Jean de Brébeuf. (Discovering Canada). Rebecca Szulhan. Calgary, AB: Weigl, (Distributed by Saunders Book Company), 2009. 32 pp, pbk. & hc, $11.95 (pbk.), $26.95 (hc.). ISBN 978-1-55388-505-8 (pbk.), ISBN 978-1-55388-504-X (hc.). Grades 5-8 / Ages 10-13. Review by Ian Stewart. *** /4

Montcalm and Wolfe. (Discovering Canada). Rebecca Szulhan. Calgary, AB: Weigl, (Distributed by Saunders Book Company), 2009. 32 pp, pbk. & hc, $11.95 (pbk.), $26.95 (hc.). ISBN 978-1-55388-503-0 (pbk.), ISBN 978-1-55388-502-3 (hc.). Grades 5-8 / Ages 10-13. Review by Ian Stewart. *** /4

excerpt:

Father Jean de Brébeuf was one of the earliest missionaries to come to Canada. Brébeuf spent 15 years working among the Huron. He was made a saint in the early 1900s, and is the Patron Saint of Canada. During his lifetime, Brébeuf was respected for his strong faith, scholarship, and kindness. He had a genuine interest in the Huron and took time to learn their language and customs. Brébeuf strove to build a positive relationship with the Huron. After his death, he was honoured by both the Jesuits and the Huron. (From Jean de Brébeuf.)

Before long, France and Great Britain were also fighting. In 1756, they declared war. A key issue in the Seven Years' War was control over New France. Great Britain was determined to conquer New France and Gain control; of North America. Each country sent officers to control the troops in New France. Great Britain sent General James Wolfe to capture New France, France sent General Louis-Joseph Montcalm to resist the British and protect France's interests. Both men were highly regarded officers with distinguished careers. On September 13, 1759, they led their troops into the Battle of the Plains of Abraham. The two nations fought for control of Quebec, a major city in New France. (From Montcalm and Wolfe.)

The “Discovering Canada” series aims to look at the lives of significant historical individuals, without whom the path Canada took toward nationhood might have been markedly different. Although often maligned by social historians, the Euro-centric, heroic "great man theory of history" advanced by this type of book does have some value. It may be a well-too-trodden trail; however, the text displays some freshness and casts insights on the characters of Brébeuf, Wolfe and Montcalm that are, generally, only found in longer works.

     Montcalm and Wolfe takes readers through the lives of the two generals who commanded the British and French armies in North America during the Seven Years War and who died, in 1759, during the war's decisive Battle of the Plains of Abraham. Following in the tradition of the European officer-class, both generals were well-educated and began their careers at a very early age. By the time they went to North America, both young men were respected, seasoned soldiers, who had proven their bravery and military prowess in many European battles. A human face is put on these men as readers learn about their family lives, interests and conflicts with their superior officers.

     After the British conquest of 1629, Brébeuf left New France but returned in the 1630s and founded the mission Sainte-Marie among the Hurons along Georgian Bay. In 1649, the mission was attacked by the Iroquois, the Hurons’ sworn enemies, and Brébeuf was captured, tortured and killed. In 1930, Brébeuf, along with other missionary martyrs, was declared a saint by Pope Pius XI. Brébeuf is now called the Patron Saint of Canada.

     The books in the series all contain a quiz, a glossary of terms, a time line of significant events in the history of New France and an index.

Ian Stewart is a literacy support teacher at David Livingstone School in Winnipeg, MB.

NEXT REVIEW TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THIS ISSUE - April 3, 2009.