Books about Canadian Black History
Books about Canadian Black History can be harder to find than ones about American history. My hope is that this post will help you with that challenge!
In a report from the second-largest school board in Ontario (PDSB), it says:
“Research demonstrates that non-Black people show less negative implicit attitudes towards Black people when education associates Black people with positive messages and images.”
Black students expressed that “Black history should be part of the basic history curriculum and that it should be more than just about slavery. The curriculum should explore and celebrate the achievement of Black Canadians”. (Source)
These statements show why Black books matter. Why celebrating Black lives – with ‘positive messages and images’ – matter. Why it is so important to have books that teach about Black Canadian history… and to do this, not just in February, but throughout the year.
In an effort to be more conscious about this, I have compiled a list of books that I found from an amazing book store in Toronto called, A Different Booklist. Many of the books are published by Canadian authors and illustrators.
Books that Address Canadian Black History
Click on any cover to take a closer look at the book.
The Underground Railroad
Written by Julie Kentner
The Kids Book of Black Canadian History
Written by Rosemary Sadlier
Illustrated by Wang Qijun
Moments in Canadian Black History
By S&S Learning Materials
The Revolution and The Black Loyalists
Written by Julie Kentner
The Little Boy from Jamaica – A Canadian History Story
Written by Devon and Pearlene Clunis
Illustrated by Emily Campbell
Viola Desmond Won’t Be Budged
By Jody Warner & Richard Rudnicki
Enslaved People in Canada
Written by Julie Kentner
Caribbean Immigrants In Canada
Written by Julie Kentner
Books that Celebrate Famous Black Canadians
Amazing Black Atlantic Canadians
Written by Lindsay Ruck
Illustrated by James Bentley
Willie O’Ree – The story of the first Black player in the NHL
Written by Nicole Mortillaro
Famous Black Canadians
Written by Julie Kentner
Canadian Women Now + Then
Written by Elizabeth MacLeod
Illustrated by Maïa Faddoul
