Young IFOA

The youth offerings of IFOA get under way today and run through the end of the school week. Oriented mainly to school groups, Young IFOA readings feature international authors representing a variety of perspectives and books intended for a range of ages, from picture books and early readers, to young adult fare. Stay-at-home parents and regressive hipsters may also find much to amuse and educate. Tickets are $15.

Oct 25
10:30- Eugene Trivizas brings 9-12 year olds a tale of foiled cat-abduction from Greece.

1:30- Julie Burtinshaw reads from The Freedom of Jenny (ages 11-14), the true story of a group of African Americans who immigrate to Saltspring Island, British Columbia in the 1860s.

Oct 26
10:00- Annie Groovie (pictured here) puts her quirky character, "Léon" to work teaching 1st to 6th graders about animation.

10:30- Picture book authors Olof & Lena Landström read from their award-winning “Will” series.

11:00- Science fiction writer Michèle Laframboise tries to convince young teens that "literature is like ice cream."

1:00- Teresa Toten “pokes fun at groovy English teachers and chaotic open-plan schools…" for the benefit of jaded young adults

Oct 27

10:30- Sarah Withrow juggles classic teen themes of romance and jealousy when she reads from What Gloria Wants.

1:00- Globe and Mail arts reporter, Val Ross presents You Can’t Read This: Forbidden Books, Lost Writing, Mistranslations, and Codes. Intrigue hopefully ensues.

Way-cool related event: Children's Right to Read a free public event, features a panel disucssion wherein Val Ross (above) and luminaries such as Her Majesty Queen Sylvia of Sweden will discuss the challenges and triumphs of literacy work, worldwide.

Torontoist will report back later this week on Young IFOA highlights.