Deborah Ellis, anti-war activist, mental health counselor and well-known author, has written over five books about children's struggles in other countries. She writes about uncomfortable subjects and is not afraid to speak out about them. Some of her books have been banned from school libraries! By striving to make us care about big issues affecting children around the world, she has made a significant contribution to our society.

Deborah Ellis has raised awareness among Canadian children about challenges facing young people in war-torn and diseased countries, including Afghanistan and Malawi. She focuses on issues we might not otherwise think about.

Her writing inspires me and others to act. Deborah Ellis presents issues from the point of view of the victims, not from ours. This style really draws me into her stories and also makes war and disease seem more real. My family has discussions about these issues now, and war and disease seem more real and frightening. In her books, you learn the truth, children my age are loosing their whole families to AIDS and war.

The Heaven Shop, Deborah Ellis' 2005 novel about a young girl whose parents die of AIDS is set in Malawi. This year, UNICEF is sponsoring Malawi and Deborah Ellis is donating royalties from the Heaven Shop to UNICEF's 2006 campaign.

Deborah Ellis has taught me uncomfortable truths. She urges me to look beyond my own backyard. She makes me want to make a difference, too. My eyes have been opened wide by Deborah Ellis.