[Michael Manchester]

Hello Gordon,

In 1983 I won an essay writing contest to have lunch with you as part of a book promotion tour. I still have newspaper clippings from the event and included one on my web site www.michaelmanchester.com. 

As a long-time fan of your books, I recently checked the web site for Canada’s Walk of Fame and assumed that you would already have been inducted and received a star. I was surprised to see that your name was missing. Have you been nominated before and declined due to lack of interest in this kind of recognition? I would gladly nominate you but didn’t want to pursue this if I you had previously passed.

All the best,

Michael Manchester

Hi, Michael,

Thanks for posting and for that long-ago essay and our lunch! Wow, 1983! I really have been at this a long time!

As to your question, I have never been approached or nominated for a Star on the Walk of Fame. I would certainly have accepted such an honor had it come my way.

If you really want to put my name up, please feel free to do so. Thanks for even thinking of me in those terms. 

                                       Kindest regards,                                                      -----Gordon Korman-----

[Michael Manchester]

Just so you're aware, I nominated you today.  I had to provide my contact information so hopefully they will respond, although I know it could take many months. If my individual efforts aren't successful, then I will follow up with Reddit posts encouraging other Canadians to nominate as well. There are specific forums for Canada, as well as all the separate provinces. A sad testament to the low profile of children's authors that you wouldn't already have been recognized. I'll do my best to remedy that. 

Text of nomination:

"Gordon Korman grew up in Thornhill, Ontario. His first book was published when he was 14 and he published a total of 5 books before graduating high school. 

His writing career has spanned more than 40 years totaling 100 middle-grade and young adult novels that have sold over 30 million copies and have been translated into more than 30 languages. Gordon has received 15 awards for his writing, has had multiple books reach number one on the New York Times bestseller list and has had three of his books adapted into Canadian TV movies.

In September of 2021, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau chose Gordon’s first book, “This Can’t Be Happening At MacDonald Hall,” to present as one of his favourite books for the YouTube channel Writer’s Confessions and their series Great Canadian Books. 

Gordon Korman has been a feature of the childhoods of countless Canadians and of children worldwide, continues to advocate for the importance of reading and literacy in our increasingly digital age through his web forum and appearances, and has inspired many aspiring authors. Honouring him with a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame is well-deserved recognition for his contribution to arts and entertainment. "

 

Thanks for the nomination, Michael, and for your ongoing support!                                        -----Gordon Korman-----