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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Violet

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average rating is 4 out of 5

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Into the Current

Into the Current by Jared Young is an emotional and thought-provoking novel about a young man named Daniel Solomon who is forced to reflect on his life after a plane accident leaves him suspended between life and death. As Daniel revisits important memories, he begins to understand how his choices have shaped who he is. The novel explores themes such as regret, personal growth, and the importance of making the most of the time we have.

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

Time Published

Jacob’s Dilemma

I recommend this book.

Julia

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average rating is 4 out of 5

Time Published

Great nonfic

Book: The Teen Sex Trade
By Jade H. Brooks

The Teen Sex Trade is a nonfiction novel about the authors story within the teen sex trade. It follows Jade through her childhood and teens to tell a rich and engaging story about escaping and building a better life for her adult self.

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

Location:

Dartmouth NS

average rating is 3 out of 5

Time Published

Jacob’s Landing

I recommend this book.

Violet

Location:

average rating is 3 out of 5

Time Published

Nova Scotia Politics 1945-2020: From Macdonald to MacNeil

"Nova Scotia Politics 1945-2020: From Macdonald to MacNeil" by Graham Steele is an engaging overview of Nova Scotia’s political history from 1945 to 2020. Steele combines historical facts with his own experience as a former politician, making the book both informative and personal. He explains important political events, leaders, and issues in a clear and easy-to-understand style, which keeps the reader interested even if they are not very familiar with politics.

One of the book’s strengths is its balanced perspective. Steele discusses both the successes and failures of different governments while showing how politics affected everyday people in Nova Scotia. The book also highlights important topics such as economic development and environmental controversies.

Although some sections may feel detailed for readers who are not interested in politics, the book is overall insightful and well written. It is a valuable read for anyone wanting to learn more about Nova Scotia’s history and government.

I recommend this book.