An Unexpected Friendship

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.