Skip to main content Skip to search Skip to search

Children's Nonfiction Law & Crime

Real Justice: Convicted for Being Mi'kmaq

The story of Donald Marshall Jr.

by (author) Bill Swan

Publisher
James Lorimer & Company Ltd., Publishers
Initial publish date
Mar 2013
Category
Law & Crime, Social Activists
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9781459404397
    Publish Date
    Mar 2013
    List Price
    $12.95
  • Hardback

    ISBN
    9781459404380
    Publish Date
    Mar 2013
    List Price
    $18.95
  • eBook

    ISBN
    9781459404403
    Publish Date
    Mar 2013
    List Price
    $12.99

Add it to your shelf

Where to buy it

Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels

  • Age: 13 to 17
  • Grade: 8 to 12
  • Reading age: 13 to 17

Description

When a black teen was murdered in a Sydney, Cape Breton park late one night, his young companion, Donald Marshall Jr., became a prime suspect. Sydney police coached two teens to testify against Donald which helped convict him of a murder he did not commit. He spent 11 years in prison until he finally got a lucky break. Not only was he eventually acquitted of the crime, but a royal commission inquiry into his wrongful conviction found that a non-aboriginal youth would not have been convicted in the first place. Donald became a First Nations activist and later won a landmark court case in favour of native fishing rights. He was often referred to as the "reluctant hero" of the Mi'kmaq community.

About the author

BILL SWAN has worked as a journalism teacher, editor and newspaper columnist. His first three novels, Fast Finish, Mud Run, and Off Track are highly recommended by CM Magazine: Canadian Review of Materials. Mud Run was nominated for a Manitoba Young Readers` Choice Award. He is also the author of Corner Kick. He lives in Courtice, Ontario with his wife and daughter.

Visit Bill Swan's Website

Bill Swan's profile page

Awards

  • Commended, Best Books for Kids & Teens - Canadian Children's Book Centre

Editorial Reviews

"the important subject matter, meticulous research, and ultimately balanced portrait of the flawed man Marshall was makes this an engrossing and enlightening read for curious teens." Recommeded

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

"Bill Swan presents a straightforward, compelling narrative, easily followed, that will astound today's teenagers." Rated G, good, even great at times

Resource Links

"Much of this disturbing but well-researched book is impressively drawn directly from court documents and is part of the valuable Real Justice series, which features wrongfully accused Canadian youth and their fight for freedom."

Booklist Online

Other titles by

Related lists