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When We Were Alone
Ages 8-10
By David A Robertson & Julie Flett
Themes: Residential Schools, Identity, Family, Canadian History
**See our link to a youtube reading of the book**
When a young girl helps tend to her grandmother's garden, she begins to notice things about her grandmother that make her curious. Why does her grandmother have long braided hair and wear beautifully coloured clothing?
Why does she speak another language and spend so much time with her family? As she asks her grandmother about these things, she is told about life in a residential school a long time ago, where everything was taken away. When We Were Alone is a story about a difficult time in history and, ultimately, a story of empowerment and strength.
Quote by the author:
"I've discussed residential school history with my own children and I felt like I knew how far to go and where not to go in terms of subject matter. Any complicated subject needs to start with a foundation. I looked at the foundational teachings of residential school history and focused on the institutionalized attempts to strip identity away from Indigenous children. The book is based on universal experiences of children at these schools — including attempts to change their hair, clothing, language and familial connections — and I felt these were things kids could really empathize with."
By David A Robertson & Julie Flett
Themes: Residential Schools, Identity, Family, Canadian History
**See our link to a youtube reading of the book**
When a young girl helps tend to her grandmother's garden, she begins to notice things about her grandmother that make her curious. Why does her grandmother have long braided hair and wear beautifully coloured clothing?
Why does she speak another language and spend so much time with her family? As she asks her grandmother about these things, she is told about life in a residential school a long time ago, where everything was taken away. When We Were Alone is a story about a difficult time in history and, ultimately, a story of empowerment and strength.
Quote by the author:
"I've discussed residential school history with my own children and I felt like I knew how far to go and where not to go in terms of subject matter. Any complicated subject needs to start with a foundation. I looked at the foundational teachings of residential school history and focused on the institutionalized attempts to strip identity away from Indigenous children. The book is based on universal experiences of children at these schools — including attempts to change their hair, clothing, language and familial connections — and I felt these were things kids could really empathize with."
The Proudest Blue
Ages 4-8
by Ibtihaj Muhammad
Themes: Wearing the Hijab, Faith, Sisterhood, Courage, Being Different
With her new backpack and light-up shoes, Faizah knows the first day of school is going to be special. It's her older sister Asiya's first day of hijab- made of fabric of beautiful blue, like the ocean waving to the sky.
But not everyone sees hijab as beautiful, and in the face of hurtful, confusing words, Faizah will find new ways to be strong.
by Ibtihaj Muhammad
Themes: Wearing the Hijab, Faith, Sisterhood, Courage, Being Different
With her new backpack and light-up shoes, Faizah knows the first day of school is going to be special. It's her older sister Asiya's first day of hijab- made of fabric of beautiful blue, like the ocean waving to the sky.
But not everyone sees hijab as beautiful, and in the face of hurtful, confusing words, Faizah will find new ways to be strong.
Sulwe
Ages 5-7
by Lupita Nyong'o
Themes: Diversity, Being Different, Colorism,
Sulwe has skin the color of midnight. She is darker than everyone in her family. She is darker than anyone in her school. Sulwe just wants to be beautiful and bright, like her mother and sister. Then a magical journey in the night sky opens her eyes and changes everything.
In this stunning debut picture book, actress Lupita Nyong’o creates a whimsical and heartwarming story to inspire children to see their own unique beauty.
by Lupita Nyong'o
Themes: Diversity, Being Different, Colorism,
Sulwe has skin the color of midnight. She is darker than everyone in her family. She is darker than anyone in her school. Sulwe just wants to be beautiful and bright, like her mother and sister. Then a magical journey in the night sky opens her eyes and changes everything.
In this stunning debut picture book, actress Lupita Nyong’o creates a whimsical and heartwarming story to inspire children to see their own unique beauty.
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