CANSCAIP Members
 Debbie Spring
Author
3 Innisbrook Crescent
Thornhill, Ontario
L3T 5A9
Phone: 905-731-4482
Email:
Web: debbiespring.com
Born: January 5, 1953. Toronto, ON
Married: Fred Granek, Two children: Miriam & Joshua
Biography
I write children's books for all ages. A consistent theme threading throughout my books is that of overcoming obstacles and conquering adversity.
In my children's books about the Holocaust, my protagonists face danger and use their faith in humanity and personal courage to fight for freedom, for themselves and others, despite immediate threats to their lives.
My middle-grade novels show how my characters fight through their disabilities and health problems. They refuse to be labeled or defined as handicapped. They do everything in their powers to live, to excel, and to achieve their goals. Nothing will stop them!
I write picture books that show the connection between my characters and nature. The boys and girls in these books learn about the beauty and importance of nature, about the need to protect and save endangered species.
Published Works
Books
Grandpa Promised (Holocaust Educational Book with audio CD), Scholastic, 2009
Breathing Soccer, Thistledown Press, 2008 (Middle-Grade Novel)
The Righteous Smuggler (A Holocaust Remembrance Book for Young Readers), Second Story Press, 2005
Wilma, The Wild White Whale, Small World Publishing, 2001
Short Stories
Stairs That Go Nowhere, 2003. Bard's Ink Writing Contest.
Playing Soldier, 2002. Canadian Writer's Journal, Choice Works Volume 6, New Liskeard, Ontario
The Big Lie, 2001. The Canadian Jewish News, Toronto, Ontario.
My Enchanted Hideaway, 2000. Winners' Circle Short Story Contest, Canadian Authors Association Ottawa, Ontario.
Forbidden Love, 2000. Spring Zygote magazine. Winnipeg, Manitoba.
The Kayak, 1999 Perfection Learning Corporation (U.S.) Literature & Thought
The Best Of Friends. Toronto, Ontario.
Something Fishy, 1999. Write Angles. Calgary Writer's Union. Calgary, Alberta.
The Kayak, 1999. Nelson Publishing, Nelson English: Language & Writing 9. Toronto, Ontario.
Ghost Hauntings, 1998. Fall Zygote magazine. Winnipeg, Manitoba.
A Change of Weather, 1998. Canadian Writer's Journal. New Liskeard, Ontario.
Snapshots, 1998. Spring Zygote magazine. Winnipeg, Manitoba.
A Common Thread, 1997. Tickled by Thunder: The Year's Best Fiction. Surrey, British Columbia.
How to Make a Mother's Day Meal, 1997. Tale Spinners. Ponoka, Alberta.
Premonition, 1996. Write Angles. Calgary Writer's Association. Calgary, Alberta.
Forbidden Love, 1996. Canadian Writer's Journal. Victoria, British Columbia.
The Kayak, 1996. Takes. Thistledown Press Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
Hanukkah Flame, 1996, 3 pages. Albans Press.
Will Mommy Be Home For Shabbos Dinner? 1995. Canadian Writer's Journal. Victoria, British Columbia.
Pictures In My Head, 1994. Winners' Circle Short Story Contest, Canadian Authors Association. Ottawa, Ontario.
Articles
Kids Toronto
What Happened In School Today? 1990
The Thornhill Month
Yoga: The Path Of Moderation, 1989
Know Your Child-Then Pick A Camp, 1989
Cottage Owners' Raves and Rows, 1989
Small Is Beautiful, 1989
Soccer Mania, 1989
Editorial: Ad Promotes Abuse, 1989
Countdown For Uplands, 1987
An Interior Look, 1987
Promoting "Noble Growth", 1986
Local Artist Captures Nature's Beauty On Canvas, 1986
The Whys and Hows Of Nursery Schools, 1986
Fill A Void And Be A Big Brother, 1986
A Taste Of Thornhill Dining, 1986
Gallery Thirty Three: A Four Person Show, 1986
Frid And Freedom, 1986
Limited Mobility In Vaughan, 1985
The Liberal
The Hanukkah Note, 1990
My Hanukkah Miracle, 1987
Awards
2009 Short Listed for 2010 Manitoba Young Readers' Choice Awards
2007 The Righteous Smuggler, Canadian Toy Testing Council, Recommended Books
2006 The Righteous Smuggler, short listed for CBC's Young Canada Reads.
2006 The Righteous Smuggler, received their special star rating in The Canadian Children's Book Centre's Our Choice magazine.
Canada Council Grant: 2004
Ontario Arts Council Writers Reserve Grant: 2003, 1996, 1991
Brendon Donnelly Children's Literature Award - 1999 winner, 1998 runner-up, 1996 winner
Writers' International Forum - Spring & Summer, 1998,
winter & summer, 1999.
Takes won the 1996 Saskatchewan Book Award for Best Educational book and the 1997 Canadian Library Association Young Adult Award. In 1999, The Kayak was incorporated as part of the Saskatchewan Education Correspondence School curriculum for grade 10.
York Region Community Newspaper Awards - 1987, 1990
Other Memberships
Writer's Union of Canada, Society for Children's Books Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), Member of CANSCAIP Executive
Available For
I am available to do a variety of workshops on writing and on the topics covered in my books. All of the workshops offered are interactive, intense, and interesting. Workshops can range from one hour sessions, to half day or full day. There is more time to do in depth study in longer sessions.
Contact me at for more information, prices and duration of my author visits. I can give custom made programs that will fit your group's age, numbers, curriculum, focus, and interests.
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