Top Grade is an initiative focused
on bringing samples of new and recently published books by ACP (Association of
Canadian Publisher) members to the attention of key decision makers, book
buyers, and educators in school boards across Canada.
In addition to ensuring that
educators are aware of the wealth of appropriate materials for schools through
each new selection with publishers’ books, catalogues, promotional matter, and
other material suitable for schools, there is also a conscious effort made to
bring awareness to the wider literary community and the organizations, groups,
and projects that publishers support through their publishing programs.
Information about such organizations as the Canadian Children’s Book
Centre, The Writers’ Union of Canada, CANSCAIP, the League of Canadian
Poets, among others, are included with the aim of helping schools make
connections that bring awareness, sales and support to members.
The authors love it too. They are
seeing more school visits and library invitations as a result. The 49th Shelf
is featured as educators are readers too. The result is the receipt of many
messages of thanks for filling the gap in the chain left by the disappearance
of school librarians across the country. Here is one very typical response from
all levels: “I cannot tell you how much these boxes are appreciated by all
of us here. We feel so privileged to have you include our schools in this
promotion of Canadian publications.”
Stay tuned for spring 2016. They’ll be showcasing the wealth
of diverse books published in Canada.
