History and culture are full of inspiring stories. Amazing people who have done things so grand, they resonate for all of us. We're sure that you have your own favourites—tales and figures that you look to when you need to feel like anything is possible.
But which inspiring stories get told ... and which ones don't?
One new book that highlights stories that might be new to you is Amazing Black Atlantic Canadians: Inspiring Stories of Courage and Achievement, by author Lindsay Ruck and artist James Bentley. This book looks at both the rich history and thriving present day of Black people in the Maritime provinces—a place known for civil rights activist (and face of our $10 bill) Viola Desmond and the Black village of Africville (written about recently in the January/February 2021 issue of OWL magazine).
And to help bring these voices to you, we're doing two things. First, OWLconnected reader Kismet has read the book and has some thoughts to share. And second, we're giving away five copies of the book for you to win!
Let's hear from Kismet right now!
Kismet's review
I recently read a book by author Lindsay Ruck, Amazing Black Atlantic Canadians: Inspiring Stories of Courage and Achievement.
I really enjoyed the way this book was divided into categories (Athletes, Artists, Movers and Shakers, Military Heroes, and Few Firsts). The author's short stories represent a wide variety of Black Atlantic Canadians demonstrating their uniqueness and inspiring qualities.
For example, I loved the story about Quentrel Provo, a Nova Scotian activist who became motivated to take action in order to effect change after losing his cousin to gun violence. He started a movement known as 'Stop the Violence, Spread the Love'. I was really moved by the story about his first peace march, which he organized walking from Dartmouth to Halifax. Quentrel had many supporters with him who walked in the wind and rain in order to raise awareness as well as promote peace.
The illustrations in the book are really beautiful and the imagery is life-like. The drawing of Measha Brueggergosman has a feeling of movement to it so that it seems like she is about to sing!
Overall, I would give this book a rating of 8.5 out of 10. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy learning about inspiring Black Canadians and history.
This contest is now closed
Contest time!
We're sold, Kismet! Thanks for those thoughts. And if you also feel the same way, here's how you could win 1 of 5 copies of Amazing Black Atlantic Canadians: Inspiring Stories of Courage and Achievement. Just comment below with your name and your answer to the following question:
Why are you excited to read this book?
Good luck!
Contest is open to residents of Canada only. Prize courtesy of Nimbus Publishing. Contest closes on April 22nd at 11:59PM EST. Winner will be randomly chosen. Full contest rules and regulations can be seen here.
Can’t wait to read it!
I have read about Viola Desmond, would love to know more.
This book looks great , living in NS I would love to read to my kids about Viola Desmond !!! So many amazing stories ???
I am very excited to read this book. I teach Grade 3 in Fort McMurray, Alberta and love sharing stories of people who are courageous and brave in their everyday lives. I am from the Maritimes and always read the story of Viola Desmond and show my students the her image on the ten dollar bill. This year in Black History Month our school had a periodic table that highlighted Black Canadians and their accomplishments.
I would love to win a copy of Amazing Black Atlantic Canadians!
This is perfect as here in BC we don’t really learn about the Atlantic Provinces and certainly it is only briefly covered in school.
My grandkids would love this book!
My name is Grace and I’m excited to read this book because I feel I could learn a lot from it.
I am excited to read this book, because I am really interested in reading about amazing people who changed the world with their brave actions.
At school I learned about Black history and I would like to read more about it.
Because I can learn about people and what they did
We don’t know what we don’t know. I am excited to read this book and learn more
I’m excited to read this because I’ve learned about black heroes and I’d love to learn more. It shows how that even though we look different, we can all be heroes. Also, I would like to know about how these amazing people change things in a positive way in Canada. 😀
It’s so important to learn about all Canadians and unfortunately the history of black Canadians are often left out.
I think it would be really interesting. I like learning about history and I’m from Nova Scotia.
I would like to read this book because I’m from Atlantic Canada and we didn’t learn about it in school.
Thanks for this review, Kismet. I am
Excited to this this because of the opportunity to read and learn about more Black Canadians. And excited to read it to shar with students.
I really like learning about different people who shaped Canada and this looks really interesting.
I am interested in learning more about Africville after reading the January/February 2021 article in the Owl Magazine. I feel I need to do my part and learn more about our history so I can do more to stop anti-black racism. I really enjoy reading, so I am always excited to have an opportunity to read a new book!
Thank-you for this insightful review Kismet! I live in Atlantic Canada and it is a wonderful thing to see such recognition of folks who have contributed so much to the culture of this region of Canada for so long. Cory Bishop
Bravo My dearest Kismet! So proud of you! An author in the making ????????
A great review of a very topical book given the context of the various issues being tackled by society today and the convulsions that we are all witnessing. I’m very much looking forward to reading it!