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I Wish You Were Here
Synopsis:
Preview Images (1)
Dear Jean,
I had a substitute teacher recently. He stood up for a girl wearing a cedar hat when she was told to take it off by the vice-principal…
Even though Jean and Michael come from different cultural backgrounds and live far apart, they are best friends. To keep in touch, they write letters. Read their letters to discover what Jean and Michael do when they see and experience racial prejudice in their communities.
I Wish You Were Here is based on the authors' childhood experiences as pen pals in Haida Gwaii and Terrace in northern British Columbia. The book explores themes of friendship, culture, family, and community. It also addresses some tough issues, such as racism and intolerance, and explores ways to respond proactively. Included are resources and discussion questions to encourage further learning and reflection.
Reviews
“This lovely book explores healthy strategies for addressing racism and discrimination, including ceremonies, art, and inter-cultural allies. It is necessary reading for fostering the reconciliation and Indigenous resurgence that is imperative for our collective growth and enlightenment.”– Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson, musician, author, activist, artist, and lawyer
“This book helps us to empower our children and each other in the important work of recognizing, talking about, and working through acts of racism.”– Severn Cullis-Suzuki, lifelong activist for intergenerational justice
Educator Information
Recommended for grades 3 to 7.
This middle-grade picture book includes discussion questions, a glossary, and additional resources for further learning and reflection.
Curriculum Connections & Keywords: Reconciliation, Indigenous Education, Social Awareness and Responsibility, Social Studies, Allyship, Racism, Anti-Racism, Discrimination, Social Justice, Racial Injustice, Haida, Haida Gwaii, Gwaii Haanas National Park, Tsimshian, Terrace, Letter Writing, Pen Pals, Friendship, Diversity, Child Empowerment, Advocacy, Inclusivity.
This book provides readers the opportunity to look at racism and discrimination through two different cultural lenses. It's a teaching tool to initiate conversations about issues such as racism, discrimination, and reconciliation.
In the video below, Erica Jean Reid Gidin Jaad shares how to pronounce Haida and Tsimshian words in I Wish You Were Here.
Additional Information
32 Pages | 6.5" x 9.5" | Hardcover | ISBN: 9781771745727
Our logo reflects the greater Nation we live within—Turtle Island (North America)—and the strength
and core of the Pacific Northwest Coast peoples—the Cedar Tree, known as the Tree of Life. We are
here to support the building of strong nations and help share Indigenous voices.
