About Sal Sawler

Sal Sawler (formerly Sarah Sawler) is an author and educator living in Kjipuktuk/Halifax. A former journalist, their nonfiction books for young readers have been widely recognized, earning a Moonbeam Children’s Book Award and being shortlisted for both the Forest of Reading and the Hackmatack Children’s Choice Book Award. Their work is known for combining accessible, engaging storytelling with careful research designed for classrooms, libraries, and curious readers.

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In addition to writing, Sal has extensive experience in publishing and editorial work. They founded Emanata, Conundrum Press's the young adult graphic novel imprint, where their editorial credits include Bad Medicine by Christopher Twin, which was longlisted for Canada Reads, and Quiet Crossings by Vivi Parsons, which received a starred review from Publishers Weekly. This editorial background has strongly informed Sal’s approach to storytelling and arts education, with a particular focus on visual narrative, collaboration, and craft.

 

More recently, Sal has shifted their creative focus toward writing picture books. When the Ocean Came to Town was shortlisted for CBC Canada Kids Reads, and their forthcoming titles include Ellis on Guard / Ellis prend garde and The Meadow, both to be published by Second Story Press.

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Sal is an educator and public speaker. They are currently completing a Bachelor of Education in Secondary Education at Mount Saint Vincent University, graduating in May 2026. Sal regularly offers school visits, workshops, and talks that draw on their combined experience as a teacher, editor, and traditionally published author, with an emphasis on storytelling, media literacy, and research.