Author Lawrence Hill headlines Love of Literature Virtual Book Club for Black youth

BY PAUL JUNOR

As the first Black non-profit book club for kids ages 7-18, Love of Literature Foundation Canada continues to foster a love for the written word since its launch in 2017.

It was founded by Danielle Norris in order to spark curiosity in Black youth and inspire life-long learning. According to its website; loveofliterature.bookclub, it envisions, “A world where all children feel included, represented and celebrated in books.”  The mission of the book club is to help Black children and youth fall in love with reading through Afrocentric-focused books. The three major guiding principles for this book club include:

• All books are focused on Black characters and Black stories
• We give priority to Black-owned bookstores and books by Black authors
• We create a safe space for Black children to build self-confidence, improve literacy skills and celebrate their identity through Africentric focused literature

The motto of the book club is, “Educate, Inspire, Empower.” Danielle writes in the press release, “Our club is designed to introduce youth to books with lead characters who they can relate to, as well as Black role models, like our volunteer group leaders and the authors who can help to inspire a positive sense of self and offer supportive connections for the youth.”

I interviewed Danielle and she provided me with updated information about the Summer 2022 Book Club. She is inviting students to register as soon as possible as she is expecting about 200 students.

The registration fee is $150.00 for high school and middle school students, and $125.00 for elementary students (grade 2 -5).  It includes reading materials, a Love of Literature book bag and journal, seven sessions, a bookmark, shipping, and a virtual visit by author Lawrence Hill on Saturday, August 13^th, 2022.

Danielle states in the press release, “Our virtual author visits are an important part of our program, and we can’t wait to connect with Lawrence this summer.” The participants will have the opportunity to meet virtually with him. The dates for the seven one-hour sessions are July 9^th, 16^th, 23^rd, 30^th and August 6^th, 13^th, and 20^th. All groups will have the opportunity to interact with Lawrence Hill on Saturday, August 13^th.

Danielle told me that through BIPOC Executive Search Inc, she has been able to subside the costs for youth who are financially strapped. She states unequivocally, “No one will be turned away.” She encourages youth to register as soon as possible as the deadline is June 1^st. She told me that so far over 50 students have registered for the program.

Anyone interested in the Summer 2022 Book Club or the fall program can check:

Website: loveofliteraturebookclub.ca

Instagram:@loveofliterature.bookclub

Twitter: @LoveofLit_Books

Facebook: @loveofliterature.bookclub