Writer's Block

Illiteracy has been described as a crippling disease that can ostracize, humiliate, and ultimately defeat its victims. Fortunately, with the help of literacy organizations and tutors, many individuals have battled illiteracy and won. In this issue’s feature, Deborah Smyth looks at a seemingly unlikely group affected by illiteracy: teens. In the Essay section, you’ll find inspirational personal stories from three adult learners and a native Literacy counsellor.

	Can Our Teens Read and Write? Deborah Smyth investigates why 37 percent of Canadians between the ages of 16 and 25 possess limited literacy skills.
	Four Personal Essays on Literacy Three adult learners and one counsellor recount their personal stories and struggles with illiteracy.
	Résumés: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Refresher tips on building a more effective résumé.
	Forty-Pounder Fishing Origins Guy goes ice fishing.
	A poem by Averil Bones
	Crabmeat A man reminisces about how his fascination with crabs infused his life — and death.
	Questions and Comments from Our Readers