FINDING EDWARD
Cyril Rowntree migrates to Toronto from Jamaica in 2012. Managing a precarious balance of work and university, he navigates his way through the implications of being racialized in his challenging new home.
A chance encounter with a panhandler named Patricia leads Cyril to a suitcase full of photographs and letters dating back to the early 1920s. Cyril is drawn into the letters and their story of a white mother’s struggle to come to terms with the need to give up her mixed race baby, Edward. Abandoned by his white father as a small child, Cyril feels a compelling connection to the boy and begins to look for the rest of Edward’s story.
As he searches, Cyril unearths fragments of Edward’s itinerant life and discovers hidden pieces of Canada’s Black history.
- AUTHOR BIO
Sheila MurraySheila Murray’s articles and short fiction have appeared in Canadian magazines and journals including Refuge Journal, Descant, The Dalhousie Review, Exile, White Wall Review, TOK: Writing the New Toronto, Room and The New Quarterly.
Sheila was born and raised in England. Her father was Black Jamaican, and her mother, white English. But her DNA shows a multiracial ancestry that spans much of the globe.
Sheila has worked as a documentary filmmaker and television sound editor. She moved to the non-profit sector in 2009, and now leads a grassroots, volunteer-driven initiative that engages urban residents in adapting to local climate change impacts.
Finding Edward was a finalist for the 2022 Governor General’s Literary Award.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Please continue to check for OBOA event listings.
OBOA GRAND FINALEMeet Linda Rui Feng
Linda Rui Feng is a writer and a scholar, a practitioner and researcher of imaginative storytelling.
Meet the author and enjoy a fascinating glimpse into the experiences that shaped this powerful book.
Conversation | Reading | Q&A
Saturday, October 22, 2022
Register at bit.ly/34tU5hP
Tickets available August 1UPCOMING EVENTS
Please continue to check for OBOA event listings.
An Evening with Jan Wong
Jan Wong went to China as a starry-eyed Maoist in 1972 at the height of the
Cultural Revolution. Learn about her experiences and how her love affair began to sour as she became aware of the harsh realities of Chinese communism.About Jan Wong
Jan Wong reported on Democracy Wall and the beginnings of dissent in China.
She recently retired as Professor of Journalism, St. Thomas University,
Fredericton, NB. Her first book, Red China Blues, remains banned in China.Talk | Q&A
Thursday, September 29 | 7:00 PM
Register at bit.ly/3rFdZhL
Tickets available August 1
The Butterfly Lovers Concerto
Be transformed as the York Chamber Ensemble, featuring solo violinist Joyce Lai, sweeps you into a folktale of star-crossed lovers. This one-movement concerto includes three sections that correspond to the three phases of the story—Falling in Love, Refusing to Marry and Metamorphosis. Composed by He Zhanhoa and Chen Gang (1958).
Saturday, October 1 | 2:30 PM
Library Living Room
A Symphony with the Senses: writing workshop
Attention to the senses is a form of meditation that not only anchors writers to their creative source, but provides nuanced information about the character, setting, and even plot.
Inspired by Linda Rui Feng’s Swimming Back to Trout River, this workshop takes a deep dive into the essence of your subject matter by awakening and writing with the five senses.
Beginner and experienced writers welcome. Bring a work-in-progress (novel, short story, poem, or memoir) or use the exercises to discover something new.
Saturday, October 1 l 1:30 – 3:00 PM
Register at bit.ly/3qRXG1o
Tickets available August 1Multi-Purpose Room or Zoom pending COVID protocols.
The Art of Chinese Dance
Experience the language of movement as the Mellow Sisters & Tian Shu Art Group reveal the richness of the art of Chinese Dance.Tian Shu Art Group is a non-profit art group that supports Chinese culture and promotes multiculturalism. The Mellow Sisters provide Chinese cultural experiences through vocal and dance performances.
Saturday, October 15 l 2:00 – 2:30 PM
Library Living Room
OBOA GRAND FINALE
Meet Linda Rui Feng
Linda Rui Feng is a writer and a scholar, a practitioner and researcher of imaginative storytelling.Meet the author and enjoy a fascinating glimpse into the experiences that shaped this powerful book.
Conversation | Reading | Q&A
Saturday, October 22 | 2:00 PM
Register at bit.ly/34tU5hP
Tickets available August 1- UPCOMING EVENTS
FINDING HOME
Join Jacqueline Stuart as she takes us back in time to Aurora in the early twentieth
century for some new stories of people who faced various challenges and either
overcame them and “lived happily ever after” or survived but not necessarily happily.
Thursday, September 21, 2023 | 7 PM | Magna Room
Register for preferred seating at bit.ly/40Qdz85
FINDING CREATIVE SPIRIT IN HISTORY
Combine imagination prompts such as visualization and meditation with historical sources, including archival newspapers, advertisements, and political events to connect with an ancestor (real or imagined). This workshop, facilitated by author Marnie Maguire, takes you through the creative process by looking at character sketch, setting, and plot.
Saturday, Sept 30, 2023 | 1:30 PM | Multi-Use Room
Register at bit.ly/41EgTnr
Tickets available August 1
SOUNDS OF REGGAE
Reggae music, with its infectious grooves, joyful sounds, and inspirational lyrics, sprung from the streets of Jamaica and spread all over the world.
Juno nominated singer/guitarist Glenn Marais and percussionist/vocalist Craig Riley grew up with reggae and feel a deep connection to the incredible history and legacy of this amazing music.
Join Glenn and Craig as they present a mix of classic reggae and originals in this show that highlights the power and beauty of the genre.
Saturday, September 30, 2023 | 2 PM | Live in the Living Room
OBOA GRAND FINALE
MEET SHEILA MURRAY
Meet Sheila Murray and enjoy a fascinating glimpse into the experiences
that shaped this powerful book.
Conversation | Reading | Q&A
Saturday, October 21, 2023 | 2 PM | Living Room
Register for preferred seating at bit.ly/3iFujxX
Tickets available August 1
CONTESTS
WRITING CONTEST
Social Justice
Central to Finding Edward is the theme that the same prejudices and bigotry that existed historically continue today. This year’s OBOA Writing Contest invites you to consider the meaning of social justice in any way that speaks to you.Submission Guidelines:
- There are two categories: Youth (ages 14 – 17) and Adult (ages 18+)
- Submissions can be in any genre, in original and unpublished in any form
- Maximum length 10 pages, double spaced
- Handwritten submissions will not be accepted
- Manuscripts will not be returned, but the author retains all rights to their work
- Winners will be announced at the OBOA grand finale on October 21, 2023
- Winning entries will be published in the online winter edition of Borealis
- APL employees/Board/judges and their immediate families are ineligible to win
- Send your entries to writingcontest@aurorapl.ca
- Contest deadline: Friday, September 29, 2023
- Prizes: Winner $150 Gift Card | Runner-Up $100 Gift Card
PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST
A Sense of Place
Finding Edward takes us from Jamaica to Toronto and back in time to Africville and the lumber camps of British Columbia. Inspire us with a sense of place that your photo uncovers – whether from afar or within your own community.Submission Guidelines:
- There are two categories: Youth (Ages 14 – 17) and Adult (Ages 18 +)
- Images may be digitally altered
- Photographs must be high resolution for print
- Winners will be announced at the OBOA grand finale on October 21, 2023
- Winning photographs will be published in the Auroran
- APL Employees/Board/Judges and immediate families are ineligible to win
- Please send submissions to brock@lpcmedia.ca
- Contest Deadline: Friday, September 29, 2023
- Prizes: Winner $150 Gift Card | Runner-Up $100 Gift Card
COOKBOOK
TASTE OF JAMAICA
CONTESTS
WRITING CONTESTFamily
Swimming Back to Trout River is a moving story of a Chinese family navigating change in turbulent times. Families provide an endless source of material; secrets buried, trauma, hope, betrayal and love. Send us your story of family (real or imagined) to enter the OBOA 2022 writing contest.
Submission Guidelines:
- There are two categories: Youth (ages 14 – 17) and Adult (ages 18+)
- Submissions can be in any genre, in original and unpublished in any form
- Maximum length 10 pages, double spaced
- Handwritten submissions will not be accepted
- Manuscripts will not be returned, but the author retains all rights to their work
- Winners will be announced at the OBOA grand finale on October 22, 2022
- Winning stories will be published in the online edition of Borealis
- APL employees/Board/judges and their immediate families are ineligible to win
- Send your entries to writingcontest@aurorapl.ca
- Contest deadline: Friday, September 30, 2022
- Prizes: Winner $100 Gift Card | Runner-Up $50 Gift Card
PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST
The Power of Music
Swimming Back to Trout River, music and its riveting power connects the characters through space and time. Capture the power of music and performance in this year’s OBOA photography contest.
Submission Guidelines:
- There are two categories: Youth (Ages 14 – 17) and Adult (Ages 18 +)
- Images may be digitally altered
- Photographs must be high resolution for print
- Winners will be announced at the OBOA grand finale on October 22, 2022
- Winning photographs will be published in the Auroran
- APL Employees/Board/Judges and immediate families are ineligible to win
- Please send submissions to brock@lpcmedia.ca
- Contest Deadline: Friday, September 30, 2022
- Prizes: Winner $100 Gift Card | Runner-Up $50 Gift Card
- BOOK CLUBS
MULTIPLE COPIES FOR BOOK CLUBS
If your book club would like to borrow multiple copies of Finding Edward,
please contact Reccia at rmandelcorn@aurorapl.ca
Copies will be available from January through August 2023.
While quantities last.
The story is told through the different perspectives of Edward and Cyril. As a reader, did you find this an effective approach?
Why was fascism erupting in Canada in Edward’s day - and what is its legacy in today’s world?
Nelson used to ask Cyril two questions: “What are you going to give the world?” and “What makes your heart sing?” (p. 287). How would you respond?
The author has intentionally set the novel in 2012. What was significant about that year from the perspective of race relations?
Finding Edward combines historical fact in a fictional narrative. Did you know much about the Black experience in Canada? Did this book make you want to learn more?
There are multiple elements going on in the book; coming of age, the immigrant experience, systemic racism (historical and current) and a mystery to be solved. As a reader, what was the most compelling for you?
- GET A COPY OF THE BOOK
Look for copies of Finding Edward in our little lending libraries this summer.
Enjoy the book, but please return it so that others might read it as well.
Print and digital formats are available to borrow from Aurora Public Library.
We hope you like the book and look forward to seeing you at the events.
- UPCOMING EVENTSPlease continue to check for OBOA event listings.
BIRTH TOTEMSTodd Jamieson of the Oneida Nation of the Thames is an artist and educator. Join him for an evening of learning and creativity as he shares the richness, beauty and symbolism of his culture. Todd will lead participants in creating their own woodlands-style drawing based on their personal Birth Totem.
Presentation | Q&A | Drawing Workshop
Thursday, September 16, 2021
7:00pm | Virtual Event
OBOA WRITING WORKSHOP
Break the rules of rational thinking. Create literary graffiti with child-like art, visualization and imagination games. Using the magic of metaphor, transform a painful aspect of a character into a rescued beast - vibrant and alive.
No artistic or literary experience necessary.
Supplies: Colourful crayons, chalk or pencils and paper are a must, as is a notebook with pencil or pen.
A PDF of images will be made available for participants to download prior to the workshop.
Saturday, September 25, 2021
1:30 - 3:30pm | Virtual Event
Register at bit.ly/3qS3AwB
OBOA GRAND FINALE
MEET DREW HAYDEN TAYLOR
Meet Drew Hayden Taylor and enjoy a fascinating glimpse into the experiences that shaped this powerful book.
Presentation | Reading l Q&A
Saturday, October 23, 2021
2:00pm | Virtual Event
Register at bit.ly/3pzC8mV
- UPCOMING EVENTSPlease check back in the Spring for OBOA event listings.
WRITING WORKSHOPTHE BIG SCENEDevelop a character sketch and learn the power of setting up scenes. Using writing prompts and a variety of quirky activities, you will outline the absolutely worst incidents in your character’s life which will ultimately lead to their BIG SCENE.
Beginner and experienced writers welcome.
Workshop Facilitator: Marnie Maguire
Marnie’s writing is part magic realism/part poetic grunge. She has combined her experience as a writer with her doctoral research on social change, memory & the creative process to provide truly meaningful workshops for a broad spectrum of aspiring authors.
Saturday September 26, 2020
2:00 – 4:00pm l Virtual Event
Register at bit.ly/2SOr9YT
DOCUMENTARY SCREENINGPUSHSetting the Context of a Housing Crisis of Global Proportions
Housing prices are skyrocketing in cities around the world. Incomes are not. Push sheds light on a new kind of faceless landlord, our increasingly unlivable cities and an escalating crisis that has an effect on us all. This is not gentrification, it’s a different kind of monster.
Facilitated by Yvonne Kelly, Social Planning Council York Region
Thursday October 1, 2020
7:00pm | Virtual Event
Reserve your tickets at bit.ly/2YHpIiG
AMNESTY INTERNATIONALTAKING ACTION ON HUMAN RIGHTSAmnesty International is a global movement of over 7 million people in more than 150 countries who campaign to end grave abuses of human rights.
Join us for a panel discussion on how you can make change happen by acting with others who share a vision of a world where everyone lives in dignity.Q&A | Facilitated by the Aurora/Newmarket Amnesty GroupScarborough by Catherine Hernandez was a selection of the Amnesty International Book Club. To read Amnesty’s book discussion guide, visit bit.ly/33m0wkhWednesday, November 4, 20207:45 pm - 7:45 pm | Virtual EventRegister at bit.ly/2DGUyQ8
GRAND FINALEMEET CATHERINE HERNANDEZMeet Catherine Hernandez and enjoy a fascinating glimpse into the experiences that shaped this powerful book.
Author talk l Q&A
Saturday, November 14, 2020
2:00pm | Virtual Event
Register at bit.ly/3fqnKcJ - UPCOMING EVENTSPlease check back in the Spring for OBOA event listings.
WRITING CONTESTRESILIENCEIn her novel Scarborough Catherine Hernandez writes about a marginalized community that although poor, is hard working, smart and resilient in the face of many challenges. Consider the meaning of “Resilience” focusing on your sense of the human spirit and community.
There are two categories: youth (ages 14 - 17) and adult (ages 18+)
1st place in each category: $100 gift certificate
2nd place in each category: $50 gift certificate
Send your entry to: writingcontest@aurorapl.ca
Deadline: Friday October 30, 2020
Rules and Regulations at bit.ly/366ZPdR
PHOTOGRAPHY CONTESTCOMMUNITYIn her novel Scarborough Catherine Hernandez offers a glimpse into a community that finds dignity in unexpected places. What does community mean to you?
There are two categories: youth (ages 14 - 17) and adult (ages 18+)
1st place in each category: $50 gift certificate
2nd place in each category: $25 gift certificate
Send your entry to: brock@auroran.com
Deadline: Friday October 30, 2020
Rules and Regulations at bit.ly/3dMWL9u
WRITING WORKSHOPTHE BIG SCENEDevelop a character sketch and learn the power of setting up scenes. Using writing prompts and a variety of quirky activities, you will outline the absolutely worst incidents in your character’s life which will ultimately lead to their BIG SCENE.
Beginner and experienced writers welcome.
Workshop Facilitator: Marnie Maguire
Marnie’s writing is part magic realism/part poetic grunge. She has combined her experience as a writer with her doctoral research on social change, memory & the creative process to provide truly meaningful workshops for a broad spectrum of aspiring authors.
Saturday September 26, 2020
2:00 – 4:00pm l Virtual Event
Register at bit.ly/2SOr9YT
DOCUMENTARY SCREENINGPUSHSetting the Context of a Housing Crisis of Global Proportions
Housing prices are skyrocketing in cities around the world. Incomes are not. Push sheds light on a new kind of faceless landlord, our increasingly unlivable cities and an escalating crisis that has an effect on us all. This is not gentrification, it’s a different kind of monster.
Facilitated by Yvonne Kelly, Social Planning Council York Region
Thursday October 1, 2020
7:00pm | Virtual Event
Reserve your tickets at bit.ly/2YHpIiG
COMMUNITY DISCUSSIONTHE RIGHT TO HOUSINGThe Social Planning Council of York Region has been working with non-profits, sector leaders, municipal staff/politicians and community members to discover together the opportunities to increase affordable housing stock across York Region.
Join us for a discussion on the next steps and what could be possible if we work together as a community.
Facilitated by Yvonne Kelly, Social Planning Council York Region
Thursday October 15, 2020
7:00pm | Virtual Event
Reserve your tickets at bit.ly/3ftkQnm
AMNESTY INTERNATIONALTAKING ACTION ON HUMAN RIGHTSAmnesty International is a global movement of over 7 million people in more than 150 countries who campaign to end grave abuses of human rights.
Join us for a panel discussion on how you can make change happen by acting with others who share a vision of a world where everyone lives in dignity.Q&A | Facilitated by the Aurora/Newmarket Amnesty GroupScarborough by Catherine Hernandez was a selection of the Amnesty International Book Club. To read Amnesty’s book discussion guide, visit bit.ly/33m0wkhWednesday, November 4, 20207:45 pm - 7:45 pm | Virtual EventRegister at bit.ly/2DGUyQ8GRAND FINALEMEET CATHERINE HERNANDEZMeet Catherine Hernandez and enjoy a fascinating glimpse into the experiences that shaped this powerful book.
Author talk l Q&A
Saturday, November 14, 2020
2:00pm | Virtual Event
Register at bit.ly/3fqnKcJ
