APPLY TO HOST HARRIET ZAIDMAN (IN PERSON)
Home Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Creator Type: Author
Genres: Middle grade fiction, young adult fiction
Website: harrietzaidman.weebly.com
Tour Region: Manitoba
Target Audience: Grades 5 and up
Cost: $300 (for one 60-minute presentation)
*(The author collects $250 of the fee and $50 of the fee covers The Canadian Children's Book Centre's administration fees for coordinating Book Week).
Taxes charged on presentations: NO
Biography
Harriet Zaidman has a lifelong interest in history, and as a teacher-librarian in Winnipeg for 25 years, saw how historical fiction can teach young people about important events that shaped their own lives. As well as two novels, she has written three picture books. Harriet is a lifelong Winnipegger, food blogger (Northendnosh.weebly.com). She has had three children and a few badly-behaved dogs. Harriet has five grandchildren now, too. She loves to see the world, and her most favourite trip recently was to the Olympics in Paris.
PRESENTATION DESCRIPTIONS
City on Strike (Grades 5 - 10)
Required equipment: computer, projector (and teacher/student assistant to operate computer)
Required materials: N/A
Harriet Zaidman begins this presentation with slides of historical pictures of the 1919 Winnipeg General Strike, the labour event that shaped Canada and still resonates in our lives through medicare and other social programs. Students are asked to talk about their own heritage in Canada - years long or newly arrived and to discuss why it’s important to learn about the lessons of these historical events.
Comparisons are explored between the social and economic interests and situations of the groups who clashed in the strike to the way people are treated today, with emphasis on newcomers. The author discusses the effects the economic and social situation had on families and children - how their opportunities and potential were determined by birth, class, ethnic origin, religion, and how that reality exists today.
Harriet also shares her personal connection to the story, the research and writing process and my journey to finish City on Strike. Students are asked to discuss how work is accomplished - through application, reflection and revision as it is in other pursuits (athletics, music, academics or a hobby). They will also be invited to share their dreams and how they hope to pursue them. After the presentation, students may contact the author if they wish to exchange writing pieces for assistance or feedback.
Second Chances (Grades 6 - 10)
Required equipment: computer, projector (and teacher/student assistant to operate computer)
Required materials: N/A
This workshop engages the students in discussions about the history of polio and vaccines, and about disinformation - its objectives and consequences in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic and the debate that ensued around vaccines and medicine. We talk about how students can engage in critical thinking to discern between fact and fiction.
Harriet Zaidman shares and discusses historical pictures of the polio epidemics of the 1950s and the Metis community of Rooster Town in Winnipeg, an example of how institutional racism disenfranchised one group to the benefit of others, with effects that are still evident today. The author encourages children to talk about the damaging effects racism has had on Indigenous and Metis people in Canada, and how reconciliation can mitigate the losses they have experienced.
The author relates her personal journey as a writer and encourages students to pursue their own dreams, and to contact her if they want to exchange writing pieces for assistance or feedback.
Bibliography
What Friends Are For. Heritage House, Fall 2025
Second Chances. Red Deer, 2021
City on Strike. Red Deer, 2019
Benny's Dream Horse. Peanut Butter Press, 2017
Sherman and the Sheep Shape Contest. Peanut Butter Press, 2014
Daisy's Biggest Success. Self-published, 2013https://harrietzaidman.weebly.com/