At the Acadian Peninsula Book Fair in Shippagan, dozens of students from schools in the region wander the aisles in search of the ideal book. A vision that delights and reassures teachers, authors and show organizers.
The enthusiasm and energy of young people for reading is palpable in the aisles of the show.
I really like reading. I like all kinds of books quite a bit. When I read, it’s a good comfort, it’s relaxing.
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Booksellers sell a lot of children’s literature at the Acadian Peninsula Book Fair.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Réal Fradette
Her friend Daphnée Blanchard scrutinizes adventure books. When I find one that interests me, I take it
she said.
Amélie Landry, another 8th grade student from Terre-des-Jeunes school in Paquetville, found what she wanted.
It’s a book that I love. There is a bit of horror, suspense with intrigue and lots of questions
she notes.
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Aidann St-Coeur (on the left in the photo) and her friends from L’Envolée school in Shippagan seem interested in works at the Salon du livre de la Péninsule acadienne in Shippagan.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Réal Fradette
Marilou Landry also found it. The 8th grade student from Univers Jeunesse school in Bertrand has three books in her hands, which should keep her busy for several hours, she hopes.
For me, reading is a beautiful moment of relaxation. When I read, I don’t worry about other issues.
Young people like to read, according to the authors
Teacher at La Source school in 6th grade, Lise Basque accompanies her group to the Book Fair.
I am happy to come here and see young people buying books. […] At school, we have a 15-minute compulsory reading session and the young people do great reading. When they find something they like, they like to relax while reading.
she mentions.
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There’s no age too young to love books.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Réal Fradette
Children’s literature author Cindy Roy, originally from Charlo, offers her works to this clientele.
Yes, young people like to read
she said with conviction. I walk around schools, I talk to young people and they love the stories. It keeps them motivated. It’s inspiring and book fairs are great opportunities to meet them.
Sophie Gagnon-Roberge, children’s author, noticed that young people have a different way of consuming reading.
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Children’s literature author Sophie Gagnon-Roberge writes a dedication to a young reader at the Acadian Peninsula Book Fair.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Réal Fradette
Young people don’t read what we want them to read. They like different books and they read a lot on their smartphones. It gives the impression that they don’t read, but it’s quite the opposite. We must trust their choices and let them discover what they like
she explains.
The president of the Acadian Peninsula Book Fair, Lisette Cormier-Noël, loves these moments when students walk the corridors of the Rhéal-Cormier Center.
They are our priority. They have always been our priority. With technology, it’s good to see their faces in books. Here, it’s time to take them off their electronic trinkets. When we see a young person go out with a book, we say to ourselves that we have done our little part. When we see a young person handling a book, there is a little magic and it is up to us to keep this magic
she likes to say.
The 21st Acadian Peninsula Book Fair continues until Sunday.
