To This Day - Shane Koyczan

This book originates from an anti-bullying poem written by Shane Koyczan and performed in February 2013. The poem was written based on Shane's own experience(s) with bullies as a child, and it expressed the lasting effects of bullying and the strength required to overcome just such effects. Shane's poem eventually became a youtube video which garnered millions of views, and his live performance at a 2013 TED Conference led to even greater proliferation of his work. In this new iteration, Shane's poem comes to life accompanied by the artwork of illustrators affected by the poem, coming together to create a powerful work of art for young and old readers alike.

 To This Day is a brilliant text, and a crucial work contributing to anti-bullying efforts around the world. Koyczan is well known for his anti-bullying efforts and inspirational performance pieces. This particular work incorporates his artistic flair and text with brilliant interpretive illustrations from multiple artists inspired by his words. While the book itself is brief, the words will linger for a long time, and the illustrations are haunting in a way that will stay with readers for some time. 


I can't even begin to say how this book has impacted my own view of bullying and how much I hope it impacts the world of educators and social workers so that both children and adults will no longer need to suffer without help and proper recourse. Koyczan's poetry is insightful and thought-provoking, and although his performance (see Youtube video below) does enhance the work to a great degree, the written piece is beautifully put together and I applaud Annick for publishing this timely and (unfortunately) necessary work!

 Highly Recommended

 (Note: This review is from an Advance Reading Copy - Out September 2, 2014)

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