Social Studies

Learn about a heroic Dene girl named TthaNárëltth’ër who turned hardship into helping her people and others. We honour TthaNárëltth’ër every year on February 5th by dressing in the colour of her red jacket.

Educator Information
Includes information for educators on the legacy of TthaNárëltth’ër and honours TthaNárëltth’ër has received.

Bio of TthaNárëltth’ër for early years.

Additional Information
36 Pages | 21 × 0.3 × 20.5 cm | Paperback

"There are many things I would like to do and see with my friend in Qikiqtarjuaq."

Monica wants to visit her friend Mary in Qikiqtarjuaq, Nunavut. Monica likes to imagine all the fun they will have together there. Monica and Mary will go camping, fish for delicious Arctic char, and see the big icebergs around the community. There will be lots to do when Monica visits Qikiqtarjuaq in this bilingual picture book!

Reviews
"The book touches on Qikiqtarjuaq’s history while highlighting the natural features and landforms that define the region, known as the “iceberg capital” of Nunavut. Through simple, descriptive language and vivid illustrations, it offers a warm, culturally rich introduction to Arctic life, Inuit clothing and Traditions, and the northern landscape. Ideal for early primary classrooms, this story invites students to explore place-based experiences, family, belonging, and a deep connection to community and land." - Shannon D., Elementary & Middle School Teacher, Indigenous Books for Schools

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

Dual-Language: English and Inuktitut.

This book is part of the Community Connections series.

This book is included in the Indigenous Books for Schools database from the Association of Book Publishers of BC. It is recommended for K to 2 classrooms for English Language Arts, Science, Social Studies. 

Additional Information
19 pages | 8.00" x 9.00" | Paperback

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

Delve into the uplifting stories of the people of Mi'kma'ki in this full-colour illustrated book. Meet a devoted water protector, learn about a teen determined to shed light on the tragic history of Residential Schools, and discover poets who use words to explore and champion the rich Mi'kmaw culture. From Grand Chief Gabriele Sylliboy and Elder Dorene Bernard to Rebecca Thomas and Landyn Toney, all of these amazing people call Mi'kma'ki (a territory that includes New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and parts of Newfoundland, Quebec, and Maine) home.

With dozens of profiles featuring artists, athletes, entrepreneurs, scientists, and more — both historical and present-day, from kids to Elders — Julie Pellissier-Lush and Robin Grant celebrate the many brilliant achievements of the Mi'kmaq.

Includes original colour illustrations by James Bentley, informative sidebars, a map of Mi'kmaw territories, a history of Mi'kma'ki , an index, and a glossary.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 12

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

This poetic journey through Inuit oral history gives a glimpse of traditional beliefs surrounding the creation of the world. From the creation of day and night and the Sun and the Moon, to the origin of Death, this collection of simple retellings is richly supported by the artwork of acclaimed artist Germaine Arnattaujuq.

Featuring a foreword by the artist about her work illustrating Inuit myths and legends, this introduction to traditional Inuit stories is based on the animated film Arctic Song, which was co-produced and co-directed by Germaine Arnattaujuq and Neil Christopher.

Educator Information
Dual-language: English and Inuktitut

Additional Information
72 pages | 9.00" x 10.00" | Hardcover

From New York Times bestselling picture book author Carole Lindstrom and illustrator Bridget George comes Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior, an inspiring picture book biography about two Indigenous Rights Activists, Josephine Mandamin and Autumn Peltier.

The seventh generation is creating
A sea of change.

It was a soft voice, at first.
Like a ripple.
But with practice it grew louder.

Indigenous women have always worked tirelessly to protect our water—keeping it pure and clean for the generations to come. Yet there was a time when their voices and teachings were nearly drowned out, leaving entire communities and environments in danger and without clean water.

But then came Grandma Josephine and her great-niece, Autumn Peltier.

Featuring a foreword from water advocate and Indigenous Rights Activist Autumn Peltier herself, this stunning picture book from New York Times-bestselling author Carole Lindstrom and illustrator Bridget George gives voice to the water and asks young readers to join the tidal wave of change.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Additional Information
40 pages | 10.45" x 10.30" | Hardcover

The news can inform and inspire, but it can also misinform and mislead.

Becoming a savvy news consumer is more important than ever as people are spending an increasing amount of time on the internet and social media, where they're exposed to fake news and clickbait. And as major news events such as the COVID-19 pandemic have shown us, the global spread of misinformation and disinformation puts lives at risk and accurate and reliable information can save lives.

Breaking News: Why Media Matters helps kids become critical news consumers and teaches them how to tell fact from fiction. It explores the history of the media industry, the important roles the news plays today and the challenges it faces, and it gives kids the tools they need to find the news they can use.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 9 to 12.

This book is part of the Orca Think series.

A free, downloadable poster for this book is available: Breaking News: Why Media Matters Poster

Additional Information
96 pages | 7.00" x 9.00" | Hardcover

Until now, you've only heard one side of the story: the "discovery" of America told by Christopher Columbus, the Pilgrims, and the Colonists. Here's the true story of America from the Indigenous perspective.

When you think about the beginning of the American story, what comes to mind? Three ships in 1492, or perhaps buckled hats and shoes stepping off of the Mayflower, ready to start a new country. But the truth is, Christopher Columbus, the Pilgrims, and the Colonists didn't arrive to a vast, empty land ready to be developed. They arrived to find people and communities living in harmony with the land they had inhabited for thousands of years, and they quickly disrupted everything they saw.

From its "discovery" by Europeans to the first Thanksgiving, the story of America's earliest days has been carefully misrepresented. Told from the perspective of the New England Indigenous Nations that these outsiders found when they arrived, this is the true story of how America as we know it today began.

Reviews
"A poignant and powerful look at identity, change, and resiliency." —Kirkus Reviews

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 10+.

Additional Information
272 pages | 5.50" x 8.31" | Paperback

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 

What can archaeology and Indigenous Traditional Knowledge tell us about how our marine environments have changed over time and the effects of climate change?

From harvesting herring eggs to hunting humpback whales, humans have had a relationship with the world's oceans for more than 100,000 years. In Dig Deep: Connecting Archaeology, Oceans and Us, young readers unearth what our ancestors left behind at archaeological sites around the world and examine how tools, campsites, fishing technologies and even garbage can show us how our ancestors lived and how they used the ocean. These discoveries can unearth clues to help keep our oceans healthier today and in the future.

Reviews
“Provides readers with an introduction to archeology…Slim yet informative…Recommended.” — School Library Connection

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 9 to 12.

This book is part of the Orca Footprint series.

Additional Information
48 pages | 8.00" x 9.50" | Hardcover

Learn the meaning behind the phrase, ‘Every Child Matters.'

Orange Shirt Day founder, Phyllis Webstad, offers insights into this heartfelt movement.

Every Child Matters honours the history and resiliency of Indigenous Peoples on Turtle Island and moves us all forward on a path toward Truth and Reconciliation.

If you're a Residential School Survivor or an Intergenerational Survivor - you matter. For the children who didn't make it home - you matter. The child inside every one of us matters. Every Child Matters.

Reviews
"Every Child Matters speaks to all Indigenous Peoples - past and present - whose lives have been impacted by the residential school system. Phyllis and Karlene beautifully honour the unity, strength and resolve shared by Survivors, their families and their communities. Residential schools took our children and tried to break their vibrant spirits. With this book, the children of today can learn the truths of this history and how they can play a part in making sure every child matters." – Stephanie Scott, Executive Director of the National Center for Truth and Reconciliation

“…a brilliantly illustrated and meticulously written narrative. It is a must read.” -  Chief Dr. Robert Joseph, Gwawaenuk, Elder, Reconciliation Canada

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 10.

Find the accompanying Teacher Lesson Plan resource HERE!

This book is available in French: Chaque enfant compte

Additional Information
44 pages | 8.50" x 11.00" | Hardcover 

Explore the past, present and future of voting around the world, and why it's one of the most important things we can do as citizens.

In Get Out and Vote!, discover how voting affects everyone's life, what election day looks like, why some people don’t cast a ballot and more. Did you know a ping-pong ball once decided an election or that the government in Ancient Greece voted by shouting? From elections and politics to voter suppression and accessible ballots, there is so much to explore when it comes to voting. With profiles of young people who are making the vote count, this book will empower young people of all backgrounds to make their voices heard.

Reviews
“Informative and interesting…For readers between ages 9-12, but the information could easily be useful for older readers as well—including adults pursuing ESL who want to learn about the voting process or teachers of civics and citizenship classes. Highly Recommended.”— School Library Connection

“A novel approach to the subject…An excellent primer on the importance of elections. Highly Recommended.”— CM: Canadian Review of Materials

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 9 to 12.

This book is part of the Orca Think series.

Additional Information
96 pages | 7.00" x 9.00" | Hardcover

A deep dive into why humans waste so much food and the consequences for people and the planet

Around the world, a billion tons of food gets thrown away every year, even when hundreds of millions of people suffer from hunger. A lot of what we don't eat ends up rotting in landfills which contributes to global warming. The good news is that many governments, communities and individuals are working hard to tackle this giant problem. You can be part of the solution, starting in your own home—and working together, we can decrease our overall waste and make sure all people have food security. Plus, by reducing food waste, we can also fight climate change!

With inspiring profiles of food-waste activists and tasty tidbits on things like best-before dates, Good Food, Bad Waste offers much food for thought.

Reviews
“A thorough, upbeat look at the problem of food waste proposing some individual responses.”— Kirkus Reviews

“Ideas presented offer an exciting potential source for research and personal activism…A highly readable book with a topic that hits close to many homes. Highly Recommended.”— School Library Connection

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 9 to 12.

This book is part of the Orca Thinks series.

Various resources for this title are available to download

• Discussion Guide - Good Food, Bad Waste: Lets Eat for the Planet
• Poster: Good Food, Bad Waste: Lets Eat for the Planet
• Activity - Good Food, Bad Waste: Lets Eat for the Planet

Additional Information
96 pages | 7.00" x 9.00" | Hardcover

After Haywaas sees his parents get frustrated while watching the news, this precocious 12-year-old begins a months-long journey navigating many different answers to what he thought was a simple question.

Expertly crafted by a teacher-parent-author duo, Haywaas’ Question is relatable, understandable, and aptly builds up to an answer we’re all a part of.

Educator Information
The publisher recommends this picture book for Grades 4 - 10. 

This book is available in French: La Question de Haywaas: Qu'est-ce que la réconciliation? 

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

A stunningly illustrated and essential volume on children’s rights: an introduction for kids and a reminder for adults.

I have the right to have a name and a nationality.

I have the right to the best healthcare.

I have the right to an education.

I have the right to a home where I can thrive.

With poetic text and exceptional art, internationally acclaimed Iranan illustrator Reza Dalvand introduces children to the universal rights they are entitled to under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Adopted in 1989 and ratified by 140 countries, the convention promises to defend the rights of children and to keep them safe, respected, and valued. Dalvand’s stunning illustrations speak to children all around the world, some of whose rights are often challenged and must be protected every day.

The afterword, by renowned pediatrician Dr Catherine Gueguen, links these rights to the fundamental building blocks of a stable, safe, and fulfilling life.

Perfect for:

• Educators and librarian looking for conversation starters around human rights and lived experience;
• Parents and carers looking for books that will introduce their kids to to the experiences of children growing up in countries and cultures different to their own, and help them develop empathy;
• Lovers of exceptional art: Reza Dalvand’s evocative illustrative world-building creates an immersive visual narrative.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 7.

Additional Information
36 pages | 9.50" x 10.80" | Hardcover