Since students get better at reading and writing by reading and writing, the primary focus of the in-person Story Ninja Presentation is to fully engage and hold the attention of a wide range of grades with a high-energy assembly-style format that provides inspiration for all levels of writing.
More than an author visit to help teachers motivate literacy in the classroom, the Story Ninja Presentation is also a unique cross-grade experience that shows the incredible power of shared stories can strengthen teacher-student relationships and grow school spirit.
Through stories, music and video clips, students learn how to apply the Story Ninja purpose-driven writing approach to their essays, reports, personal narratives and creative writing.
Both keen and not-so-keen writers will be encouraged by new perspectives on the process — from developing content to editing to an ah-ah moment where they realize writing is a superpower capable of projecting their thoughts into another person’s mind.
To foster inclusion and connection, a diverse group of amazing authors deliver teaching points with cameo video appearances throughout the presentation. (see the authors below.)
Teachers are provided a virtual classroom with more information about the authors highlighted during the presentation, as well as a follow-up lesson and writing activity.
If an in-person presentation isn’t possible for your school, teachers can support Operation Smile and bring a new smile to a boy or girl with a cleft palate by booking a virtual classroom visit at the bottom of this page.
If you’d like more information about an in-school or virtual presentation or the Story Ninja Writer-In-Residence program, please email Kayli.
Meet Sigmund Brouwer.
Author, Educator, Story Ninja!
Over the last three decades, Sigmund has delivered the Story Ninja Presentation to more than a million students at schools across North America. As the bestselling author of dozens of titles, with over 4 million books in print in multiple languages, Sigmund Brouwer writes for both children and adults. He has won the American Christy Book of the Year and the Arthur Ellis Award for Best Young-Adult Mystery in Canada, as well as being a finalist twice in the prestigious TD Children's Literature Awards. He has also been writer-in-residence for school boards across Canada.
“For all of the learning that our students lost . . . perhaps their greatest deficit is that of collective effervescence. What can you do to bring some of that joy back into school?” — from the article 'What Is Collective Effervescence' by educator Dr. Zachary Cohen
Humans are incredibly social creatures and when we connect in a group — cheering together as spectators, or sharing a movie or concert or a fun assembly— the resulting collective effervescence makes each of us feel really good.
Book a fun and engaging in-school Story Ninja Presentation with Sigmund Brouwer, award-winning author of over 100 titles
“The staff have been raving about your visit today and the students are still on an absolute high. Thank you for providing such an outstanding, exciting and inspiring literary and musical event. These are writing ideas that the students will take with them forever, and their teachers too. One of my teachers who has been here for ten years told me that yours was the best he has ever seen at our school!”
— Gina (Brohm) Brown, OCT Teacher-Librarian, Angus Morrison E.S.
Learn more about the authors highlighted during the in-person Story Ninja Presentation and follow-up virtual classroom
A former television and radio producer and host, Lorna Schulz Nicholson has published over 30 books, including children's picture books, middle grade, YA fiction and sports non-fiction, with books with NHL stars Connor McDavid and PK Subban. Contact Lorna for information about a classroom or school presentation.
As a member of Treaty 6 Mistakwasis Hehiyawak, Métis artist Liz Buller Page makes it her goal to share the beautiful art and culture of the Plains Cree. Her works are in fine galleries across Canada, and her drawings are part of the Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan. Contact Liz for information about a classroom or school presentation.
Lana Button is an award winning picture book author and a passionate early childhood educator with over 30 years experience. With picture books shortlisted for numerous awards, she inspires children across Canada with presentations about perseverance, empathy and anti-bullying. Contact Lana for information about a classroom or school presentation.
Mat Cardinal, from Bigstone Cree Nation, Wabasca/Demarais, AB is the lead singer of The Prairie States, seven-time Country Music Alberta Awards, and is currently recording a new album with Juno and CCMA award-winning producer Bart McKay. Contact Mat for information about a classroom or school presentation.
Mireille Messier écrit.
Elle écrit pour les petits et les grands. Elle écrit des livres, des articles et des scénarios pour la télé. Elle écrit en français et en anglais. Elle écrit à Toronto, où elle habite avec son conjoint, ses deux grands enfants et ses cinq chats super poilus! Lorsqu’elle n’écrit pas, Mireille lit. Beaucoup!. Contact Mireille for information about a classroom or school presentation.
Guyanese-Canadian author Natasha Deen writes for all ages. Her novels include In the Key of Nira Ghani, (Amy Mathers’ Teen Book Award), and The Signs and Wonders of Tuna Rashad (A Globe and Mail Top 100 Read of 2022). She teaches writing courses at the University of Toronto’s SCS. Contact Natasha for information about a classroom or school presentation.
Wanda Taylor is an award-winning journalist, professor, and author of fiction and non-fiction titles for children and adults. Her middle grade non-fiction book, Birchtown and the Black Loyalists, is listed as one of the top Black History Month books for kids. Her recent release of The Grover School Pledge is a favourite among teachers for themes of diversity and acceptance to young readers. Contact Wanda for information about a classroom or school presentation.
As a Métis writer, Jacqueline Guest’s award winning books deliver main characters from different ethnic backgrounds including First Nations, Inuit or Metis, where they face issues common to every child such as bullying, blended families and physical challenges and are strong role models for today’s youth. Contact Jacqueline for information about a classroom or school presentation.
Author of the critically acclaimed middle-school novel Call Me Al about an immigrant facing anti-Muslim racism, Wali Shah is an alumni of RBC’s Top 25 Canadian Immigrants. He has delivered TED Talks and once closed out a keynote speech made by President Barack Obama. Contact Wali for information about a classroom or school presentation.
