Young Adult Nonfiction

Discover the main features of Emancipation Day celebrations, learn about the people of African ancestry’s struggle for freedom, and the victories achieved in the push for equality into the 21st century.

On August 1, 1834, 800,000 enslaved Africans in the British colonies, including Canada, were declared free. The story of Emancipation Day, a little-known part of Canadian history, has never been accessible to the teen reader through either the school curriculum or classroom resources, despite its significance in the story of Canada. Talking About Freedom closes this gap by exploring both the background to August 1 commemorations across Canada and the importance of these long-established annual celebrations.

What is the connection between the Caribana festivities in Toronto and emancipation? Why are some communities restoring Emancipation Day to their roster of annual events? Talking About Freedom introduces a range of personalities and happenings through historical facts, memorable personal recollections, vivid images, and detailed narratives. Included are connections to the ongoing struggles of people of African ancestry as they seek to achieve equality, with insightful links woven across the past, present, and future.

The name James FitzGibbon struck terror in the hearts of U.S. soldiers and this is the dramatic story of his life and his daring exploits.

Irish-born James FitzGibbon came to Canada with the 49th Regiment to serve under his hero, Major-General Sir Isaac Brock. After the death of Brock at Queenston Heights and the capture of Fort George in the War of 1812, FitzGibbon spied on the enemy encampment, disguised as a settler selling butter. Armed with his intelligence report, the British launched a surprise night attack, and the Americans were forced to retreat.

With his hand-picked band of Green Tiger guerrillas, Fitz fought to stop the U.S. raiding parties. Laura Secord alerted him to an impending attack at Beaver Dams, and with his 50 men and the support of First Nations warriors, he bluffed the 500-strong American Army into surrender.

Captain Fitz is full of action: battles on land and lakes, the burning of York (Toronto), the drama of 6,000 American soldiers moving downriver to attack Montreal, only to be defeated at Crysler’s Farm. As well as the pageantry, there’s the misery, suffering, and hunger for honour and glory – all part of the War of 1812.