An educator and writer, Don grew up in Michigan but came to Canada in the 60s, where he more or less flunked out of a PhD program in Modern Chinese History, opening a world of opportunity and experiences he never contemplated. From teaching in a small Newfoundland outport to training community workers in West Africa to teaching adults on a First Nations reserve in British Columbia to designing a climate change action course for Jamaican youth, he has worked with youth and adults from many cultural backgrounds and in a variety of locales.
Don has authored more than 10 books, including two Canadian bestsellers: the YA novel Where the Rivers Meet (Pemmican) and the adult non-fiction Tomorrow Is School and I Am Sick to the Heart Thinking about It (Douglas and McIntyre). The first book in his Miss Flint series for children, The Meanest Teacher in the World (Thistledown) was translated into German by Carlsen (hardback) and Ravensburger. Don’s articles and op-eds have appeared in many journals and most of Canada’s major dailies.
His new book, The Burning Gem (the first novel in the Soul Catcher series) was published by Castle Gate Media in May 2024.
Don currently lives in St Catharines, Ontario, with his very paient wife of 54 years.
virtual and live readings with book clubs, libraries, bookstores
A Virtual Author Reading in Your Classroom via Skype? You Bet!
You wouldn’t think the kids would have a ball with The Meanest Teacher in the World, but it happens when the book’s author, Don Sawyer, Skypes the whole classroom. His books (The Meanest Teacher in the World and Miss Flint Meets the Great Kweskin; for older readers, Don focuses on Running or the bestselling Where the Rivers Meet ) are fun on their own, but it gets even more interesting when students fire questions at the author.
Here’s what Michael Walkington, principal of Bessborough Drive Elementary School in
Toronto, wrote last year about Don’s presentation – and the first use of the Skype-‐ing technique
in his school:
“What a great way to use technology to excite the students about learning. It encouraged and
engaged the reluctant readers, and it gave the learning a live event to look forward to and
provided a forum to understand the author’s intent and motivation. It was a tremendous success with our learners of the 21st Century. I strongly recommend such an activity for a
comprehensive reading program. . .”
Virtual author readings are cost-‐effective, easily arranged, technically surprisingly simple,
flexible, and fun. Don, a seasoned teacher, is able to engage learners in writing workshop
activities, enthuse young writers, and discuss the
writing process clearly and entertainingly.
