Shovels not Rifles

Historical young adult fiction set in the First World War featuring a young African Nova Scotian in the No. 2 Construction Battalion who faces racism and discrimination from his fellow Canadians.

Shovels Not Rifles is the story of Will, a young Black man from a small Nova Scotia town who enlists and goes to war in the historical Black Battalion in 1916.

When Coloured men are finally allowed to enlist in the Canadian military, Will Coleman has a chance to make his late father proud, see the world and earn enough money to take care of his mother. Immediately after joining the No. 2 Construction Battalion, he learns that the members of Canada’s only all-Black battalion are not allowed to fight on the front lines. Instead, they are assigned the same forestry work they were doing at home. Not only that, Will is the target of racism and discrimination by superiors and many fellow soldiers who refuse to accept a “checkerboard army”.

Alongside his fellow soldiers in the No. 2 Construction Battalion, Will slowly faces the harsh realities of the war -- and the country he wanted to fight for.

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average rating is 3 out of 5, based on 150 votes, book lovers sharing their thoughts

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Julia

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average rating is 5 out of 5

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Amazing book

I recommend this book.

Violet

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average rating is 4 out of 5

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This book changed the way I view the value of life and reminded me that every choice can have a lasting impact. As summer is approaching, it has encouraged me to focus on improving myself, appreciating the people around me, and making better use of the time I have. Overall, Into the Current is a meaningful and well-written novel that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys reflective stories with important life lessons.

I recommend this book.

Jorja Walker

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Dartmouth NS

average rating is 3 out of 5

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Julia

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average rating is 4 out of 5

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Great nonfic

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Even though I don’t usually read biographies , I really liked this book. I however found this book to be hard to read due to some of the content discussed during the book.

My favourite part of this book was learning about Jade’s childhood and grasping the unfolding history of her life.

I rate it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars

I recommend this book.

Jorja Walker

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average rating is 3 out of 5

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I recommend this book.