Short books. Easy reading. Great Canadian authors.
Good Reads authors make the cut as finalists of the Governor General’s Literary Awards
Selected by The Canada Council for the Arts, the award celebrates Canadian writers, illustrators and translators in the categories of poetry, children’s literature, fiction and non-fiction. Marina Endicott is nominated for her book The Little Shadows, and Deborah Ellis was chosen as a finalist for her novel, No Ordinary Day.
With over 1,684 eligible books nominated, The Canada Council for the Arts assessment committee narrowed it down to 68 finalists. The award ceremony, in its 75th year, will take place at Rideau Hall in Ottawa.
ABC Life Literacy Canada recently spoke with both authors about their nomination and work on Good Reads.
Good Reads, which debuted in 2010, is a series of 11 books written by some of Canada’s best authors for adults looking to improve their reading skills. Created with adult themes and characters, the 100 pages or less books use clear language to help readers gain confidence and improve their literacy skills.
This is Marina’s first Governor General’s Literary Awards nomination. She is delighted and believes it will give an extra push to the Good Reads series.
“Writing and reading is so important, it’s the code to life,” says Marina. “Everyone should have the opportunity to break that code.”
Deborah Ellis won the Governor General’s Literary Award in 1999 for Looking For X. She is honoured to be nominated in the same category with other such remarkable finalists. Deborah joined the Good Reads program in its first year and has valued it since day one.
“You’re able to meet all kinds of fantastic learners in the program,” says Deborah. “It opens up a door to all the incredible things involved.”
For a list of all Good Reads authors, and to read a chapter from their books, click here.
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