An Unexpected Friendship

About the Book

Josiah Stokes, (Josh), is the 12-year-old son of an escaped slave with a desire to learn. He is encouraged and supported by his teacher at the unique inter-racial school. He also helps in his uncle’s general store after school and is reluctant to face local bullies. These characteristics and the town’s growing prejudice toward blacks lead to constant pestering by a bully and his gang. Josh meets Seamus Maloney, the 14-year-old son of poor new Irish immigrants in the town; he cannot read and lacks confidence, but he has a gift for playing the tin whistle. As their friendship grows, Josh helps Seamus learn to read and the favour is returned as Seamus sticks up for Josh when bullies pick on him. Together they find a joy in making music. The boys’ adventures are set against the backdrop of growing prejudice as more slaves seek freedom in Canada. There is a fire on the Amherstburg dock and a steamship trip to Toronto to pick up Seamus’ cousins who were orphaned as a result of the terrible sea journey from Ireland. The details of the book reveal something of pioneer life as well as the desperation of Irish people who faced a voyage on a wretched “coffin” ship rather than die of starvation in Ireland. Readers not only experience a friendship of unusual strength but also part of the history of Amherstburg, Ontario, a last stop on the Underground Railroad. The story of two young boys’ respect for one another in the historical context of An Unexpected Friendship leaves readers with the realization that all men truly are created equal.

About the Author

Born to Welsh parents in 1936, Jane Buttery grew up in England where she earned an honours history degree in 1959. After living in Malaysia where she taught for 4 years, and travelling in the Far East, she came to Canada with her husband in 1965.Since then, she has taught and lived in Essex County. Her keen interest in this community has led her to write books about the area. She believes young children can relate to places they know well such as Colasanti's, the Harrow Fair, Jack Miner's Bird Sanctuary and historic Amherstburg. For over ten years( 1991-2003), Jane was involved with the educational programs for the Windsor Symphony. She has written several guides for teachers which have been well received. She is regular supporter of WSO concerts and loves classical music as well as the theatre. Jane continues her volunteer work with the Hospice of Windsor which she began in 1990. Jane is also a lay-reader in her local Anglican Church and really enjoys leading Bible studies, visiting people and writing about church events. She has now written several biographies for people and gives presentations on writing memoirs. But she still makes time to write for children and enjoys visiting schools to talk about creative writing and her own local books