On A Canadian Day
Nine Story Voyages Through History
by Rona Arato
Maple Tree Press, 2009
ISBN 978-1-897349-51-9
$19.95, 96 pp, colour illustrations and b/w photos ages 9 – 13
www.mapletreepress.com
This anthology of historical short stories would make excellent read-aloud material for Social Studies lessons or an interesting book to put into the hands of young history buffs. Each of the nine stories introduces a child from a different place and significant period in Canadian history: the Great Plains in 1620, New France in 1685, Upper Canada in 1795, Buxton, Ontario in 1863, Toronto in 1900, Halifax in 1929, Saskatchewan in 1935, Vancouver in 1942, and Muskoka, Ontario in 1979. The author skillfully weaves a wealth of historical information into each story, painting a detailed picture of daily life and the social context of the time. Following each story is an essay illustrated with archival photos that provide more information.
This review is from Canadian Teacher Magazine’s January 2010 issue.
