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The long-awaited autobiography of former Canadian Senator, lawyer, and outspoken spokesperson for diversity and minority advancement, detailing his life as a Black man working within the system to bring change to Nova Scotia and beyond. -
Featuring over 50 historical and contemporary profiles, this fascinating book takes a look at the lives of Black Atlantic Canadians that saved lives, set records, and enacted great change. -
Upon returning to her childhood home of Yarmouth, Anna—once known as Annaka—relives memories from her younger self and faces some uncomfortable truths. This bittersweet homecoming forces Anna to reconcile who she was with who she is becoming. From the celebrated spoken-word poet and author of Worthy of Love comes a YA novel about family, identity, and reclaiming the past. -
The long-overdue biography of one of Canada’s most iconic Black politicians and activists, written with the country’s former Parliamentary Poet Laureate. -
A powerful spoken-word poem encouraging Black boys of every shade, size, and passion to reach for the stars. Features vibrant artwork depicting famous Black men such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Chadwick Boseman, and more. -
When Mayann Francis was named Nova Scotia’s first Black lieutenant-governor, she wondered if the community would accept her. Francis was born just three months after businesswoman Viola Desmond was arrested for sitting in a whites-only section of a movie theatre in New Glasgow. Had enough changed? In this candid memoir, Francis describes her journey from humble beginnings in Whitney Pier, the daughter of immigrants, to the vice-regal office. She explains how her religious faith and her family’s belief in education equipped her for life’s challenges, including the loss of much of her vision. -
Celebrate natural hair with Governor General’s Award-nominated author Shauntay Grant in this joyful board book. With accessible text and vibrant photos of toddlers sporting afros, cornrows and everything in between, My Hair is Beautiful brings a powerful message of self-love. -
A biracial teen adopted by white parents struggles with identity and loss, facing a pregnancy that forces her to confront her past and seek out her birth mother. -
A nostalgic picture book set in the diverse Cape Breton community of Whitney Pier from the duo behind Mayann’s Train Ride, written by Nova Scotia’s first Black lieutenant-governor. -
George Elliott Clarke brings his lyrical brilliance to this personal story, an ode to his great-aunt, the internationally celebrated opera contralto Portia White. From her early years in Halifax to her performance before Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1964, the trailblazing, music-filled life of White is celebrated in this stirring tribute, with illustrations from artist Lara Martina. -
Kanika, a 15-year-old Black girl from a small town, is lured into the sex trade when she falls for an older teenage boy. Based on true-events, this book recounts the physical and emotional abuse experienced by young victims of sex trafficking, and how one girl survives and escapes. -
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. -
The updated and expanded story of the African Nova Scotian community that was destroyed and continues to fight back. This classic, which tells the story of Africville and the community’s resilience in the face of government neglect and racism, has been in print since 1992. This third edition brings the story to the present. It features a new introduction from Africville Museum executive director Juanita Peters and a new chapter from award-winning writer Gloria Wesley. -
Award-winning African Nova Scotian writer Andre Fenton’s third novel tackles contemporary social issues such as class difference and colourism in the Black community in this vibrant coming-of-age story. -
African Nova Scotian Young Leaders Celebrating Our Ancestral Roots, Volume 3, 2026 -
In this powerful book, Melinda Daye reflects on the life of her father, Delmore "Buddy" Daye—an extraordinary man whose influence extended far beyond the boxing ring. From his days as a renowned athlete to his pivotal role as a mentor, advocate, and activist, Daye’s legacy is one of resilience, integrity, and love for his people. Author: Melinda Daye -
This special edition of the William Hall profile of Our History is Nova Scotia's History celebrates William Hall as the Nova Scotia Heritage Day 2024 honouree. Hall's story highlights the deep and rich history of African Nova Scotians in our province. William Hall was a war hero and awarded the Victoria Cross, Britain's highest military honour on November 16, 1857. The Victoria Cross is awarded only to those who have demonstrated great bravery in combat. His nomination helped to establish race-free eligibility for the award. -
Cette édition spéciale du profil de William Hall de Notre histoire est l'histoire de la Nouvelle-Écosse célèbre William Hall en tant que lauréat de la Journée du patrimoine de la Nouvelle-Écosse 2024. L'histoire de Hall met en lumière l'histoire profonde et riche des Afro-Néo-Écossais de notre province. William Hall était un héros de guerre et a reçu la Croix de Victoria, la plus haute distinction militaire britannique, le 16 novembre 1857. La Croix de Victoria est décernée uniquement à ceux qui ont fait preuve d'une grande bravoure au combat. Sa nomination a contribué à établir une éligibilité sans race pour le prix. -
The ABC’s of Viola Desmond was crafted specifically to meet the needs of elementary level readers and this important resource is now used by all Grade 3 classes in Nova Scotia. The ABC’s of Viola Desmond was written by students for students and relates the history of a Canadian icon and courageous civil rights advocate, Viola Desmond. As well, this will be a wonderful book to have in homes throughout Nova Scotia and beyond. NOTE: Teachers may be eligible for a preferred rate when ordering The ABC’s of Viola Desmond through the Nova Scotia School Book Bureau. -
L’alphabet de Viola Desmond is a finely-crafted, newly released book about Canadian civil rights icon Viola Desmond. It was developed as a French resource and an early-reader book for French first-language and immersion teachers and students. This beautifully illustrated book was written by students for students. It offers a unique and thoughtful portrayal of Viola’s story. L’alphabet de Viola Desmond was written and illustrated by students from grades 3 and 4 at École Chebucto Heights under the tutelage of teachers Lisa Radzikowski and Molly MacKenzie. Dr. Wanda Robson, Viola’s “baby” sister, provided comment and oversight. NOTE: Teachers may be eligible for a preferred rate when ordering L’alphabet de Viola Desmond through the Nova Scotia School Book Bureau. -
Dealing with the many emotions that come with grief isn't always easy. This rhyming picture book reminds us that we feel so much because we love so much. Author: Lindsay Ruck Illustrator: Bria Miller -
A comme dans Arnold Johnson. B comme dans brillant. Les élèves de l’école Nelson Whynder parcourent l’alphabet avec des mots et des images qui mettent en valeur ce qui rend « Up Home » si spécial. C’est un hommage a une communauté créée par les gens qui la connaissent le mieux. -
A is for Arnold Johnson. B is for basketball. Students of Nelson Whynder Elementary School journey through the alphabet with words and images that highlight what makes "Up Home" so very special. The ABC's of North Preston is a loving tribute to the largest Indigenous Black community in Canada, created by some of those who know it best. -
A Child of East Preston by Wanda Thomas Bernard takes readers inside Bernard’s lesser-known past as a young girl growing up in the African Nova Scotian community of East Preston and gives readers a glimpse of what it was like growing up in a segregated community during the civil rights era. A Child of East Preston is a story of resistance, resilience, and triumph, chronicling the early journey of a national social justice champion.
