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CM . . .
. Volume X Number 2. . . . September 19, 2003
excerpt: For years, Canadians didn't see Black Canadians in history books, on television or in newspapers — their story wasn't told. Many people, Black or White, didn't know about Black people's important contributions to Canada. But Black Canadians have added to Canada's story in many ways. From military heroes and journalists to cowboys and activists, Black Canadians have a proud history, present, and future. The Kids Book of Black Canadian History is an excellent, well-organized book that will be well used both by young researchers as well as readers looking for interesting stories to browse. As well, teachers and librarians looking to fill a gap in their collections of Canadian history books will do a dance of joy when they read this thorough treatment of the history of Blacks in Canada, from beginnings in Africa to present-day immigrants from the Caribbean and Africa. Rosemary Sadlier, president of the Ontario Black History Society and a force behind the creation of Black History Month in Canada, manages to cover clearly and concisely the story of 400 years of Blacks in Canada in only 55 pages. Many topics are covered, including a historical look at African cultures, slavery, Black Loyalists, life in Canada West, and brief profiles of Black Canadians. Sadlier presents a wealth of carefully researched information in a highly understandable way. Throughout the book, Sadlier exposes the important roles that Black Canadians have played in our country's history. Sadlier's writing style is clear and engaging. The book's chapters flow well from one to the next, drawing the reader through the book. Most chapters are two-page spreads, while others, such as "The Underground Railroad," continue over four or more pages. Profiles and "Did You Know?" boxes are used liberally throughout the text and are set off from the main text with coloured backgrounds. The book includes a timeline and an extremely thorough index to help researchers and report writers find what they need. Wang Qijun illustrated the book with several small maps and many coloured drawings. The illustrations direct the readers' interest to the text on the pages, as well as illustrating what clothing and buildings would have looked like at various points in Canada's history. Qijun's illustrations are used rather than photographs in the last chapter of the book, which profiles "just a few of the many well-known Black Canadians." Although each chapter is brimming with information and illustrations, there is no feeling that the text and pictures are crowded onto the pages. Different font sizes, bold section titles, and generous spaces between columns of text and around illustrations invite exploration of the many interesting stories presented by Sadlier. The illustrations are captioned in text that is both bold and italicized, making it clear to the reader that the captions are not part of the regular text on the pages. This book a breeze to recommend — a must-have for public and school libraries, as well as classrooms across the country. Highly Recommended. Grace Sheppard is a Children's Librarian with the Ottawa Public Library in Ottawa, ON.
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