Meet Mary Ann Shadd, written by Elizsabeth MacLeod and illustrated by Mike Deas. Scholastic, 2021. $16.99 ages 9 and up

 

"More and more Black Americans were
fleeing to Canada. That meant there were
many children who needed to go to school. 
Soon after arriving in Windsor, Mary Ann 
became a teacher again. Just like where 
Mary Ann had grown up, there weren't 
many schools that Black children were 
allowed to attend. So Mary Ann started
one for all children, not matter their skin
color - an integrated school."

You will know, if you read this blog regularly, how much I truly value learning about people whose stories are not often shared. There are many amazing picture book biographies being written to inform readers, and acknowledge the amazing things accomplished during a person's lifetime. Scholastic Canada continues to add to its Scholastic Canada Biography series, which now includes nine books: Chris Hadfield, Terry Fox, Tom Longboat, Viola Desmond, Therese Casgrain, Elsie MacGill, David Suzuki, Willie O'Ree and this new one about Mary Ann Shadd. Each is researched and written by Elizabeth MacLeod and illustrated by Mike Deas. They deserve a place on school library and classroom shelves. 

I knew nothing about Ms. Shadd until I read this brand-new book. Born in the US in 1823, she came to Canada in 1851. Her accomplishments as a teacher, writer, abolitionist, lawyer, and newspaper publisher are worthy of attention. The fact that she took on such roles when women had little voice, and slavery was still a part of the historical landscape makes her story more courageous. 

She grew up in a family that helped people seeking freedom and safety on the Underground Railroad. Mary Ann knew the need to give the oppressed a better chance at living a good life. She encouraged others to follow her to Canada where she started a school for all children, without concern for their color. Moving on to other pursuits, she became publisher of a newspaper called the Provincial Freeman. She told no one she was a woman doing such a thing. 

Her work for equality never wavered. She wanted others to think about issues of importance, and consider other ways to make a difference. She worked hard, persevered through the obstacles put in her path, and never stopped offering her opinions about freedom, education, voting rights. 

 Elizabeth MacLeod does her research brilliantly and shares it through story and a thorough timeline. Mike Deas's illustrations give a clear look at many of the important events and outcomes of Mary Ann's advocacy for so many people. Important for Black History month, or anytime you want your children  to learn about the triumphs of a life well lived.