Marching North

Yolanda T. Marshall is a celebrated Guyanese-born, Bajan-heritage Canadian author and columnist known for her vibrant, inclusive, and culturally rich children's literature. Since beginning her publishing journey in 2008 and securing a multi-book publishing deal in 2019, she has become a widely recognised voice in Caribbean/Diverse children's literature internationally, as a traditionally published, agented author of over twenty-four books, including Sweet Sorrel Stand, What's in the Cookie Tin?, A Piece of Black Cake for Santa, Miles Away in the Caribbean, Sweet Sorrel Stand, C is for Carnival, My Soca Birthday Party: with Jollof Rice and Steel Pans, recognized by CBC as one of the Best Canadian Picture Books of 2020 and featured on TD's Top Recommended Reads for 2023 and Hot Cross Buns for Everyone. Some of her other accolades also include the 2025 Jonesy's Literary Hero Award in St Kitts and Nevis, the 2023 My People Award from the Blackhurst Cultural Centre, the 2022 Loop Caribbean Author of the Year Award, and a 2022 recognition among Canada's 100 Accomplished Black Women. Recently, Yolanda was awarded Guyana's 60th Independence Celebration "Education Excellence Award" and a City of Toronto-Scarborough recognition for her outstanding contributions to literature, cultural representation, storytelling, and mentorship.