Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Ontario's Exemplary Role Model Author of Banned Book(s)


Today the Honourable James K. Bartleman, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, announced that 29 people will be named to the Order of Ontario. Among the recipients will be author Deborah Ellis whose books have faced challenges and bannings in Ontario, the latest being Three Wishes: Palestinian and Israeli Children Speak which was removed from Toronto and York School Board libraries.

According to Bartleman,
The men and women who are being honoured are stellar examples of the best and the brightest in this province. They are exemplary role models for us all.

Ellis is described as
Award winning children's author and human rights advocate who has donated more than $500,000 in royalties from her books to human rights causes. Ms. Ellis' books include: Looking for X; The Breadwinner; Parvana's Journey and Three Wishes: Palestinian and Israeli Children Speak.

The Order of Ontario is Ontario's most prestigious official honour.
The award was created in 1986 by the Government of Ontario to recognize the highest level of individual excellence and achievement in any field. The men and women invested in The Order are representative of the best of Ontario's caring and diverse society and stand as shining examples for us all. Their lives have benefited society in Ontario and elsewhere.

In August 2006, Deborah Ellis was honoured by the Elementary Teachers' Federation.

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