I Read Canadian Day was a national day celebrating Canadian books for young readers on February 19. This day was devoted to reading Canadian authors. Also, national libraries, schools and organizations were encouraged to host activities and events within the week.
This occasion in February was designed to raise awareness of Canadian literature. Readers across the nation were asked to read a Canadian author for 15 minutes then share their experiences at the local library, school or with friends, families and friends, or communicate what they’ve read on social media.
In conjunction with the Palliser Regional Library, the Assiniboia and District Regional Library and other libraries connected with the organization based in Moose Jaw remembered I Read Canadian Day this February. “There’s Canadian writers in every genre,” said Librarian Lori Crighton, as she discussed the versatility of the nation’s authors.
Crighton began by talking about the works of Louise Penny, one of her preferred authors of late. Louise Penny is the author of a series of novels about Chief Inspector Armand Gamache. “Louise Penny has written a series which is set mostly in small town Quebec,” Crighton explained then reviewed her reasons why this series of crime novels has inspired her to read more about the adventures of Chief Inspector Gamache. “They’re very well-written, with interesting characters and you don’t necessarily guess who the culprit is in the end.”
Penny, who is based in Quebec, has earned several awards, including the CWA Dagger. Penny’s also a six-time winner of the Agatha Award – a literary award for mystery and crime writers.
Gordon Korman is another author who has captured Crighton’s literary imagination. Korman is a Canadian-American author who has written over 80 children’s and YA fiction. He has sold more than 28 million books over a writing career spanning four decades. “He wrote his first book at age 13. He’s based in the States, but still mentions Canada,” the librarian clarified.
“There’s a Canadian author coming here on March 25,” Crighton continued then described the event in late March where Candace Savage is scheduled to appear at the Assiniboia and District Public Library in the Kay Cristo Room on Wednesday, March 25 at 2 p.m. to present her creative nonfiction work, A Geography in Blood.
Savage has written several other publications as well, including books for children. Aside from novels and historical books, Savage also authored a text on the prairie ecosystem titled Prairie: A Natural History. “It sounds pretty dry, but patrons have strongly recommended it,” said Crighton.
“One of my favourite Canadian writers is someone who has passed on,” Crighton further recollected. “Gregory Clark wrote beautiful, humorous pieces in the Depression,” adding “He was an outdoorsman before environmentalism became popular.”
In addition to his career as a reporter for the Toronto Star, Clark wrote regular columns about everyday stories his readers could connect with. In the late 1930s, Clark’s popular columns were illustrated by the cartoonist, Jimmie Frise.
