Emily, Book 3: Building Bridges

Elisabeth Anne MacDonald-Murray is a private scholar, writing and
editing in Souris, Manitoba.

The Our Canadian Girl novels introduce young readers to important times
and events in Canadian history. Portrayed through the eyes of young
girls who are experiencing these events first-hand, the stories bring an
intimacy and immediacy to the historical record, making it come alive in
a way that a history textbook never could.

In Book 1, Across the James Bay Bridge (2001), which is set in
Victoria, B.C., in 1897, young Emily, curious about the life of Hing,
the Chinese immigrant her family employs, sneaks off alone to explore
his world on the other side of the James Bay Bridge—an experience that
changes her forever. In Book 2, Disaster at the Bridge (2002), Emily,
her family, her friends, and 140 others are passengers on a streetcar
headed for the Victoria Day celebrations when, while crossing over the
Point Ellice Bridge, it collapses into the Gorge Waterway. Emily
survives but relives the nightmare in her dreams over and over. In
Building Bridges, Emily befriends Hing’s daughter Mei Yuk, who has
just arrived from China. But as her friendship with the young immigrant
grows, Emily faces intolerance and prejudice from her best friend’s
family.

Around 1881, as many as 17,000 Chinese labourers came to Canada to work
on the final section of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Many lost their
lives or were injured. After the railroad was completed, some Chinese
workers stayed in Victoria and Vancouver to open laundries or
restaurants, while others moved to eastern parts of Canada. Between 1875
and 1923, British Columbia passed numerous bills to restrict the civil
rights of the Chinese.

Prefaced by a historical note providing background information and a
map, Building Bridges would be a fine choice for introducing young
readers to the topics of racism and prejudice. Recommended.