Her riveting memoir,
The Bite of the Mango, has been called "powerful," "raw" and "inspiring." It has received starred reviews from three of the most influential journals in the United States:
Kirkus Reviews,
School Library Journal and
Publishers Weekly. But nothing quite prepares audiences for meeting
Mariatu Kamara face to face. Her diminutive frame, hip clothes, and especially her radiant smile, seem to surprise those who have read her harrowing story. But once she starts to speak, her physical presence only underlies her message: she is a survivor with a boundless love of life.
Mariatu's speaking and interview schedule would daunt even the most seasoned professional. She has been as far as Vancouver, where she managed to do three school visits in one day. That was followed by a visit to Edmonton where she spoke at the University of Alberta's
Festival of Ideas. High schools from as far away as North Carolina have asked if she would come to speak to their students, and whenever possible, Mariatu has readily accepted.
This week, Mariatu spoke at the
Toronto Public Library's North Central Branch, where she received a warm welcome from the audience. Happy to answer any questions about her life in Sierra Leone or here in Canada, Mariatu's warmth, optimism and sense of humour draw people to her.
The next few months will continue to be busy for Mariatu as she visits Winnipeg, Halifax and many schools in and around Toronto. A glimpse of her recent appearance in Surrey, B.C., can be found in the
Surrey Leader.
Her riveting memoir, The Bite of the Mango, has been called "powerful," "raw" and "inspiring." It has received starred reviews from three of the most influential journals in the United States: Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal and Publishers Weekly. But nothing quite prepares audiences for meeting Mariatu Kamara face to face. Her diminutive frame, hip clothes, and especially her radiant smile, seem to surprise those who have read her harrowing story. But once she starts to speak, her physical presence only underlies her message: she is a survivor with a boundless love of life.
Reading and dragons come together at the Dufferin/St. Clair Branch of the Toronto Public Library in a special room inspired by The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch and Michael Martchenko. After a major renovation and restoration, one of Toronto's oldest public libraries reopened this week. The Dufferin/St. Clair Branch features a KidsStop with an Enchanted Forest theme. KidsStops are interactive early literacy centres where children and their parents and caregivers can learn pre-literacy skills in a hands-on environment. And who better to help young children become excited about books and reading than the iconic dragon from the classic Munsch favourite? The Toronto Public Library is the world's busiest urban public library system, and we're delighted that Annick Press is a visible presence in this renovated branch.
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