You’ve all been waiting… Finally this year’s festival highlights!
The Word On The Street Toronto is very excited to announce that Yann Martel will be our headlining author this year. Yay! He’s flying in from Saskatoon specially for our 21st festival to read from his new book Beatrice & Virgil, to participate in 
a Q & A session, and to sign his books for fans. He is best known for his 2002 Man Booker Prize award winner Life of Pi. I’ve read both Life of Pi and Beatrice & Virgil, and enjoyed both. I’m really looking forward to having Martel on our Bestseller’s Stage this year, I think it will make for an interesting event.
Other authors gracing our Bestseller’s Stage: Kenneth Oppel (always a favourite), Richard B. Wright, Elizabeth Abbott, Charlotte Gray and more!
New this year: Random House of Canada and McClelland & Stewart are partnering with us to mount their very own stage, housing authors such as Kelley Armstrong, Linwood Barclay and Joy Fielding! Also new this year: Diaspora Dialogues is going rogue with their very own scavenger hunt. It will include guerrilla-style readings, spoken word and other artistic happenings that celebrate the cultural diversity of Toronto!
Our Great Books Marquee is jam-packed with great authors this year including some brand new writers such as Vivek Shraya and Mark Sedore (winner of this year’s 3-day novel contest) and some favourites like Katherine Govier, Alice Kuipers, Steve Heighton and Alissa York.
Back again for another year are the Toronto Star Tent, where some of their most beloved writers gather to make some thought-provoking presentations; and the Wordshop Marquee, which hosts writing workshops all day, with Wayson Choy, Anthony De Sa and Andrew Pyper making appearances!
We also have a great children’s programming line-up. TVO is back and bringing their favourite TV personalities from TVOKids, always a must-see event! Our Children’s Reading Tent is hosting authors such as Kyo Maclear and Kevin Sylvester!And we have some fun activities lined up in our Children’s Activity Tent, from magic to crafts to interactive performances. Confirmed attendees include Helaine Becker and James Funnyhat!
Stay tuned for more detailed information as the 21st festival creeps ever closer! What are you most looking forward to?
The Word On The Street Blog 
Great lineup. Might have to venture to Toronto for it!
P.S. I have never seen a picture of Yann Martel before. For some reason, I didn’t think he’d look like that. Not sure what I DID think he would look like though…