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.

The Kids Book of Black History in Canada

Written by Rosemary Sadlier

Illustrated by Arden Taylor

Kids Can Press

978-1-5253-0737-9

64 pp.

Ages 8-12

June 2024

 

I know that The Kids Book of Black History in Canada came out last year but with February being Black History Month, it seems appropriate to review this stellar book on the cusp of next month.

 

While a book on Black history in Canada could never be complete, The Kids Book of Black History in Canada does a commendable job of focusing on the history of Black Canadians across the country and from the time of slavery in New France to key events like the arrival of Black Loyalists and the Underground Railway. The book also talks about the civil rights movement and representation.

From The Kids Book of Black History in Canada, written by Rosemary Sadlier, illustrated by Arden Taylor

The book starts with an explanation of what Black Canadian history is, including who are Black Canadians, terminology used, their diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds and more. The section on African beginnings is comprehensive, including discussions about trade routes and the slave trade, leading to the arrival of the Loyalists, the formation of the Colored Corps and more. While many are familiar with the Underground Railroad, Africville and contemporary events like the Black Lives Matter movement, there are many, many parts of history with which readers may be unfamiliar. There are the Jamaican Maroons, the Black Californians, and the Exodusters. There are waves of migration to Canada and from Canada. And they're all part of this history.

From The Kids Book of Black History in Canada, written by Rosemary Sadlier, illustrated by Arden Taylor

Throughout, the profiles of important Black Canadians are highlighted from those who are well-known like Viola Desmond and Mary Ann Shadd to Dr. Anderson Ruffin Abbott, the first Black graduate of Toronto's Medical College, and Stanley G. Grizzle, the first Black judge in Ontario's Citizenship Court. And because there isn't enough room to recognize all the accomplishments of Black Canadians, Dr. Rosemary Sadlier appends her book with pages of profiles of athletes, broadcasters, musicians, writers, dancers, scientists, and more who've made extraordinary contributions to Canadian society.

From The Kids Book of Black History in Canada, written by Rosemary Sadlier, illustrated by Arden Taylor

While the book is organized along a timeline, reaching from the beginning through the American Civil War, World War I and II, and the civil rights movements to the celebration of Black heritage with Lincoln Alexander Day (January 21) and the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, it is never cemented in only timely events. Dr. Rosemary Sadlier, who instrumental in establishing Black History Month and Emancipation Day in Canada, ensures there is a rich discussion about everything from segregation to the "roots of racism" and the dangers of stereotyping. The Kids Book of Black History in Canada covers everything that young people would need to know for a broad introduction to Black history while giving them opportunities to learn more and think about what it means to be a Black Canadian. 

 

Illustrated by Toronto artist Arden Taylor, The Kids Book of Black History in Canada is presented in a colourful and organized manner. Whether providing historical background images or profiles of important Black Canadians, Arden Taylor's digital artwork is well defined and personal.

 

This book will be useful for teaching and learning throughout the year, but with February, Black History Month in Canada, just around the corner, I recommend picking up this updated edition of Rosemary Sadlier's 2003 book, The Kids Book of Black Canadian History, to ensure an inclusive and timely address of a significant history.

Meet Mary Ann Shadd (Scholastic Canada Biography)

Written by Elizabeth MacLeod

Illustrated by Mike Deas

Scholastic Canada

978-1-4431-9130-2

32 pp.

Ages 6-10

March 2022

 

Although there are many Black historical figures, like Viola Desmond, whose accomplishment are celebrated regularly during Black History Month, Mary Ann Shadd should be one of them. This incredible woman, born in 1823 Delaware and immigrated to Canada in 1851 , was a teacher, a writer, an abolitionist, a lawyer, and the first female newspaper publisher in Canada. And all of that happened during the 1800s when slavery was still an issue and when women were disregarded and shoved into the background. Mary Ann Shadd was a Black woman whose conviction, determination and courage helped her to achieve great things, and this is her story, in words and pictures.

From Meet Mary Ann Shadd by Elizabeth MacLeod, illus. by Mike Deas

As a child, Mary Ann Shadd's family (who were not enslaved; her father was a successful shoemaker) were part of the Underground Railroad, helping freedom-seekers find safety. Mary Ann Shadd grew up understanding the need to abolish slavery and provide opportunities to Black people for learning. When the United States changed the law in 1851 to allow any Black person to be snatched and enslaved, Mary Ann and her brother moved to Canada from where she encouraged others to do the same. Eventually her whole family followed them.

From Meet Mary Ann Shadd by Elizabeth MacLeod, illus. by Mike Deas

Because there were few schools that allowed Black children to attend, she started an integrated school, though there were those who did not approve and she was forced to move onto other ventures, most notable starting the newspaper, the Provincial Freeman. However, even with this extraordinary achievement which included writing, editing and marketing, Mary Ann Shadd used M. J. Shadd to hide her gender. Still she spoke out about Black rights, returning to the US to encourage Black men to join the Union Army and help make slavery illegal.

From Meet Mary Ann Shadd by Elizabeth MacLeod, illus. by Mike Deas

But, even after the American Civil War and the abolish of slavery, racism was still rampant and Mary Ann Shadd's fight for equality compelled her to attend law school at Howard University and start "an organization for Black women to promote education, careers and the fight for the right to vote." (pg. 25)

Driven by her inherent desire for the rights of herself and others, Mary Ann Shadd pursued a variety of avenues both in Canada and the US to make people think and reconsider. She planted ideas about freedom and equal rights, education and suffrage, and she did so with perseverance and the strength of her convictions. Elizabeth MacLeod has introduced readers to an exceptional woman whose legacy is far-reaching, both across an international border and history, highlighting her story both anecdotally and with a timeline accompanied by several historic images. Moreover, with Mike Deas's illustrations, readers are treated to the visual of Mary Ann Shadd's life and story. We see times of racism, discrimination, tragedy and struggle. We also see triumphs and dedication, leadership and cooperation against a backdrop of the 1800s.

I've always appreciated the impact of Elizabeth MacLeod and Mike Deas's Scholastic Canada Biography series (there are now nine titles) in introducing young readers to important historical figures. But, with Meet Mary Ann Shadd, readers will get more than just a name and a story. From now on, whether it's Black History Month or not, young readers will remember a powerhouse of a woman who defied the times to make better the lives of Black people with herself as a shining example.

Black History Month: The newest update to a youngCanLit book list

In February 2014, I first posted a list (Black History Month: Book list) of youngCanLit that would help young people recognize the significance of Black History Month.  In February 2016, I updated that list as Black History Month: An updated youngCanLit booklist. In 2018, I added more titles (Black History Month: Additional titles). Now two years later, it is incumbent upon me to update this list yet again. As the listing continues to grow (there were 98 titles before today), I will simply add those titles that did not appear on the earlier lists. I encourage young readers and the adults in their lives who want to visit relevant titles for Black History Month to check out those earlier posts in addition to this one to get a fuller picture of the wonderful titles by Canadian creators that celebrate the lives and experiences and accomplishments of many African Canadians, African Americans and others of African ancestry while also giving voice to struggles and history that should not be forgotten.

List 1: Black History Month: Book list (February 10, 2014)

List 2: Black History Month: An updated youngCanLit booklist (February 3, 2016) 

List 3: Black History Month: Additional titles (February 9, 2018)
(With today's list, that's 109 titles!)


PICTURE BOOKS

An African Alphabet
Written by Eric Walters
Illustrated by Sue Todd
Orca Book Publishers
28 pp.
Ages 1-5
2017

Africville
Written by Shauntay Grant
Illustrated by Eva Campbell
Groundwood Books
32 pp.
Ages 4-7
2018
Reviewed here 

A Likkle Miss Lou: How Jamaican Poet Louise Bennett Coverley Found Her Voice
Written by Nadia L. Hohn
Illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes
Owlkids Books
32 pp.
Ages 4-8
2019

FICTION

One Thing That's True
Written by Cheryl Foggo
Kids Can Press
128 pp.
Ages 10-14
1997

YOUNG ADULT

Blue Gold
Written by Elizabeth Stewart
Annick Press
304 pp.
Ages 12+
2014

Freedom's Just Another Word
Written by Caroline Stellings
Second Story Press
232 pp.
Ages 12+
2016
Reviewed here

NON-FICTION

Africville: An African Nova Scotian Community Is Demolished — and Fights Back (Righting Canada's Wrongs)
Written by Gloria Ann Wesley
Lorimer
96 pp.
Ages 9-14
2019

John Ware (The Canadians)
Written by Ian Hundey
Fitzhenry & Whiteside
64 pp.
Ages 9-14
2005

Meet Viola Desmond (Scholastic Canada Biography)
Written by Elizabeth McLeod
Illustrated by Mike Deas
Scholastic Canada
32 pp.
Ages 6-9
2018
Reviewed here

Meet Willie O'Ree (Scholastic Canada Biography)
Written by Elizabeth McLeod
Illustrated by Mike Deas
Scholastic Canada
32 pp.
Ages 6-9
2020

P.K. Subban: Fighting racism to become a hockey superstar and role model for athletes of colour (Recordbooks)
Written by Catherine Rondina
Lorimer
160 pp.
Ages 9-14
2020

Harriet Tubman: Freedom Fighter Book launch (Toronto, ON)

Author

 of

Malaika’s Costume (Groundwood, 2016) 

and Malaika’s Winter Carnival (Groundwood, 2017)

 Nadia L. Hohn

is set to launch her new title 

just in time for Black History Month

Harriet Tubman

Freedom Fighter

Written by Nadia L. Hohn

Illustrated by Gustavo Mazali

HarperCollins

978-0-06243-284-1

32 pp.

Ages 4-8

Released December 31, 2018

on

Tuesday, January 22, 2019

 7 p.m.

at

A Different Booklist

779 Bathurst St.

Toronto, ON

Here are the details about the book from HarperCollins website:

Harriet Tubman was a brave woman who was born enslaved in Maryland in the 1800s. After risking everything to escape from her slave master and be free, Harriet went on to lead many people to freedom on a journey known today as the Underground Railroad.

This book covers some of the amazing aspects of Tubman's life: She led 13 escapes—all successful and at great personal risk—between 1850 and 1860. This book also covers some of the lesser-known amazing aspects of her life: During the Civil War, Harriet Tubman enlisted African American men to be soldiers. She served as a spy. AND she led a battle under the command of a Union Army colonel!

Beginning readers will learn about the milestones in Harriet Tubman’s life in this Level Two I Can Read biography. This biography includes a timeline and historical illustrations all about the life of this inspiring figure, as well as a rare historical photograph of her. Much mythology and conflicting lore exists about Harriet Tubman. This book was carefully vetted by noted Harriet Tubman expert Dr. Kate Larson.

Harriet Tubman: Freedom Fighter is a Level Two I Can Read, geared for kids who read on their own but still need a little help.

Black History Month: Additional titles

In 2014, I posted my first listing of youngCanLit which could be read to commemorate Black History Month.  There were 54 titles in that initial listing which is posted here.






In 2016, I updated that listing, adding more titles of those recently published and those I'd missed, reaching a total of 76 titles.  That post is available here.




But the list keeps growing.  Rather than updating the list i.e., posting the previous list with new additions, I am going to just prepare a list of new titles that could be added to those previous lists.  Some were only published since my last book list was posted and others were just titles I missed. Hopefully this collection of titles, which includes both stories of history and those of contemporary experiences, will help to make my book lists for Black History Month more complete.  At least for now.


PICTURE BOOKS

Abigail's Wish
Written by Gloria Ann Wesley
Illustrated by Richard Rudnicki
Nimbus Publishing
32 pp.
Ages 4-9
2016
Reviewed here

A Change of Heart
Written by Alice Walsh
Illustrated by Erin Bennett Banks
Nimbus Publishing
32 pp.
Ages 4-10
2016
Reviewed here

Community Soup
Written and illustrated by Alma Fullerton
Pajama Press
32 pp.
Ages 4-7
2013
Reviewed here

Freedom Child of the Sea
Written by Richardo Keens-Douglas
Illustrated by Julia Gukova
Annick Press
24 pp.
Ages 9-12
1995

Gift Days
Written by Kari-Lynn Winters
Illustrated by Stephen Taylor
Fitzhenry & Whiteside
32 pp.
Ages 7+
2012
Reviewed here

A Good Trade
Written by Alma Fullerton
Illustrated by Karen Patkau
Pajama Press
32 pp.
Ages 5+
2012
Reviewed here

Grandpa's Visit
Written by Richardo Keens-Douglas
Illustrated by Frances Clancy
Annick Press
24 pp.
Ages 4-7
1996




Greetings, Leroy
Written by Itah Sadu
Illustrated by Alix Delinois
Groundwood Books
32 pp.
Ages 4-7
2017
Reviewed here

In a Cloud of Dust
Written by Alma Fullerton
Illustrated by Brian Deines
Pajama Press
32 pp.
Ages 4-8
2015
Reviewed here 

Malaika's Winter Carnival
Written by Nadia L. Hohn
Illustrated by Irene Luxbacher
Groundwood Books
36 pp.
Ages 3-7
2017

Name Calling
Written by Itah Sadu
Illustrated by Rasheeda Haneef
Canadian Scholars' Press
34 pp.
Ages 4-8
1992

The Nutmeg Princess
Written by Richardo Keens-Douglas
Illustrated by Annouchka Galouchko
Annick Press
32 pp.
Ages 4-8
1992

Oscar Lives Next Door

Written by Bonnie Farmer

Illustrated by Marie Lafrance

Owlkids Books

Ages 4-8

2015
Reviewed here

The Stone Thrower
Written by Jael Ealey Richardson
Illustrated by Matt James
Groundwood Books
32 pp.
Ages 5-9
2016
Reviewed here

A Touch of the Zebras
Written by Itah Sadu
Illustrated by Stephen Taylor
Canadian Scholars' Press
32 pp.
Ages 5-8
2003







NOVELS

Aluta
Written by Adwoa Badoe
Groundwood Books
216 pp.
Ages 14+
2016

Blue Mountain Trouble
Written by Martin Mordecai
Scholastic
341 pp.
Ages 9-13
2009

Child Soldier: When Boys and Girls are Used in War
Written by Jessica Dee Humphreys and Michel Chikwanine
Illustrated by Claudia Dávila
Kids Can Press
48 pp.
Ages 10-14
2015
Reviewed here

The Journey of Little Charlie
Written by Christopher Paul Curtis
Scholastic Canada
256 pp.
Ages 9-13
2018







NON-FICTION

Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13
Written by Helaine Becker
Illustrated by Dow Phumiruk
Christy Ottaviano Books/Macmillan
40 pp.
Ages 7-12
June 2018

From the Heart of Africa: A Book of Wisdom
Collected by Eric Walters
Tundra Books
40 pp.
Ages 6-10
2018

Runner: The Life of Harry Jerome, World's Fastest Man
Written by Norma Charles
Red Deer Press
208 pp.
Ages 12+
2017