Marching North

Written by Yolanda T. Marshall

Art by Daria Lavrova

Chalkboard Publishing

978-1-771059022

40 pp.

Ages 5–10

February 2026

 

A visit to Aunty Evangelina's is more than just a visit to enjoy some Bajan souse. It's a deep dive into history and heritage and lessons in acceptance.

From Marching North, written by Yolanda T. Marshall, illustrated by Daria Lavrova

When the child asks Aunty about getting into an altercation with her friend Ava after Ava made fun of a new boy's accent and the child stood up for him, Aunty Evangelina tells her,

Don't doubt the direction you chose. You picked your battle and you won. (pg. 9)

With talk of direction, Aunty Evangelina shows her an old compass, one of the many story-filled treasures that decorate her house. That sparks a discussion about the soldiers in some of her pictures, of which there are many, and their Caribbean origins. Most of all the child asks whether everyone was proud of them for their bravery. And Aunty tells her about the reality for Black soldiers who were often treated unkindly and might have had to challenge the government for the right to join the fighting forces.

From Marching North, written by Yolanda T. Marshall, illustrated by Daria Lavrova

Aunty introduces the child to eight extraordinary Black veterans who served Canada during the First and Second World Wars. Their names, perhaps less recognizable than they should be, were Isaac Phills, George Livingstone, William Gale, Thamis Gale, Ethelbert Lionel Cross, Hewburn Greenidge, Dr. Joseph Liverpool, and Owen Rowe. But Aunty also gives them substance beyond their military service. She speaks of the countries of their origins, from Guyana to Trinidad and Tobago, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. She speaks of their contributions to society and their cultures, whether through Caribana, now called the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, or to fields such as law and medicine. Aunty wants Abiola to know and remember these people and stand up for the freedoms they defended.

From Marching North, written by Yolanda T. Marshall, illustrated by Daria Lavrova

Though the story of Marching North is presented as a picture book, it is a narrative with information wrapped in a simple plot of a child learning how to do what is right. Yolanda T. Marshall, whose previously reviewed picture books (e.g., Big Birthday Wishes, 2025; What's in the Cookie Tin?, 2024; Hot Cross Buns for Everyone!, 2022) were lighthearted, now approaches a serious topic in Marching North. It's one of awareness of the contributions of Black Canadians who chose to join the military forces even amidst discrimination and disrespect that would have discouraged most. These men—perhaps there were Black women soldiers as well though there are none highlighted in Marching North—deserve recognition and honour for what they did. And the lesson that Abiola—whose African name means born in honour or wealth—takes from these men and her Aunty is that she will choose the direction she will take in life and make a difference. (pg. 33) 

I was captivated by Daria Lavrova's art. At first glance, it reminded me of that iconic painting by Norman Rockwell titled The Problem We All Live With (1964; oil on canvas, 91 cm × 150 cm [36 in × 58 in], Norman Rockwell Museum) in which a young Ruby Bridges is escorted by marshals to her desegregated school. It is a powerful statement about courage and strength in the face of racism, and that same message is reflected in Yolanda T. Marshall's text of Marching North. But Russian-born Daria Lavrova goes beyond that similarity—and that representation may all be in my interpretation—and adds layers by blending images of the Caribbean homes of these veterans with symbols of their new country of Canada. How Daria Lavrova created such beauty and movement, as well as strength of character and pride in her characters, is astonishing to me.

 

For this Black History month and for every lesson on the veterans who fought for Canada, Marching North will be a valuable addition. Not only do we learn about the contributions of Black Canadians with whose names many of us are sadly unfamiliar, we can acknowledge the bravery shown and sacrifices that they and others made. And, in focusing on what we should be doing, i.e., following the right path, we won't lose sight of what's important.