OLA: 2007 October 23
Sixty-five books have been nominated in the OLA Forest of Reading. They were announced this morning at a press conference for J.K. Rowling in Toronto. All titles are now on the OLA Web site for the Blue Spruce Award, the Silver Birch Express Award, the Silver Birch Fiction and Non-Fiction Awards, the Red Maple Award and the White Pine Award.
At the 8 a.m. press conference, Martha Martin from Greater Essex District School Board, representing The Teaching Librarian, asked J.K. Rowling what Canadian authors Harry, Hermione and Ron would read if they had the chance. Rowling said Hermione would probably be reading Margaret Atwood but Harry and Ron would not likely be reading anyone. (I guess they would be candidates for the OLA's Forest of Reading). J.K. did indicate that, while she would not write a prequel or sequel to the Harry Potter series, she is considering a decoder manual, proceeds from which would go to charity.
The children get their encounter with J.K. at 10 a.m. and spirits are running high. The last tickets won in the OLA lottery have been picked up and the magic at the Wintergarden Theatre is about to begin. Children have come from almost every province and territory, including Nunavut and the Yukon. For those who have not seen the Wintergarden, it is the perfect location. The ceilings are all hanging branches (from real trees) with lanterns and a hovering moon.
The OLA Forest of Reading Web site for 2008 Nominations
