(2) K-3 Illustrated by Lauren Soloy. Maud Lewis (1903–1970) was a Nova Scotian folk artist who lived with rheumatoid arthritis. Despite physical and economic challenges, she never let her passion for art fade away. As a child, when her hands become too bent and stiff to play the piano, she starts painting. When her parents die and her brother sells the house, Maud finds a job as fish peddler Everett Lewis's live-in housekeeper (and eventually marries him, though this isn't mentioned in the book). There's not much money for paint, but Maud makes the best of what she has, adding "touches of colour" to Everett's "dull little house," painting birds and butterflies on the doors and flowers on the windows. Eventually she is able to sell her beautiful paintings and gain recognition for her creations. Stinson celebrates not only Lewis's artistic achievements but also her resilient spirit in the face of poverty and hardship. Soloy's illustrations capture the essence of Lewis's unique artistic style with a cheery palette that reflects the text's upbeat tone. A touching and uplifting tribute, this book emphasizes the importance of finding beauty in the everyday and persevering through life's challenges.

Reviewer: Weileen Wang | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2023

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Eva Campbell. A young girl relishes a visit to her ancestors' home as evocative text and lush, colorful oil and pastel illustrations bring historic Africville to life. A centuries-old Black community in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Africville was razed in the 1960s (such historical context is appended). An idyllic remembrance of a unique, self-sustaining community that thrived despite being under-served and remained connected even when dispersed by outside forces. Reading list, websites.

Reviewer: Monique Harris

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Richard Rudnicki. Set in post–Revolutionary War Nova Scotia, this slight, rather garishly illustrated picture book focuses on ten-year-old Abigail, whose patience is rewarded when she receives her heart's desire: a new dress. The story is of interest for its portrayal of life in Birchtown, a black Canadian colony; unfortunately, there are no sources, notes, or further information about the settlement.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano

(4) 4-6 Lobster Chronicles series. Illustrated by Shelagh Armstrong. Budding marine biologist Graeme's lobsterman father catches a huge, record-breaking lobster. In order to get at that crustacean, crafty cannery scion Norris exploits Graeme's desire to raise funds to visit the Big Fish Aquarium. There's also a classroom mystery, and the plot is a bit muddled. The maritime North Atlantic setting is vivid in this first entry in a planned trilogy.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(4) 4-6 Kevin's family receives a mysterious invitation to stay at a house in Halifax. Soon after arrival, Kevin starts hearing a ghost: "Where's Michael? What have you done with my boy?" Some investigating leads to the discovery of a family secret tied to the Titanic disaster. The real-life events on which the story is based are fascinating; the ghost story is mildly chilling.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Layne Johnson. A band of wild horses is abandoned on Sable Island off Nova Scotia. At first the animals thrive, but then they face a harsh winter and an even harsher storm. Thanks to a stallion, they find shelter near a dune. Markle's descriptive text is accompanied by oil-on-canvas illustrations, which, though impassioned, can favor melodrama. An author's note is appended. Reading list, websites.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(4) 4-6 Mysterious Encounters series. Atlantis gives background on the mythical undersea place. Oak Island discusses the Nova Scotia locale's supernatural pirate history. Disappearances touches on the lost colony of Roanoke, the Bermuda Triangle, UFOs, etc. Stock photos and illustrations--some adequate, some cheesy, some unhelpful--break up the texts. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Mysterious Encounters titles: Atlantis, Mysterious Disappearances, and Oak Island Treasure Pit.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(4) YA Insistent declarations of undying love dominate this novel that pairs (not always successfully) a doomed eighteenth-century romance with a troubled modern-day one. Both love stories revel in a moody aura developed through lush descriptions of Nova Scotia's rugged coastline. Allusions to Longfellow's poem "Evangeline" and the historic expulsion of the Acadian settlements provide the tale's most intriguing elements.

Reviewer: Megan Lynn Isaac

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Richard Rudnicki. In 1946 Nova Scotia, Viola Desmond stood up to segregation by refusing to change seats in a movie theater. This inspiring story will remind readers of Rosa Parks's conviction. Both Rudnicki's brightly colored acrylics and Warner's oral-style narration ("They took Viola to jail. Can you believe it?") are a little overdone. An illuminating endnote on African Canadian history is appended.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen

(4) 4-6 Thirteen-year-old Johnny Lightfoot and everyone else in his 1940s Nova Scotia mining town believe creepy Old Maude is a witch. But after a daring rescue, Johnny begins to understand the truth about her. Though Johnny's family's wholehearted acceptance of Maud seems unrealistic, the characters are largely believable. The writing suffers from some tortured dialogue, but historical details are interesting.

Reviewer: Betsy Murray

(2) YA After the nineteenth-century Highland Clearances leave her homeless, fifteen-year-old Sarah flees to relatives in the Outer Hebrides while her family (including younger sister Jeannie) sails from Scotland to Canada for a new start. The sisters' alternating verse narratives are braided together in a delicate, intricate system of repetition. Historical events are authentic and poignant, the sisters courageous and well realized. Author's note.

Reviewer: Joanna Rudge Long | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2006

(4) 4-6 Lobstering for the summer off the coast of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, high schooler Lauchie pulls up an old crock containing an antique pistol and a letter describing hidden treasure. Predictable but entertaining adventure ensues as Lauchie and a friend search for the stash of silver and gold and narrowly escape disaster when a cave wall collapses. Ashby has a good sense of Cape Breton speech cadence and develops the setting well.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute