Title: The Loxleys & The War of 1812
Author: Alan Grant, Claude St. Aubin, Lovern Kindzierski, Todd Klien & Mark Zuehlke
Publisher: Renegade Arts
Age Range: Children (9+)
Time Period: 1812
Location: Niagara Region, Upper Canada
“The story follows the Loxleys, a Canadian family living in the Niagara peninsula as they’re torn apart by the American invasion of Canada in 1812, and the subsequent war that raged across both countries as British troops, Canadian militia, and First Nation warriors sought to thwart the expansionist plans of the American government.”
If you are looking for a good way to read about the war of 1812, look no further. This amazing graphic novel throws us right into the action through the letters and diary entries of a family who live in Niagara region in Upper Canada. As the men head off to war, we are given the opportunity to see how the war affected not only those on the front lines but also those left at home. It introduces us to the names and faces of key figures during the war: Brock, Tecumseh, Secord, Fitzgibbon, Merritt, and more.
I found this reading method was perfect for the subject matter. It really made the concept of war more vivid and “real” to me. The brutality of fighting and the agony of a family were hard to not empathize with. I wanted to note that there are images of people being shot in the book, a surgeon covered in blood, a few dead people close ups, men that have been hung, and some shadows of people who had been impaled on stakes. Although done well, I know that some kids are sensitive to this kind of thing – so just a head’s up.
The second half of the book is a complete walkthrough of the events of the war of 1812 in a readable format, including maps and other images. It’s here that students can move beyond basic knowledge and dive into expanding their understand of the events as they unfolded.
There are several other ways to enjoy this story:
- a digital novel – a more traditional story approach
- a school play – an adaptation of the story that you can download for free to do as a dramatic presentation
- study guide – intended for students ages 13-19, this guide outlines the key moments and people of the war, offers discussion guides and classroom activities, includes the examination of media, and suggestions additional resources for continued learning.
You can continue the adventures of early Canada with the Loxley Family in their second book: The Loxleys and Confederation,.
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Laura Secord warned the British that the Americans were about to attack.
The British burned the White House.
Laura Secord warned the british, ran for miles.
It was a conflict between the United States on one side, and on the other Great Britain, its colonies and its Indian allies in North America.
Is it awful that I know nothing about the War of 1812 other than it happened in 1812?
Canada won the war of 1812.
Looking for more Canadian content for history. This looks great!
I had to ask my 10 yr old son (BLUSH) – it was between British and Americans over Canadian land. Americans started war, and it was easier for them to attack Canada then to go overseas to attack Britain. The British won, for Canada.
Canada won the war against the U.S.
My kids are doing their history fair project on this in a couple weeks!!
The final battle took place after the peace treaty was signed, they just had no way to communicate the information to the troops on the battle fields.
Our kids would love this!
WE won!!!
It was between the Americans and the Britains (pre-Canada). It took place in Southern Ontario. Of course, we need to make mention of Laura Secord and her contributions in warning of the American’s attack.
“Blockhouses” were built along the Rideau Canal to defend the shipping route against American attack – and of course I remember the British burned the White House (which was originally painted pink, wasn’t it?).
Thanks for the contest!
I don’t remember a thing about the war of 1812. We are coming up to it soon in Homeschooling and I really need some help 🙂
Besides the fact that Laura Secord warned the British that the Americans were going to attack… that it was in 1812 🙂
Canada won the war of 1812 and if they hadn’t there’d be no Canadians today
Canada won.