FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Acclaimed Canadian Author Eric Walters Visits Ten Renfrew County Schools

PEMBROKE, Ont. - April 16, 2026 - The Renfrew County District School Board welcomed one of Canada's most recognized authors for children and young adults this week, as Eric Walters began visiting ten local schools from April 13 to 17, 2026.

Walters has written more than 135 books and earned over 125 awards, including the Governor General's Award for The King of Jam Sandwiches. He is a Member of the Order of Canada and a former teacher who began writing to reach reluctant readers in his own classroom. Titles like Camp X, Shattered and Bifocal have become staples in Canadian classrooms.

"Eric Walters writes about social justice, history and adventure in ways that stay with young readers long after they close the book," said Kristen Niemi, Director of Education at the Renfrew County District School Board. "When students get to meet the author, it brings these stories to life. Having Eric Walters in our schools this week is a reminder of why literacy matters and why educators work hard every day to provide meaningful learning opportunities to RCDSB students.”

His stories draw on personal experience, including climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and humanitarian work in Kenya.

"Experiencing Eric Walters sharing his stories with students is a great privilege," said Sarah MacPhee, Principal of Curriculum K-12 at the Renfrew County District School Board. "He draws on his vast life experiences, using vivid imagery and humour to capture their attention. A proud Canadian and former teacher, he motivates students to be upstanding citizens through their daily interactions, and his personal friendship with athletes like Steph Curry, who inspired one of his books, makes him all the more compelling to young readers."

One particularly memorable story sneak-peek was when Eric was sharing some key elements from his book “Sam”, which is a modern-day rendition of the story of Anne of Green Gables.

The visits support RCDSB's commitment to building a lifelong love of reading and literacy as a foundation for student success.

Media Contact:

Jay Makwana (he/him)

Communications Officer 

Renfrew County District School Board

1270 Pembroke Street West

Pembroke, ON

[email protected]

(613) 735-0151 ext. 2290

rcdsb.on.ca