This is the official book of the 2011 All Native Basketball Tournament. These games have been held in Prince Rupert, British Columbia for over 50 years. Since its inception, the Tournament has become an important cultural gathering.

B is For Basketball was created in collaboration with the students and teachers of School District No. 50 on Haida Gwaii. It is a tribute, and it is a labour of love.

Finally, this is also an alphabet book that includes a Foreword by Governor General Award-Winning Artist Robert Davidson, and is filled with captivating illustrations, which is sure to be enjoyed by all!

B is For Basketball was recently featured on the CBC's North By Northwest! Congrats to the Students and Teachers of School District #50 (Haida Gwaii), and to Judy!

Educator Information
B is For Basketball was created in collaboration with the students and teachers of School District No. 50 on Haida Gwaii. It is a tribute, and it is a labour of love. 

Additional Information
Foreward by Robert Davidson (Haida)

Vann, a struggling stickball player, competes in a game on the Cherokee Nation. Can he help his team win? Written by award-winning Cherokee author Traci Sorell.

Vann loves playing his tribe’s stickball game, but he’s not as skilled as his teammates. Vann stumbles, and he tries and fails to score. How can he help his teammates win?

Exciting and fast-paced, Clack, Clack! Smack! reminds readers that sportsmanship and being a team player is just as important as being the star. Back matter explains the origins of Cherokee stickball.

Reviews
"Two Cherokee teams play a game of stickball in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Vann feels insecure about having missed a key shot in last week’s match. “Stickball requires speed,” after all, and his “towering body” won’t cooperate. As Vann and his team, the Eagles, take to the field against the Redhawks, they “zip,” “chase,” and “rush” for the ball, their wooden sticks clashing with a “CLACK, CLACK!” Coach gives the team a pep talk in Tsalagi, the Cherokee language. He reminds them of gadugi, the importance of working together. As the players return to the field to finish the game, Vann’s best friend, Jesse, gives him an encouraging smile. The game is now tied. Can Vann and his team win? Sorell and Erb, both members of the Cherokee Nation, deliver an uplifting story of team spirit and collaboration; the emphasis is on group triumphs rather than individual victories. Writing in terse, alliterative prose—“a tackle, a twist, and a wrong turn”—Sorell skillfully builds tension as she choreographs this action-packed game. Erb’s thick-lined cartoon illustrations have a pleasing solidity; they capture the chaos and drama of the game and depict players with a range of brown skin tones. The story features frequent Tsalagi words and phrases. Backmatter stresses the importance of keeping the Cherokee language alive and explains the significance of stickball, which traditionally was used to settle conflicts. Stand and cheer for this fast-paced tale of sportsmanship and community." —Kirkus Reviews 

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 7.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.38" x 10.31" | Hardcover

She shoots, she scores!

Big Sister's hockey team has worked hard toward the most important game of the season. When the team goalie gets sick, Little Brother excitedly steps onto the ice to play in the Championship game. He always wanted to be part of the lineup, where Big Sister is the ace forward. The closer the game gets, the more nervous he becomes. Can he and Sister make the community proud? He must rely on his family's long history of playing hockey, the wisdom of Grandpa, Dad, Big Sister, and the Secwépemc cultural values they impart.

Additional Information
32 pages | 9.50" x 8.50"

The affirming story of how a contemporary Native American girl turns to her family and community to help her dance find a voice.

Jenna, a contemporary Muscogee (Creek) girl, loves the tradition of jingle dancing that has been shared by generations of women in her family, and she hopes to dance at the next powwow. But she has a problem—how will her dress sing if it has no jingles?

The cone-shaped jingles sewn to Grandma Wolfe's dress sing tink, tink, tink, tink.

Jenna's heart beats to the brum, brum, brum, brum of the powwow drum as she daydreams about the clinking song of her grandma's jingle dancing.

The warm, evocative watercolors of Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu complement author Cynthia Leitich Smith's lyrical text in this picture book. Perfect for classroom and library sharing.

Educator Information
Suggested Ages: 4-8.

Additional Information
32 pages | 9.25" x 11.00" | Paperback

An extraordinary book that celebrates skateboarding, family, and community, from beloved artist and author Julie Flett, a winner of the New York Times / New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Book Award.

Every day, a little boy watches kids pass by on skateboards, and dreams of joining them. One day, his mother brings a surprise: her old skateboard, just for him! haw êkwa! Let’s go! Together, they practice on the sidewalk, at the park, in Auntie’s yard—everywhere. But when it comes time to try the skatepark, the skateboarders crash down like a waterfall. Can he find the confidence to join them?

Let’s Go! features:

• A glossary of Cree words featured in the book, and a Cree refrain (haw êkwa!) repeated throughout
• A note to the reader from Julie Flett about her inspiration for the story

This fun and touching story is a tribute to family, friendship, and perseverance. Julie Flett’s renowned art and powerful text shows a community of support is all around, ready to help each other… go!

Reviews
“Beautifully highlights the value of perseverance along with the joy of skateboarding.”—Horn Book, STARRED Review

“Extraordinary…. A fun read from start to finish, "Let's Go!" is especially and unreservedly recommended as a choice pick for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library Self-Esteem and Family Life picture book collections for ages 3-8.”—Midwest Book Review

“Masterful, simple, powerful….a must-read for anyone who skateboards or wants to — or doesn’t.”—Amina Chaudri, Booklist

“Using onomatopoeic language to capture the sounds of the sport, Cree-Métis creator Flett (We All Play) shows the hard work and investment of time that goes into both learning a new skill and becoming ‘a part of something—/ and myself.’”—Publishers Weekly, STARRED review

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 8.

Curriculum Connections: Sports / Indigenous Languages / Community / Goal-Setting / Risk-Taking / Self-Awareness / Self-Confidence

This book is available in French: On y va!

Recommended in the Indigenous Books for Schools catalogue as a valuable resource for English Language Arts, Art, and Physical and Health Education in kindergarten to grade 3.

Additional Information
44 pages | 11.00" x 9.00" | Hardcover 

Spencer can't wait to go outside and play with his friends. He wants to play basketball and practise for the tryouts at school. But Gary the Snow Goose doesn't want to play basketball with him. Gary wants to play street hockey. The two friends can't come to an agreement. When Spencer sees that there is a reason why Gary doesn't want to play basketball, he remembers what his grandmother taught him about showing respect.

Educator & Series Information
This book is part of a series that teaches children about Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit principles, or "IQ" principles, which are a set of communal laws that focus on the ways one is expected to behave. Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit literally translates to "that which Inuit have always known to be true." This book incorporates the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) principle of Inuuqatigiitsiarniq: respecting others, relationships, and caring for people. IQ principles are a set of communal laws that focus on the ways one is expected to behave.

Recommended ages: 6 to 8.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.00" x 8.00" | Colour Illustrations | Paperback 

A beautifully illustrated reimagining of the origins of hockey from an Indigenous lens.

Killer Whale and Brown Bear are arguing: Brown Bear says he can beat Killer Whale at any challenge, yet Killer Whale disagrees. When Powerful Mena overhears their bickering, he comes up with a solution: a game on the ice, played with sticks, nets, and a star for a puck. But who will win and earn the trophy?

For kids aged 4-8, The Game features:

• An introduction to Musqueam language and culture
• Beautiful watercolor artwork from a celebrated Haida artist
• Detailed backmatter and a pronunciation guide

With poetic text by gifted Indigenous storyteller Henry Charles (Ten Bears), an elder of the Musqueam First Nation, and breathtaking illustrations by Haida artist, Shoshannah Greene, The Game offers a vibrant introduction to Musqueam language and culture and inspires readers to rediscover a sport we know and love.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Additional Information
48 pages | 10.00" x 8.00" | Hardcover 

How can the small mouse and squirrel play lacrosse with the big animals? A fun Native American tale that first graders can read on their own.

A game of lacrosse is about to begin—with the four-legged animals facing off against the winged animals. Mouse and Squirrel want to join!

But Bear and Deer won’t let animals so small on their team. The birds would welcome the small animals, but Mouse and Squirrel can't fly. The winged team has a clever plan.

This Native American tale about the origin of the bat and flying squirrel is framed by a grandfather sharing a story with his grandson.

Educator & Series Information
Phonics features are noted on the copyright page.

This book has been officially leveled by using the F & P Text Level Gradient(TM) Leveling System. It is a Level I for Grade 1.

The award-winning I Like to Read® series focuses on books for kindergarteners and first graders. Acclaimed author-illustrators create original, high-quality illustrations that support comprehension of simple text and are fun for kids to read again and again with their parents, teachers or on their own!

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection!

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Additional Information
32 pages | 7.77" x 9.99" | Paperback

Team Tuktu and Friends is up to bat! Ukaliq is excited to spend the day with his friends, but he’s nervous about playing Inuktitut baseball. What if he isn’t any good at it? Tiri is fast, Nanuq is strong, and Tuktu has good aim. What if Ukaliq can’t even hit the ball? As the game ramps up and Ukaliq steps up to the plate, will he be able to discover his own unique baseball talent?

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 3 - 5.

This is an Arvaaq Book. Books in this series are intended for infants and very young children and are designed to help children develop physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and language skills.

Ukaliq Learns to Play Inuktitut Baseball shows children that everyone has their own unique skills.

F&P Level: L

Bilingual: English and Inuktitut

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.00" x 10.00" | Paperback

This book highlights the achievements of Canadian women sports stars — the role models of today's young female athletes. They fought for the right to compete in sports traditionally dominated by men and proved that women's sports are just as competitive and exciting to watch as men's. Spanning decades, Breaking Through focuses on seven sports and the women who made them their own, including well-known legends such as soccer player Christine Sinclair, who brought women's soccer in Canada into the limelight, and hockey player Hayley Wickenheiser, the longest-serving member of Canada's National team and five-time Olympic medalist. Readers will also see basketball, bobsleigh and rugby represented and learn the stories of less well-known athletes such as Indigenous Cross-country skiers Sharon Anne and Shirley Firth, who faced down prejudice, and Carol Hunyh, who brought home Canada's first Olympic gold medal in women's wrestling.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended Ages: 12-18.

Some, but limited, Indigenous content.

This work is part of the Recordbooks series, which includes sports biographies that highlight key social issues for reluctant readers.

Additional Information
144 pages | 4.25" x 7.00"

Twenty years ago, Carey Price was flying 319 kilometres across British Columbia in his father's plane so he could play on the nearest organized hockey team. Today, he is the highest-paid goalie in the NHL. But he's never forgotten where he started.

The son of an NHL draftee and the chief of the Ulkatcho First Nation, Carey got his start on skates as a toddler, first on a frozen creek and then on his father's homemade rink. The natural athlete went on to become the top amateur player in Canada in 2002, getting drafted fifth overall by the Montreal Canadiens three years later. Now one of the most recognizable figures in hockey, Carey credits his success to his community of Anahim Lake, where hard work and commitment often face off against remoteness and cost. Throughout his incredible career, he's taken every opportunity possible to encourage all young people, especially those who share his Indigenous background, to follow their dreams.

Reviews
"The book is aimed at middle-grade readers, ages 12+, and has a decidedly different approach to telling his remarkable story. For one, author Catherine Rondina chose to really spotlight Price's Indigenous background ... The pocketbook from Lorimer's RecordBooks series crams a lot into its 150 pages, from Price's early days in the remote Anahim Lake, B.C., to leading Canada to a gold medal at the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi."— Greg Oliver, Society for International Hockey Research, June 2018

"This slim, pocket-size biography manages to convey an awful lot of information through engaging, brief chapters and breezy vocabulary. Readers will come away with an overview of acclaimed goalie Carey Price's hockey career to date."— Kathleen McBroom, Booklist, August 2018

"An inspiring story, especially for hockey fans and not just for reluctant teen readers."— Kirkus Reviews, May 2018

"A short and captivating peek into a remarkable athlete's life for middle schoolers."— School Library Journal, October 2018

Educator & Series Information
Hi-Lo Book.
Interest age: From 12 To 18
Fry Reading Level [grade]: 3.5
Lexile Reading Level: 890L

This book is part of the Recordbooks Series. Recordbooks help reluctant readers understand social issues through the lens of a true story of a sports hero.

Series features:

• Ideal for reluctant readers
• Hi-lo
• Short chapters, easy-to-read format
• Great for ESL and adult students
• Writing with a flair for making history feel like novels
• Accompanied by historical photos and sports trivia
• Ideal for ages 12+

Additional Information
152 pages | 4.25" x 7.00"

The true story of John Meyers and Charles Bender, who in 1911 became the first two Native pro baseball players to face off in a World Series, teaches important lessons about resilience, doing what you love in the face of injustice, and the fight for Native American representation in sports.

Charles Bender grew up on the White Earth Reservation in Northwestern Minnesota. John Meyers was raised on the Cahuilla reservation in Southern California. Despite their mutual respect for each other's talents and their shared dedication to Native representation in baseball, the media was determined to pit them against each other.

However, they never gave up on their dreams of being pro baseball players and didn’t let the supposed rivalry created by the media or the racism they faced within the stadium stop them. They continued to break barriers and went on to play a combined total of nine championships.

With text by Traci Sorell and illustrations by Arigon Starr that brings these two players to life, the stories of John Meyers and Charles Bender remain an inspiration for achieving and maintaining one’s dreams in the face of prejudice.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 9.

Additional Information
48 pages | 11.30" x 9.30" | Hardcover 

In her debut picture book, professional Indigenous dancer Ria Thundercloud tells the true story of her path to dance and how it helped her take pride in her Native American heritage.

At four years old, Ria Thundercloud was brought into the powwow circle, ready to dance in the special jingle dress her mother made for her. As she grew up, she danced with her brothers all over Indian country. Then Ria learned more styles--tap, jazz, ballet--but still loved the expressiveness of Indigenous dance. And despite feeling different as one of the only Native American kids in her school, she always knew she could turn to dance to cheer herself up.

Follow along as Ria shares her dance journey--from dreaming of her future to performing as a professional--accompanied by striking illustrations that depict it while bringing her graceful movements to life.

Reviews
"A warmly illustrated memoir of dance and culture, this will have broad appeal about using art for expression and to overcome difficulties." —School Library Journal, starred review

"A moving picture book about the resilience one can find in one’s cultural inheritance." —Kirkus Reviews

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Additional Information
40 pages | 10.44" x 10.31" | Hardcover 

Great Athletes from our First Nations profiles thirteen outstanding athletes in such diverse sports as figure skating, race car driving, skiing and bowling. The athletes featured in this book include: Ross Anderson, downhill skier; Richard Dionne, champion basketball player; Mike Edwards, professional bowler; Shelly Hruska, professional ringette player; Beau Kemp, professional baseball player, etc. 

Reviews
"Smoothly-written and enriched with photography and sidebars that give additional information about the sport or athlete."— Kliatt, May 2008

"A must-have in every school and public library, it can be used for cross-cultural education and healthy lifestyles."— Resource Links, June 2007

Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the First Nations Series for Young Readers. Each book is a collection of biographies of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit women and men who are leaders in their fields of work, in their art, and in their communities. 

For ages 9-14.

Additional Information
128 pages | 6.00" x 8.92" 

Inuit games have been played as long as anyone can remember!

Learn all about Inuit games and why they are important for staying healthy and strong for life in the Arctic.

Educator & Series Information 
This book is part of the Nunavummi Reading Series, a Nunavut-developed series that supports literacy learning while teaching readers about the people, traditions, and environment of the Canadian Arctic. It is a Level 11 book in the series. 

Nunavummi Reading Series books have also been officially levelled using the Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient™ Levelling System. F&P Level of this book: L.

Curriculum Connections: Language and Literacy; Diversity; Indigenous Perspectives; History and Heritage.

Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

Additional Information
24 pages | 10.30" x 8.50"

Gaylord Powless was playing lacrosse by the age of three. He descended from generations of Mohawk lacrosse players and possessed great skill, but his native ancestry made him the target of brutal checking, and slashing. This is a compelling story of how this champion learned to deal with emotions.

Ideal for reluctant readers.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended Ages: 12-18.

Fry Reading Level: 4.5

This book is part of the Recordbooks Series. Recordbooks help reluctant readers understand social issues through the lens of a true story of a sports hero.

Series features:

• Ideal for reluctant readers
• Hi-lo
• Short chapters, easy-to-read format
• Great for ESL and adult students
• Writing with a flair for making history feel like novels
• Accompanied by historical photos and sports trivia
• Ideal for ages 12+

Additional Information
120 pages | 4.25" x 7.00"

Liitia can't wait to compete in the one-ski race, but she will need practice and a little help if she wants to win!

Liitia lives in Qausuittuq (Resolute Bay), Nunavut, where there is a one-ski race at the end of each spring. Liitia's grandma was always the fastest racer when she was a child, and Liitia wants to race too! She is determined to win the race at the end of the season, even with her old rusty one-ski. Join Liitia in this bilingual picture book as she prepares for the race with a little help from her Grandma.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

Liitia’s One-Ski is about a young girl in Resolute Bay, Nunavut, who wants to race in a community one-ski competition. The story is inspired by a real championship that took place and the author’s memories of one-skiing while growing up in Resolute Bay.

In this story, Liitia learns the importance of trying your best and not giving up when faced with challenges as she works toward her dream. This story also demonstrates the value of good sportsmanship and supporting each other as the competition brings people together. 

This bilingual storybook is part of our Community Connections series, which is a collection of fun and engaging stories from Inuit authors that celebrate Nunavut communities.

Dual-language: English and Inuktitut

Additional Information
27 pages | 8.00" x 10.00" | Paperback

Drumming, singing, and dancing are all part of being at a Powwow. Perry and his family travel all over North America to participate in these family and community gatherings. Join Perry’s two boys as they share their treasured memories of being at Powwows with their family and learning how to dance.

Reviews
“Lavishly illustrated with photographs, vivid sketches, and ledger art, Powwow Dancing With Family provides a detailed description of each stage of the Powwow, historical and contemporary aspects of the Powwow, and pays homage to Indigenous culture and customs. This informative resource will support studies of Indigenous culture, history, traditions, community, art, and family lifestyle.” – ERAC Review, May 2019

Educator Information
Includes three pages of educational material on Powwows with information found under these headings:

• What is a Powwow?
• Powwow Regalia
• Powwow Dances

About Perry Smith's Ledger Art:
Ledger Art is an art form that was developed in the mid 1800s to early 1900s by the Plains First Nations during a time when reserves were being established across North America. The ledger books were acquired in trade, war, or raids. New art supplies were also introduced: coloured pencils, crayons, and occasionally water paints. The new supplies were favoured by artists over the traditional bone and stick brushes. Many of the artworks within these ledger books display a traditional way of life, before assimilation. Today these artworks are greatly valued for the historical perspective that they offer.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8" x 8" | ISBN: 9781771746281 | Paperback

Powwows are about dancing! Indigenous people in America come together at powwows to celebrate their culture and traditions with drumming, singing, and dancing. Together they remember their history and honor their ancestors. Dancers show off their best moves and fancy regalia in dances that tell stories or remember important moments in history. Lively photos and easy-to-read text help readers learn about contemporary powwow dances and traditions and their roots in the past. Readers will discover how Indigenous traditions honor the past and celebrate the present.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 8.

Additional Information
32 pages | 7.00" x 9.00" | Paperback 

"Inuit games have been played all over the Arctic for a very long time. They are played for fun, to practise survival skills, and as exercise."

Discover everything about Inuit games in Arviat, Nunavut! Practice skipping stones, building iglus, and challenge your friends to a race. Test your skills in the blindfold and jumping games and learn to play Inuit baseball.

Written by the late Inuit Elder Donald Uluadluak Sr. and accompanied by the author's original illustrations, this book is a fun introduction to Inuit games.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

Additional Information
32 pages | 6.00" x 8.00"| Paperback

In the autumn of 1912, the football team from Carlisle Indian Industrial School took the field at the U.S. Military Academy, home to the bigger, stronger, and better-equipped West Points Cadets. Sportswriters billed the game as a sort of rematch, pitting against each other the descendants of U.S. soldiers and American Indians who fought on the battlefield only 20 years earlier. But for lightning-fast Jim Thorpe and the other Carlisle players, that day's game was about skill, strategy, and determination. Known for unusual formations and innovative plays, the Carlisle squad was out to prove just one thing -- that it was the best football team in all the land.

Awards

• 2018 American Indians in Children's Literature winner
• 2018 The Children's Book Podcast winner
• 2019 Virginia Library Association winner

Educator Information
Recommended Ages: 6-10

Additional Information
40 pages | 11.00" x 9.00"

Just in time for the 2024 Summer Olympics, here is a dramatic and inspiring autobiographical tale of overcoming odds by Native American gold medalist Billy Mills, with stunning illustrations by acclaimed Lakota artist SD Nelson.

Billy Mills was once an orphan on the Oglala Lakota Pine Ridge Reservation. But before his father was called to the ancestors, he told Billy how to conquer his suffering: You have broken wings, son. You have to dig deeper, below the anger, the hurt, the self-pity. The pursuit of a dream will heal you.

Despite poverty, racism, and severe health challenges, Billy raced toward his goal of becoming an Olympic athlete, inspired by his indigenous ancestors who stood strong when the odds were against them. Though at times he felt like his wings were clipped—a lone bird falling from the sky—he adapted and overcame, finally earning his place at the 1964 Olympics.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

This autobiographical tale of Billy Mills’s awe-inspiring flight to a record-breaking gold medal, breathtakingly illustrated by award-winning Lakota artist SD Nelson, is a soaring testament to Billy’s legacy and the Lakota prayer: we are all related.

Additional Information
48 pages | 10.00" x 10.00"| Hardcover

Andy has had a rough school year and is ready for summer vacation. But when Grandpa Rick tells him that he will be participating in a canoe journey instead of enjoying his usual summer activities, Andy feels he is being punished.

Join Andy as he experiences a Tribal Canoe Journey for the first time and learns what it’s like to belong to a canoe family. Follow along as Andy navigates physical and emotional challenges and finds an answer to the important question: “Who am I?”

Awards

• 2024-2025 Hackmatack Children's Choice Award Shortlisted 

Reviews
“Andy's Tribal Canoe Journey is a fantastic book to use for reading groups. We were able to have amazing discussions.… Students loved the pictures and the story. I hope to read this with as many students as possible.” – Holly Polischuk, Cayoosh Elementary School educator 

"This graphic novel highlights how First Peoples connect to their culture and honour their past. The first-hand perspectives of participants in the 2019 journey help showcase the human emotions and physical challenges it involves. Teachers across elementary and secondary levels can use this short graphic novel as a read-aloud in a classroom or literature circles to help students learn about Tribal Canoe Journeys. Students could also be invited to explore their own traditions and experiences, and the art in the book could inspire projects that are based on the illustrations in this story." – Focused Education Resources 

Educator Information
Recommended for grades 3 to 8.

Additional Information
72 Pages | 8" x 10" | Paperback | ISBN: 978-1-77174-600-7

From award-winning and bestselling author, Jewell Parker Rhodes comes a powerful coming-of-age story about two brothers, one who presents as white, the other as black, and the complex ways in which they are forced to navigate the world, all while training for a fencing competition.

Framed. Bullied. Disliked. But I know I can still be the best.

Sometimes, 12-year-old Donte wishes he were invisible. As one of the few black boys at Middlefield Prep, most of the students don't look like him. They don't like him either. Dubbing him "Black Brother," Donte's teachers and classmates make it clear they wish he were more like his lighter-skinned brother, Trey.

When he's bullied and framed by the captain of the fencing team, "King" Alan, he's suspended from school and arrested for something he didn't do.

Terrified, searching for a place where he belongs, Donte joins a local youth center and meets former Olympic fencer Arden Jones. With Arden's help, he begins training as a competitive fencer, setting his sights on taking down the fencing team captain, no matter what.

As Donte hones his fencing skills and grows closer to achieving his goal, he learns the fight for justice is far from over. Now Donte must confront his bullies, racism, and the corrupt systems of power that led to his arrest.

Powerful and emotionally gripping, Black Brother, Black Brother is a careful examination of the school-to-prison pipeline and follows one boy's fight against racism and his empowering path to finding his voice.

Reviews
"Placing biracial boyhood and the struggles of colorism at its center, the novel challenges readers to pursue their own self-definition."—Kirkus

"An excellent selection for both elementary and middle library collections, this is a title that celebrates finding one's place in the world."—School Library Connection

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 12.

This story explores important and timely topics like race, colorism, class, and institutionalized prejudice, within the context of a commercial and accessible underdog sports story.

Additional Information
240 pages | 5.50" x 7.87"

Jimmy Benge is excited to celebrate his thirteenth birthday with an ice fishing adventure in northern Minnesota. He's even allowed to invite his best friend, Ryan, to spend winter break at the family’s lakeside home. The two boys learn a lot about ice fishing and catch a few panfish but decide to fish for something bigger: Northern pike, the alpha predators of the lake. The trip is fun until one day, while out fishing by themselves, the boys are hit by a sudden, unexpected snowstorm and find themselves fishing on thin ice.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 11.

This book is part of the Wilderness Ridge Series. Authentic hunting and fishing stories are brought to life in this chapter-book series perfect for fans of Jake Maddox. Readers will experience the highs and lows of outdoor adventures—from the thrill of a young hunter’s first deer camp to the disappointment of missing a big fish. No matter the outcome, these stories will demonstrate essential skills young sportsmen and sportswomen need, including teamwork, respect, personal responsibility, and positive thinking. With action-packed illustrations and accessible text, Wilderness Ridge will reel in readers and have them hunting for the next book.

Additional Information
72 pages | 5.25" x 7.50" | Paperback

After budget cuts force the Southside Saints football team to disband, Jamal and his friends have to settle for playing pickup on the hardscrabble field behind their high school. Then the president of a sporting-goods company offers to donate $20,000 worth of equipment to the team. There's only one catch: he wants to be the coach. Thrilled to have a real team together, the players turn a blind eye to Coach Fort's racism, bullying and discrimination. Until he takes it too far. Now it’s up to Jamal and his teammates to take back their team and show what they’re made of.

Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the Orca Sports series. Orca Sports stories engage middle-schoolers and teens with fast-paced plots and easy-to-read language. Topics include a variety of team and individual sports. Reading levels from grade 2.0 to 4.5; Interest level ages 10+.

Additional Information
176 pages | 4.25" x 7.00"

Leigh Aberdeen is one of the top players on her Alberta hockey team, the Falcons. But as a Métis and the only girl on the team she's different--and not everyone is happy about that.

To top it off, she doesn't think her mother wants her to play hockey, so Leigh hasn't told her about the Falcons. Soon she's getting threatening messages on the phone, the Falcons'captain tries to get her kicked off the team, and her mother wants Leigh to go to a dance recital on the same night as the finals. When the pressure becomes too intense, Leigh has to face some hard decisions.

Hat Trick is a suspenseful, action-packed story about a young woman who learns the price of living a double life--the hard way.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 9 to 13.

Fry Reading Level - 4.2

Additional Information
128 pages | 5.00" x 7.75" | Paperback 

What if a school's mascot is seen as racist, but not by everyone? In this compelling middle-grade novel in verse, two best-selling BIPOC authors tackle this hot-button issue.

Six kids. One mascot. Who wins?

In Rye, Virginia, just outside Washington, DC, people work hard, kids go to school, and football is big on Friday nights. An eighth-grade English teacher creates an assignment for her class to debate whether Rye’s mascot should stay or change. Now six middle schoolers–-all with different backgrounds and beliefs–-get involved in the contentious issue that already has the suburb turned upside down with everyone choosing sides and arguments getting ugly. 

Told from several perspectives, readers see how each student comes to new understandings about identity, tradition, and what it means to stand up for real change.

Reviews
"Waters and Sorell (Cherokee Nation) join forces to write about the power of being true to oneself.

In a middle school in Rye, a fictional town near Washington, D.C., a racist mural and offensive pep rally chants shock new student Callie Crossland, who is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and African American. Callie shares a heartfelt poem with her seventh grade honors English class, reminding everyone that the “stupid tomahawk-chop chant” and the “cheap chicken-feather headdress” are nothing less than symbols of “white supremacy.” Afterward, Ms. Williams, her teacher, assigns a persuasive writing and oration project entitled “Pros and Cons of Indigenous Peoples as Mascots.” The small, broadly diverse group of students is assigned to work in pairs; Callie is matched with Franklin, who is Black and a proud fan of the Rye Braves football team. Franklin insists, “I wish we could Lysol racism away. / It’s a bad odor,” but he feels conflicted: “I still don’t think our mascot is racist though. It brings so much joy. / …what’s the big deal?” This clever novel unfolds in poems told in multiple voices showing the wide range of students’, families’, and community responses to the controversy; for some, initial feelings of opposition, hesitation, or indifference change and friendships are tested. The compelling, highly relevant subject matter and accessible text invite readers to understand different perspectives and witness individual growth.

A brilliant story not to be missed; deeply engaging from the first page. (glossary, additional information and resources) (Verse fiction. 10-14)" —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Told via seven alternating narratives, this ripped-from-the-headlines collaboration in verse by Waters (African Town) and Cherokee Nation member Sorrel (One Land, Many Nations) follows a fictional town’s division over a racist sports mascot. Callie Crossland, who is Cherokee and Black, has just transferred to a middle school in Rye, Va. She immediately expresses disgust at her school’s mascot, a “copper-toned, muscled, loincloth-clad, tomahawk-wielding” caricature of an Indigenous person. Callie’s English teacher Ms. Williams soon assigns a group writing project regarding the “Pros and Cons of Indigenous Peoples as Mascots,” and Callie is annoyed at being paired with Black classmate Franklin, who believes the mascot “brings so much joy.” Waters and Sorrel paint a complex portrait of the differing reactions toward the controversy by layering the racially diverse tweens’ perspectives and showcasing the effects the event has on their individual relationships and the community beyond their school. The creators eschew judgment to present a well-rounded discussion about classism and racism, as well as effective allyship, with compassion and understanding. A glossary and resources conclude. Ages 10–up." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Ms. Williams tasks her... honors English students with a persuasive writing and oral presentation assignment arguing the pros and cons of using Indige-nous peoples as mascots. Throughout the course of a school year the story unfolds in a series of poems that detail the per-spectives of six students: Callie (Cherokee African), Franklin (African American), Priya (Indian American), Luis (Salvadoran American), Tessa (white and previously homeschooled), and Sean (working-class white). Predictably, Callie, Priya, and Tessa (who sees herself as a committed antiracist) oppose Indigenous mascots, while the boys, who enjoy war paint and tomahawk chops at Rye Braves games, claim the mascot de-picts pride in the team and their school. While the discord around the mascot is a long-standing one in the Virginia community, the assignment empowers the students to take the issue to the school board. After further research, one student switches sides, losing a friend in the process. While the plot requires a fair amount of exposition detailing history and arguments on both sides, the characters are well developed and believable, and the story flows smoothly. A valuable classroom pick that demonstrates the importance of debate." —Booklist

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 10+

Includes a glossary and additional resources / information.

Subjects / Themes: Discrimination, Different Perspectives, Identity, Tradition, Standing up for Change, Social Responsibility, Verse Fiction / Poetry

Additional Information
256 pages | 5.75" x 8.56" | Hardcover

Thundering drums, rattling hooves, clinking jingles—come along with Paul, Jeff, and Uncle Lenard to the powwow!

Paul Wahasaypa—Siha Tooskin—has invited his friend, Jeff, to a powwow. It’s Jeff’s very first powwow, and is he ever nervous! What if he says or does the wrong thing? Grass dancers, Fancy Shawl dancers, Chicken dancers—what does it all mean? Follow along as Jeff learns all about the dances and their beautiful traditions. See you at the powwow!

The Siha Tooskin Knows series uses vivid narratives and dazzling illustrations in contemporary settings to share stories about an 11-year-old Nakota boy.

Reviews
"Charlene and Wilson have managed to capture the waves of excitement and anxiousness that come with dancing in a powwow. Their storytelling honours the dances and the community that forms around these events. They do not shy away from the negative history of colonization, but do so gently as a means of reinforcing why powwows are so important to our people. Siha Tooskin Knows the Love of Dance, with its words and illustrations, is a love letter to our family, culture, resilience, and pride." - Tanya Talaga, journalist and author

"This wonderful story is about Paul taking Jeff to his first powwow and Jeff learning how to appreciate and understand what a powwow is while also being worried that he will accidentally say something offensive. Jeff learns about the laws in Canada intended to restrict Indigenous activities such as powwows and he is visibly shaken-- not understanding how something so beautiful could be punished. This is such an important message and was handled so well.

Siha Tooskin Knows the Love of the Dance is a book for all ages that encourages readers to learn more about Indigenous groups and terms that are unfamiliar (the book has a glossary at the back). I am so excited to see that this is a series and I have so much more research to do based on the issues and traditions that the book discusses.

This is a book that is very much needed in Canada (although not just Canada) and I cannot articulate enough how much I enjoyed it and how much it will be with me in future. Truly, Charlene Bearhead, Wilson Bearhead, and Chloe Bluebird Mustooch deserve several awards for this book." — Emma Cuneo, NetGalley, September 2019

Educator & Series Information
The Siha Tooskin Knows series uses vivid narratives and dazzling illustrations in contemporary settings to share stories about an 11-year-old Nakota boy. Explore Nakota culture and traditions alongside Paul Wahasaypa and his community in this eight-book series.

Key Features:

• A 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.
• Charlene Bearhead and Wilson Bearhead are both well-respected and accomplished educators and storytellers.
• A part of the Siha Tooskin Knows series with teachings that show an Indigenous community and family in a positive light.
• Nakota lessons aim for universality, informing both Indigenous and non-Indigenous readers.
• This book illustrates how traditional teachings can play a vital role in contemporary life.
• Dynamic illustrations by Nakota artist Chloe Bluebird Mustooch bring this story to life.

Recommended for ages 9 to 11.  Early Chapter Books.

Themes/Subjects/Keywords: Culture, Family, Friendship, Inclusivity, Nakota, Powwows, Dancing, Regalia.

Recommended in the Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools 2020/2021 resource list for Grades 3 to 6 in the areas of English and Social Studies.

Additional Information
40 pages | 5.50" x 8.00" | Colour Illustrations

Samantha Aqsarniq Keyes is used to a life on the move. Her military family has been transferred across Canada, and she's grown up with stories of her Inuit ancestors exploring the far north. For Sam, soccer has been the one constant in her life. But now that she's thirteen, her home base isn't the only thing that's changing.

Sam longs to show up Carly, her school's reigning soccer star, but Sam's new interest in theater is taking up a lot of time. Does she have the time to practice her sport and be the lead in the school play? And just how far will she go to prove to her parents that she can handle more than one extracurricular activity?

Soccer Star! is a novel about big ambitions and tough choices.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 10 to 13.

Additional Information
136 pages | 5.00" x 7.75" | Paperback 

The animals and the birds are getting ready for a game of lacrosse. Bat would love to play but neither team wants him because he is different than them. This Kanyen'kehà:ka (Gan-yeh-ga-ha-ga) story is about how we all have a special talent that we must respect in others. The book also includes information about lacrosse. The Kanyen'kehà:ka is one of Six Nations that together are the Haudenosaunee.

Educator & Series Information
The Game is part of the Strong Stories: Kanyen’kehà:ka series. Strong Stories focus on different First Nation territories from across Canada and the United States. These stories reflect the belief that our stories are the roots of our people, our lands and our cultures. It is from our stories that we grow and become strong and proud.

This resource is also available in French: La partie.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771741187

Hockey fans will love this action-packed middle-grade novel about teamwork, overcoming adversity, and being proud of who you are and where you come from.

Everything is changing for 11-year-old Alex Robinson. After his father accepts a new job, Alex and his family move from their community to the city. For the first time in his life, he doesn’t fit in. His fellow students don’t understand Indigenous culture. Even a simple show of respect to his teacher gets him in trouble.

Things begin to look up after Alex tries out for a local hockey team. Playing for the Kodiaks, Alex proves himself as one of the best, but he becomes a target because he’s Indigenous. Can Alex trust his teammates and stand up to the jerks on other teams? Can he find a way to fit in and still be who he’s meant to be?

Reviews
“Conflicts that make you think. David expertly weaves entertainment and humour with life lessons—and suggestions for making the world a better place.” — Kevin Sylvester, author/illustrator of The Hockey Super-Six

"Hockey fans will love this action-packed middle grade novel...a really nice addition to the field." — School Library Journal 

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 9 to 12.

This book is part of the Breakout Chronicles series.

Big Ideas: Aspects of Indigenous Cultures, Worldviews, Teachings and Protocols, Contemporary Setting, Diverse and Inclusive Representation, Identity, Social Emotional Learning, Character Education, Courage, Friendship, Self-Esteem and Self-Reliance, Social Justice, Discrimination, Impacts of Colonization and Colonialism, Prejudice and Racism, Bullying, Resilience.

Recommended in the Indigenous Books for Schools catalogue as a valuable resource for English Language Arts in grades 6 to 10.

Content Warning: Racism, stereotypes, culturally offensive language, violence, and bullying

This book is available in French: Les Kodiaks: L'avantage de la glace

Additional Information
184 pages | 5.25" x 8.00" | Paperback

In this story, Tom and Liv skate on Log Pond. They play a game of hockey!  

Mi’gmaq have played hockey for a long time. Early hockey sticks were carved by Mi’gmaq from birch, elm, or ash wood. 

What games do you play in the winter? 

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4-7, for use in kindergarten and Grade 1 classrooms.

Cedar School Decodables is divided into six sets, which increase in word count and complexity of sentence structure. A Game on the Ice is in Set 3 – VCe, and reviews -ce and -ge. Books in Set 3 have 80-90 words.  

Readers should be familiar with the concepts included in Set 1 to Set 3: 

• consonants 

• beginning and end blends 

• short and long vowels 

• digraphs 

• a /o/ 

• s – /s/ and /z/ 

• -s and -es suffixes 

• possessives 

Series Information
Welcome to Cedar School! Join Liv, Tom, Gus, and Bell as they learn on the land and explore Mi’gmaw teachings with their teacher, Miss Sam, and the school’s Mi’gmaw Elder, Jen. With charming illustrations and simple storylines, this decodable series engages students as they practise their reading skills. Each book includes a pre-reading review of non-decodable words, and many of the books introduce special words related to Indigenous teachings. Talking Together prompts facilitate discussions led by the reading teacher. 

Developed in partnership with Dyslexia Canada, Cedar School Decodables is a series of 20 decodable books for young readers. Designed for students who have previously learned short vowel and consonant sounds, additional phonic skills are developed progressively throughout the series.

The series will be accompanied by Cedar School Decodables Teacher’s Guide and a series of four picture books, which will be available at a later date.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.5” x 5.5” | Paperback | ISBN: 978-1-77174-646-5  

In this story, Tom and Liv play tag in the forest. They run and hide among cedar, birch, and maple trees.

Cedar is a traditional medicine tree for Mi’gmaq. Birch bark is used by Mi’gmaq to make many things, including canoes and moose callers. Traditionally, Mi’gmaq used birch bark bowls to collect maple sap.

What kind of trees grow where you live?

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4-7, for use in kindergarten and Grade 1 classrooms.

Cedar School Decodables is divided into six sets, which increase in word count and complexity of sentence structure. Liv Is It! is in Set 1 – Short Vowels, and reviews short i. Books in Set 1 have 40-60 words. Books in Set 1 have 40-60 words.

Readers should be familiar with the concepts included in Set 1:

• consonants
• beginning and end blends
• short vowels
• s – /s/ and /z/
• -s suffix

Series Information
Welcome to Cedar School! Join Liv, Tom, Gus, and Bell as they learn on the land and explore Mi’gmaw teachings with their teacher, Miss Sam, and the school’s Mi’gmaw Elder, Jen. With charming illustrations and simple storylines, this decodable series engages students as they practise their reading skills. Each book includes a pre-reading review of non-decodable words, and many of the books introduce special words related to Indigenous teachings. Talking Together prompts facilitate discussions led by the reading teacher. 

Developed in partnership with Dyslexia Canada, Cedar School Decodables is a series of 20 decodable books for young readers. Designed for students who have previously learned short vowel and consonant sounds, additional phonic skills are developed progressively throughout the series.

The series will be accompanied by Cedar School Decodables Teacher’s Guide and a series of four picture books, which will be available at a later date.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.5” x 5.5” | Paperback | ISBN: 978-1-77174-636-6

In this story, Tom shares his bicycle with Gus, but Gus is nervous about riding it. Will he be brave?

Community is important to Mi’gmaq, which is why Mi’gmaq care for and look after each other. One of the ways they do this is by being a good friend.

Can you think of a time when a friend helped you?

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4-7, for use in kindergarten and Grade 1 classrooms.

Cedar School Decodables is divided into six sets, which increase in word count and complexity of sentence structure. Time for a Bike Ride is in Set 3 – VCe, and reviews a_e and i_e. Books in Set 3 have 80-90 words.  

Readers should be familiar with the concepts included in Set 1 to Set 3: 

• consonants 

• beginning and end blends 

• short and long vowels 

• digraphs 

• a /o/ 

• s – /s/ and /z/ 

• -s and -es suffixes 

• possessives 

Series Information
Welcome to Cedar School! Join Liv, Tom, Gus, and Bell as they learn on the land and explore Mi’gmaw teachings with their teacher, Miss Sam, and the school’s Mi’gmaw Elder, Jen. With charming illustrations and simple storylines, this decodable series engages students as they practise their reading skills. Each book includes a pre-reading review of non-decodable words, and many of the books introduce special words related to Indigenous teachings. Talking Together prompts facilitate discussions led by the reading teacher. 

Developed in partnership with Dyslexia Canada, Cedar School Decodables is a series of 20 decodable books for young readers. Designed for students who have previously learned short vowel and consonant sounds, additional phonic skills are developed progressively throughout the series.

The series will be accompanied by Cedar School Decodables Teacher’s Guide and a series of four picture books, which will be available at a later date.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.5” x 5.5” | Paperback | ISBN: 978-1-77174-644-1

Let them go outside and play! More parents are heeding the advice of specialists who urge them to do just that. By playing outside with friends, kids learn valuable interpersonal and negotiation skills and how to make decisions. Outdoor play teaches about the natural world, fosters creativity, and encourages physical activity.

101 Things For Kids To Do Outside is ideal for parents, teachers, and all those working with youth. This book is ideal for the children who like gaming, TV, movies, the soft couch, and even too many snacks. The kids who believe "there's nothing to do outside" can learn and be encouraged to experience the joy of outdoor play.

Each activity is described in language easy for a 6- to 9-year-old and illustrated with engaging graphics. Younger children may need direction, at least the first time. Large pictures display all the fun to be had. The activities range from 10 minutes to hours and hours of fun. Some require creativity, make-believe or physical exertion but they are all outside. Perfect for rainy days, sunshiny days, even snowy days.

Examples of the 101 activities are:
Weave a bird's nest
Set up a potion lab
Make nature rubbings
Build a crawl tunnel
Hold a mini Olympics
Build a human sundial
Make a nature walk bracelet
Capture animal tracks
Fly a homemade kite
Make a rain gauge
Make a snow maze.

Reviews
While the cover art is adorable, the photos inside are stunning! This book is full of creative, easy, and original ideas that your kids will adore.
— MaryAnne, Mama Smiles Blog

Great gift for any child... Would also be resourceful to any parent, teacher or caregivers... Plenty of fun ideas not only for children, but for families to enjoy together. And the most important thing -- with 101 Things For Kids To Do Outside, your kids will never be bored again.
— Lily Zunic, Craft, Learn and Play Blog

The hands-on guide, 101 Things for Kids to Do Outside, gives you more than enough activities, games and projects to get your children or students moving and learning in the great outdoors. Colorful illustrations and photographs combine with detailed and easy to follow instructions in order to spark lots of outdoor exploration... This book is great for parents and educators, but also for young people ages 5-12 to lead their own explorations.
— Raine Sillito, Green Teacher

Additional Information
224 pages | 8.25" x 8.50" | full colour throughout, line drawings, resources, index

The word “yoga” is derived from Sanskrit and means to unite, to bring together, to connect. The Strong Nations Yoga Cards connect the ancient practice of yoga with Indigenous teachings. These cards honour our connection to each other, to nature, to spirit, and to this amazing planet we all share.

Handy, user-friendly, and fun, the Strong Nations Yoga Cards illustrate physical and reflective practices with adorable artwork by Bill Helin and Laura Timmermans.

The Cards
The Strong Nations Yoga Cards deck includes 25 double-sided interconnecting cards. Each card is 3.5” x by 4.5” and presents a physical practice on one side and a reflective practice on the other. The endless combinations and versatility of these cards make them ideal for all levels and ages.

The Yoga Practice
24 yoga poses are explained with simplified text and colourful illustrations by Laura Timmermans.

The cards are colour-coded into four aspects of a yoga practice:

• 4 green “Opening Breath” cards
• 8 yellow “Warm-up Pose” cards
• 8 purple “Active Pose” cards
• 4 blue “Closing Pose” cards

Choose an individual card or one of each colour for a shorter yoga practice, or create a sequence of several cards for a longer practice.

The Reflective Practice
The reflective practice, illustrated by Bill Helin, follows the Seven Sacred Teachings and incorporates Indigenous values. These reflections can be used before, during, or after a yoga practice to deepen mindfulness. Choose a single card to guide self-reflection or journal writing, or use with a friend or in a sharing circle.  

The cards are colour-coded into four aspects of a reflective practice:

• 8 yellow “Respect” cards with a focus on respect and love to the world around us
• 4 green “Witness” cards with a focus on humility, courage, and interconnectedness
• 8 purple “Connected” cards with a focus on truth and honesty in all living beings
• 4 blue “Gratitude” cards with a focus on the wisdom that surrounds us

Educator Information
Card Game Creators: Terri Mack (Da’naxda’xw Awaetlala) and Kathy Beliveau.

For more information about the cards and a Free Yoga Game Teacher’s Guide, visit www.kathybeliveau.ca. For more information about the illustrator, visit billhelin.com and lauratimmermans.ca.

Additional Information
Dimensions: 3.5” x 4.5” | ISBN: 978177144652