CM Magazine: Pier 21: Gateway of Hope.

________________ CM . . . . Volume VII Number 5 . . . . November 3, 2000

Pier 21: Gateway of Hope.

Linda Granfield.
Toronto, ON: Tundra Books, 2000.
48 pp., pbk., $12.99.
ISBN 0-88776-517-3.

Subject Headings:
Ports of entry-Nova Scotia-Halifax-History-20th century-Juvenile literature.
Immigrants-Canada-History-20th century-Juvenile literature.

Grades 3 and up / Ages 8 and up.

Review by Catherine Hoyt.

***.5 /4

excerpt:

Listen.
Since 1928 we spilled from westbound ships,
Entering the harbour as the morning mists lifted.
In joy, we shifted to one side of the deck,
Daring to tip ourselves
Onto the waiting shore.
Into Pier 21.
Into a dusty warehouse fast-filled with hopeful souls.
Into Canada

Listen to our tired voices.
Hear our shuffling feet and murmured prayers
Of thanks as our voyage continues
On the tracks and highways,
On the way across Canada
To our homes away from the war.
Away from pain and fear.
Foreign adventures have come with us.
Canadian adventures begin.
We have arrived at Pier 21.
We have stories to tell.

Listen.

So begins the latest example of this author's excellent work. Granfield brings the dusty warehouse alive for readers young and old through her clearly written text and well chosen archival photos. This location, now a Canadian National Historic Site, is a piece of history that played an important role in many lives, and Granfield does a top notch job presenting the variety of groups which moved through Pier 21 throughout its history. Hopefully this book will encourage visits to this important museum. The inclusion of Canadian illustrator Michael Martchenko is a relatable example of an immigrant who arrived at Pier 21 as a young boy. Many readers will recognize Martchenko as the illustrator of many Robert Munsch titles plus Granfield's High Flight.
The Pier 21 At A Glance section is a nice addition. This section includes a brief history and web site information. A strongly recommended title for purchase by every school and public library, this title will prove to be a valuable resource for classroom discussions of many topics including: Heritage Month, Canada Day, immigration and general Canadian history and social studies classes.

Highly Recommended.

Catherine Hoyt is the Curator of the Eileen Wallace Children's Literature Collection at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton, NB.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

Published by
The Manitoba Library Association
ISSN 1201-9364

TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THIS ISSUE - November 3, 2000.