Discovering Canadian Pioneers

Brenda Reed is a public services librarian in the Education Library at
Queen’s University.

Discovering Canadian Pioneers, like Barbara Greenwood’s A Pioneer
Story (1994), interweaves fact and fiction. A simple story about a
family’s introduction to Upper Canada provides a helpful context for
descriptions of pioneer life.

A the story opens, the Wilkins family has just arrived in Cavan
Township near Peterborough, and the father and eldest son are clearing
land for a temporary shanty. Through the words of 10-year-old Emily, we
learn about both the discomforts and the excitement of pioneer life. The
theme of having to create things from scratch is a recurring one. For
example, to make bread Emily’s mother has to grind all her own flour
until a gristmill is built. Readers are introduced to many other
elements of pioneer life, including farming, fishing, preserving,
building a log house, travel difficulties, and the development of a
village. Specific activities such as the production of maple syrup are
explained in detail.

Explanations of who the pioneers were, where they came from, and where
they settled are accompanied by uncluttered maps that clearly illustrate
the points made. The settlement of both eastern and western Canada is
discussed in broad terms, and such key groups of people as the Acadians
and Métis are introduced. The year in which Newfoundland joined Canada
is incorrectly given as 1947, but the sweeping six-page survey of the
settlement of Canada is otherwise successful in its highlighting of
people and events from the 17th century on.

The book’s design is user-friendly, reflecting the needs of the
intended young audience. Color photographs as well as black-and-white
and color drawings complement the text, while “Something to Do”
boxes offer teachers and students ideas for activities and further
discussions. There is a glossary of the words that appear boldface in
the text. Highly recommended for classrooms and homes as well as school,
public, and Faculty of Education libraries.