Joe the Pressman

A brave African boy's journey from slavery to resistance unfolds in this captivating tale. Discover the remarkable true story of resilience and courage that sheds light on the hidden histories of slavery in Canada and the US North, inspiring young readers to learn and grow.

Long ago, an African boy was stolen from his family and forced onto a slave ship, sailing far from his homeland. Joe the Pressman is the incredible true story of a young black boy who was taken to the Caribbean and then to Philadelphia, where he was enslaved by printer William Dunlap. His journey continued to Quebec City, where he worked for William Brown and Thomas Gilmore, co-founders of the Quebec Gazette. Renamed Joe, he became the pressman, the shop's most valued laborer. Yet, Joe remembered freedom and was determined not to live as a "slave." He escaped five times, even braving the harsh Quebec winters, prompting his enslavers to publish fugitive slave ads in their desperate attempts to recapture him.

Joe's resistance is a testament to his intelligence and bravery, and it is through his struggles that we learn about his life. This book not only celebrates Joe's legendary spirit but also educates children about the lesser-known histories of slavery in colder regions like the US North and Canada. Unlike many children's books that focus on plantation slavery in the US South, Joe the Pressman is the first English-language children's book to explore the 200-year history of Canadian slavery. Through Joe's story, readers will gain insight into the past while being inspired to stand against injustice and embrace their own strength.