Saturday, July 2, 2011

I Missed It!


Canada Day was yesterday & I missed it! Well, I didn't miss it in real life - we had a blast with family! - but I missed it here on the blog.

So, in honour of my nation's birthday, I'd like to celebrate a few of my favourite Canadian authors.

Margaret Atwood -- great poetry & novels! I first discovered her in high school. I love the poems in The Circle Game. I always introduce a few of her poems to my students to show them poetry isn't all love poems or 'bippity-boppity-boo' stuff. They love it!

Farley Mowat -- fabulous adventures - fiction and nonfiction. Never Cry Wolf is my favourite (I've mentioned it before). Another is Virunga. This is a biography of Dian Fossey's life - with Mowat's narrative entwined with entries from Fossey's diary. Amazing stuff!

Gordon Korman -- incredibly talented and prolific author. He's written tons of MG and YA books. He started writing when he was a kid - and produced The MacDonald Hall series. Bruno & Boots get into hilarious adventures at a boarding school.

Lucy Maud Montgomery -- of course! You all know how I feel about her :)

Talli Roland -- she's living in the UK, but she was born in Canada, so she counts! The Hating Game is a fun-filled book. Great romance story with hysterical escapades on a reality TV show.

Dennis Lee -- awesome poet for kids. I think my kids had at least 20 of his poems memorized before they were 4. They adored his stuff! Here's an example from memory (hope it's right!)
Here is the story of Freddy my friend,
He ran out in traffic,
And that is the end!
I know! They loved it. More faves were Jelly Belly & Annie & Ernie - fun stuff! :)

Hope everyone has a marvelous weekend! Happy 4th of July to all my US buddies!!

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70 comments:

  1. Emy ShinJuly 2, 2011 at 7:58 PM

    :) I'm actually in the process of re-reading ANNE, so huge YES to Montgomery. (And, of course, to Talli, who is awesome.)

    Happy Belated Canada Day to you!

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  2. Andrea MackJuly 2, 2011 at 8:05 PM

    My daughters and I love Dennis Lee too. Yay, Canada Day!

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  3. Jemi FraserJuly 2, 2011 at 8:07 PM

    Emy - thanks!!! Talli is awesome :) I adore LMM and her Anne series - just reread the 1st a few months ago!

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  4. Jemi FraserJuly 2, 2011 at 8:08 PM

    Andrea - Dennis Lee is a riot! Such unique rhymes that are easy on the ear and the funny bone :)

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  5. Alex J. CavanaughJuly 2, 2011 at 8:26 PM

    Happy Canada Day! "Oh Canada..." Never mind, you don't want to hear me sing...

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  6. Jemi FraserJuly 2, 2011 at 8:32 PM

    Alex - I'd love to hear you sing!! Anyone singing Oh Canada sounds wonderful ... even me! Okay, maybe not :)

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  7. Bethany ElizabethJuly 2, 2011 at 8:53 PM

    Happy Canada day! :) And great authors. :)

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  8. Jemi FraserJuly 2, 2011 at 9:05 PM

    Bethany - thanks!! :)

    I agree - they are terrific - there are more, but no one wants to read a looooooong post!

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  9. Emily R. KingJuly 2, 2011 at 9:47 PM

    I was born in Victoria, but live in the USA. I celebrate both Canada Day and the Fourth of July...I also have two Thanksgivings! : )
    Happy Fourth of July!

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  10. Jemi FraserJuly 2, 2011 at 9:58 PM

    Emily - you have the best of both worlds!! All kinds of parties & celebrations :) sounds like a blast!!

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  11. catherinemjohnson.comJuly 2, 2011 at 10:02 PM

    Have a great Canada weekend Jemi, it's thundering as I write this. Where in Canada are you?

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  12. Helen GingerJuly 2, 2011 at 10:09 PM

    Clearly, Canada has some wonderful authors. I really like Margaret Atwood and Talli Roland.

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  13. Jemi FraserJuly 2, 2011 at 10:13 PM

    Kangaroobee - thanks! We're outside at a bonfire now so I hope the thunder stays far away! I'm in beautiful northern Ontario :)

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  14. Jemi FraserJuly 2, 2011 at 10:14 PM

    Helen - thanks! I agree - there are so many terrific writers from here :)

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  15. Michael Di GesuJuly 3, 2011 at 12:27 AM

    Happy Canada Day....

    I'll be visiting in August/September.... Toronto, the falls, Montreal, and Quebec...

    I am SO looking forward to visiting your fair country.

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  16. Nichole GilesJuly 3, 2011 at 1:02 AM

    This is a great idea. Thanks for sharing your favorite authors with us!

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  17. RHYTHM AND RHYMEJuly 3, 2011 at 3:46 AM

    Being in Canada 6 weeks ago I know what a great place it is, I was in Toronto for 4 days in that time visited Niagara Falls, then went on to the US. Hope you enjoyed Canada Day with family and a Happy 4 th July for tomorrow.
    Yvonne.

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  18. Amie KaufmanJuly 3, 2011 at 5:34 AM

    Gordon Korman! I WANT TO GO HOME is one of my favourite books ever! My copy dissolved and I can't get another anywhere. Man, that book makes me laugh out loud in public.

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  19. Old KittyJuly 3, 2011 at 7:26 AM

    HAPPY CANADA DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Yay for gorgeous and lovely Canadian bloggie friends too! Take care
    x

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  20. Jemi FraserJuly 3, 2011 at 7:53 AM

    Michael - thanks! You'll love it!! Those are fantastic cities - so many great sites and things to do. You'll have a blast!

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  21. Jemi FraserJuly 3, 2011 at 7:54 AM

    Nichole - you're welcome! I hope you can find a new author among them :)

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  22. Jemi FraserJuly 3, 2011 at 7:55 AM

    Yvonne - Toronto & Niagara are fabulous cities! Those falls are truly an incredible site. I remember your photo from being on the Maid of the Mist! :)

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  23. Jemi FraserJuly 3, 2011 at 7:56 AM

    Amie - I agree! That book is hysterical! I've read it aloud to several classes and they love it. I love the beaver subplot throughout! :)

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  24. Jemi FraserJuly 3, 2011 at 7:57 AM

    Old Kitty - Thanks!! You're a sweetie!! :)

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  25. L. Diane WolfeJuly 3, 2011 at 9:08 AM

    As long as you remembered in real life, that is what matters.

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  26. Jemi FraserJuly 3, 2011 at 9:10 AM

    Diane - so true! Real life is what it's all about after all :)

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  27. cleemckenzieJuly 3, 2011 at 1:56 PM

    You have some excellent writers in your neck of the wood. Hope your 4th was super. Off to enjoy the one here in the U.S.

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  28. Shelley SlyJuly 3, 2011 at 6:38 PM

    I'm from the U.S., but a lot of my favorite musicians, actors, and authors are Canadian, not to mention some good friends, too. :) So, Happy belated Canada Day!

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  29. Laura S.July 3, 2011 at 6:47 PM

    Happy Canada Day, Jemi!!! L.M. Montgomery is my favorite Canadian author, too! I also like Alistair MacLeod.

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  30. Charmaine ClancyJuly 3, 2011 at 6:54 PM

    No July 4th celebrated in Australia, but we are on school holidays for 2 weeks (yipee!). No excuse now to put off writing.
    Wagging Tales - Blog for Writers

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  31. T. Powell ColtrinJuly 3, 2011 at 7:35 PM

    Happy Canada Day, Jemi!

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  32. Lynda R Young as Elle CardyJuly 3, 2011 at 7:59 PM

    Happy Birthday to your nation :)

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  33. AnonymousJuly 3, 2011 at 9:04 PM

    Hey Jemi, I'm trying to get caught up in my blog reading. Sorry I'm late in wishing you a Happy Canada Day!

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  34. NasJuly 4, 2011 at 2:40 AM

    Hi Jemi, Sorry to be late in wishing you but anyway, Happy Canada Day!

    Talli is awesome.

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  35. UnknownJuly 4, 2011 at 4:01 AM

    Happy Canada Day!
    I've read Margaret Attwood - of course - but I love the sound of Gordon Korman's novels I can't wait to find some (I'm reading boarding schools next ;)) It made me smile to see Talli Roland listed as Canadian.

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  36. Jemi FraserJuly 4, 2011 at 8:20 AM

    Lee - thanks! I think they're fabulous too :)

    We've had a fabulous weekend! Hope yours is the same

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  37. Jemi FraserJuly 4, 2011 at 8:21 AM

    Thanks Shelley! :) I have lots of great US buddies too!

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  38. Jemi FraserJuly 4, 2011 at 8:22 AM

    Laura - LMM is magic! MacLeod is good too - forgot about him... :)

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  39. Jemi FraserJuly 4, 2011 at 8:23 AM

    Charmaine - happy 2 weeks off! We had an exchange teacher from Australia one time and she loved our long holidays - but still missed those 2 week breaks every couple of months!

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  40. Jemi FraserJuly 4, 2011 at 8:23 AM

    Teresa - thank you! :)

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  41. Jemi FraserJuly 4, 2011 at 8:23 AM

    Lynda - thanks! We've had a great weekend to celebrate :)

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  42. Jemi FraserJuly 4, 2011 at 8:24 AM

    Susanne - that's more than okay! I was even late posting about it :)

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  43. Jemi FraserJuly 4, 2011 at 8:24 AM

    Nas - I agree - she's terrific!

    Thanks! Best wishes are never late :)

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  44. Jemi FraserJuly 4, 2011 at 8:29 AM

    Elaine - I know! I like claiming Talli as Canadian - even though she lives in the UK! :) I think your students would enjoy Korman's books!

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  45. Talli RolandJuly 4, 2011 at 10:21 AM

    AHHHHHHH! How thrilled am I that I'm on your list! Thanks so much, Jemi! And *lowers voice* I will always consider myself a Canadian first. It's where my roots are and I couldn't be prouder.

    Happy Canada Day!

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  46. AnonymousJuly 4, 2011 at 12:08 PM

    What a great way to celebrate your country! Thanks for all the suggestions. Hopefully I'll get to check them out in the near future. Although I'm already super familiar with Montgomery; seeing Prince Edward Island is on my bucket list. :)

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  47. Jemi FraserJuly 4, 2011 at 12:50 PM

    Talli - you're very welcome! I don't think Canadians ever give up their roots all the way!! That Canuck blood is pretty strong :)

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  48. Jemi FraserJuly 4, 2011 at 12:51 PM

    E - PEI makes a great choice for a bucket list! I'd love to get there one day too - such pretty countryside ... and I'd love to see Green Gables :)

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  49. Angela AckermanJuly 4, 2011 at 12:56 PM

    Happy belated Canada Day! :)

    Angela @ The Bookshelf Muse

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  50. Jemi FraserJuly 4, 2011 at 1:03 PM

    Thanks Angela - we've extended the day over several days so you're right in time :)

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  51. Rosalind AdamJuly 4, 2011 at 2:27 PM

    Glad to hear that you had a great Canada Day.

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  52. VR BarkowskiJuly 4, 2011 at 2:59 PM

    Yay! I get to say Happy Canada Day. Better late than never, right? So glad the day was special for you and your family.

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  53. Jemi FraserJuly 4, 2011 at 3:35 PM

    Rosalind - thanks! It's been lots of fun :)

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  54. Jemi FraserJuly 4, 2011 at 3:35 PM

    VR - thanks! We had a blast - and it's kind of still going on :)

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  55. Susan Kaye QuinnJuly 4, 2011 at 8:51 PM

    I totally did not know Gordon Korman was Canadian! Wow. How is it you guys produce such an abundance of coolness with so few people? :)

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  56. Jemi FraserJuly 4, 2011 at 9:27 PM

    Susan - love it! Yes, we proudly claim Gordon Korman. I saw him speak once to a group of kids and he was incredible! I have a signed copy of Bugs Potter & I treasure it :)

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  57. Lisa Gail GreenJuly 4, 2011 at 9:30 PM

    Wow - it's interesting to me that Canada and the US's birthdays are so close to each other! Gordon Korman's name sticks out on your list. Probably because I got to hear him speak at SCBWI LA last year. He was awesome!

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  58. Jemi FraserJuly 4, 2011 at 9:46 PM

    Lisa - I heard Gordon Korman speak over a decade ago and he was amazing. He inspired a whole audience full of kids! Amazing! :)

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  59. erica m. chapmanJuly 4, 2011 at 11:55 PM

    Happy Belated Canada day!!! Hope you had a wonderful weekend ;o)

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  60. M PaxJuly 5, 2011 at 1:45 AM

    Tanya Huff is Canadian. She wrote an awesome space opera series.

    Love Atwood and Montgomery, too. And Tally.

    Happy Canada Day!

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  61. Alix July 5, 2011 at 6:49 AM

    Happy "belated" Canada Day!

    I must check out some of your favourite Canadian authors.

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  62. Jemi FraserJuly 5, 2011 at 8:17 AM

    Erica - thank you! We had a wondeful time :)

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  63. Jemi FraserJuly 5, 2011 at 8:18 AM

    M Pax - I've heard good things about Tanya Huff, but I haven't read her stuff yet. I'll have to put her on my wishlist! :)

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  64. Jemi FraserJuly 5, 2011 at 8:19 AM

    Alexa - thanks! I think you'll enjoy them :)

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  65. Meagan SpoonerJuly 5, 2011 at 3:36 PM

    Wow, authors I never knew were Canadian! Very cool--and happy belated Canada Day!

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  66. Jemi FraserJuly 5, 2011 at 3:41 PM

    Meagan - thanks! I'm always pleasantly surprised when an author is Canadian :)

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  67. Julie MusilJuly 5, 2011 at 7:18 PM

    I had no idea those authors were Canadian, especially Talli. That's so cool.

    Happy Canada Day!

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  68. Jemi FraserJuly 5, 2011 at 8:00 PM

    Julie - well, Talli lives in the UK now, but she was born Canadian so we get to claim her!! :)

    Thanks!

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  69. Leslie S. RoseJuly 10, 2011 at 1:47 PM

    I'm singing "Oh Canada," in my head. I lived in Toronto for a few months in my youth. Loved it there. Especially familiar candy with French packaging. I'm also a massive Gordon Korman fan. NO MORE DEAD DOGS rules.

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  70. Jemi FraserJuly 10, 2011 at 2:08 PM

    Leslie - Toronto is a great city! I love our bilingual stuff too :P

    No More Dead Dogs is hysterical! Such a fun book!! :)

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