Announcing the 2024-25 Local Authors Showcase! Click links in each profile to place your holds.
Meet the authors at the Brampton Farmer's Market on June 22nd from 8am - 1pm!
For information about the 2025 Local Author's Showcase submissions, click here.
Never Left: A Journey of Love, Support and Becoming
Ablavi L. de Souza is an author of children's books. Outside her work of authorship, Ms. De Souza is an educator and the founder of the non-profit organization AfriCanada Hub. She seeks creative ways to bridge educational gaps between children from marginalized communities and their counterparts. Her work in the community has been characterized by an adept love of reading children's books with children and to children. Outside her professional life, Ms. de Souza loves to pray, watch movies, drink tea, and try out new recipes.
Ade Oluokun, a content creator and writer based in Brampton, has been on a creative journey since her high school years. Immersing herself in various forms of expression, she delves into the written word and captivating visuals. Ade's passion for storytelling drives her writing, blending it with her photography and creativity. Specializing in Black & Multicultural novels, she weaves diverse narratives into her work. Through her combination of inspiration and artistry, she produces compelling content that connects with her audience.
You were Soil and Soil was You
Aditi Ganeev Sangwan is a Brampton-based Creative. She is a visual artist and educator who works with diverse mediums like Painting, printmaking, artist books, installations, poetry Videos and Cyanotypes. Aditi is also co-founder of Art Studio Izza, which focuses on Photography, ecologically sustainable art and community engagement practices. Born and Brought up in India, Aditi holds a PhD in visual arts from Visva Bharati University, Santiniketan.
Alene is an award-winning author and poet. Her work has been published internationally in print, e-books, and online, appearing in Toronto Star, Today’s Parent, City Parent, anthologies, and journals. She advocates for literacy and community relations, including penning "Programs Without Walls: Stories from Toronto Parents," a non-profit book, shedding light on the crucial role community programs play in early childhood development. When Alene is not writing, she travels the world taking photos of random things, treks off the beaten path, and seeks moments to be still.
Escape Perennial City - Samsara Edition
Ultraviolet - The "Fluke!" Series
Battle Colosseum - The "Fluke!" series
Allen W. McLean is an author of speculative fiction, poetry and reviews. He was born and raised in the Canadian suburbs of Brampton Ontario, and identifies as non-binary. His wife April produces music and art as Electric Armchair; at her behest, Allen began sharing poetry on his book reviews and releases for the HaikuPrajna Collection, a library of his study notes for readers who will never consume the stories just as much as they are for those who have or want to. Obsessed with forming stories since playing pretend as a child, his fiction today focuses on transcending one’s hindrances, with ideas from metaphysics, theology, yoga, mindfulness, and meditation; and is inspired by sci-fi, comics and manga. Allen has released over a dozen books, and his Bite-sized Insights have been collected online, in print and in public libraries around the Toronto area.
Alyssa Ross is the author of “The Power of the Moon and Sun” ,“Written in the Stars: Omari's Story”, “The Tides”, and the author and illustrator of “The Tiger Prince”. She has an Advanced Diploma in Graphic Design and lives in Brampton with her family. When she's not writing, she loves making art in a variety of mediums.
Can We Talk About It? Poetry and Art
Amy Liou is a Taiwanese-Canadian author in Mississauga, Ontario. She relishes cafe-hopping, searches far and wide for those who will break her heart, and writes feverishly about her roads to recovery. She studied Environment, Resources and Sustainability and International Development at the University of Waterloo before deciding to pursue a teaching degree at Ontario Tech University. Amy has been a passionate writer since her middle school days. When she is not writing, she is a high school English teacher and has her hands full of books to teach and essays to mark. Forever a hopeless romantic, Amy may have lost count of the number of crushes she has had, but these fleeting moments of desire will always live on in her writing.
Andy Afrouz has a PhD from Britain, a post-MS and MS from the USA, and a BS from Britain. He was a past member of the US, Britain, Australia, and some other International Association of Mining Engineers, including a Professional Engineer of Ontario, Canada and Australia. Andy's professional experiences were in all levels of Mining Engineering, including 3 years of hands-on Mine Management Training in Britain. His experiences were in the USA, Britain, Canada, France, Iran, Namibia and Zambia. Andy has 42 publications worldwide (37 Technical, 4 Novels, and a co-authored children’s book).
How to Photocopy Your Butt without Cracking the Glass
If you’re looking for children’s books that address emotional wellness, Anjula has a background as a Children’s Therapist, and brings that experience to her writing. Anjula created “The Super-Hero Survival Guide” for reluctant young readers several years ago, while recovering from a brain injury. During her rehabilitation, she began developing educational resources and writing novels. She is currently finishing her MA in Creative & Critical Writing. Anjula has a dozen children’s books on Amazon and in some bookstores (Chapters/Indigo, Barnes & Noble). She has written five novels for YA and Adults. Three are available in print. Her book this year, "How to Photocopy Your Butt without Cracking the Glass", is a lighthearted book about office humour.
Ann Martino, the author behind the children's books Adventure in Alphabet Land Series and Fun Affirmations is a highly trained educator with a twenty-plus year career in International education. Ann is a Peel District School Board teacher whose current assignment is teaching Kindergarten. As a lifelong learner, her classroom methods have evolved to create new learning experiences for her students. When not writing or moulding young minds in the classroom, Ann enjoys curling up with a good book, travelling, face timing her grandkids and visiting her adult children in various cities. Ann lives with her husband in Ontario Canada.
Drifting(Piao) Chinese Poetry and Prose by Anna Yin 漂——星子安娜诗路心语
Anna Yin was Mississauga’s Inaugural Poet Laureate (2015-17) and has authored six poetry collections and three books of translations including Mirrors and Windows (Guernica Editions 2021). Anna won the 2005 Ted Plantos Memorial Award, two MARTYs, two scholarships from the USA and grants from the Ontario Arts Council and Canada Council for the Arts. Her poems/translations have appeared in Queen’s Quarterly, ARC Poetry, New York Times, China Daily, CBC Radio, Literary Review of Canada etc. She read on Parliament Hill, at the Austin International Poetry Festival, the Edmonton Poetry Festival and at universities in China, Canada USA etc. She has designed and taught Poetry Alive since 2011.
April Salisbury-White is an artist, musician, poet, and animator living in Ontario, Canada with her husband author Allen W McLean and their cat Joe Bean. As an artist, she creates whimsical album covers, digital sci-fi worlds, detailed inked scenes, abstract painted book covers, and more. As a musician, April builds narrative soundscapes using her vocals, guitar, keyboard, drums, ukulele, and live-looping samples. As an animator, she uses both digital and traditional media to create music videos. April’s art, music, and poetry have been featured in various publications and podcasts. She has released 9 music albums as ‘Electric Armchair.’ April and Allen run a small business called APRIL and ALLEN’s ABCs (Artworks, Book merch, and Clay quirks.)
The World According To Ai (It's Not What You Think)
Arno became aware of the mistreatment of African descendants. In class, he heard many European immigrants being made fun of. He felt that once he lost his accent, he would blend in with the rest of the white Canadians, much like many European friends. He knew he could fit in because of his skin colour. But what of all those of colour and the indigenous communities? Unfortunately, they will be marginalized until we grow as a nation and start questioning the validity of other people’s assertions. This caused Arno to be mindful of those less fortunate. Eventually, he wrote The World According to AI
Born in Toronto and the daughter of the principal character Sibylla Janssen-Peters, Astrid Peters is a first-time book author. She is a retired French and music high school teacher who received three degrees at the University of Toronto. Out of her many interests, historical genealogy evolved and took precedence during her retirement in Brampton, Ontario. She lives with her husband, Harry Churchill-Smith, and her pet dog, Jana.
Baljit Ghuman is a Canadian author and speaker. His writing which explores themes of healing, inspiration, leadership, and social justice acts as a means of reclaiming identity and defining individuality. Baljit strongly believes in "inspiring through literature". Baljit's latest short novel Grandfather's Mulberry Tree published on Amazon. Born in Punjab, he arrived in Canada during his mid-teen years. Baljit has dedicated the last two decades to playing key roles in creating awareness around the issues faced by communities with a focus on disability and minority rights. He achieved this through community activism. He has prepared and presented policy-level presentations to various government ministries, tribunals, provincial committees, and regional police force committees. Baljit is an Autism and neurodiversity advocate. He is the founder of Sikhs for Autism.
The ABC's of Affirmations: Empowering Affirmations for Children
I Love You More Than Strawberries: The Love Found in Chosen Families
Cameile Henry, MA, is the Program Coordinator and a Professor of Early Childhood Education (ECE) at the Sheridan Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning in Brampton, ON. As an ECE professor, she has facilitated numerous learning opportunities to enrich the lives of children from infancy to 12 years of age. She is a registered facilitator for Circle of Security, an international program that supports primary care providers with the tools to enhance building strong attachments with children. She also serves as an educational consultant for the CBC animation series ‘Jeremy and Jazzy’.
Incident Management Process Guide
Carlo Figliomeni graduated with a Business Administration Diploma from Ryerson University in 1975. After graduation, started working as a Computer Operator at IBM Canada Ltd. While at IBM, Carlo obtained his Bachelor of Business Management degree in 1991. Carlo left IBM in 1994, as an Advisory System Analyst, to pursue a career goal as an Independent Consultant and performed the function of ITIL Process Consultant; Senior Business Consultant; and Senior Project Manager and held Staff Management positions.
Is the Bible Infallible? — A Rational, Scientific, and Historical Evaluation
Carmel Paul Attard, a Bible enthusiast, ex-Jesuit of more than six years, bachelor of science in physics and mathematics, and third-time author is now retired from an engineering and manufacturing career. He and his wife of fifty-two years, Mary, have three children and three grandchildren and live in Brampton, Ontario, Canada.
Since retiring, Carol has redirected her creativity into writing – mostly poetry. Her pandemic projects have included publishing of her first poetry collection – Alive & 65: a celebration for her 65th birthday in 2021, joining the League of Canadian Poets and launching her website – carolgood.ca. She lives in an octagonal-century farmhouse with her very handy husband located on the Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. She recognizes the land as being home and traditional territory to other Indigenous people since time immemorial.
Carolyne Topdjian is a suspense writer and author of the gothic novels The Hitman’s Daughter and The Black Moth. She has published short fiction in PRISM International, Dreamers Magazine, and Firewords Quarterly and was shortlisted for the Ghost Prize by Fractured Literary. She has an interdisciplinary PhD from York University and is a professor in the Faculty of Media and Creative Arts at Humber College in Toronto.
To Change the World My Work With Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Canada
Dr. Chandrakant Shah is a pioneering leader in public health education, a passionate advocate for Indigenous Peoples, and a champion of equity and inclusion. The development of public health as a discipline at the University of Toronto and across Canada bears the unmistakable hallmark of his profound influence, helping set the standards for training public health physicians. His efforts to promote scholarship and education in Indigenous health, and improve services for First Nations populations, anticipated the Truth and Reconciliation Commission by decades. His work on employment equity at the University of Toronto led to more diverse faculty members and acknowledgment of the systemic racism at the Canadian Blood Services. He has received many awards including the Order of Ontario. and Honorary Doctorate from the University of Toronto.
Nona and Daniel - Bubbles of Joy
Brampton has been Cherry's home for the past 28 years. She founded Goldfinch Storytellers in 2020 to share sunshine stories. Born in India, Cherry spent several years in the Himalayan region. School breaks were spent exploring the surrounding towns and villages. In her children's book series, Nona and Daniel’s conversations echo the wisdom of elders during these explorations. Cherry has pursued studies in English and French literature, followed by an airline career. Her debut children's book, ‘Nona and Daniel–Taming the Monkey’, is a tribute to all grandparents and was featured in the 2022-23 Local Authors Showcase. Her writing has also appeared in the Brampton Writers Guild 2020 Anthology. Cherry created two journals to spread the joy of writing among kids. In this journey, 'Bubbles of Joy' beckons to expand our lives like sunflowers reaching for the sky.
Dani and Letters World: Island A
Dani et le Monde des Lettres: L'île A
Christian Jacquette is a dedicated husband and loving father of his two adorable kids and lives in Brampton. He has been reliving his own childhood moments through the time spent with his kids and thus got inspired to write children’s books that can be at the same time entertaining and educational. Christian counts 25 years of experience in data analytics in the telecommunications industry working with complex data while nurturing his imagination all along and remaining a child at heart. He published Dani and Letters World in English and French as he is fully bilingual.
Until I Write: Poems Found at Dawn
Although I did not pursue a degree in literature, I explored and expanded my poetry in my early twenties. Moving away from university allowed me to experience a whole other world compared to the one I grew up in. This led to many encounters with love, sadness, depression and anger. The only outlet that affected my mental health was poetry. Writing allowed me to feel and process my emotions through art. Growing up in the small town of Bolton, Ontario allowed me to appreciate the value of community. I attended Wilfrid Laurier University to study archaeology. I then spent seven years working in the world of archaeology alongside the First Nations communities in Southern Ontario. I later decided to pursue teaching in hopes of sharing my love of history and poetry with my students.
Leaving Was Just the Beginning
Cynthia Young, a Caledon resident, loves to share journeys of courage and resilience. Using genealogical records and family keepsakes, she creates a unique version of her ancestor’s lives. A storyteller inspired by the fortitude of her family; she combines the tales of her relatives with the social history of the period to reveal the joys and sorrows they experienced.
The Art of Quality Debt Collections: Exploring the Human Side of Collection
Darryl Brian D’Souza, CFE, is a seasoned professional with 25+ years in risk management, governance, and banking operations. Armed with a Bachelor of Commerce degree and a Post Graduate Diploma in Islamic Banking and Insurance, he's led key roles globally. Darryl's expertise spans fraud control, credit risk, and collections. He authored "The Art of Quality Debt Collections" and serves as a Board Director, shaping education at the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board. His dedication to excellence shines through in his diverse contributions to finance and education.
Edo van Belkom is the author/editor of some 35 books and more than 250 short stories. He has won the Bram Stoker Award, the Aurora and Silver Birch Awards for his fiction, and has been a finalist several times for the Arthur Ellis Award. Among his novels are Martyrs, Teeth (set in Brampton, and featuring a Peel Regional Police detective), Scream Queen, Blood Road, Battle Dragon and Kilgore and Co. His short story collections include Death Drives a Semi (recently published in a 25th Anniversary Edition), and Six-Inch Spikes. His young adult works include the anthologies Be Afraid! and Be Very Afraid!, and the Wolf Pack series of novels (Wolf Pack, Lone Wolf, Cry Wolf, and Wolf Man) which was the inspiration for the Wolf Pack TV series on Paramount Plus starring Sarah Michelle Gellar. He began his writing career as a reporter for the Brampton Times newspaper.
The Besieged Unicorn Army of Ryk
Erika Leigh Agnew is a Canadian Fantasy author. She published her debut novel Dragonsown in August 2020. Dragonsown is the first instalment of a Young Adult Fantasy series. The prequel, The Besieged Unicorn Army of Ryk released in July 2023. Erika has begun work on the sequel, expected to be released in 2024. Erika was born in Toronto, Canada. She is an avid traveller and active in environmental and wildlife causes. She is passionate about sharks, horses and anything dragon.
Surmount Vol. 2
FGS Insight Vol. 2
SURMOUNT and FGS Insight are published by Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Temple of Toronto. We are a Buddhist non-profit organization based in Mississauga and have been serving the Greater Toronto community for more than 25 years, engaged with numerous cultural, educational, philanthropic, and interfaith initiatives. The temple opens doors to people from all walks of life. The publications are advised by FGS resident monastics: Venerable Chueh Fan (the Abbess), Venerable Zhi Guan and Venerable Ru An. All twenty team members behind SURMOUNT and FGS Insight came from diverse backgrounds and expertise. Deep faith in Humanistic Buddhism unites us to deliver humbled words of truth, virtues, and beauty. We sincerely hope our work can bring solace to the distress, wisdom to the confused, joy to the worried, and motivation to the discouraged.
Ieda is a marketing expert with a love of the environment and the arts. She has lived in Brazil, Germany, and England, before relocating to Canada. She has also visited a number of countries in the Americas, Europe and Asia. She loves nature and is committed to protecting the environment. In her spare time, when she’s not watching the squirrels in the backyard, she is sketching or creating social media content. In her travels, Ieda likes to observe how various countries handle various issues related to the environment. Through her Nilo & Kairo books, she hopes to encourage environmental conservation and a reduction in carbon footprint in both adults and children.
The Mantle of Struggle: A Biography of Black Revolutionary Rosie Douglas
A Century of Dominican Judges and Magistrates
The Rise and Fall of Roland Patrick John
Irving Andre was born in Curacao and grew up in Dominica. He migrated to Canada in 1984 and has lived in Brampton since 1988. He has worked as an Assistant Crown Attorney, a criminal defence lawyer and since 2002, as a judge in the Ontario Court of Justice and later, as a Superior Court judge. He has been involved in a number of community organizations, such as the Kiwanis Club, United Achievers Club and RESQ. He has written a number of books about history, sports & politics.
James Legaspi is an emerging Filipino Canadian multimedia artist living and working in Brampton, Ontario. Through video, text, and performance, Legaspi explores experiences of race, gender, class, and their intersections with the artist’s familial history.
Step into Wellness: Discovering the Blueprint in the Soles of Your Feet
Janice is a Wellness Consultant, she encourages clients to establish a “Wellness Investments Plan” that will offer self-care payments for the mind-body and sole. Driven by a passion to share my experience with a wider audience Janice took up writing as a means to inspire and educate individuals on wellness. Janice's debut book, "Steps Into Wellness". Discovering the blueprint at the soles of your feet.
I live in a rural community in Caledon, Ontario. My book includes both free verse and rhyming poetry that reflects my experiences throughout my life, and my views on our changing world. Written over a short period of time, the poems resonate with thoughts, tragedies, values and life issues that can impact us all. Many of the poems are based on the experiences of the poet and those she knows as she navigates the life of a wife, mother and grandmother.
Altered Boy
Jim McDonald is an author, teacher, musician, actor, and officiant. Jim's book of thirty-two short stories Smash Palace, was published in 2019 by Amalit Books. His debut work of short fiction will intrigue you with adventure, wit, and unforgettable characters in stories involving crime, science fiction, dystopia, and surrealism. His novel Altered Boy is a psychological thriller set in 1960 about a teen gang of hustlers – Mickey, Joey, and Shorty – who mistakenly think new priest Father Damon is an easy mark. Currently, he is searching for a publisher for Counterculture Revolution. Set in 1970 this historical thriller follows the guerilla actions of Weather Underground, the terror group that bombed draft boards, courts of law, and even the Pentagon.
Jody-Ann Robinson is a passionate scholar, dedicated educator, and emerging author. She earned her master's degree in educational leadership from Niagara University, embodying her commitment to lifelong learning and academic excellence. A proud second-generation Jamaican Canadian, Jody-Ann resides with her family in the vibrant province of Ontario, Canada. "Hippo Happiness" and "The First Day of Second Grade" showcase her talent for storytelling and her love for inspiring young minds. With these heartwarming tales, Jody-Ann invites readers of all ages to embark on enchanting journeys filled with joy, discovery, and the magic of childhood.
My Writing Journey: A Chronicle Of My Short Stories
I am 61 years old, married, and a resident of Mississauga (Ontario, Canada). My interest in writing dates back to when I was a child and an avid reader of newspapers, then magazines and books. "The Transporting Device" is my first book. My latest Book is: “My Writing Journey”. I wrote a monthly column for the Peel Weekly News for 3 years. It was called: “Focus on Film Forum”. It focused on current events, personalities and companies that take place or operate in Mississauga, Peel Region, and the GTA. I am on the Board of Directors of the Mississauga Writers Group, of which I’ve been a member since October 2013. I currently have one of my scripts, called “Jackpot!”, that has been produced into a short film.
Joseph Edwards is a gifted writer who aims to uplift, inform and educate all through his witty, culturally relevant, and advocacy-filled poems. He hails from Jamaica and has now called Ontario, Canada his home. He is a Sheridan College graduate and also holds multiple educational qualifications from Jamaica. Joseph is a nationally decorated former police officer, among several other professional exploits. He is religious, loves his family and enjoys writing. His hobbies include playing scrabble, chess, and soccer, or watching the English Premier League. He is a strong debater on current or political affairs. The People's Poet (Di People's Poet) as he is known, uses creative writing to bring awareness to topical issues. Four of his exceptional poems are entitled: I Can't Breathe, Phenomenal Woman, The Black Version of Little White Lies and Mother.
Hi i'm kai and i really like all types of frogs because they're really cool and cute. i'm also a cooking, baking and gaming legend, and gordon ramsey and tenz fear me. captain frog is the sequel to mr.frog, and it follows the protagonist, mr.frog, who becomes a pirate and sails the seas making sea besties and ending dangerous monsters. frogs represent balance and unity, and captain frog encourages people to work together and be nice to each other.
Ken Puddicombe is a CPA (Retired). His writing has appeared in newspapers and literary journals. Originally from British Guiana [now Guyana] in South America, he immigrated to Canada and lives in Brampton. Racing With The Rain, his first novel is set in British Guiana, Cuba, Canada and Guyana and was short-listed for the GUYANA PRIZE FOR LITERATURE (FICTION) (2023). His second novel Junta is set on the fictional island of Saint Anglia. His collection of short stories Down Independence Boulevard won the 2022 GUYANA PRIZE FOR LITERATURE (FICTION). His first book of poems: Unfathomable and Other Poems. His second is a chapbook: Tropical Scenes: Poems. His genre is fiction. He is a member of several Writers’ Groups and manages www.middleroadpublishers.ca and publishes for other authors seeking an outlet, while he continues to write his own stories.
Residing in Ontario, Canada, with his wife and three children, Dr. Kuljit Singh Janjua, hailing from Punjab, India, is the founder and co-owner of AKAL Mortgages Inc. in Mississauga. His poetry collection, "Malham-The Balm," intricately explores themes of women's issues, inequality, partition, displacement, migration, and diasporic identity. A co-author of "World Peace and Human Community - Sikh Perspective" and "Social Concerns of Langar and Tithe Institution," Dr. Janjua actively enriches the literary landscape in the Greater Toronto Area. Dr. Janjua's persistent and impactful contributions have undeniably left an indelible mark on the expansive literary and cultural canvas.
Leonarda Carranza is the author of the picture books Abuelita and Me (2022, Annick Press) and Fighting Words (2024, Annick Press). She was born in El Salvador and currently resides in Brampton, Ontario, part of the Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit. She holds a PhD in Social Justice Education from the University of Toronto.
Lisa is a special education educator who focuses on literacy, equity, and inclusion. She is on a mission to amplify the voices of those not heard. Through her background in Early Childhood Services, Lisa is a certified teacher and principal and holds a Master’s in Education in special education. As an educator in Ontario, Canada for fifteen years, she brings a wealth of knowledge and lived experiences in a variety of dynamic classroom settings.
Everything About Affirmations: Claim The Universe by unleashing the power within
Mandvi Gupta, an electrical engineer, discovered the power of the subconscious mind while working in the corporate world. This passion led her to focus on mentoring and coaching others in Mind Power techniques. She acquired skills as a Professional Life Coach, NLP practitioner, DMIT analyst, Mid Brain Activation facilitator, EFT practitioner, and Ho'oponopono therapist and hypnotherapist. She believes in everyone’s infinite innate potential to live a life with contentment, joy, and success.
Her transition from engineer to Mind Power coach has been a natural progression fueled by a desire to help individuals by unleashing their infinite mind power. She is dedicated to continuing her own personal growth and learning while also empowering individuals to break free from limiting beliefs and create extraordinary lives.
Manprit K. Gill can often be found creating make-believe stories with her children if she is not writing stories of her own. By day, you can find her in the classroom as a high school English teacher, a career spanning over 10 years. Manprit is often inspired by her students’ imagination, reminding her that she should “soar above the clouds” and “dream beyond the sky” too. Since Manprit often teaches literature studies and creative writing, publishing a piece of writing was always on her bucket list, and eventually, with My First Airplane Adventure, it became a reality.
Dr. Medha Sharma, a trailblazing Indo-Canadian talent, data scientist, and mother of 2 children, embarks on her literary journey with the enchanting 'Sage and Diva Adventures' series. In 'Magical Night Sky,' young readers are spirited away on a captivating camping trip beneath the stars, immersing them in the heartwarming essence of family togetherness. This book not only stands out as a delightful addition to our local author showcase but also contributes to the diversity of our library's collection. Dr. Sharma delicately weaves a slight touch of her Indian heritage into tales focused on camping, hiking, and outdoor escapades, resonating deeply with our Canadian community. The stories, complemented by vibrant illustrations, large print optimal for young readers, and interactive activities, promise a fresh and culturally enriching perspective for young minds.
Michael is currently retired and living in Brampton.
English-born and a Brampton resident since 1975, Michael Joll began writing as a retirement project in 2004. Like Topsy, a hobby grew into a second career. "Hacker" is his fourth published novel to go with two collections of short stories, also published by MiddleRoadPublishers. A former Peel Regional Police Officer and paralegal, Michael uses many of his experiences in his writing. He still lives in Brampton with his wife of fifty-five years and counting and a retired Metro Toronto Police K9 unit Springer Spaniel explosives sniffer.
Nancy Whiteford is a long-time figure skating and power skating coach in Brampton. She is the author of "My Skating Dream", the incredible story of a girl named Sassafrass in pursuit of becoming the best figure skater she can be. She also wrote "It's More Than Hockey" with her husband Neil. In the book, Sassafrass and Noah meet their new hockey coach and teammates who make them feel needed, wanted and welcome. They learn valuable life lessons that will stay with them forever. Although Sassafrass and Noah love to play hockey, they realize it's more than hockey.
Hussain - The Story of Karbala and the Truth About Islam
Nazish Naqvi is a storyboard artist in the animation and film industry. Visual storytelling along with crafting stories has been a longtime passion of his. To develop his artistic skills he attended the visual arts program at Mayfield Secondary School and then studied classical and computer animation at Sheridan College. Writing and illustrating the story of Karbala is the project he is most proud of in his career. He hopes that this book will help combat Islamophobia and misconceptions about the Islamic faith. That it will create a bridge between people here in North America and Hussain’s sacrifice in Karbala, Iraq. This book will show people that the sacrifice made in Karbala is not a foreign incident that took place 1400 years ago, but rather that it inspired change all across the world including here in North America.
Retrograde: Forget Me Not (Elite Series Book 1)
Emulsify: Meant To Be (Elite Series Book 2)
Award-winning author Niccoyan Zheng is a Canadian wife and mom to an amazing little guy. She loves travelling, but you’ll find her asleep en route. A lifelong reader, she loves great mysteries and epic love stories. Dubbed the ‘Queen of Second Chance romances’. Niccoyan is a firm believer in letting the characters guide the story. (As if, they’d allow her not to) Her stories are rich in diversity and culture., while evoking a wide range of intense emotions.
End - Incarceration of Black and Minority Youth
Norma is a five-time self-published author of non-fiction books for children, young persons and adults. The contents of these books are utilized as education tools in a variety of community spaces in the Region of Peel. The focus of these education sessions is to educate, motivate and empower her readers, especially young people to make positive changes in their lives and reach their potential in our society.
Beyond the Terrazzo Veranda: A Memoir
Norman Morra was born in Toronto in 1945. He attended Carleton University in the 1960s and later graduated with a PhD in Sociology from York University. He has had several professions including social worker, actor, small business owner, university professor, ESL teacher, and airline pilot assessor of English and has published in academic journals dealing with Violence and Masculinity. His interests are sports, literature, theatre, social issues and travel to the UK, Europe, Japan and Canada's west coast. He has lived in Mississauga for 55 years. In 2021 he published his memoir Beyond the Terrazzo Veranda which incorporates much--but not all of the above.
Where the Poppies Blow: the life and lessons of John McCrae
Paul Keery has written four Canadian history books for young readers. Where the Poppies Blow: The Life and Lessons of John McCrae is his latest book and first biography. Canada At War, about Canada’s role in World War Two, was nominated for the Hackmatack Award for Children’s Non-Fiction. He is working on his next book. Paul writes articles for magazines and newspapers about many subjects, including education, history, sports, technology and LEGO. In addition, Paul currently teaches writing and public speaking skills to intermediate and high school students at Write On Q, an enrichment educational program. Paul has taught intermediate and high school Civics, Canadian and World History, Law and Information Technology. He is a public speaker who presents fun yet informative Canadian history workshops, based on his books, to students of all ages.
Prad Khattra, the author of "Finding Gratitude," is a mother to two young boys whose kindness, empathy, and humour inspire her every day. As a Registered Nurse specializing in Child Health and Development, Prad understands the profound impact of early childhood experiences on lifelong development. Through her books, she aims to instill gratitude and mindfulness in children, fostering self-discovery and growth from an early age.
Purnima S. Shrotriya has been working with children and families for the last thirty years. She has completed her Ph.D. in psychology. Growing up, she practiced yoga and meditation as part of her family culture. She values the importance of a healthy mind and a healthy body. While working as a psychotherapist, she recognized the need for emotional regulation in young children, since developing empathy and understanding emotions at an early age is very important. She learned and practiced many different teachings to gain calmness through various breathing techniques during her professional journey. As a registered psychotherapist in Toronto, she continues to use the principles of psychology along with traditional practices of mindfulness to help her clients.
Rebecca D'Silva is a Brampton-based high school teacher, ordained Metaphysical minister, and writer, who enjoys initiating and participating in difficult and subversive dialogues. She loves to participate in local arts and literacy events, and local theatre as an actor or audience member. Her debut self-published poetry collection, ‘I Move With Gratitude' touches on heartbreak, self-hatred, healing, self-love, and rediscovery of love, language, and voice.
Robert J. Sawyer -- "the dean of Canadian science fiction," according to both the CBC and THE OTTAWA CITIZEN -- is the only Canadian to have won all three of the world's top awards for the best science-fiction novel the year: the Hugo, the Nebula, and the John W. Campbell Memorial Award. Rob has also won more Canadian Science Fiction and Fantasy Awards ("Auroras") than anyone else in history. A member of both The Order of Canada and The Order of Ontario, an inductee into Legends Row: Mississauga's Walk of Fame, and the first-ever recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Mississauga Arts Council, Rob's 25 bestselling novels include QUANTUM NIGHT (long-listed for Canada Reads), FLASHFORWARD (basis for the ABC TV series), and his latest, THE DOWNLOADED.
Sadé Smith is a Canadian children’s book author of Granny’s Kitchen which was nominated for the Blue Spruce Award for the 2023 Forest of Reading and Julie and the Mango Tree which has been selected for the CBC Books list of 40 Canadian kids books to read in spring 2023 and the Barnes & Noble’s list of Most Anticipated Kids’ Books for August 2023. She is of Jamaican descent and her books often involve food and colorful illustrations to capture the vibrancy and beauty of the Caribbean islands. In addition to writing, Sadé is also a design technologist who loves the beach and enjoys fruits. She is very passionate about literature and she writes books of representation for young readers.
Trouble in Paradise: End of an Era
Salmaan wrote his first book at the age of sixteen. He comes from a tropical island often associated with paradise, known as Mauritius. He is multi-lingual and the author of two books. His books explore the themes of fictional history, love, poetry, prose, and philosophy, each propelling specific messages to mankind. Salmaan has a BA in journalism with a minor in politics and certifications from Harvard University and Google. He is not only passionate about writing but about the creative realm as a whole, as he participated in two films as a junior artist, including one featuring on Netflix. His main goal is to add value to the lives of his readers.
Kindergarten Bubble Adventure.
Shola Ajasa is a Canadian author of children's books with over a decade of facilitating early childhood learning in Ontario, Canada. She is very passionate about creating a positive learning environment for children. She loves working with children and telling stories of different adventures and historical significance. Her latest book Kindergarten Bubble Adventures tells an amazing story about children using their imagination and creativity to explore various unique architectural monuments around the world and the solar system. The book showcased what children can achieve when they are allowed to use their imagination, creativity, l language and thoughts to express their understanding of the world.
Sriyanshi Gyawali is a Nepali-born Canadian, who migrated to Canada in 2011 with her parents. She's currently a student in grade 9 at Mississauga Secondary School in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Initially, she was interested in writing diaries, journals, and songs. Motivated by her parents and teachers, she started writing short stories and later developed writing as her passion. Inspired by many fan fiction that she read, she developed the idea of writing a book after getting positive feedback on her writing from her teachers and her parents. As the writing progressed, she really developed a deep connection to the story and finally, she was able to finish her first book – The Dark Secrets of Unnem, pursuing her dream. She started writing this book when she was 11 years old, completed it when she was 12 and got it published when she was 13 and she is currently 14.
My name is Surjit Kaur, I was born in Punjab, India now live in Brampton, Ontario. I write poetry, fiction and prose in my native language Punjabi. I have authored 4 poetry books; Shikast Rang, He Sakhi, Wismaad and Teri Rangshala, 1 storybook titled Parle Pul and one book on literary criticism. I have also co-edited one book of poetry of Canadian Punjabi women, one storybook of North American Punjabi writers and one poetry book #Lavender of 44 Canadian Punjabi poets. My poems, stories and articles published in Punjabi magazines and books.
The Challenge And The Opportunity
Surjit has lived in Canada for the last 35 years. He has published in more than 100 newspapers around the globe, both in print and online, in addition to being a blogger for many sites. He's also the editor and publisher of Asia Metro News Magazine Toronto.
Susan Currie has been an elementary teacher in Brampton, Ontario for over 20 years. Before she entered the public school system, she earned a living as an accompanist, pit musician, music director, choir director, organist, dinner musician, leader of various music programs for children, and piano teacher. She has written three books—Iz the Apocalypse (Common Deer Press, 2023), The Mask That Sang (Second Story Press, 2016) and Basket of Beethoven (Fitzhenry and Whiteside, 2001). Susan is an adoptee who was in the foster care system briefly as a baby, and only learned of her Haudenosaunee heritage (Cayuga Nation, Turtle Clan) as an adult. She is happily married to John and has a wonderful daughter named Rachel.
Learn to Play: The Four Pillars Learning System
Susie Beghin is an author, early childhood educator and founder of Alpha's Discovery Kids, an award-winning daycare and preschool providing quality education for young children.
Tanika is a practicing communications professional with almost 20 years of experience in the field. Hailing from Jamaica, Tanika, her husband, Marlon, and their two daughters, Amira and Gianna, immigrated to Canada in 2016 and found their journey filled with ups, downs, highs and lows. The experiences her family encountered along the way inspired Tanika to start writing. In July 2020, through the publishing assistance of Tellwell Talent, Tanika published her first Amazon best-selling children's book, "Mommy, Is My Hair Nice?" featuring illustrations by long-time friend Wade Williams. In March 2023, Tanika published her two newest children's books: Kaliah's Club and Let's Go Ice Skating!
Her Highness Highbrow
Dr. Vandana Thukral is an M.Sc. PhD Biochemistry and a working professional in IT, Learning and Development, and Instructional Design. She started writing the book when the women she trusted sought her back, which closed in the form of this book, which is a compendium of the emotional suffering and observations from the lives of women around them, wrapped in a courageous reveal of a worker bee's life living in the Queen Bee's Beehive.
Wayne Carnegie is an accomplished Artist and Educator based in Brampton, Ontario. He has worked on several animated features and TV series at various studios all over Canada.
We would like to acknowledge that we are gathering here today on the Treaty Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, and before them, the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and Huron-Wendat. We also acknowledge the many First Nations, Métis, Inuit and other global Indigenous people that now call Brampton their home. We are honoured to live, work on and enjoy this land.
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