by Toni Duval
The Festival of Literary Diversity (FOLD) started FOLD Kids Book Fest in October of 2019 as a way to appeal to young people ages 0-18. The festival is a combination of events for readers, writers, educators and families. The festival ran from November 4-7 2021 on a virtual platform including over 20 events. An all access pass cost $14 each or at the reduced rate of $10 per pass when purchasing a group of 5. Educators were encouraged to watch events with their students and use the follow-up activities provided to extend the learning into the classroom. Over 40 presenters and moderators covered a wide range of topics including: fashion, illustration, fantasy, storytelling, ASL, music, ecology, writing and disability justice. Events range from workshops for kids, educators and adult writers of kidlit, panel conversations, one-on-one interviews, a virtual field trip and storytelling with authors.
FOLD Kids Coordinator, Ardo Omer, created FOLD Kids-Book-of-the-Month to feature one picture book and one middle grade or young adult title by a marginalized Canadian author (FOLD Canada). The list includes a short summary of the text with a reason it has been chosen. Educators can rely on this list to learn about new Canadian authors, books and how the book will support your library collection and learning in the classroom.
Based in Brampton, Ontario the FOLD was created by Jael Richardson as the “first literary festival devoted to celebrating underrepresented authors and storytellers.” (FOLD Canada)
The FOLD Challenge is an excellent opportunity to discover who is missing from your reading list. In January a 12-challenge list was released. Each month a blog is released including titles to help you along your reading journey.
Coming up in May 2022 the Festival of Literary Diversity will have events for high school students and adults. Programming details will be released in the Spring of 2022. You can check out past FOLD events for free on The FOLD Canada on YouTube.
FOLD never disappoints with its stellar line up of writers and wide range of events. If you have not heard of the FOLD, now is the time to check out this important charitable organization.
What’s the Buzz 2021 Book List
FOLD Kids YouTube Channel
FOLD Kids Book-of-the-Month
FOLD Kids 2021 Summer Reading List
FOLD Kids Book Fest 2020 (Free online through The FOLD Canada YouTube channel)
FOLD features: FOLD Academy, FOLD Challenge
Toni Duval is a teacher with the Peel District School Board in Brampton, Ontario. She has worked as an elementary teacher in various roles for 18 years. She is currently a teacher-librarian and support teacher in a middle school. Toni is a passionate advocate for the importance of school libraries and providing children with diverse Canadian literature. She is a FOLD Kids Planning Team Member and volunteer coordinator, and encourages everyone to check out thefoldcanada.org.