Goal: A curated list of Black Canadian authors to keep the “Legacy” conversation going from nursery rhymes to graduation.
The Little Aces (Ages 0-8)
Focus: Identity, joy, and family roots.
- Shauntay Grant: – My Hair is Beautiful: Based in Halifax, Grant’s rhythmic board book is a joyful celebration of natural hair and self-love for the youngest readers.
- Nadia L. Hohn – Malaika’s Costume: This Toronto-based author tells a beautiful story of a young girl in the Caribbean preparing for Carnival while her mother works in Canada.
- Jael Ealey Richardson – The Hockey Jersey: The founder of the FOLD festival gives us a local favourite about a young girl’s first time on the ice and the legacy of the game.
- Ekiuwa Aire – Idia of the Benin Kingdom: An Ontario author who brings African history to life through the story of a young girl who would become a legendary Queen.
- Rahma Rodaah – Dear Black Child: This Canadian author offers a lyrical “love letter” encouraging children to take up space and dream big.
The In-Betweeners (Ages 9-12)
Focus: Adventure, curiosity, and finding your voice.
- Zetta Elliott – Dragons in a Bag: Born in Ajax, Ontario, Elliott crafts a fast-paced urban fantasy about a boy discovering magical creatures in his own neighbourhood.
- Lawrence Hill – Beatrice and Croc Harry: One of Canada’s most legendary authors (The Book of Negroes) pens a zany, word-play-heavy fantasy about identity and friendship.
- Sarah Everett – The Probability of Everything: Based in Edmonton, Everett tells a moving story about a girl using science and math to make sense of a world-changing event.
- Wanda Lauren Taylor – The Grover School Pledge: This Nova Scotia author and filmmaker explores a relatable school story about standing up for what is right.
- Nadia L. Hohn – The Antiracist Kitchen: An essential non-fiction pick that uses food and recipes to explore racial identity and community.
The Main Characters (Ages 13-18)
Focus: Complex legacy, magic, and choosing your own path.
- Liselle Sambury – Blood Like Magic: A Toronto-born author known for powerful leads; this story follows a teen witch in a futuristic city facing a heartbreaking choice.
- Louisa Onome – Twice as Perfect: This GTA-based author explores the “eldest daughter” pressure and family expectations through a beautiful contemporary lens.
- Sarah Raughley – The Bones of Ruin: Combining her PhD in English with epic fantasy, Raughley presents a historical tale of an African tightrope walker in Victorian London.
- Ben Philippe – The Field Guide to the North American Teenager: Raised in Montreal, this Governor General’s Award winner offers a witty, cynical look at being the “new kid.”
- Kern Carter – Boys and Girls Screaming: A raw and powerful Toronto-based novel about a group of teens processing trauma and finding healing together.
The Magic of the Page
Reading is more than just a quiet activity; it is a gateway to empathy and a bridge between generations. When we read to our children, we aren’t just sharing a plot – we are sharing our time, our values, and a world of possibilities. These books allow our kids to see themselves as the “Main Character” of their own lives, reminding them that their stories are a vital part of the Canadian mosaic.
Make the time tonight to pick up a book, cuddle up, and keep your family’s flame alive through the power of a great story!
Image for the graphic by Susan Q Yin on Unsplash