Sometimes I Feel Like a FoxIn this introduction to the Anishinaabe tradition of totem animals, young children explain why they identify with different creatures such as a deer, beaver or moose. Delightful illustrations show the children wearing masks representing their chosen animal, while the few lines of text on each page work as a series of simple poems throughout the book.
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I Sang You Down
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When We Were AloneA young Indigenous girl who is curious about why her grandmother always wears colourful clothing, keeps her hair long, speaks Cree, and loves to spend time with her brother. Her grandmother explains how residential schools enforced conformity and tried to destroy the culture of Indigenous residents.
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Fatty LegsFatty Legs is a true story of a girl whose resilient spirit helps her to overcome the cruel torment she receives from both students and adults at a residential school. I would share this as a good example of biographical writing. The rich visual images enhance the impact of Margaret Poliak's harrowing story.
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Stolen WordsA little girl helps her grandfather regain the language taken from him as a child. The story of the beautiful relationship between a little girl and her grandfather. When she asks her grandfather how to say something in his language – Cree – he admits that his language was stolen from him when he was a boy.
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The Sharing CircleThe Sharing Circle is a book about a young boy named Matthew who cherishes his First Nations culture. It includes seven children's stories about First Nations' spiritual practices and culture.
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A Promise is a PromiseWhen Allashua disobeys her parents and goes fishing on the sea ice, she has to use her wits to escape the Qallupilluit--the troll-like creatures her parents have always warned her about that live beneath the frozen surface of the sea.
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RavenThe Raven came to a world covered in darkness, where men and women lived in an area of dark and cold. The Raven felt bad for the people living in the dark and resolved to search for the light. The Raven flew across mountains, rivers, and valleys until finally, he saw light.
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Stand Like a CedarA child explores nature and honors the past and present in this picture book. A young Indigenous narrator chronicles interactions with her environment. As she views and listens to her surroundings—revels in autumn leaves, goes berry-picking, runs on a mountain trail, and more—she emphasizes appreciation and respect.
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The Strength of His HairA coming-of-age story about a Nakota boy learning about his identity and developing a sense of cultural responsibility in a contemporary, urban setting. Also touches on issues of environmental ecology and bullying.
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