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Rectangular graphic with green border showcasing the book covers for the titles chosen for the February FOLD Kids Challenge. The titles are: The Great Bear by David A. Robertson; Salma Writes a Book written by Danny Ramadan and illustrated by Ann Bron; and Asha's Mum written by Rosamund Elwin and Michele Paulse and illustrated by Dawn Lee. Below the text is the website: thefoldcanada.org/kidschallenge24.

February FOLD Kids 2024 Challenge: A book that has been challenged in Canadian schools

Feb 5, 2024

By Toni Duval In Canada, Freedom to Read Week is February 18-24 and this year it will celebrate its 40th anniversary “representing 40 years of dedication to freedom of expression, a fundamental right of all Canadians”. This month, the Festival of Literary Diversity (FOLD) is highlighting texts that have been challenged in Canadian schools. For...

White rectangular graphic with orange border, showcasing four book covers for the titles chosen for the FOLD February Challenge: A book that has been challenged in Canadian schools. The titles are THE HATE U GIVE by Angie Thomas, GENDER QUEER by Maia Kobabe, ALL BOYS AREN'T BLUE by George M. Johnson, and MILK AND HONEY by Rupi Kaur.

February FOLD 2024 Challenge: A book that has been challenged in Canadian schools

Feb 1, 2024

By Monica Tang To celebrate Freedom to Read Week from February 18-24, 2024, this month’s challenge is to read a book that has been challenged in Canadian schools. These are a few of many books that Canadians and others have tried to remove from schools and libraries, deeming them offensive or inappropriate for certain audiences....

Rectangular graphic with green border showcasing the book covers for the titles chosen for the January FOLD Kids Challenge. The titles are: Squire by Nadia Shammas, illustrated by Sara Alfageeh; We Are Palestinian: A Celebration of Culture and Tradition by Reem Kassis, illustrated by Noha Eilouti; and These Olive Trees by Aya Ghanameh. Below the text is the website: thefoldcanada.org/kidschallenge24.

January FOLD Kids 2024 Challenge: A book by a Palestinian author

Jan 4, 2024

By Ardo Omer At the Festival of Literary Diversity (FOLD), we believe that reading is a critical skill and that reading diversely – across genres, forms, and cultures – fosters empathy and understanding. Each year, we try and think about ways to transform our own reading habits – to fill in gaps, and to spark...

White rectangular graphic with orange border, showcasing four of the eight book covers for the titles chosen for the FOLD January Challenge: A book by a Palestinian author. Titles are THE PHILISTINE by Leila Marshy, SOMETHING MORE by Jackie Khalilieh, PALESTINE + 100 STORIES FROM A CENTURY AFTER THE NAKBA edited by Basma Ghalayini, and THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WALL by Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac.

January FOLD 2024 Challenge: A book by a Palestinian author

Jan 4, 2024

By Ardo Omer At the Festival of Literary Diversity (FOLD), we believe that reading is a critical skill and that reading diversely – across genres, forms, and cultures – fosters empathy and understanding. Each year, we try and think about ways to transform our own reading habits – to fill in gaps, and to spark...

Blue rectangular graphic with a Black woman with bright blonde hair looking at a computer. White text: PITCH PERFECT. APPLY by February 1.

Pitch Perfect at FOLD 2024: FAQs

Dec 15, 2023

What do you do with a manuscript when you think it might be done? You PITCH IT. Pitch Perfect is back! If you have a draft of a novel or creative nonfiction manuscript, and you’re not sure whether it’s ready to go or what to do next, Pitch Perfect at FOLD 2024 is the perfect opportunity...

Close up of a BIPOC person writing in a notebook. White text: SUBMIT TO THE FOLD PROGRAM. Deadline February 1.

Submit to the 2024 FOLD Program!

Dec 15, 2023

Submissions to the 2024 FOLD Festival Program are now open! Every year, the FOLD publishes a unique Festival Program which includes the festival schedule and information and articles and essays from Canadian writers. Articles in the Program showcase a wide variety of styles, approaches, and diverse lived experience. In 2024, we are pleased to announce...

White rectangular graphic with a green border, showcasing three book covers for the titles chosen for the FOLD Kids December Challenge: A book that explores mental health. Titles are THE SPACE BETWEEN HERE AND NOW by Sarah Suk; A BUCKET OF STARS by Suri Rosen; and IN MY SKIN by Morgan Christie and illustrated by Martina Stuhlberger. At the bottom is a link, thefoldcanada.org/kidschallenge23.

December FOLD Kids 2023 Challenge: A book that explores mental health

Dec 1, 2023

By Emmy Nordstrom Higdon For the last month of 2023, we’ve decided to highlight books that explore mental health and illness. All of the books that we’ve decided to highlight are by Canadian authors who are from populations who have traditionally been underrepresented in traditional publishing. While the theme is more literal in some ways...

White rectangular graphic with a dark purple border, showcasing four book covers for the titles chosen for the FOLD December Challenge: A book by an author who identifies as Mad or who writes about mental health. Titles are HELLO I WANT TO DIE PLEASE FIX ME by Anna Mehler Paperny, WHERE THE SILVER RIVER ENDS by Anna Quon, THE GHOST GARDEN by Susan Doherty, and THE WOO WOO by Lindsay Wong.

December FOLD 2023 Challenge: A book by an author who identifies as Mad or who writes about mental health

Dec 1, 2023

By Ramona Porter December has arrived, heralding a season of jubilation for some and an added burden of mental strain for others. Recognizing this duality, our reading challenge for this month is a fitting tribute to authors who identify as MAD or writes about mental health. While commendable strides have been made in fostering open...

White rectangular graphic with a green border, showcasing three book covers for the titles chosen for the FOLD Kids November Challenge: A book featuring letters by an author from a marginalized community. Titles are LETTERS FROM JOHNNY by Wayne Ng; THE SECRET DIARY OF MONA HASAN by Salma Hussain; and YO SOY MUSLIMS by Mark Gonzalez, illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini. At the bottom is a link, thefoldcanada.org/kidschallenge23.

November FOLD Kids 2023 Challenge: A book featuring letters by an author from a marginalized community

Nov 2, 2023

By Ardo Omer This month we’re highlighting books featuring letters by an author from a marginalized community. In the three books we’ve chosen, there is quite the range on how letters are used. In Yo Soy Muslim, the entire picture book is a father’s letter to his daughter in which he encourages his child “to...

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