Jody Nyasha Warner, illustrated by Richard Rudnicki,
Viola Desmond Won't Be Budged!
Groundwood Books/House of Anansi Press, 2010.

Rating: E*

Set in 1946 Nova Scotia, this biographical picture book tells the story of Viola Desmond's fight against segregation. While waiting for her car to be repaired, Desmond decided to go to the Roseland Theatre. She bought her movie ticket, but as soon as she settled into a seat on the main floor, an usher told her to move: "You people have to sit in the upstairs sections".

Desmond knew the seating rule was wrong and she refused. After being dragged out of the theatre, she was put in jail overnight. When she appeared before the judge she was charged with not paying the proper ticket price. At the time, the courts refused to acknowledge this was racial discrimination. Back home, the black community was outraged and fought to appeal the decision, but ultimately lost.

An end note gives more information on African-Canadian history and includes an archival photograph of Viola Desmond at 16 years of age.  Richard Rudnicki's illustrations are authentic to the time period, capturing the fashions, cars, and popular movies of the 1940s. 
The conversational prose will quickly draw young listeners into this true story. Desmond's bravery made a difference and inspired others to fight against segregation. This book is a powerful discussion starter on racism.

Thematic Links: Canadian Biography; Racism; Segregation; Viola Desmond

Linda Ludke
Vol. 16, number 2
December 2010

*Rating System:
E - Excellent, enduring, everyone should see it!
G - Good, even great at times, generally useful!
A - Average, all right, has its applications.
P - Problematic, puzzling, poorly presented.