In 1946, Viola Desmond challenged racial segregation in Nova Scotia by refusing to leave a whites-only area of a movie theater. However, this was only one of the highlights of Desmond’s fascinating life, as she not only fought against inequality but also worked as a teacher and pioneered a successful business in Black women’s beauty culture. These and other interesting facts about Desmond’s life add a richness to readers’ understanding of her significance as a Canadian hero. This illustrated biography also includes excerpts called “Notes From Wanda,” first-person narratives from Desmond’s younger sister. Text boxes highlight examples of racial segregation in Nova Scotia, Quebec, and the US in the twentieth century, providing historical context to Desmond’s social environment and the significance of her triumphs.

The style of narrative nonfiction will appeal to students who enjoy learning through story. Additionally, the book expands readers’ critical thinking, social responsibility, and positive personal and cultural identity. Curriculum concepts such as Canadian injustices, racism, segregation, and history feature prominently.

Other End Matter: Timeline, glossary, teacher’s resource
Images: Colour illustrations
Bibliography: Yes
Index: Yes

Evaluator: Lorena D., High School Teacher, BC Books for Schools

Rachel Kehoe is an avid reader, traveler and photographer who has lived in Australia, Europe and Hong Kong. She has written for Muse, Faces and Science News for Students. Rachel lives in Burlington, Ontario.

Rachel Kehoe's profile page

CHELSEA CHARLES has illustrated numerous children’s books including The Hockey Jersey. Her work has appeared in the Washington Post, Reader’s Digest, the Globe and Mail, the Walrus and Refinery29 and on SportsNet. She lives in Brampton, Ontario.

Chelsea Charles' profile page

The late Wanda Robson was a well-known storyteller, author, community activist and unceasing crusader in seeking justice for her older sister Viola Desmond, who was wrongly arrested in 1946 for sitting in the "white only" section of the Roseland Theatre in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. In 2010 she published Sister to Courage: Stories from the World of Viola Desmond. Wanda was a longtime resident of North Sydney, Nova Scotia, where she lived with her husband, Joe, until she passed away in 2022.

Wanda Robson's profile page

• Nominated, Young Readers' Choice Book Awards of British Columbia (YRCABC) Red Cedar Book Awards - Nonfiction
• Nominated, Forest of Reading Yellow Cedar Award
• Short-listed, Hackmatack Children’s Choice Book Award
• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens
• Commended, Children’s Book Council & National Council for Social Studies Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People
• Commended, Ontario Library association (OLA) Best Bets

“[Viola Desmond] inspired black people to keep fighting for their rights in Canada. A great read about this civil rights icon who now appears on the Canadian ten-dollar bill.”

Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)

“A welcome addition to the titles about Black Canadians… Wanda [Robson’s] memories and reflections on Viola’s life bring a personal perspective to the story.”

Canadian Teacher Magazine

“Informed with the late Wanda Robson’s memories of her admired sister Viola, Kehoe writes what will be the go-to biography for this age level for a long time to come…All public libraries and middle schools will want to add this biography to their collections. More than a biography of a social justice activist, it exposes the context of racial discrimination in Nova Scotia and Canada, and it highlights the entrepreneurial success of a trailblazing Black woman and her rich legacy. Highly recommended.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“This colourfully illustrated biography tells [Desmond’s] courageous story with firsthand recollections from her younger sister Wanda Robson…A solid, well-sourced addition to biographies on Black women civil rights leaders.”

Booklist