Book Week Day 1

What does it feel like when you're faced with injustice?

Technically, day one was on Saturday at Babar Books where all the authors touring Quebec got to meet each other and some readers in person. Maya and Meagan hosted our launch party and we had a great time getting to know each other and showing off our books.

But today was my first day with students and that is what touring is about: meeting and engaging students in meaningful discussion (and writing, of course!)

Today we talked about activism.

Students agreed that being an activist can mean joining in on protests and strikes, but like so many pointed it out, it is about supporting ideas that are important to us, or standing up against unfairness.

One astute student (I like saying that...try it) pointed out that when we are active in thinking about problems, we are activists. He was so right. We moved our discussion to talking about justice and how it is about community. We seek what we need and we brainstorm solutions in order to ACT towards JUSTICE.

These grade 7 and 8 students and Howard Billings High School in Chateauguay are articulate, smart and fun.

When I asked them to put into images how they feel when things are unfair, take a look at what they created:

These girls were proud of their work, but a little shy. I'm glad they're showing off their creations.

And when asked to writing about Justice or Joy by filling in the blanks to these ideas, here is what they wrote:

I bring justice when...

I ask my friends how they are feeling.

I bring justice when...

I do not accept sexism.

Joy tastes like...

fresh watermelon on a hot day.

I am joy when...

I dance

Joy is...

on the basketball court

Joy is...

my playlist

Beautiful ideas!

My highlight is when one student spoke up to thank me and said, "Thank you for coming, and thank for you letting us express ourselves, without any judgements. (I told them not to think about being perfect or getting the "right" answer).

My thank you is to the students, of course, as well as Miss Felicia LeBlanc for the invitation.

Now some rest (sort of) and preparation for tomorrow's visits!

Me with Miss LeBlanc, all smiles after our visit!