News

FOLD Reading Challenge – February 2026: Romance by a Queer Male Author

Feb 1, 2026

By Hudson Lin (@hudsonlinwrites) February is the month of romance, and this year, we’re featuring romances by queer male authors. One age-old debate in the world of queer romance—specifically male/male romance where both protagonists are men—is the question of who is allowed to write the stories of queer men. The vast majority of authors...

A graphic with "The Festival of Literary Diversity" logo on top of a newspaper photo.

FOLD in the News: January 2026

Jan 12, 2026

Welcome to FOLD in the News! This is the monthly round up of the Festival of Literary Diversity’s media coverage. The FOLD Reading challenge returns for its 11th year (CBC North by Northwest) January 11, 2026 The Festival of Literacy Diversity returns for its 11th annual reading challenge. FOLD founder and executive director Jael Richardson...

FOLD Reading Challenge – January 2026: Cozy fiction by a marginalized author

Jan 1, 2026

By Jessica Rampersad (@jessbeyondthepages) As we step into a new year, it feels like the perfect moment to sink into the soft, reassuring world of cozy fiction. A new chapter can feel both exciting and uncertain, and it’s natural to crave stories that offer comfort when everything around us feels like it’s shifting. Cozy...

Rectangular graphic with green border showcasing the book covers for the titles chosen for the December FOLD Kids Challenge. The titles are: A Drop in the Ocean by Léa Taranto; A Single Dreadlock by Xaiver Michael Campbell and Eugenie Fernandes; and Amil and the After by Veera Hiranandani. Below the text is the website: thefoldcanada.org/kidschallenge25.

December FOLD Kids 2025 Challenge: A book by a Jewish author

Dec 1, 2025

By Ardo Omer This month we are highlighting books by Jewish authors. These recommended titles explore historical events, tackle mental health and discuss what it means to love your hair. We’re excited to spotlight just a few of the many Jewish authors out there creating stories. 1) A Drop in the Ocean by Léa Taranto...

Promotional graphic for The FOLD Reading Challenge, December theme “Funny Fiction by an Author from a Marginalized Community,” featuring book covers of Nothing the Same, Everything Haunted, Sunshine Nails, Never Been Better, Jameela Green Ruins Everything.

December FOLD 2025 Challenge: Funny Fiction by an Author from a Marginalized Community

Dec 1, 2025

By Jael Richardson We’re wrapping up the 2025 FOLD Reading Challenge with some humour. Perhaps it’s the perfect closing challenge to a year marked by chaos and upheaval because laughter, especially when written by those who’ve lived through hardship, can be one of the most powerful forms of storytelling and a helpful path towards joy....

Promotional graphic for The FOLD Reading Challenge, November theme “Nonfiction by a Disabled Author,” featuring book covers of Disfigured, Living Disability, The Future Is Disabled, and How to Lose Everything.

November FOLD 2025 Challenge: Nonfiction by a Disabled Author

Nov 1, 2025

By Hudson Lin This November, we’re highlighting nonfiction books by disabled authors. From memoirs and essays to cultural criticism, these stories offer sharp insight and lived experience that challenge assumptions and expand understanding. Whether you’re drawn to narratives about navigating the medical system, disability justice, or simply life told through a different lens, there’s something...

Rectangular graphic with green border showcasing the book covers for the titles chosen for the November FOLD Kids Challenge. The titles are: Disability Visibility (Adapted for Young Adults) edited by Alice Wong; Aniana del Mar Jumps In by Jasminne Mendez; and This Is How We Talk: A Celebration of Disability and Connection by Jessica Slice, Caroline Cupp and illustrated by Kayla Harren. Below the text is the website: thefoldcanada.org/kidschallenge25.

November FOLD Kids 2025 Challenge: A book by a disabled author

Nov 1, 2025

By Toni Duval This month we are highlighting disabled authors. We have tried to include a range of experiences from the world of disability from how we move through the world to invisible disabilities. These authors have used their life experience and extensive research to share the challenges and resilience of disabled children, teens and...

Share FOLD Kids Book Fest with Teachers!

Oct 30, 2025

We are so looking forward to welcoming you to this year’s FOLD Kids Book Fest! You can participate in the Festival in the following ways: Individual Virtual Pass | $35 Individual virtual passes provide teachers with access to all virtual events and all the special features and resources available in the virtual clubhouse until December...

Rectangular graphic with green border showcasing the book covers for the titles chosen for the October FOLD Kids Challenge. The titles are: Legendborn by Tracy Deonn; Atana: Atana and the Jade Mermaid by Vivian Zhou; and Mao Mao's Perfectly Imperfect Day by Laan Cham. Below the text is the website: thefoldcanada.org/kidschallenge25.

October FOLD Kids 2025 Challenge: A book featuring creatures by a Woman of Colour

Oct 2, 2025

By Ardo Omer This month we’re reading a book featuring creatures by a Woman of Colour. These titles offer a range of stories whether it’s a panda striving for perfection, a mermaid and their creature friends trying to save magic in their world or a young woman battling demonic creatures. What books are you reading...

Stay connected

Stay Informed