Based on a true story, Silver River Shadow by Jane Thomas & Rochelle Lamm, illustrated by Sarah Docker is a fascinating story of family legacy and uncovering the truth of the past.
Lizzie’s mother passed away twelve years ago and her father is often busy with work. When she’s given a school assignment to discover her family’s story, Lizzie investigates some boxes in the attic that belonged to her mother and finds things she never expected. With the help of her friend Bobby, Lizzie sets off on a voyage of discovery. Travelling from the US into the Canadian wilderness, the pair find out the truth about Lizzie’s great grandparents and how they tried to make things right for people wronged.
The First Nations people of Canada have been in dispute with the government over land since the first Europeans arrived in North America. Logging, industry and business have pushed people from their land and caused great hardship. The Ojibwe people of Grassy Narrows suffered from mercury poisoning in the river. Lizzie’s great grandparents fought to make things right and help victims receive the compensation they deserved. Lizzie and Bobby meet the descendents of those affected and through their kindness, welcome and traditions, they teach the young people what is truly important life. Armed with knowledge, Lizzie and Bobby return home determined to finish what her great grandparents started.
As a Canadian, I found this story so interesting. There are innumerable times when First Nations people have been overlooked, mistreated or simply pushed aside for the benefit of white people. These stories need to be told and reparations made for wrongs done. I appreciate Jane Thomas’ determination to tell this story authentically with a celebration of Ojibwe traditions and honest portrayal of the life of the people involved.
Thank you to Jane Thomas for a copy of this fascinating book!
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Books by Kate Heap:
Scope for Imagination 