Healing and Wellness

Follow along as Dancing Butterfly Girl, a young Indigenous girl, reflects on all the amazing things in her life that she is grateful for.

Educator Information
Recommended for grades 4 to 6.

Additional Information
14 Pages | Hardcover

On a visit to her granny, Maggie is excited to begin her first-ever beading project: a pair of strawberry earrings. However, beading is much harder than she expected! As they work side by side, Granny shares how beading helped her persevere and stay connected to her Anishinaabe culture when she lost her Indian status, forcing her out of her home community—all because she married someone without status, something the men of her community could do freely.

As she learns about patience and perseverance from her granny’s teachings, Maggie discovers that beading is a journey, and like every journey, it’s easier with a loved one at her side.

In this beautifully illustrated book, children learn about the tradition of Anishinaabe beadwork, strawberry teachings, and gender discrimination in the Indian Act.

Reviews
"Social justice messages lie at the heart of many children’s and YA books with Indigenous authorship. The picture book Heart Berry Bling, written by Jenny Kay Dupuis, a member of the Nipissing First Nation, and illustrated by Ghana-born artist Eva Campbell, shares the tradition of Anishinaabe beadwork and highlights the experiences of women, including the author’s grandmother, who lost their First Nations status due to Canada’s Indian Act."— Publishers Weekly

"A delightful story."— Anishnabek News

"Heart Berry Bling is a soulful children’s story that reminds readers of not only the importance of family and culture, but also the generational harm caused by laws against Indigenous Peoples. In this tale of a young Anishinaabe girl who finds out how her own family was negatively impacted by the Indian Act, Jenny Kay Dupuis has created an important text for anyone learning of the erased ancestral stories from and about Indigenous Peoples." — John P. Broome, Purdue University

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

Additional Information
48 pages | 9.00" x 9.00" | Hardcover 

A Little Golden Book based on the exciting new Netflix preschool animated series Spirit Rangers!

Kodi, Summer, and Eddy are putting on a Hoop Dancing Show at Xus Park! But first, the kids head to the Spirit Park to learn how to hoop dance from the spirits and discover that you can never skip the basics and that practice makes perfect!

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 2 to 5.

Kids ages 2 to 5 will love this Little Golden Book about patience and practice based on the Netflix show Spirit Rangers, complete with beautiful full-color illustrations!

Created by Samala Chumash descendent, Karissa Valencia, Spirit Rangers is a fantasy-adventure preschool series following Native American sibling trio Kodiak, Summer and Eddy Skycedar, who have a shared secret—they’re Spirit Rangers! Spirit Rangers protect every crook, cranny and critter of Spirit Park. With the blessing of the Chumash and Cowlitz tribes, we’ll join the Skycedar kids on their amazing adventures with spirits inspired by Indigenous stories.

Additional Information
24 pages | 6.63" x 8.00" | Hardcover

We live in a hopeless old house on an almost-deserted dead-end street in a middle-of-nowhere town named Hope. This is the oldest part of Hope; eventually it will all be torn down and rebuilt into perfect homes for perfect people. Until then, we live here: imperfect people on an imperfect street that everyone forgets about.

For Eva Brown, life feels lonely and small. Her mother, Shirley, drinks and yells all the time. She’s the target of the popular mean girl, and her only friend doesn’t want to talk to her anymore. All of it would be unbearable if it weren’t for her cat, Toofie, her beloved nohkum, and her writing, which no one will ever see.

When Nohkum is hospitalized, Shirley struggles to keep things together for Eva and her younger brother, Marcus. After Marcus is found wandering the neighbourhood alone, he is sent to live with a foster family, and Eva finds herself in a group home.

Furious at her mother, Eva struggles to adjust—and being reunited with her family seems less and less likely. During a visit to the hospital, Nohkum gives Eva Shirley’s diary. Will the truths it holds help Eva understand her mother?

Heartbreaking and humorous, Hopeless in Hope is a compelling story of family and forgiveness.

Reviews

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 12+

Additional Information
216 pages | 5.50" x 8.25" | Paperback

Illustrated with stunning cut paper art, these seven poetic vignettes capture true stories of courage, hope, and resilience from around the world.

In Imagine A Garden, award-winning children's author Rina Singh shares seven real-life stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things for their communities amidst war, poverty, and violence.

With vivid, textured images from celebrated Iranian illustrator Hoda Hadadi, this powerful picture book is:

• A celebration of everyday heroes and how they make their communities a better place.
• A teaching tool for facilitating difficult but hopeful conversations about conflict in our world, and the people who are making a difference in their own way

For kids ages 6 to 10, Imagine A Garden reimagines our complex world through the lens of love and compassion.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 10.

Additional Information
44 pages | 9.00" x 9.00"

A fierce voice longs to break free. A spark ignites inside fourteen-year-old Iz Beaufort when she hears school music group Manifesto perform. Even though she hasn’t written a song since That Place, she recognizes herself in the moving performance and longs to be part of the group, certain that they might actually understand her. But Manifesto is based at the prestigious Métier School, and Iz has bounced through twenty-six foster homes. Plus, there’s no way Dominion Children’s Care would ever send a foster kid to a private school when a public option is available. So Iz does what any passionate, broken, off-the-chart wunderkind might and takes matters into her own hands. Iz fakes her way in only to face a new set of challenges: tuition fees, tough classwork, and new classmates she can’t immediately identify as friends or foes. And if she can’t handle all this while keeping how she got into Métier a secret, she could get kicked out of both school and her current home. But a life with music—a life where Iz gets to have a voice—might be worth risking everything.

Reviews
"A compassionate, character-driven story that will particularly resonate with music lovers." - Kirkus

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 12 to 18.

Additional Information
230 pages | 9.00" x 6.00" | Paperback

Oh, snow day, snow day, what a very fun no-school day! Jo Jo Makoons is back in the third book in this favorite chapter book series, and she’s planning the very best version of the winter Olympics that her Ojibwe community has ever seen…

Jo Jo Makoons has noticed that the family members she loves most—Mama, Kokum, and even her cat, Mimi—all have their own ways of being healthy. So when Teacher says that their class will be learning about healthy habits, Jo Jo is ready to be neighborly by helping everyone around her be healthy too.

After a snowstorm shuts down her Ojibwe reservation, Jo Jo uses her big imagination and big personality to help both Elders and classmates alike. Because after all, being healthy means being together!

With her signature heart and hilarity, in this third book in her chapter book series, Jo Jo Makoons shows care for her community as only this vibrant young girl can.

Reviews
"When school is canceled due to a snowstorm, Jo Jo proposes that she and her classmates hold their own “winner” Olympics and invite Elders to participate, too. What unfolds are the Ojibwe Olympics, complete with lip-pointing races and round-dancing, and Jo Jo learns that being in community is an important part of being healthy. This third book in Quigley’s (Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe) series is a charmer, with the spunky, bighearted protagonist continuing to raise laughs and inspire. Readers will be enchanted by Jo Jo’s voice and Audibert’s (of Wolastoqey and French heritage) cute, cartoon-style illustrations, rendered in grayscale. Ojibwe values are woven deftly into the fabric of the story. A glossary of the Ojibwe and Michif words enhances the reading experience. Jo Jo’s classmates are diverse in the artwork.An absolute delight." — Kirkus Reviews

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 10.

This is the third book in the Jo Jo Makoons series.

The first book in this acclaimed chapter book series was an American Indian Youth Literature Award Honor Book; a best book of the year from Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, American Indians in Children's Literature, and the Chicago Public Library; a Charlotte Huck Award Honor Book; and a Cooperative Children's Book Center CCBC Choices selection.

Additional Information
96 pages | 5.12" x 7.62" | Paperback

Johnny Eagle and The Seven Teachings is a story about Love. Let’s learn the Seven Teachings! Each story has simple and repetitive words. These Early Learner stories are for young children.

Educator & Series Information
Early Learner story.  The publisher recommends this title for kindergarten to grade 4.

This book is part of The Seven Teaching series.

Additional Information
Paperback

In this lyrical picture book by Kim Rogers (Wichita), with illustrations by Boston Globe-Horn Book Honoree Julie Flett (Cree-Métis), Becca watches her grandma create, play, and dance—and she knows that she wants to be just like Grandma.

Becca loves spending time with Grandma. Every time Becca says, “Let me try,” Grandma shows her how to make something beautiful.

Whether they are beading moccasins, dancing like the most beautiful butterflies, or practicing basketball together, Becca knows that, more than anything, she wants to be just like Grandma.

And as the two share their favorite activities, Becca discovers something surprising about Grandma.

Educator Information
Features an author’s note and glossary.

Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

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

An unflinching reimagining of Legacy: Trauma, Story, and Indigenous Healing for young adults.

Written specifically for young adults, reluctant readers, and literacy learners, Killing the Wittigo explains the traumatic effects of colonization on Indigenous people and communities and how trauma alters an individual’s brain, body, and behavior. It explores how learned patterns of behavior — the ways people adapt to trauma to survive — are passed down within family systems, thereby affecting the functioning of entire communities. The book foregrounds Indigenous resilience through song lyrics and as-told-to stories by young people who have started their own journeys of decolonization, healing, and change. It also details the transformative work being done in urban and on-reserve communities through community-led projects and Indigenous-run institutions and community agencies. These stories offer concrete examples of the ways in which Indigenous peoples and communities are capable of healing in small and big ways — and they challenge readers to consider what the dominant society must do to create systemic change. Full of bold graphics and illustration, Killing the Wittigo is a much-needed resource for Indigenous kids and the people who love them and work with them.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 12 to 17.

The adult version of this book can be found here: Legacy: Trauma, Story, and Indigenous Healing

Additional Information
160 pages | 5.50" x 8.50" | Paperback

In Kohkum’s kitchen the family is large, the stove is warm, and the stew is oh so good. But just what makes this special stew so delicious? Is it Kohkum’s recipes and knowledge, or Mushum’s traditionally hunted moose meat? The grandchildren all think that they know the answer! But how will they decide who’s right? They’d better have another bowl or two before they come to any big decisions.

Kohkum's Kitchen is the first book in a series that celebrates Indigenous culture and the traditional knowledge that was almost lost. Perfect for any child who wants to learn more about how modern Indigenous peoples live, this book is a fun and easy way to learn how similar we all are in our hearts.

Educator Information
Juvenile Fiction.

Additional Information
24 pages | 8.50" x 8.50" | Paperback

When Liam hears his parents having an argument, he escapes into an imaginary world with animal friends he has drawn. His new friends help Liam understand that even when things feel out of his control, he is always safe, always loved, and a brighter day is just ahead.

K–3 readers will find a friend in this series featuring quiet but strong Indigenous third-grader Liam Kingbird.

Educator & Series Information
Say boozhoo (hello) to Liam Kingbird! Liam is eight years old and lives on an Ojibwa reservation. Quiet, creative Liam is a thinker, a dreamer . . . and sometimes a worrier. New experiences can be scary for Liam, but talking with his mom, drawing pictures, and listening to his heart always steer him in the right direction. Featuring an introspective Indigenous boy with a cleft lip and a beautiful spirit, this charming chapter book series for K–3 will resonate with readers who like to think before they leap.

With achievable text and colorful illustrations, all books in the Liam Kingbird’s Kingdom chapter book series are perfect for early readers, grades K–3.

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Additional Information
32 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | Paperback

Liam and his mother find an injured pigeon, but Liam isn’t sure what to do. Aren’t pigeons kind of pests? His mother suggests they take the bird to a nature center, and Liam begins to realize that every animal, no matter what kind, deserves care, respect, and a place in our world.

K–3 readers will find a friend in this series featuring quiet but strong Indigenous third-grader Liam Kingbird.

Educator & Series Information
Say boozhoo (hello) to Liam Kingbird! Liam is eight years old and lives on an Ojibwa reservation. Quiet, creative Liam is a thinker, a dreamer . . . and sometimes a worrier. New experiences can be scary for Liam, but talking with his mom, drawing pictures, and listening to his heart always steer him in the right direction. Featuring an introspective Indigenous boy with a cleft lip and a beautiful spirit, this charming chapter book series for K–3 will resonate with readers who like to think before they leap.

With achievable text and colorful illustrations, all books in the Liam Kingbird’s Kingdom chapter book series are perfect for early readers, grades K–3.

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Additional Information
32 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | Paperback

Liam and his mom want to adopt a dog from the shelter. While there are many well-behaved pups to choose from, Liam notices one that’s kept away from the others—with a sign that reads "behavior issues." But Liam knows there is no such thing as a bad dog. Can some extra love and training turn the worst dog into the best?

K–3 readers will find a friend in this series featuring quiet but strong Indigenous third-grader Liam Kingbird.

Educator & Series Information
Say boozhoo (hello) to Liam Kingbird! Liam is eight years old and lives on an Ojibwa reservation. Quiet, creative Liam is a thinker, a dreamer . . . and sometimes a worrier. New experiences can be scary for Liam, but talking with his mom, drawing pictures, and listening to his heart always steer him in the right direction. Featuring an introspective Indigenous boy with a cleft lip and a beautiful spirit, this charming chapter book series for K–3 will resonate with readers who like to think before they leap.

With achievable text and colorful illustrations, all books in the Liam Kingbird’s Kingdom chapter book series are perfect for early readers, grades K–3.

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Additional Information
32 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | Paperback

Liam is starting at a new school, and he is worried about making new friends. When a classmate asks about Liam’s cleft lip, Liam is afraid the boy is making fun of him. But in class that afternoon, Liam discovers that what makes him different also makes him special, and that is a reason to be proud.

K–3 readers will find a friend in this series featuring quiet but strong Indigenous third-grader Liam Kingbird.

Educator & Series Information
Say boozhoo (hello) to Liam Kingbird! Liam is eight years old and lives on an Ojibwa reservation. Quiet, creative Liam is a thinker, a dreamer . . . and sometimes a worrier. New experiences can be scary for Liam, but talking with his mom, drawing pictures, and listening to his heart always steer him in the right direction. Featuring an introspective Indigenous boy with a cleft lip and a beautiful spirit, this charming chapter book series for K–3 will resonate with readers who like to think before they leap.

With achievable text and colorful illustrations, all books in the Liam Kingbird’s Kingdom chapter book series are perfect for early readers, grades K–3.

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Additional Information
32 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | Paperback