Books that remind children of their brilliance and potential

By Yolanda T. Marshall

Learn Something K-new: Black Canadian History You Weren’t Taught In School

Written by LTthe Monk

“Do you need a book about Black Canadian history? My name is LTtheMonk, and I think you need to learn something new. Something you weren’t taught in school, stories of unsung Black Canadian heroes, forgotten communities, and why the Klan got so big in Canada. You’ll be amazed you didn’t know these stories before, why Martin Luther King Jr. & Malcolm X have some pretty deep ties to Ontario & Quebec, why the first hockey league in the world started in Nova Scotia, and why Canadians across the country can’t let go of the Confederate flag.

With this book all these stories will be yours, and maybe you can even share them with that colleague who didn’t know slavery existed in Canada, or the friend who thought racism only occurred below the border. Enjoy reading, and support the mission to educate Canadians on Black history!” – independently published, June 2026.

Sweet Sorrel Stand

Written by Yolanda T. Marshall.

“Originally published in 2018 this story celebrates Caribbean culture, entrepreneurship, and family support by showing how two siblings turn their love of a traditional sorrel drink into a successful neighbourhood business.

Rose and Nicolas loved their favourite Caribbean sorrel drink so much, the siblings decided to create a sorrel stand with the assistance of their parents. Their Sweet Sorrel Stand was a

success in the neighbourhood. The main ingredient of the drink is the Roselle plant (Sorrel), a species of hibiscus which is native to West Africa. This drink is called Bissap in Senegal, Zobo in Nigeria and Sobolo (or Zobolo) in Ghana. The red flower buds are boiled, strained,

sweetened with sugar, with a touch of ginger, cinnamon, orange peel and cloves. Once

cooled for a couple of hours or overnight, it is served with ice. It is known to be very rich in antioxidants. Traditionally, this drink is served during Christmas holidays. On a hot summer day, it is a refreshing alternative to lemonade.

This book includes a sorrel drink recipe and financial literacy activities to help young readers on their path to entrepreneurship.”- Chalkboard Publishing,

You Are 8 and Brilliant

 Written by Marsha Gray MSW.

“This is the first book in the You Are Brilliant: Inspiring Stories to Build Confident Black Girls series, a collection of ten heartwarming stories for girls ages 8 to 12, all set at the same

welcoming school, Riverside Elementary.

Each story follows a different girl through an everyday moment that takes real courage:

raising a hand in class, trying again after a mistake, telling the truth, sitting with someone new, or simply loving what makes her different. No girl in this book has to be perfect. She just has to keep trying, and that is exactly what makes her brilliant.” – Independently

published, July, 2026.

Please support local bookstores, such as A Different Booklist, Old’s Cool General Store, Nile Valley Books and Knowledge Bookstore.

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