Mississauga, ON – April 19, 2024
by Lejla Pepeljak
Did you know that World Book Day happens every year on April 23? It got its start in 1995 when UNESCO created the event in an effort to celebrate the impact of literature worldwide.
In the UK, the organization, under the same name “World Book Day” makes it their mission to make books accessible and an integral part of children’s lives. They are also constantly in conversation with a range of World Book Day’s stakeholders; publishers, bookshops, schools, other literacy and reading charities and libraries, to help their goals.
You may not know, but here in Mississauga there are many emerging and established authors who are tackling all sorts of topics in their work. From children’s authors like Mississauga local Sahar Gloshan to long-time poet Anna Yin, there are so many talented writers amongst us.
For World Book Day 2024, let’s support our local creatives by engaging with their work. Below we have compiled a reading list of various categories that might peak your interest!
Children’s
So Loud! by Sahar Golshan
“Listening closely to the many sounds in her world—from husky howls and streetcar chimes to Māmān Bozorg’s roaring sneezes—Rudy tries to figure out the full range of her own voice, discovering along the way the joy in being loud.”
Memoir
The Other I by Zohra Zoberi
“In this book, Zoberi shares her tumultuous but fascinating life that is sprinkled with both ‘juicy’ and ‘scary’ twists and turns in selected tales like ‘The Gasoline Queen”, “The Bat Hunting Party” and a profusion of hair-raising, unique experiences from Pakistan, Nigeria, India, Sweden, and finally, Canada! She endures the initial struggles of an immigrant woman of color, to become a successful Canadian professional and community leader.”
Non-Fiction
END Incarceration of Black and Minority Youth by Norma Nicholson
“[…] an excellent tool for enhancing your knowledge about the incarceration of young persons and why this is a society’s failure. Research and lived experiences have clearly shown that placing children/ youth in jail does not change delinquent behaviours.”
Story Collections
Told Ya! Stories by Peta-Gaye Nash
“Swinging seamlessly between the slapstick and tragic in each life, these stories traverse the serendipitous circumstances of poverty that govern the harsh landscape of “paradise”.”
Mystery/Thriller
The Black Moth by Carolyne Topdjian
“Another thrilling ride from Topdjian. Highly recommended for mystery horror fans. […] Months ago, the supposed ghost, Holden Frost saved Mave’s life, then vanished into thin air. It’s an enigma and debt she can’t forget. As she plans for the big wedding by day, Mave secretly digs into Holden’s true identity and disappearance by night.”
Sci-Fi/Fantasy
The Oppenheimer Alternative by Robert J. Sawyer
“On the 75th anniversary of the dropping of the atomic bomb, Hugo and Nebula-winning author Robert J. Sawyer takes us back in time to revisit history…with a twist.”
Anthologies
Word Fest, Celebrating our Equality by Mississauga Writers Group
“This anthology is about racism and inner peace. We were asked by the city to write about racism so here it is. Our members did themselves proud. Equality comes through peace of mind.”
Poetry
Poetry is Blood by Keith Garebian
These pieces have the wide cross-stylistic reach of elegy yet fearlessly resist any redemptive rhetoric. Keith Garebian is a widely published, award-winning freelance literary, theatre, and dance critic, biographer, and poet. He is the author of 7 collections of poetry.
Health/Wellness
Meditation, Defining Your Space by Elizabeth Banfalvi
“Our lives change constantly, and our meditations are able to mirror these changes. Celebrate often and learn to honour these victories.”
Art
Women Wide Awake by Manahil Bandukwala and Nimra Bandukwala
Women Wide Awake is a collection of stories, poems, and visual art exploring folklore from the region of Sindh, Pakistan. This multi-genre book features stories of women, witches, sea monsters, and mystical saints, accompanied by art and poetry.”
