Leaders and Legacies Series

The Mystery of the Moonlight Murder: An Early Adventure of John Diefenbaker

and 

The Legends of Lake on the Mountain: An Early Adventure of John A.Macdonald

Leaders and Legacies Series 

Roderick Benns.
Whitby, ON: Fireside Publishing House, 2009.
245 pp., pbk., $12.95.
ISBN 978-0-9812433-0-6.

Subject Headings:
Diefenbaker, John G., 1895-1979-Childhood and youth-Juvenile fiction.
Prairie Provinces-History-1905-1945-Juvenile fiction.
Prime ministers-Canada-Juvenile fiction.

Macdonald, John A. (John Alexander), 1815-1891-Childhood and youth-Juvenile fiction.

Recommended

*Canadian Author 

Roderick Benns' Leaders and Legacies Series stood out to me largely due to the inclusion of Saskatchewan, Canadian, First Nations, and Metis content. As a Saskatchewan based teacher-librarian I am always looking for new and interesting books to include in my collection that contain Saskatchewan, First Nations, and Metis content. 


In the Leaders and Legacies Series Benns is able to blend Canadian history through the fictionalized mysteries and adventures of John Diefenbaker and John A.Macdonald. Through the characters and events in this series he is able to promote diverse perspectives, and does this in in such a way that will intrigue students across the grade levels, and will evoke questions and curiosity. 


I found it very helpful that Roderick included a note to the reader, in each of his books, that outlined the truth and authenticity of the story, as well as a reference list of resources that helped him craft his story. Either one of these books would make a great read aloud and would provide background information and perspectives when teaching First Nations and Metis content across the subject areas.


Watch the book trailers below and read the reviews from CM magazine to learn more about the Leaders and Legacies Series. 


The Mystery of the Moonlight Murder: An Early Adventure of John Diefenbaker





The Legends of Lake on the Mountain: An Early Adventure of John A.Macdonald

Reviews and Resources


CM Review of The Mystery of the Moonlight Murder: An Early Adventure of John Diefenbaker


CM Review  of The Legends of Lake on the Mountain: An Early Adventure of John A.Macdonald


Ideas for the classroom: Included on Roderick Benn's website


Saskatchewan Curriculum Connections

• English Language Arts: Social, cultural, and historical context.
• Social Studies: Power and Authority and Dynamic Relationships