Wednesday, February 25th, 2026
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM MT
Online, Zoom (Registration Required)
It’s early 2026 and the world is an especially scary place. Maybe it always has been but our cameras and screens give us a front row seat that feels more immediate. Whatever the case, there is an almost tangible desperation to retain our intellectual freedom like never before. But what about our kids? Isn’t that where it starts? Our February Controversy @ Noon panel will explore the fundamental role those who write for children play in the great ether of what we allow – or don’t allow – our kids to read, write, and study, and how exposure and accessibility to the ideas and perspectives of a diverse array of authors can shape forthcoming generations. We have to ask ourselves: Are children’s writers the ultimate freedom fighters?
About our Panelists
Nhung is a physician, author, mother of three, and an advocate for social justice in education. At the age of five, her family was sponsored to Canada as refugees from the Vietnam war. She writes children’s stories that convey the humanity in our lives. Her books have been shortlisted for the Alberta Literary Award, Red Maple Award, Blue Spruce Award, and TD Canadian Children’s Literature.
Self-proclaimed Author of Glitterature, Paul Coccia has written several award-winning books for young readers, including Cub, On The Line (co-written with Eric Walters), and Recommended Reading, one of Forbes’ 40 Most-Anticipated Young Adult Books of 2025. His debut picture book, The Bear Fairy, released in 2026. Paul has a specialist in English Literature from UofT and an MFA in Creative Writing from UBC. He lives in Toronto, and when he isn’t writing, he’s probably baking.
Nafiza Azad is a fantasy author. Her notable titles include THE CANDLE AND THE FLAME which was nominated for the Morris Award and THE WILD ONES. She lives in Edmonton, Alberta with her family.
Guyanese-Canadian NATASHA DEEN is a best-selling author for kids, teens, and adults. Her novels include Lark Wraps it Up (CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens, Starred Selection) and A Summer of Dragonflies (Quill & Quire, Starred Review). When she’s not writing, she spends an inordinate amount of time trying to convince her pets that she’s the boss of the house. Visit Natasha at www.natashadeen.com
