Family and Community

"Who are you?", whispers the voice in the wind. "You are Métis." What does this strange word mean? A young girl watches her father to understand the unfamiliar label. Through a series of vignettes centred around her dad, the child interacts with her riverlot surroundings and delights in her Métis way of life.

Discover the joy and vibrancy of the Métis culture from a child's perspective. Feel the author's pride in her Métis identity, and her love for her father, as she relives childhood memories.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 9.

Caution: The word "Indian" is used in this work when the author recounts a memory from her childhood.

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

Cultivate connection and kindness in author Susan Verde’s and Peter H. Reynolds’s I Am We.

Connected is what we are:
part of a world-wide community,
diverse and magnificent, kind and accepting, supportive and present.
All of us important, none of us alone.

Sometimes we may wonder, how does caring for ourselves help anyone else? But then we realize that the better we feel inside, the more we can be there for others—our friends, families, and communities. We are part of something bigger than ourselves, and when we each turn our goodness and compassion outward, we can create, learn, and love.

Whether it’s listening to a friend, welcoming newcomers with open arms, or standing up against injustice, I Am We shows us what true community looks like—and the amazing things that can happen when we come together.

Inside you’ll also find exercises for building community.

Reviews
"Verde’s contemplative text sets a tone at once musing and affirming, while Reynolds’ cartoon illustrations visualize the concepts in practical ways, grounding readers in colorful and emotive images. A genuine call to action paired with sincere reflection." — Kirkus Reviews

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.00" x 8.00" | Hardcover 

It is good to follow the rules. But there are just so many! In this fourth book in the beloved Jo Jo Makoons chapter book series, Jo Jo’s talents may not quite include following her substitute teacher’s rules…

Jo Jo and her classmates are excited that the Elders’ Tribal Center has changed the rules for the talent show to invite the whole tribe to perform. But the rules have also changed in Jo Jo’s classroom, where instead of their teacher, they have a substitute. Since Jo Jo has a knack for being helpful, she puts her mind to helping her classmates decide on their talents—but can she manage to follow the substitute teacher’s rules?

Even if no one else quite understands Jo Jo’s own rules (like that saying “please” makes words softer and fluffier to hear and that square foods are too pointy to be yummy), her undeniable talents for celebrating, curiosity, and class keep her happily hop-skipping in step with her Ojibwe community.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 10.

This is the fourth 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

Tessa loves how her grandmother always smells of campfire stories. Mom says it’s because Kohkom spends her days sewing beautiful beads onto smoked hides. Inspired, Tessa asks Kohkom to teach her beading, but first she must listen and learn about the many stories held in a bead.

A celebration of Cree craftsmanship, language, and learning. The loving exchange of knowledge between Tessa and her Kohkom will be familiar to many children. Readers will learn that different Indigenous communities have different beadwork techniques, and that this traditional art form is alive and thriving today.

Reviews
"The story is a beautiful look into the importance of beading in our communities and the ways that this art practice ties us together as families and communities." — Nancy Cooper, First Nations Consultant for the Southern Ontario Library Services and coordinator for First Nation Communities Read

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

This dual language edition contains the story in both Ininîmowin (Cree, N-dialect) and English.

Translators: Duane Linklater & Angela Shisheesh
Duane is Omaskêko Ininiwak and currently lives in North Bay, Ontario. He earned a Master of Fine Arts from Bard College and a Bachelor of Native Studies with a focus in Cree language from the University of Alberta. Linklater is lifelong learner of the Cree language and credits the many Elders, including his kohkom Agnes Hunter, for teaching and sharing the language.

Angela is a Cree translator at Ojibway & Cree Cultural Centre based in Timmins, Ontario

An English-only version is available: What's in a Bead?

This book is available in French: Le pouvoir d'une perle

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

Those who feel the same are kindred spirits.

A nonfiction picture book about the inspiring true pay-it-forward story that bridges two continents, 175 years, and two events in history--connecting Ireland, Choctaw Nation, Navajo Nation, and the Hopi Tribe.

1845. The Potato Famine devastated Ireland. An ocean away, Choctaw people heard and were moved by the similarities to the injustice they had suffered on the Trail of Tears. Though they had little, they gathered money to donate.

2017. Irish people built a statue to remember their connection to the Choctaw Nation--twenty-foot high feathers in the shape of a bowl.

2020. COVID-19 disproportionately ravished the Navajo Nation and the Hopi Tribe. Irish people remembered the Choctaws' kindness and paid it forward by donating.

Empathy creates kindness that lives well beyond a single act and includes more people the bigger it grows.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 8.

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

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 

During a school lockdown, eight-year-old Liam finds a way to calm his fears in this installment from the Liam Kingbird’s Kingdom series.

Liam’s school on an Ojibwa reservation is practicing a lockdown. During the drill, the shy third grader is worried until he finds a new friend: a wooly caterpillar. Can the caterpillar help calm Liam’s nerves during the scary situation? Find out in this installment of the popular Liam Kingbird’s Kingdom series by Ojibwa author Andrew Stark.

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

Eight-year-old Liam wants to find his mother the perfect holiday gift in this installment from the Liam Kingbird’s Kingdom series.

Young Liam Kingbird isn’t feeling very merry! He wants to find his mom the perfect Christmas gift, but the Ojibwa reservation that they live on doesn’t have many shopping options. Can Liam turn his present problems into a Christmas miracle? Find out in this installment of the popular Liam Kingbird’s Kingdom series by Ojibwa author Andrew Stark.

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

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

Eight-year-old Liam attends a local powwow despite his anxieties in this installment from Liam Kingbird’s Kingdom.

Young Liam Kingbird, a shy boy from an Ojibwa reservation, is nervous about attending a nearby powwow with his best friend, Zach. However, Liam soon discovers that the crowded venue is full of magic too—from delicious Indian Tacos to lively drum circles. Can Liam overcome his anxiety and enjoy this celebration of his culture? Find out in this installment of the popular Liam Kingbird’s Kingdom chapter book series by Ojibwa author Andrew Stark.

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

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

On a cold winter morning in 1952, Patsy Lamondin wakes to the day electricity will finally be connected to her small town along the Magnetawan River.

Patsy and her siblings buzz with excitement, eagerly awaiting the ceremony being held at the center of town. The Lamondins have lived along the waters of Georgian Bay and the Magnetawan River for generations. They are a Métis family who love music, dancing and being outdoors, and Patsy ponders how electricity will change all of their daily lives. What she knows for sure is that, whatever changes, she will always feel she belongs here.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient: M
Lexile measure: 660L
Guided Reading Level: M

Recommended in the Indigenous Books for Schools catalogue as a valuable resource for English Language Arts and Science in grades 1 to 3.

Themes: Childhood, Community, Family, History, Technology, Engineering.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.75" x 10.75" | Hardcover 

How did you get your name? Who named you? Why were you given your name? How do we name our children? Using the traditional practice of naming children, this first story about Moonbeam is the story of how she got her name. She tags along with her mother Morning Star to deliver a baby and she tries to guess the new baby’s name.

Awards

• 2020 Dr. Marilyn Trenholme Literacy Award for Outstanding Effort in Indigenous Literacy winner
• 2023 Lieutenant-Governor's Award for High Achievement in the Arts

Reviews
“This altogether lovely story takes us into the heart of family and community. The naming of things is the claiming of things. The arrival and naming of a child is celebration!” - Sheree Fitch – Canadian Author

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 10.

This book is the first book in the Moonbeam series, followed by Moonbeam Meets the Medicine Man.

Additional Information
28 pages | 7.28" x 9.25" | Paperback | 2nd Edition 

The award-winning story of a young Cree man blessed with the skills of a great hunter, who learns not to take his talents for granted.

Kayâs is a young Cree man who is blessed with a Gift that makes him a talented hunter. He knows the ways of the Beings he hunts and can even talk with them in their own languages. But when he becomes proud and takes his abilities for granted, he loses his gift, and the People grow hungry.

With the help of the Elders and the Beings that inhabit the water, Kayâs learns that in order to live a life of success, fulfillment and peace, he must cherish and respect the talents and skills he has been given.

Illustrated with Dale Auger's powerful, insightful paintings, Mwâkwa Talks to the Loon introduces readers to the basics of life in a Cree village. A glossary with a pronunciation guide to the many Cree words and phrases used in the story is included.

Awards

• The 1st edition was the winner of the Aboriginal Children's Book of the Year Award, 2006 Anskohk Aboriginal Literature Festival and Book Awards

Educator Information
Recommended Ages: 6-9.

Additional Information
32 pages | 10.00" x 9.25" | Paperback | 2nd Edition

My Little Ogichidaa is inspired by Indigenous motherhood. It invites readers to explore the compelling dreams and hopes of an Indigenous parent for her soon-to-be-born warrior.

The word Ogichidaa itself means warrior in Anishinaabemowin, and this beautifully illustrated book is a tribute to Indigenous families everywhere who are proudly raising their children to carry forward their culture, language, and love with resilience, strength, and kindness. This story is proof that despite colonization, our world is full of Indigenous art, beauty, love, and brilliance. Through the eyes of a mother, readers gain insight into the profound bonds of family and community that are central to Indigenous life. This heartwarming and empowering story is a celebration of Indigenous love and the powerful legacy that it creates.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

Find a lesson plan for this book here: My Little Ogichidaa Teacher Lesson Plan 

This book is available in French: Ma petite Ogichidaa: une berceuse autochtone

Recommended in the Indigenous Books for Schools catalogue as a valuable resource for English Language Arts and Social Studies, in Grades 2 to 4.

Themes: Ancestors, Decolonization, Resilience, Connectedness to Culture, Family

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

One rainy day, Solomon is playing inside with his sister. Their mom is cooking polar bear meat in a big pot of water. Suddenly, he trips and burns his arm in the pot of boiling water! The burn is so bad that he must travel to the health centre in the neighbouring community of Pond Inlet. Solomon has to stay in Pond Inlet until his arm heals. Even though Solomon misses his home, he likes playing with the other kids at the health centre and exploring the new and exciting community of Pond Inlet.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 7.

In My Trip to Pond Inlet children learn about the responsibility of being safe around hot water and taking care of themselves after an injury.

Dual-Language: English and Inuktitut 

This book is part of the Community Connections series.

Additional Information
40 pages | 9.00" x 10.00" | Paperback

The second book in Isabelle Picard’s bestselling coming-of-age series about Innu twins, Leon and Eloise.

Leon and Eloise are 13-year-old twins from Matimekush, an Innu community in Northern Quebec.

The entire Mckenzie family has moved to Wendake, near Quebec City. Leaving Matimekush, nature, their friends and their school is quite a challenge for Eloise and Leon. Between the adapting to a different world, their desire to make new friends and the need to keep their bond with the old ones, everything goes too fast.

At school, a student bullies Eloise, and she has to deal with this difficult situation. As for Leon, he starts doubting his hockey skills: Is he really talented or was he the best in Matimekush only because the competition simply wasn’t as strong? In the midst of this storm, Leon and Eloise can always count on each other as well as their family and friends.

The Mystery unfolds on every page as we get to see the twins in a different light. What if, ultimately, life in the South isn’t that different from life in the North?

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 10 to 14.

Translated by Kateri Aubin Dubois, a freelance translator and a prolific beadworker. Her beadwork can be found under her Indigenous name, Nisnipawset. Kateri is from the Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation. She lives with her husband, two children and a fluffy cat in Terrebonne, Quebec.

This is the second book in the Nish series.

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