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Topic Guide

Canadian Black History for Kids

By:

OPLKids

Oakville Public Library

Staff-created list

A short reading list for Canadian children on Black history. Visit the Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate to see the permanent exhibit about Oakville's part in the Underground Railroad.

By:

OPLKids

Oakville Public Library

16 items

16 items

Unspoken

Unspoken

A Story From the Underground Railroad

by Cole, Henry

Book - 2012

When a farm girl discovers a runaway slave hiding in the barn, she is at once startled and frightened. But the stranger's fearful eyes weigh upon her cons...Show more When a farm girl discovers a runaway slave hiding in the barn, she is at once startled and frightened. But the stranger's fearful eyes weigh upon her conscience, and she must make a difficult choice. Will she have the courage to help him? Unspoken gifts of humanity unite the girl and the runaway as they each face a journey: one following the North Star, the other following her heart. Show less

When a farm girl discovers a runaway slave hiding in the barn, she is at once startled and frightened. But the stranger's fearful eyes weigh upon her cons...Show more When a farm girl discovers a runaway slave hiding in the barn, she is at once startled and frightened. But the stranger's fearful eyes weigh upon her conscience, and she must make a difficult choice. Will she have the courage to help him? Unspoken gifts of humanity unite the girl and the runaway as they each face a journey: one following the North Star, the other following her heart. Show less

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Viola Desmond Won't Be Budged!

Viola Desmond Won't Be Budged!

by Warner, Jody

Book - 2010

In Nova Scotia, in 1946, an usher in a movie theatre told Viola Desmond to move from her main floor seat up to the balcony. She refused to budge. Viola kn...Show more In Nova Scotia, in 1946, an usher in a movie theatre told Viola Desmond to move from her main floor seat up to the balcony. She refused to budge. Viola knew she was being asked to move because she was black. After all, she was the only black person downstairs. All the other black people were up in the balcony. In no time at all, the police arrived and took Viola to jail. The next day she was charged and fined, but she vowed to continue her struggle against such unfair rules. Show less

In Nova Scotia, in 1946, an usher in a movie theatre told Viola Desmond to move from her main floor seat up to the balcony. She refused to budge. Viola kn...Show more In Nova Scotia, in 1946, an usher in a movie theatre told Viola Desmond to move from her main floor seat up to the balcony. She refused to budge. Viola knew she was being asked to move because she was black. After all, she was the only black person downstairs. All the other black people were up in the balcony. In no time at all, the police arrived and took Viola to jail. The next day she was charged and fined, but she vowed to continue her struggle against such unfair rules. Show less

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Crossing to Freedom

Crossing to Freedom

by Schwartz, Virginia Frances

Book - 2010

Eleven-year-old Solomon is a fugitive slave on a dangerous journey north to Canada, and to freedom. His young life has seen many losses: his mother was so...Show more Eleven-year-old Solomon is a fugitive slave on a dangerous journey north to Canada, and to freedom. His young life has seen many losses: his mother was sold in a slave auction when he was a baby; his father escaped from the plantation and hasn’t been seen in five years; and now his grandfather, who has been injured during the last leg of their journey to freedom, and is forced to stay behind.  Solomon continues with their group leader, but his feelings of loss and isolation haunt him, as he attempts to forge a new home in Canada Show less

Eleven-year-old Solomon is a fugitive slave on a dangerous journey north to Canada, and to freedom. His young life has seen many losses: his mother was so...Show more Eleven-year-old Solomon is a fugitive slave on a dangerous journey north to Canada, and to freedom. His young life has seen many losses: his mother was sold in a slave auction when he was a baby; his father escaped from the plantation and hasn’t been seen in five years; and now his grandfather, who has been injured during the last leg of their journey to freedom, and is forced to stay behind.  Solomon continues with their group leader, but his feelings of loss and isolation haunt him, as he attempts to forge a new home in Canada Show less

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All Aboard!

All Aboard!

Elijah McCoy's Steam Engine

by Kulling, Monica

Book - 2010

Elijah was one of 12 children, his parents saved their money, so when he was 16 he was sent to Scotland to study and become a mechanical engineer. Upon r...Show more Elijah was one of 12 children, his parents saved their money, so when he was 16 he was sent to Scotland to study and become a mechanical engineer. Upon returning to Canada he could not get hired as an engineer, as he had hoped and so took a job with the Michigan Central Railroad, as an “ashcat”. At nights Elijah spent hours working on drawings to create experimental oil cup that would continuously grease the train’s engine allowing it to run to its destination without having to stop. In 1872, he applied for a patent, the first of 57 and embarked upon a lifetime of engine inventions. Show less

Elijah was one of 12 children, his parents saved their money, so when he was 16 he was sent to Scotland to study and become a mechanical engineer. Upon r...Show more Elijah was one of 12 children, his parents saved their money, so when he was 16 he was sent to Scotland to study and become a mechanical engineer. Upon returning to Canada he could not get hired as an engineer, as he had hoped and so took a job with the Michigan Central Railroad, as an “ashcat”. At nights Elijah spent hours working on drawings to create experimental oil cup that would continuously grease the train’s engine allowing it to run to its destination without having to stop. In 1872, he applied for a patent, the first of 57 and embarked upon a lifetime of engine inventions. Show less

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Grease Town

Grease Town

by Towell, Ann

Book - 2010

When twelve-year-old Titus Sullivan decides to run away to join his Uncle Amos and older brother, Lem, he finds an alien and exciting world in Oil Springs...Show more When twelve-year-old Titus Sullivan decides to run away to join his Uncle Amos and older brother, Lem, he finds an alien and exciting world in Oil Springs, the first Canadian oil boomtown of the 19th century. The characters are fictitious but the novel is based on a race riot that occurred in Oil Springs, Ontario, on March 20, 1863. Show less

When twelve-year-old Titus Sullivan decides to run away to join his Uncle Amos and older brother, Lem, he finds an alien and exciting world in Oil Springs...Show more When twelve-year-old Titus Sullivan decides to run away to join his Uncle Amos and older brother, Lem, he finds an alien and exciting world in Oil Springs, the first Canadian oil boomtown of the 19th century. The characters are fictitious but the novel is based on a race riot that occurred in Oil Springs, Ontario, on March 20, 1863. Show less

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A Desperate Road to Freedom

A Desperate Road to Freedom

The Underground Railroad Diary of Julia May Jackson

by Bradford, Karleen

Book - 2009

A riveting tale of a brave family's last bid for freedom, and the price they pay to find it. Their story, told through Julia May's journal entries, is gruelling. A riveting tale of a brave family's last bid for freedom, and the price they pay to find it. Their story, told through Julia May's journal entries, is gruelling. Show less

A riveting tale of a brave family's last bid for freedom, and the price they pay to find it. Their story, told through Julia May's journal entries, is gruelling. A riveting tale of a brave family's last bid for freedom, and the price they pay to find it. Their story, told through Julia May's journal entries, is gruelling. Show less

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The Children of Africville

The Children of Africville

by Welldon, Christine

Book - 2009

A sensitive presentation for children age 8 to 10 years old of the history of Nova Scotia's long standing black community from 1848 to it's demise in 1967. A sensitive presentation for children age 8 to 10 years old of the history of Nova Scotia's long standing black community from 1848 to it's demise in 1967. Show less

A sensitive presentation for children age 8 to 10 years old of the history of Nova Scotia's long standing black community from 1848 to it's demise in 1967. A sensitive presentation for children age 8 to 10 years old of the history of Nova Scotia's long standing black community from 1848 to it's demise in 1967. Show less

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To Stand and Fight Together

To Stand and Fight Together

Richard Pierpoint and the Coloured Corps of Upper Canada

by Pitt, Steve

Book - 2008

Discusses the life of Richard Pierpoint, a Black United Empire Loyalist who helped develop a Corps of Coloured Men who fought during the War of 1812, the ...Show more Discusses the life of Richard Pierpoint, a Black United Empire Loyalist who helped develop a Corps of Coloured Men who fought during the War of 1812, the Rebellion of 1837, and were used as a police force during the construction of the Welland Canal. Show less

Discusses the life of Richard Pierpoint, a Black United Empire Loyalist who helped develop a Corps of Coloured Men who fought during the War of 1812, the ...Show more Discusses the life of Richard Pierpoint, a Black United Empire Loyalist who helped develop a Corps of Coloured Men who fought during the War of 1812, the Rebellion of 1837, and were used as a police force during the construction of the Welland Canal. Show less

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Hurry, Freedom

Hurry, Freedom

by Wishinsky, Frieda

Book - 2008

Emily and Matt find a bird's feather in the drawer labelled "Underground Railroad." They think the label refers to a real train, running undergr...Show more Emily and Matt find a bird's feather in the drawer labelled "Underground Railroad." They think the label refers to a real train, running underground. The actual destination is not what they expect.The nail-biting action and real-life drama of this story will have readers feeling like they were there and rooting along with Matt and Emily for the fleeing slaves. Show less

Emily and Matt find a bird's feather in the drawer labelled "Underground Railroad." They think the label refers to a real train, running undergr...Show more Emily and Matt find a bird's feather in the drawer labelled "Underground Railroad." They think the label refers to a real train, running underground. The actual destination is not what they expect.The nail-biting action and real-life drama of this story will have readers feeling like they were there and rooting along with Matt and Emily for the fleeing slaves. Show less

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Elijah of Buxton

Elijah of Buxton

by Curtis, Christopher Paul

Book - 2007

Narrator Elijah tells an episodic story that builds a broad picture of Buxton's residents before plunging into the dramatic events that take him out of Bu...Show more Narrator Elijah tells an episodic story that builds a broad picture of Buxton's residents before plunging into the dramatic events that take him out of Buxton and, quite possibly, out of his depth. Paul Curtis tells the story of Elijah the first child born into freedom in Buxton, Ontario with his usual great good humour. Show less

Narrator Elijah tells an episodic story that builds a broad picture of Buxton's residents before plunging into the dramatic events that take him out of Bu...Show more Narrator Elijah tells an episodic story that builds a broad picture of Buxton's residents before plunging into the dramatic events that take him out of Buxton and, quite possibly, out of his depth. Paul Curtis tells the story of Elijah the first child born into freedom in Buxton, Ontario with his usual great good humour. Show less

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The Underground Railroad for Kids

The Underground Railroad for Kids

From Slavery to Freedom With 21 Activities

by Carson, Mary Kay

Book - 2005

Beginning with a time line that traces the history of slavery in America, this thorough overview includes a narrative history, many quotes from primary sources, archival drawings and photographs, and 21 related projects. Beginning with a time line that traces the history of slavery in America, this thorough overview includes a narrative history, many quotes from primary sources, archival drawings and photographs, and 21 related projects. Show less

Beginning with a time line that traces the history of slavery in America, this thorough overview includes a narrative history, many quotes from primary sources, archival drawings and photographs, and 21 related projects. Beginning with a time line that traces the history of slavery in America, this thorough overview includes a narrative history, many quotes from primary sources, archival drawings and photographs, and 21 related projects. Show less

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An Elephant Tree Christmas

An Elephant Tree Christmas

by Kositsky, Lynne

Book - 2004

With no sign of her beloved mamma’s return, Rachel’s been doing the work of two, trying to look after baby Jem and take care of the new house that Titan’s built. With no sign of her beloved mamma’s return, Rachel’s been doing the work of two, trying to look after baby Jem and take care of the new house that Titan’s built. Show less

With no sign of her beloved mamma’s return, Rachel’s been doing the work of two, trying to look after baby Jem and take care of the new house that Titan’s built. With no sign of her beloved mamma’s return, Rachel’s been doing the work of two, trying to look after baby Jem and take care of the new house that Titan’s built. Show less

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The Kids Book of Black Canadian History

The Kids Book of Black Canadian History

by Sadlier, Rosemary

Book - 2003

From the first Black person who came to Canada about 400 years ago to the most recent wave of African immigrants, Black Canadians have played an important...Show more From the first Black person who came to Canada about 400 years ago to the most recent wave of African immigrants, Black Canadians have played an important role in our country's history. In this informative overview, kids will discover the inspiring stories and events of a people who fought oppression as they searched for a place to call their own. Show less

From the first Black person who came to Canada about 400 years ago to the most recent wave of African immigrants, Black Canadians have played an important...Show more From the first Black person who came to Canada about 400 years ago to the most recent wave of African immigrants, Black Canadians have played an important role in our country's history. In this informative overview, kids will discover the inspiring stories and events of a people who fought oppression as they searched for a place to call their own. Show less

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Rachel

Certificate of Freedom

by Kositsky, Lynne

Book - 2003

On the pretense of checking their certificates of freedom, a former soldier spirits Rachel and her mother away from their home and sells them back into se...Show more On the pretense of checking their certificates of freedom, a former soldier spirits Rachel and her mother away from their home and sells them back into servitude. Determined to reclaim her freedom and her home, Rachel plots her escape, with the help of a most unlikely ally. Show less

On the pretense of checking their certificates of freedom, a former soldier spirits Rachel and her mother away from their home and sells them back into se...Show more On the pretense of checking their certificates of freedom, a former soldier spirits Rachel and her mother away from their home and sells them back into servitude. Determined to reclaim her freedom and her home, Rachel plots her escape, with the help of a most unlikely ally. Show less

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Rachel

Rachel

The Maybe House

by Kositsky, Lynne

Book - 2002

Rachel's wish for a real house to call her own is granted, thanks to her stepfather Titan's hard work. And her determination to learn to read and write al...Show more Rachel's wish for a real house to call her own is granted, thanks to her stepfather Titan's hard work. And her determination to learn to read and write also begins to bear fruit. But these wonderful accomplishments are tenuous at best, for the atmosphere in Shelbourne, Nova Scotia, is an increasingly intolerant one, as de-listed white soldiers, unable to find work, begin to look with resentment upon their black neighbours. Show less

Rachel's wish for a real house to call her own is granted, thanks to her stepfather Titan's hard work. And her determination to learn to read and write al...Show more Rachel's wish for a real house to call her own is granted, thanks to her stepfather Titan's hard work. And her determination to learn to read and write also begins to bear fruit. But these wonderful accomplishments are tenuous at best, for the atmosphere in Shelbourne, Nova Scotia, is an increasingly intolerant one, as de-listed white soldiers, unable to find work, begin to look with resentment upon their black neighbours. Show less

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Rachel

A Mighty Big Imagining

by Kositsky, Lynne

Book - 2001

The story of ten-year-old Rachel, who in 1783 arrives in northern Nova Scotia with her mother, where they reunite with Rachel's stepfather after escaping ...Show more The story of ten-year-old Rachel, who in 1783 arrives in northern Nova Scotia with her mother, where they reunite with Rachel's stepfather after escaping slavery in South Carolina. Despite the adverse conditions of their new life, Rachel is determined not just to survive, but to make the most of her freedom. Show less

The story of ten-year-old Rachel, who in 1783 arrives in northern Nova Scotia with her mother, where they reunite with Rachel's stepfather after escaping ...Show more The story of ten-year-old Rachel, who in 1783 arrives in northern Nova Scotia with her mother, where they reunite with Rachel's stepfather after escaping slavery in South Carolina. Despite the adverse conditions of their new life, Rachel is determined not just to survive, but to make the most of her freedom. Show less

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