Book cover of African Canadians in Union Blue: Volunteering for the Cause in the Civil War

Book description

Before Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, he added a paragraph authorizing the army to recruit black soldiers. Nearly 200,000 men answered the call. Several thousand of them came from Canada.

What compelled these men to leave the relative comfort of their homes to face death on the battlefield, loss…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked African Canadians in Union Blue as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

By the thousands, young Black men from Canada–some were escaped slaves, others were freemen, often descended from Americans–rallied to join Lincoln’s army.

Reid paints moving portraits of their determination to fight racism, their sacrifices, and their contributions to the cause. I was particularly interested in the historic role played by Black Canadian doctors and Reid delivers a sweeping overview and fascinating details of the main characters.

If you love African Canadians in Union Blue...

Book cover of These Blue Mountains

These Blue Mountains by Sarah Loudin Thomas,

A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.

German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Hedda…

Want books like African Canadians in Union Blue?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like African Canadians in Union Blue.

Browse books like African Canadians in Union Blue

Book cover of Come Retribution: The Confederate Secret Service and the Assassination of Lincoln
Book cover of The Mysterious Private Thompson: The Double Life of Sarah Emma Edmonds, Civil War Soldier
Book cover of Blood and Daring: How Canada Fought the American Civil War and Forged a Nation

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,303

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like African Canadians in Union Blue, you might also like...

Book cover of Sorceress Kringle: The Woman Who Became Santa Claus

Sorceress Kringle by Joseph D'Agnese,

Everything you know about Santa Claus is a lie. And that’s just the way she likes it.

She remembers nothing of her real parents. She was abducted by fairies who taught her all she knows. Everyone calls her Key, but no one can tell her why.

Now, in the year…

Book cover of Murder on Book Row

Murder on Book Row by Joseph D'Agnese,

She sells books, eats well, and has a very large brain. Criminals fear her.

Meet Beatrice Valentine, a larger-than-life bookshop owner with a penchant for three things in abundance—delicious Italian food, vino, and murder. For decades, she has sold used and rare books from her stylish-but-cluttered domain on New York…

5 book lists we think you will like!