Trailblazing Canadians

The inspiring and true life story of Kimiko Murakami, a Japanese-Canadian pioneer and internment camp survivor, beautifully illustrated for a young audience. Ganbaru is a Japanese word that means to keep going during hard times and never give up. This picture book introduces young readers to Kimiko Murakami (1904–1997), a brave and determined woman whose life embodied the ganbaru spirit. Born in the village of Steveston, BC, and raised on Salt Spring Island, Kimiko was part of a long tradition of Japanese-Canadian families who made their livings fishing and farming. During the Second World War, she was among the 22,000 Japanese Canadians who were sent to live in internment camps because they were seen as "enemy aliens." The camps were dirty and crowded, but worst of all, they robbed Japanese Canadians of their basic rights and freedoms. Following the War, Kimiko and her family were allowed to return to Salt Spring Island and had to rebuild their farm and their life from scratch. Through it all, Kimiko-a pioneer and survivor-never lost hope. This book celebrates her achievements, courage, and ganbaru spirit through vivid illustrations and a clear, informative, and inspiring narrative.

The uplifting true story of Elizabeth Quocksister, a strong Indigenous woman and community leader, who dedicated her life to protecting her language and cultural traditions. Elizabeth Quocksister (1925–81) had many roles in her life. She was a cultural teacher, a community leader, a dancer, a nurse, a photographer, a residential school survivor, and a mother of ten. Born on the Da'naxda'xw Nation on Knight Inlet on the central coast of British Columbia, Elizabeth spoke fluent Kwak'wala and proudly celebrated her Kwakwaka'wakw culture at a time when the Canadian government actively discouraged Indigenous traditions and the speaking of Indigenous languages. She cared for community members in need and saved many children from the horrors of residential school. She chronicled the daily lives, important events, and changing times of her community through photography-preserving her people's history and culture for future generations. This inspiring picture book is a beautiful tribute to a proud Indigenous woman whose name deserves to be well-known throughout her community and beyond.

The inspiring true story of Victoria Chung (1897–1966), who pursued her dreams against all odds to become the first Chinese-Canadian doctor. The inspiring true story of Victoria Chung (1897–1966), who pursued her dreams against all odds to become the first Chinese-Canadian doctor.

The unlikely true story of Jennie Butchart, who saw the possibility of beauty in a hole in the ground and built a public garden that attracts millions of visitors from around the world. There was a time when Jennie Butchart (1806–1950) knew nothing about gardening. She knew about chemistry and a little about business, which came in handy when she and her husband ran a cement plant on Vancouver Island. But their business venture turned into an eyesore when the quarry near their house ran out of limestone, leaving a huge, ugly pit in the ground. Every day, Jennie stared at the pit in frustration. She wished there was a way to make it beautiful. Then one day, she had an idea. Little by little, Jennie worked to make her vision a reality. She read books about gardening, gathered seeds from around the world, and hired the best plant experts she could find. Jennie and her team slowly transformed the barren hole into an enchanting public garden, bursting with colour and life! The story of Jennie's brilliant idea to transform a barren pit into the world-famous Butchart Gardens is beautifully illustrated for children. Jennie Butchart: Gardener of Dreams inspires young readers to see the potential in the most unlikely of places.

Born in a rustic cabin surrounded by mountains, lakes, and forests, Ruth Masters grew up with a deep love and respect for the natural world. As an avid mountaineer and backcountry guide in the wilderness of Strathcona Provincial Park on Vancouver Island, she knew firsthand how precious the land was and how important it was to protect it. For years, Ruth fought against the harmful practices of logging, damming, mining, and trophy hunting. She was always on the frontlines of protests, raising her voice against those who wanted to exploit the environment for profit. Even when people got angry at her, Ruth never gave up her cause. This inspiring picture book celebrates Ruth's passion for the environment and encourages young readers to find their inner activist! The empowering true story of Ruth Masters (1920–2017), a lover of nature and pioneer in Canada's environmental movement.