the Caribbean (UWI Press), focused on children’s literature and ACEs. Ghunta’s book on ACEs, Rohan Bullkin and the Shadows was published by CaribbeanReads in 2021. His Notebook of Words and Ideas, which features prominently in Rohan, was published by Dreamright in 2022. Ghunta’s work has been featured on several notable platforms, including BBC, Hidden Brain Media, and Miami Book Fair (online).

Juleus Ghunta's profile page