In our latest Hooked on Books feature, we spotlight Asha and the Toymaker by Sakshi Mangal—a 2025 Blue Spruce Award nominee that celebrates the magic of creativity in childhood learning. Set in the colourful streets of Jodhpur, this visually stunning story inspires readers to explore the harmony between academic success and artistic expression.
From May 13–15, 2025, the Forest of Reading Festival lit up Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre with thousands of students, educators, and families celebrating Canadian books. Hosted by the Ontario Library Association, the event featured author meet-and-greets, free books, and student-voted awards. In this blog, Teachers on Call shares festival highlights, interviews, and the full list of 2025 winners.
Thanks to Indigo’s free plumTeacher program, teachers can enjoy exclusive perks like discounts, curated book lists, and community events—just in time for Teacher Appreciation Weekend from May 29 to June 2, 2025. In this special feature, Joanne Sallay, President & CEO of Teachers on Call, shares how educators can take advantage of the benefits and show appreciation for the heroes of the classroom.
Join us as we celebrate the 2025 Blue Spruce Award winner Lost Stick by Anoosha Syed in this special edition of Hooked on Books. Discover how this heartwarming story captures the imagination of young readers, and explore our exclusive interview with the author-illustrator about the inspiration, themes, and emotional journey behind this beloved picture book.
Still My Tessa isn’t just a picture book—it’s a reflection of real family experiences and the evolving understanding of identity and acceptance through a child’s eyes. In this exclusive Teachers on Call interview, Canadian author and educator Sylv Chiang opens up about the personal inspiration behind her Forest of Reading–nominated picture book, her journey from middle-grade fiction to picture books, and how this true story can foster empathy and inclusive dialogue in classrooms.
In honour of National Volunteer Week 2025, Teachers on Call celebrates 25 years of impact through the Corsage Project—a volunteer-driven initiative that helps financially deserving students attend prom with pride. Discover the powerful ripple effects of giving back, how families can get involved, and why volunteerism is at the heart of everything we do.
In this exclusive interview, co-author and educator Sandra McTavish shares the story behind "The Cricket War", a gripping novel based on Thọ Phạm’s real-life journey as a Vietnamese refugee. Nominated for the 2025 Red Maple Award, this powerful read is helping students connect with global history, explore the refugee experience, and build empathy in classrooms across Canada.
"Today I Am: 10 Stories of Belonging," edited by Jael Richardson, is a compelling middle-grade anthology that brings together ten acclaimed Canadian authors to explore the complexities of identity and belonging. Through a series of short stories, each offering a unique perspective, the collection addresses themes of home, community, and self-discovery. Nominated for the 2025 Red Maple Award, this book serves as an invaluable resource for educators and a mirror for young readers seeking to se...
In our exclusive interview with Meredith Tutching, Director of the Forest of Reading®, we explore how this beloved Canadian literacy program empowers young readers to choose their favourite books, supports Canadian authors, and celebrates a love of reading through an electrifying festival experience. Perfect for educators, librarians, and parents alike, this is your inside guide to inspiring the next generation of readers.
Spine-tingling tales meet powerful learning tools in Haunted Canada: Four Terrifying Tales, a graphic novel that brings Canadian ghost stories to life while sparking imagination and literacy in young readers. We chat with author Joel A. Sutherland about the creative process, the value of spooky storytelling, and how eerie legends can become unforgettable educational experiences.
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