The Kids Book of Black Canadian History
Written by: Rosemary Sadlier
Illustrated by: Wang Qijun
Kids Can Press $19.95
Recommended for children 8-12

Celebrate Black History month with this educational book that covers all aspects of black history in Canada. In the same style as other resource books published by Kids Can Press, The Kids Book of Black Canadian History is chalk-full of facts about this little-known part of our culture. Everything from the Atlantic Slave Trade to racism to the creation of the Canadian Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters is covered. Each short chapter includes sidebars of information, illustrations and facts on the specific topic at hand. Did you know that black slaves helped to build Halifax and by 1767 there were more than 100 slaves in Nova Scotia. Can you guess what percentage of Canada is made up of black people? It’s only 2% and of those 47% live in the Toronto area. You may wonder how black settlers from southern climates survived the cold, harsh Canadian winters. You will read that as with all strong people they made due by stocking up with warm bedding and lots of firewood. Have you ever heard of Daurene Lewis? She was the first Black woman mayor in North America. She reigned over the Annapolis Royal from 1984-1988.

At the end of this book, we learn about past, present and future Black Canadian heroes including Measha Brueggergosman, Carrie Best, Donovan Bailey, Fergie Jenkins, Willie O’Ree and Elijah McCoy.

Children and adults alike will be amazed at the knowledge they gain from reading this fascinating history book. Rosemary Sadlier lives in Toronto and was instrumental in having February recognized as Black History Month in Canada.