Karen Spafford-Fitz
BIO
Biography
A former elementary and junior-high teacher, Karen is a literacy advocate and author of eight middle grade and young adult novels. She is also an experienced touring artist whose high-energy presentations and workshops have resonated with students, educators, and families across Canada. When she is not writing in her studio, Karen is often walking and plotting out her next book alongside Bowie, her bouncy canine co-writer.
ADDRESS
City: Treaty Six, Edmonton, Province/Territory: Alberta
EMAIL
GENRE
Middle Grade and Young Adult Fiction
LANGUAGES
English
PUBLICATIONS
Publications
Title
Pickpocket
Publisher
Orca Book Publishers
Year
2021
Title
Volleyball Vibe
Publisher
James Lorimer & Company
Year
2020
Title
Taking the Lead
Publisher
James Lorimer & Company
Year
2019
Title
Unity Club
Publisher
Orca Book Publishers
Year
2018
Title
Push Back
Publisher
James Lorimer & Company
Year
2018
Title
Saving Grad
Publisher
James Lorimer & Company
Year
2017
Title
Vanish
Publisher
Orca Book Publishers
Year
2013
Title
Dog Walker
Publisher
Orca Book Publishers
Year
2006
AWARDS
Awards
Name
The American Library in Paris Book Award, longlisted
Publication
Pickpocket
Year
2021
Name
TD Summer Reading Club selection
Publication
Volleyball Vibe
Year
2021
Name
Starred Selection - Best Books for Kids & Teens: Canadian Children's Book Centre
Publication
Taking the Lead
Year
2020
Name
CM Canadian Review of Materials: highly recommended
Publication
Unity Club
Year
2018
Name
Resource Links The Year's Best Fiction: Grades 7-12
Publication
Push Back
Year
2018
Name
Resource Links & CCBC - Best Books for Kids & Teens
Publication
Saving Grad
Year
2017
Name
Resource Links & CCBC - Best Books for Kids & Teens
Publication
Vanish
Year
2013
Name
Resource Links & CCBC - Best Books for Kids & Teens
Publication
Dog Walker
Year
2006
PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS AND WORKSHOPS
Presentation details
Audience Size
Audience size
75, or as discussed
Presentation Genre
Fiction, with a focus on student and family literacy
Presentation Length
30-60 minutes; student age dependant
Presentation Description
Presentation description
Karen's lively student sessions are designed to promote literacy, while exciting students about reading, writing and books. Please see details about Karen's presentations on her website (www.karenspafford-fitz.com). An experienced presenter and former educator, Karen is happy to tailor presentations to suit teacher and student needs.
Presentation Fee(s)
Please reach out to Karen for a quote.
Workshop details
Audience Size
30, or as discussed
Intended Audience
Grades 4-12
Workshop Length
60-90 minutes
Workshop Description
Workshop description
Please refer to Karen's website (www.karenspafford-fitz.com) for further information about her writing workshops.
Workshop Fee(s)
Please contact Karen for a quote.
School presentation details
Audience Size
75 or fewer
Intended Audience
Kindergarten - grade 12
Presentation Length
30-60 minutes, depending on student age
Presentation Description
Presentation description
Please refer to Karen's website (www.karenspafford-fitz.com) for specific details.
Presentation Fee(s)
Please contact Karen for a quote.
Programs & Interests
Interested in participating Union’s Ontario Writers-in-the-Schools program:
All members are eligible for the Union’s Ontario Writers-in-the-Schools program. Are you interested in participating in this pro
Yes
Interested in participating in the Northern Ontario WITS program:
The Union’s Northern Ontario Writers-in-the-Schools program funds in-person visits to northern Ontario schools when possible. Ar
Yes