Title
Our Friend Joe: The Joe Fortes Story,Used
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Literary Nonfiction. African American Studies. Biography. When a young black man named Seraphim 'Joe' Fortes arrived in Vancouver in 1885, with little to his name, no one could have possibly suspected that one hundred years later he would be voted 'Citizen of the Century.' OUR FRIEND JOE is the first biography of the West Indian sailor who became a local legend, saving dozens of lives and teaching three generations of Vancouver children how to swim. On a chance rowboat ride not far from the city, he would find his 'perfect place' in English Bay, where the untold story truly begins. In 1900, after years of volunteering, Joe was officially hired by the City as lifeguard, swimming instructor and special constable of English Bay beach. Colorful, often poignant details chronicle Joe's many adventures both on and off shore, his genuine rapport with citizens of all ages and his deeply personal relationship with one Vancouver family. On February 7, 1922, thousands of mourners lined Vancouver's streets to bid farewell to 'our friend Joe.' His legacy continues today, with one of Vancouver's libraries named after him. Part of the proceeds from this biography are being donated to the Lifesaving Society/Socit du Sauvetage, Canada's national organization for lifeguarding and water safety expertise.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: This book contains one hundred seventy pages. It provides an in-depth exploration of Joe Fortes' life and legacy.
- Q: What is the binding type of the book? A: The book is published in paperback binding. This makes it lightweight and easy to handle for readers.
- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The book measures five point nine eight inches in length, zero point six inches in width, and nine point zero two inches in height.
- Q: Is this book suitable for young readers? A: Yes, this book is suitable for young readers. It covers themes of community, culture, and history in an engaging manner.
- Q: What age group is this book appropriate for? A: This book is appropriate for readers aged ten and up. The biography's themes resonate with both young and adult audiences.
- Q: How can I use this book effectively for educational purposes? A: You can use this book as a reference for projects on African American history or local Vancouver culture. It provides valuable insights into community impact.
- Q: How should I store this book to keep it in good condition? A: Store this book in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This prevents fading and preserves the quality of the paperback.
- Q: Is the book safe for children? A: Yes, the book is safe for children. It contains no inappropriate content and promotes positive values such as bravery and community service.
- Q: How do I clean the book if it gets dirty? A: To clean the book, gently wipe the cover with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using any liquids to prevent damage.
- Q: What should I do if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, contact the seller within thirty days for a return or exchange. Keep the original packaging for reference.
- Q: Can this book be used for a school project? A: Yes, this book is an excellent choice for a school project. It offers rich historical context and engaging storytelling.
- Q: How does this book compare to other biographies? A: This book stands out due to its focus on a local hero, Joe Fortes, and his contributions to Vancouver. It provides a unique perspective compared to other biographies.
- Q: What makes this biography unique? A: This biography is unique because it highlights the life of Joe Fortes, a Black community figure who became a legend in Vancouver's history.
- Q: Is there a specific audience this book targets? A: The book targets readers interested in African American studies and local history. It appeals to both casual readers and academic audiences.
- Q: What if I have questions about the content? A: If you have questions about the content, consider reaching out to local libraries or book clubs for discussions and insights.
- Q: Are there any special features in the book? A: Yes, the book includes colorful anecdotes and historical photographs that enhance the storytelling experience.