Made in Canada: 101 Amazing Achievements

Carol-Ann Hoyte is a children’s bookseller in Montreal and the
regional co-ordinator for the TD Canadian Children’s Book Week.

Children can use this book to brush up on their knowledge of Terry Fox,
Frederick Banting, and Alexander Graham Bell, all of whom made the top
10 on CBC’s “The Greatest Canadians” list. Made in Canada is Bev
Spencer’s solution to her perceived problem that “Canadians don’t
know nearly enough about their inventors, heroes, innovators and
scientists.”

Spencer presents the Canadian achievements in 11 chapters, covering
such topics as entertainment, sports, transportation, medicine, science,
and food. The spotlighted feats range from the well known (e.g., the
world’s longest wheelchair journey, completed by Rick Hansen) to the
lesser known (e.g., Eddie McDonald’s performing of 35 yo-yo tricks in
one minute on July 22, 1999). The text, infused with humour, is enhanced
by black-and-white photographs and Bill Dickson’s expressive,
entertaining artwork. A bibliography points readers to other titles
dealing with Canadian scientists, inventors, heroes, and firsts.

Made in Canada possesses one noticeable drawback: a few too many
text-heavy pages. It is, nonetheless, recommended.