Summer at the Cannery

About the Book

Hello to all children who love to read.

This is a story of 12-year-old Ryan Stanley whose father was killed in the Second World War with the Japanese nation. Born in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Ryan misses having a dad. And, although he loves his mother, he is unhappy that she cannot provide everything he wants.

For this reason, Ryan's mother takes a job at North Pacific Cannery on the Skeena River to earn extra money for the things her son needs.

Ryan has become a selfish child, caught up in his demands for the things he thinks he should have. And, because the Japanese killed his father, and because he is partial to playing with only Caucasian children, he is faced with the dilemma of either not having any friends at all, or of making friends with children of other cultures.

At North Pacific, Ryan meets up with Danny Judson, 11, a native North American born in Kincolith, British Columbia on the Nass River. Danny has his own problems. He spends every school year at the Port Alberni Residential School and feels that he misses out on his native culture. Because of this he has developed an irritating habit of borrowing things and not returning them.

Both boys team up with Kiyoshi Sakamoto, 13, a Japanese boy born in Vancouver, British Columbia. Kiyoshi struggles with the alienation his family experienced when they lost most of their possessions and were evacuated to the interior of the province during the Second World War. During this time his mother died. Kiyoshi is inclined to be cautious and, above all, obedient to his father.

Together, the three boys secretly enjoy exciting adventures exploring the Skeena River on an old raft.

Ryan makes a trip gillnet fishing with his Uncle Ted which ends in disaster. From this experience he realizes that he really wants to be with his new friends.

About the Author

Gladys Young Blyth grew up in Bella Coola, BC. In 1940, she married Alex Blyth and after the Second World War moved to Port Edward, BC, where Alex worked at North Pacific Cannery. Together they have eight children, sixteen grand-children and six great-grands. Blyth taught Sunday School and Kindergarten classes, worked with children from Social Welfare Services and served on District 52 School Board in Prince Rupert, representing Port Edward. As a writer, photographer, reporter, and researcher, Blyth developed an interest in the history of the north coast, particularly the fishing industry. Her work has been published in books, magazines, newspapers, journals and pamphlets. Published books are Salmon Canneries, British Columbia North Coast, Wales Island, When God Opens the Door, History of Port Edward and Someone to Walk With. From 1970-1990, with her overall knowledge of the fishing industry, Blyth spear-headed the acquisition and restoration of North Pacific Cannery, a derelict salmon cannery at the mouth of the Skeena River. It became a National Heritage Site under Parks Canada and is now known as North Pacific Cannery Village Museum. A highlight for Blyth, resulting from her years of writing and community work, came in 1989 when Brock House Society of Vancouver, selected her as their sixth Senior Citizen of the Year for the Province of BC.