Teacher-Librarian Kathy Oster introduces inner city Edmonton students to local authors at Story Avenue © COURTESY OF YABS
Children love a good story. Stories help them make sense of the world and learn important lessons, and as a result, they get inspired to write their own. As students get older and begin to correlate writing with schoolwork, reading can bring them back to the enjoyment of getting lost in a good story. Meeting an author can do the same, reminding them that writing can be a source of joy—and more than that, a potential career.
For decades, Alberta educators have seen firsthand how author visits spark a love of reading, writing, and storytelling. Thanks to the Young Alberta Book Society (YABS) and its flagship Taleblazers program, moments like these are happening in schools, libraries, and community spaces across the province throughout the year.
By coordinating visits, subsidizing travel, and supporting artist fees, YABS removes many of the barriers that would otherwise prevent schools, especially those in smaller or high-needs communities, from hosting authors, illustrators, and storytellers.
“I truly believe in the power of author visits. It’s inspiring to see even the most hesitant writers find a spark. I can often hear the pride in the kids’ voices when they say ‘a real author helped me improve my story.’”
—Kathy Oster, Teacher-Librarian
Having a “real author” is important, especially for budding writers. Authors discuss their authentic writing process, including all the revisions, false starts, and mistakes that come before a polished final draft. They show students that writing is a process, not a test, and that the craft is in that process.
“I really believe that Taleblazers is invaluable to schools. Authors encourage our students to see ‘errors’ as opportunities for clarification and revision as something all writers do, published or not.”
—Colleen Heffernan, Librarian
Seeing Yourself in the Story
For many students, especially those in small towns and rural communities, meeting a local author can be life-changing. Exposure to authors from Alberta helps children realize that they could become authors or storytellers too—not just kids from somewhere else. It also opens up new ideas of “celebrity,” in ways that celebrate creativity, authenticity, and craft.
The effects of author visits don’t end when the bell rings, either. Teachers and librarians consistently report increased library use, renewed enthusiasm for writing, and deeper engagement with literacy after YABS visits.
In the 2024–25 year alone, YABS facilitated over 170 sessions across 39 Alberta communities, reaching an estimated 12,000 children and youth. That spark of inspiration often turns into something more.
A Next Step for Young Writers
Each year, YABS invites students in Grades 4–9 to submit original short stories to the Martyn Godfrey Young Writers Award, a province-wide writing contest that celebrates creativity and young voices. Winners are invited to an exclusive Winners’ Circle writing workshop, where they work directly with professional authors.
The deadline for this year’s contest is March 31, and it’s one more way YABS helps young writers see themselves as part of Alberta’s literary future.
YABS is a registered charity, and its ability to bring authors into classrooms depends on community support. As David Poulsen, long-time YABS artist, put it: “YABS puts us in front of the people we create for.”
To learn more, book an author visit, support YABS, or enter the writing contest, visit yabs.ab.ca
Get your free copy of Global Heroes, jam-packed with positive news, straight in your inbox.
We strive to give Alberta’s children and youth the basis for the quality of life they deserve. Through our programs, we create opportunities for Alberta’s young people to be inspired by the province’s literary artists. Every child should experience the joy of reading and writing and have the opportunity to experience the arts to discover their creativity and imagination and to develop strong literacy skills.