The Defenders

Pat Galloway, formerly the resource librarian at the Toronto & District
Parent Co-operative Preschool Corporation, is currently with the
Scarborough Public Library.

In 1812, the invasion of Canada by American armies brought widely
disparate elements of the colonial population to the defence of the
Canadas. From British regulars to Native allies, a wide variety of
participants played an active part in the conflict, one that yielded its
share of heroes and dramatic moments. This lively and readable book puts
faces, backgrounds, and even uniforms to the names of those whose
efforts turned back the invasion, from Isaac Brock to Laura Secord. The
events of the war are conveyed through the biographies of seven people
who played decisive roles in defending the colony. Weaving battles and
dates skilfully into their narrative, the authors have created a
comprehensive yet intimate picture of the Canadian forces. Its wealth of
historical detail makes the book suitable for the interested
intermediate reader. The text has a jaunty, patriotic tone and includes
information on regiments, weapons, and uniforms, interspersed with
games, crafts, and activities with War of 1812 themes. These include a
siege board game, a recipe for colonial-era fudge, and instructions for
tying shipboard knots. The book is nicely illustrated with
black-and-white drawings; readers may have to search for the main battle
map, which is tucked away in the centre of the book. Recommended.