Hamza received a cash prize plus a donation for his school library and a class set of Picture the Sky, the Fan Choice winning book. I had the opportunity to visit Hamza’s class to share some art techniques with a hands-on clay workshop. The class had created an impressive literacy video which was shown at an assembly and then Hamza and I had the fun of presenting a GIANT cheque to Black Walnut librarian Deb Dias.
Black Walnut PS student Hamza Khan was randomly selected as the winner of the CBC’s Fan Choice Contest which encouraged readers to vote for their favourite from among the books nominated for the 2018 TD Canadian Children’s Literature award.
To make the day even more special, Hamza told me that he arrived in Canada on the very same day four years ago. I had the honour of meeting his parents and sisters in the library and it was very moving to share in celebration of this important anniversary.
I am often surprised and amazed at the connections made through books, reading and art. It is truly something to celebrate!
To read the full story visit the CBC website.