History for Kids

Canadian History

The Kids Book of Canadian Immigration illustrated by John Mantha published by Kids Can Press People from more than 200 cultures, and almost every part of the globe, now call Canada home. Many of their stories, past and present, and their amazing contributions to this country are recorded in this book. When I visited schools in Vancouver and Toronto, I often saw the faces of students who had come to Canada from all over the world. I wanted to write a book for them — one that reflected their experiences and celebrated this diverse, wonderful country we live in.

	Honor Book, for Outstanding Trade Books, Society of School Librarians International, 2007
	Finalist, Information Book Award, Children's Literature Roundtables of Canada, 2007
	Finalist, Christie Harris Illustrated Children's Literature Prize (BC Book Prizes), 2007
	Our Choice List, starred selection, Canadian Children's Book Centre, 2007
	Resource Links, Best Books selection for 2007

"From the first people who arrived in Canada thousands of years ago to the influx of new Canadians from all over the world in the last century, this outstanding book takes readers on a journey through time, helping them to understand the cultural makeup of this country... Well-researched and informative, with the added appeal of personal anecdotes, this book has a definite place in any school or public library."  Canadian Materials Magazine

"the text explores the subject thoroughly and from a variety of vantage points... Memorable for their frankness are the first-person accounts from a group of young people ranging in age from 11 to 14, from countries like Russia, Ukraine and Chile. While each is delighted to be a new Canadian, many describe the losses and difficulties of all immigrants..."  Globe and Mail

 

The Kids Book of Canada's Railway
& How the CPR Was Built
illustrated by John Mantha
published by Kids Can Press

This is the story of Canada's first transcontinental railway — the CPR. It is a dramatic tale of the people who built, operated and rode the Canadian Pacific Railway. It documents the enormous challenges they faced and how the railway evolved over time to help shape the Canada we know today.

Three of my grandparents worked for the CPR and I grew up hearing their stories of working and riding on the early trains. I wrote this book as a tribute to them and also to my parents who told delightful tales of their experiences as children travelling across the country by train.

Author's Note:

Winner, Information Book Award, Children's Literature Roundtables of Canada, 2001
Shortlist, Silver Birch Award, 2001
Shortlist, Red Cedar Award, 2003
Honorable Mention, Alcuin Society Book Design Award, 2001
Our Choice List, starred selection, Canadian Children's Book Centre, 2001

"This book is a blueprint for the successful Canadian history book for kids."  Times Colonist

"The building of the Canadian Pacific Railway is a remarkable story, and this informative new book does quite a good job of presenting it. Hodge works clearly through the chronological development of her story, with brief vignettes to make the material more immediate and personal."  Quill & Quire

"a book for fans either of Canadian history or trains. It documents the mammoth task of constructing a railway across an unknown and unfriendly terrain. It talks honestly about the issues involved and the consequences of the decisions made that still have ramifications today."  Canadian Materials Magazine

"Deborah Hodge, whose grandfathers worked for the CPR, communicates a real love of her topic."  St. Catherine's Standard