An Unlikely Friendship
Amherstburg 1846
by
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Chapter 4 Josh’s Unpleasant Encounter "This way," Seamus commanded, moving ahead on the narrow streets. Long shadows from the many tall trees coming into bud, cast their huge outlines across the deep ruts in the street. More snow had melted during the day and a horse-drawn cart came by, splashing the boys’ pants. They had to go one behind the other as they crossed "They need to know their place, I say," said the other in a louder voice. Josh’s small body stiffened at the remarks but Seamus turned round and glared at the women. They turned away and the boys went on. Soon Josh was stopped by an older black lady, shaking out a mat. "Hi there, Josh. School over yet?" "No, Missus Hurst. In another two weeks." "Well, you go on learnin’ Josh. Your mama’ll be proud of you!" " Thank you, Missus Hurst. I will." Seamus stopped and looked sharply at Josh. "You go to school still? I thought you just worked in the store." "I help my uncle and aunt ‘cause they have me stay when school’s on. I go to the "Do you like all that learning?" "Of course. My pa says it’s important. He had to learn to read secretly but I can go to school!." "Secretly? Why?" " Well my Pa told us that slaves weren’t allowed to learn. The white folk said they weren’t good enough but that’s not true. They just kept us down that way." "Really?" Seamus quizzed wrinkling up his nose." So aren’t you the lucky one. I never had a chance at regular school- too much to do," he whined, looking away from Josh as they headed up Just at that instant something hard hit his back. He turned to see Billy Warton ‘s ginger hair as he ran behind a tree. Seamus stopped and saw Josh stoop down, balancing the tin and sack against his knees. "You all right?" asked Seamus. Formats Book Details Can you guess what happens in a small town in 1846 when a Black schoolboy Josh befriends a poor Irish immigrant, Seamus? It is not surprising when the locals don’t approve. It was in fact a time of growing prejudice and led to the Separate Schools Act of 1850. Josh, who is a dedicated student, suffers bullying by the others who don’t want him at their inter-racial school. The school boys even gang up on Seamus when he sticks up for Josh. But throughout the experiences the two boys become strong friends; they discover a common love of music and, towards the end of the story, they have quite a journey together. The author seeks to bring you a slice of life in Jane Buttery has written seven books for children, of which four are picture books. In 2005, she produced an informative history of her local Anglican Church which dates back two hundred years. As a teacher, Jane saw the need to encourage reading about places children know in
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