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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...

White rectangular graphic with a dark purple border, showcasing four book covers for the titles chosen for the FOLD November Challenge: An epistolary title by an author from a marginalized community. Titles are I’VE BEEN MEANING TO TELL YOU by David Chariandy; THIS IS HOW YOU LOSE THE TIME WAR by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone; ORDINARY NOTES by Christina Sharpe; and LETTERS TO AMELIA by Lindsay Zier-Vogel.

November FOLD 2023 Challenge: An epistolary title by an author from a marginalized community

Nov 1, 2023

By Monica Nathan For November’s reading challenge, we’re recommending books by authors from marginalized communities who utilize the epistolary format; work primarily composed of written correspondence or diary-type entries. This unique style provides an intimate and revealing perspective into a character’s thoughts and emotions while also offering profound insight on the relationship dynamics between writer...

White rectangular graphic with a dark purple border, showcasing four book covers for the titles chosen for the FOLD September Challenge: A title featuring magic by a Latine/Latinx author. Titles are SIGNAL TO NOISE by Silvia Moreno Garcia; BINLE PUNK BRUJA by Desideria Mesa; ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF SOLITUDE by Gabriel García Márquez; and EARTHEATER by Dolores Reyes, translated by Julia Sanches.

October FOLD 2023 Challenge: A title featuring magic by a Latine/Latinx author

Oct 1, 2023

By Ardo Omer and Jonisha Lewinson This month the spotlight is on books by Latine/Latinx authors that feature magic. While efforts have been made to uplift the Latine/Latinx community, there is still an overwhelming lack of representation of them in the publishing industry. With disparities in access to networking spaces and publishing professionals, the struggle...

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