Hooked on Books: Call Me Al – A Red Maple Nominee You Won't Want to Miss!

Call Me Al is an engaging and thought-provoking novel that has captivated young readers across Canada. Written by acclaimed authors Wali Shah and Eric Walters, this powerful story dives into themes of identity, self-discovery, and friendship. The book has quickly become a favourite in classrooms and libraries, earning recognition for its heartfelt narrative and relatable characters, including a nomination for the 2025 Forest of Reading. Eric is no stranger to the Forest of Reading program, having won many awards, including Silver Birch Express and Red Maple. Discover more about the inspiration behind Call Me Al and the creative journey of Wali Shah and Eric Walters in our exclusive Hooked on Books interview below!

We're excited to share that Call Me Al has been nominated for the Forest of Reading 2025 Red Maple Award™, one of Canada's most prestigious literary honors for young readers. Published by Orca Book Publishers, this novel is already making a significant impact on the literary world, sparking important conversations among readers and educators alike. The in-person and online tutoring team at Teachers on Call recommends Call Me Al to those looking for a compelling, thought-provoking read that resonates for young readers with a Grade 7-8 reading level. Stay tuned for our exclusive interview with authors Wali Shah and Eric Walters.

Ignite a Passion for Reading All Year Long with the Forest of Reading Program

Looking to spark a lifelong love of books in your child? The Forest of Reading program is your ideal starting point! As Canada’s largest and most exciting reading initiative, it’s beloved by parents who want to keep their kids immersed in stories all year round. Coordinated by the Ontario Library Association, this program shines a spotlight on the best works from Canadian authors, illustrators, and publishers. The thrill builds each year, culminating in the lively Forest of Reading Festival—an exciting two-day celebration where the winners are revealed. As part of our Hooked on Books series, the Teachers on Call online and in-person tutoring service is eager to introduce you to some of the standout nominees for 2025. Stay tuned for more details coming your way!

Meet the Author: Wali Shah

Wali Shah is an award-winning poet, motivational speaker, and advocate for social change, known for his powerful messages of empowerment and resilience. As an alumnus of RBC’s Top 25 Canadian Immigrants, Wali has captivated audiences across North America with his thought-provoking poetry and inspiring talks. He has delivered TED Talks, created poetic messages for corporate groups, narrated voiceovers for commercials, and spoken at hundreds of schools and colleges. His work has earned him the honour of serving as Poet Laureate for his hometown of Mississauga, where he uses his voice to uplift and engage the next generation. The Toronto Star has dubbed Wali the voice of a generation. 

One of the highlights of his career came when Wali had the privilege of closing out President Barack Obama's 2020 visit to Toronto with a poem written specifically for the event. He’s also impressed cultural icons like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Kendrick Lamar with his freestyle poetry and performances. Wali's advocacy for youth and social change continues to inspire thousands of people to follow his journey, his voice, and his commitment to making the world a better place. To learn more about his work and vision, visit Life as Wali.

Meet the Author: Eric Walters

Eric Walters is an award-winning author, educator, and social advocate whose passion for storytelling has inspired millions worldwide. What began in 1993 as an effort to engage his Grade 5 students in reading has grown into a prolific career with over 100 novels and picture books. Eric’s works have won more than 100 awards, including multiple Forest of Reading awards.

A resident of Guelph, Eric has presented to over 1.5 million students worldwide, blending storytelling, drama, and audience interaction. A former social worker and teacher, his diverse experiences enrich his writing. In 2015, Eric was awarded the Order of Canada for his contributions to literacy and social justice. Learn more at Eric Walters.

Check out our Exclusive Interview with Eric Walters

Tell us a bit about this novel and what it means to you 

This is more than a novel. We feel strongly that it has the potential to impact on students in significant ways. While racism is a central theme we see this book as being more about unity and reconciliation and bringing people together.

Call Me Al is a deeply personal and moving story about identity. What inspired you to write a book that addresses such an important theme for young readers?

Wali and I have known each other for over a decade. When the idea first started as an 'acorn' I approached Wali and then we brainstormed on how to make this into a fully developed story. Elements reflected Wali's experiences growing up in Mississauga, and my experiences as both a teacher and social worker.

Your collaboration blends different perspectives—how did your individual experiences shape the development of Al’s character and the themes of the book?

This is a true collaboration. While it features my prose and Wali's poetry, he wrote some of the prose and I wrote some poetry. We were able to take the words and styles of each other and the story evolved and allowed us both to grow as writers. There was a magic to the process of co-writing.

Call Me Al encourages a conversation about both individual struggles and societal pressures. How do you think parents and teachers can use the book to support young people in navigating their own challenges in today’s world?

Through the fictional world of the characters the real-life situations become more accessible and available for conversations.

Finally, what do you hope young readers will feel when they finish Call Me Al—and how would you like the book to impact their view of themselves and others?

I hope they'll feel inspired, empowered and enlightened. They will see the world around them in different terms and be able to positively impact on their relationships.

On a more personal note, is there anywhere special in or around Mississauga you go to write, collaborate, or get inspired?

I live in Guelph - although Mississauga remains a part of my soul after living there for almost thirty years. Setting the story there, where Wali lives and went to school and where my children were born and educated, and where I spent my professional teaching career, made the story both more real and more special for me.

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Call Me Al is just one of the many exciting books featured in our Hooked on Books series, where we highlight some of the best young adult reads of the year. As a nominee for the 2025 Forest of Reading Red Maple Award™, it’s a perfect example of the powerful stories we’re eager to share with readers. This series is dedicated to inspiring young readers by offering books that not only entertain but also spark important conversations about identity, social issues, and personal growth. Missed our previous Hooked on Books interviews? Check out Unlikely Friendships, Dragons, and Life Lessons: A Dive into Dragon on the Loose with Marty Chan and Hooked on Books with Colleen Nelson and Kathie MacIsaac’s See It, Dream It, Do It: How 25 People Just Like You Found Their Dream Jobs, and more. Stay tuned for future posts, author interviews, and updates on the Forest of Reading program!