Ojibway (Ojibwe)

A celebration of traditional ways of life and the power of sharing what we have.

”Rez kid!“ The girl ignores the taunt as she hurries to the back of the school bus. She just wants to get home to the reservation, where she can feel safe. One by one, she tells her mom, nóhkom, moshum and aunty about what happened. And one by one they offer her advice on what to do. Each one has a different idea, but each idea is the same at heart: share something from the reservation with the other children. The girl listens, but decides to come up with her own idea. And, as with everything else about her life as a rez kid, her idea grows out of all she has been given by those who came before her.

Andrea Landry has written a beautiful story that celebrates Indigenous ways of life and encourages readers to be proud of who they are. The traditions practiced on the girl’s reservation are showcased as she beads, harvests medicine, gardens and rides horseback with her elders. Isabella Fassler’s stunning art, with swirls of bold colors, evokes the majesty and splendor of nature. The message of showing kindness in response to aggression offers a powerful lesson for all readers. This book could augment social studies lessons on Indigenous cultures and character education conversations about courage, compassion and inclusiveness. An author’s note gives a brief history of reservations/reserves.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 7.

Curriculum Connections: Compassion; Courage; Empathy; Inclusiveness; Indigenous peoples; Rural communities

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

Continue to celebrate Cree culture and being true to yourself in the second book in this vibrant new early chapter book series!

Sarah has spent the best summer visiting Kohkom and her best friend Eden in her home community, but it’s almost time to return to the city and back to school. Eden has been acting odd and distant the past few days, and Sarah can’t quite figure out why: when she finds a tipi surprise in Kohkom’s backyard that Eden has been keeping a secret, Sarah figures that must be the reason!

But as the girls prepare for one last sleepover of the summer, Sarah continues to feel butterflies growing in her tummy when she hears Eden speaking Cree. Eden knows so much more about the language and their culture than Sarah; could that be what’s creating distance between them? As the night goes on, a magical visit from Maskwa reminds the girls that their differences and their culture is what makes their friendship so special.

Sita MacMillan continues to explore topsy-turvy feelings of growing up as a young Indigenous person living away from their community, with magical illustrations from Azby Whitecalf that transport the reader into the forest once again with Sarah Ponakey.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 9.

This is the second book in the Sarah Ponakey, Storycatcher series, a vibrant early chapter book series celebrating Cree culture and being true to yourself.

Includes a Glossary of Cree words and English meanings. 

Themes: Bears, Jealousy, Tipi, Cree, Indigenous, Culture, Dreams, Storytelling, Friendship

Guided Reading Level: O

Additional Information
120 pages | 6.00" x 7.50" | Paperback

Written by Gloria Barker, Language Teacher from Hollow Water First Nation, which is located on the east side of Lake Winnipeg, Canada. Hollow Water First Nation is also known as Waanibiigaaw or Wanipigow in Ojibwe. Illustrated by Alice Linski; Alice RL is a member of Ne-biimiskonaan (Skownan) First Nation, Treaty 2 Territory. Alice is a Two-Spirit Anishinaabe artist, illustrator, and art teacher based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Alice draws inspiration from life experiences and cultural teachings. Alice blends these inspirations with a signature palette of bright, playful hues to create stunning emotional juxtapositions of trauma and grief with hope and a touch of whimsy.

Educator Information
The publisher recommends this work for all ages.

This book is available in English and Anishinaabemowin: Nookwezigewing anami'aawin / Smudging Prayer 

Additional Information
Paperback

Edwin loves his sister Patsy's closet. He adores dresses and earrings and boots with high heels. And when he's finished getting dressed, Edwin is transformed...into the fabulous Edweena!

Today is the figure skating competition at school and Edwin has decided to compete as Edweena. What will people say when they meet her for the first time? Can a boy in drag win the competition? Edweena will have to give her best performance ever to find out!

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

This books available in English and Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe): Omaamakaadendaagozi Edwiina / The Fabulous Edweena

This title is included in the Indigenous Books for Schools database from the Association of Book Publishers of BC. It is recommended for Grades 1 to 3 for English Language Arts and Physical and Health Education.

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

Share in a raven’s sense of wonder as this gorgeous picture book brings Richard Wagamese’s wisdom to young audiences.

“Reuben was an inquisitive raven. Of course, all ravens are inquisitive, but Reuben was a notch above even the most curious bird.” So begins a story by beloved author Richard Wagamese, about a raven that has the whole forest talking. Some think he is nosy, but really, he is in a state of utter amazement at the world. He suggests new designs for the beavers’ dams, imitates the blue herons’ one-legged stance as they spear minnows, and squawks in glee at the sight of the bears emerging from hibernation. When he sees an eagle soaring high in the sky, he tries to soar just as high, in order to earn the other animals’ respect—only to learn that respect is not something one earns, but something one carries.

This book is yet another example from Richard Wagamese about the power of storytelling. Beautifully illustrated with original work from Anishinaabe artist Bridget George, The Inquisitive Raven is sure to be cherished by readers of all ages.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

This book is part of the Richard Wagamese Storybook Collection.

Additional Information
32 pages | 10.25" x 9.25" | Hardcover 

In this charming debut, a feather from a red-tailed hawk finds its home in a little girl's dreamcatcher

When a gust of wind blows a feather off a flying red-tailed hawk, it marks the beginning of that feather's quest to find a new home. The feather ends up in a squirrel's nest, a woman's hat, and atop a sandcastle-but none of these spots feel right.

Soon, the feather is picked up by a little girl who lovingly takes it home to join two other feathers as part of a special craft project. When the project is complete, the reader discovers that the feather has found its home in a dreamcatcher.

Bright illustrations bring young readers along on this lost feather's search for purpose, and the heartwarming conclusion weaves in a tribute to an Indigenous cultural object.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 7.

Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient: M 
Lexile measure: AD630L

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.75" x 7.75" | Hardcover

Learn about the Thirteen Moons on Turtle's Back with this easy to read beautifully illustrated rhyming book. A great tool to help young children understand and learn the many teachings of the thirteen Moons on Turtle's Back.

Educator Information
Recommended for Grade 1 students.

Additional Information
Hardcover 

Learn about Tipi Teachings with this easy to read, beautifully illustrated rhyming book. A great tool to help young children understand and learn the many teachings of the Tipi.

Educator Information
Recommended for Grades 1 to 3.

Additional Information
Hardcover

Un album illustré autochtone festif et joyeux qui explore à la fois les traditions de Noël et la culture anichinabée.

Un jour de solstice d’hiver, maman dit : « Bébé, nous rentrons chez nous, à la réserve. Nous allons passer un Noël anichinabé. » Mais c’est le premier Noël de Bébé loin de la ville, et iel se fait du souci et se pose beaucoup de questions :

Comment le père Noël saura-t-il où les trouver?

Pourquoi recevons-nous des cadeaux à Noël?

Comment se fait-il qu’ils rentrent chez eux à la réserve alors qu’ils n’y vivent pas?

Au cours du long trajet qui les mène chez Mooshom et Kookom, Bébé apprend que les animaux font partie de leur famille, et que le chez-soi, c’est l’endroit d’où l’on vient. Iel apprend même la signification de certains mots anichinabés. Est-ce que ce sera le meilleur Noël de Bébé?

Reviews
« Un livre réconfortant et magnifiquement conçu qui transmet la joie de Noël à travers le prisme de la culture anichinabée. » ~ School Library Journal, critique coup de cœur

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 7.

This book is available in English: An Anishinaabe Christmas.

Additional Information
48 pages | 8.78" x 10.33" | Hardcover 

This bestselling and award-winning introduction to Etuaptmumk—the gift of multiple perspectives also known as Two-Eyed Seeing—is now available in a bilingual edition that celebrates the Mi’kmaw language and our connections to nature.

Elder Albert D. Marshall is a leading environmental voice who has brought forward the concept of Etuaptmumk, honoring and braiding both Indigenous and non-Indigenous knowledges and ways of knowing for the benefit of all. Walking Together is grounded in this, as well as in the concept of Netukulimk, meaning to protect Mother Earth for the ancestors and for present and future generations. The journey in Walking Together nurtures respectful, reciprocal, responsible relationships with the Land and Water, with plant life and animals, and with other-than-human beings.

Translated by Barbara Sylliboy and Arlene Stevens, Eskasoni First Nation, Unama’ki (Cape Breton), Nova Scotia, the dual-language text in Mi’kmaw and English furthers Elder Marshall’s lifelong work preserving cultural beliefs and creating a strong vision for his people and for the future. Elder Marshall and Louise Zimanyi are working together to promote Land-based learning through storytelling, an approach that has global relevance for protecting biodiversity, climate action, and resilience. Emily Kewageshig’s evocative artwork illustrates the beauty of connecting with nature and encourages readers to strengthen their relationships to the world around them.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 7.

Introduces the concept of Two-Eyed Seeing (the gift of multiple perspectives) to young readers.

Bilingual Edition: Mi’kmaw and English.

This book is available in English: Walking Together 

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

Join artist and author, Storm Angeconeb, Lac Seul First Nation, Ojibwe as she gives thanks to her relatives in her first published children’s book. In All My Relatives — Indinawemaaganidag, Storm shares the intimate relations between the natural world, her family and their traditions. Storm gives thanks to each animal in Ojibwe in this first-of-its-kind board book featuring her beautiful, colourful Ojibwe art.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 0 to 4.

Additional Information
16 Pages | 16.5" x 16.5" | Board Book

All That You Are is a series of heartwarming, affirmational picture books from author and illustrator Sarah-Anne Tourond.

Through lyrical text and watercolour illustrations, this series shares the teachings of the Anishinaabe Medicine Wheel to remind children of their connection to the world around them. Each book is inspired by one quadrant of the Medicine Wheel that represents an aspect of wellness—Spiritual, Physical, Emotional, or Mental. A diagram of the Medicine Wheel is included at the back of the books. Anishinaabe Connections are also included to share more about Anishinaabe art, culture, and traditions explored in the text and illustrations.

A percentage of proceeds from this series is donated to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society to support their efforts in advocacy for justice and healing. To find out more information, please visit https://www.irsss.ca/.

Books in the All That You Are Series include:

You Are Sacred – Connects to the Spiritual quadrant of the Medicine Wheel

You Are the Land – Connects to the Physical quadrant of the Medicine Wheel

Educator Information
Books in the All That You Are series are best suited for children ages 3 to 6 and make wonderful read-alouds in classrooms and homes.

Free lesson plans and activity sheets are available for each book.

Curriculum Connections:

Early Literacy – listening, reading, and discussing

Art – the rhythm and music of the world around us, traditional Anishinaabe clothing and art

Health and Wellness – focusing on breath and balance, self-affirmation

Science – harmonious ecosystems, biodiversity of plants and animals with Indigenous cultural importance, environmental awareness

Social Responsibility – uplifting others and ourselves

Indigenous Knowledge and Traditions – teachings of the Anishinaabe Medicine Wheel, the Seven Generations, and All Our Relations

Additional Information
Each book is 24 pages | 8” x 8” | Hardcover | Series ISBN: 978-1-77174-630-4 

A festive, joyful Indigenous picture book that explores both Christmas traditions and Anishinaabe culture, for fans of Santa in the City and Go Show the World.

One winter solstice, Mommy says, "Baby, we're going home to the Rez. We're going to have an Anishinaabe Christmas." But this is Baby's first Christmas away from the city, and they're worried! They have a lot of questions:

How will Santa know where to find them?

Why do we have presents on Christmas?

How come they're going home to the Rez but don't live there?

On the long trip to Mooshom's and Kookom's, Baby learns about animals being part of their family, about the North Star leading them home and even the meanings of some Anishinaabe words. Will this Anishinaabe Christmas be Baby's best yet?

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 7.

This book is available in French: Un Noël anichinabé 

Additional Information
48 pages | 9.00" x 10.25" | Hardcover 

In this engrossing graphic novel, teen hockey player Chase learns more about himself and his identity in the face of prejudice and homophobia.

Thirteen-year-old Chase’s life and identity should be simple. He’s the goalie for his hockey team, the Eagles. He’s a friend to Kevin and Jade. He's Kookum's youngest grandchild. He’s a boy. He should like girls.

But it’s not that simple. Chase doesn’t like girls the way that the other boys do. It’s scary being so different from his peers. Scarier still is the feeling that his teammates can tell who he is—and that they hate him for it. If he pretends hard enough, maybe he can hide the truth.

Real strength and change can’t come from a place of shame. Chase’s dreams are troubled by visions of a bear spirit, and the more he tries to hide, the more everything falls apart. With the help of an Elder, and a Two-Spirit mentor, can Chase find the strength to be proud of who he is?

Between the Pipes explores toxic masculinity in hockey through the experiences of an Indigenous teen.

Reviews
“Highlights the importance of community and cultural connection as roots for embracing one’s identity.” — Kirkus Reviews

“The authors deftly confront multiple layers of intolerance exacerbated by toxic masculinity. Ojibwe artist RL uses saturated full color (with well-placed, empowering rainbows) to capture Chase’s self-empowering journey. The result is a compelling, hope-giving antidote against potential at-risk suicide among 2-Spirit/Indigenous LGBTQQIA+ youth.” — Booklist

“This hopeful...story offers valuable insight into Chase’s experience as a gay, Indigenous teen. Hockey and identity collide in this affirming graphic novel about recognizing and valuing one’s authentic self.” — School Library Journal

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 12 - 18.

Reading Level: Fountas & Pinnell Y

Additional Information
56 pages | 6.50" x 10.00" | Paperback

Hello! Who do you see and hear in the woods today? Meet a variety of woodland and water animals in this story written in Anishinaabemowin and English.

Can you see a fox digging, spot two minnows dancing or hear a swarm of bees buzzing? Boozhoo! / Hello! introduces children to familiar animals as they go about their daily activities: walking, running, swimming, climbing and finally - when the day is done - sleeping! Illustrated in a vibrant and colorful woodland style that will appeal to readers young and old alike, and accompanied by an author's note.

Awards

•  2025 PMC Indigenous Literature Award Winner

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 6.

Dual-Language: Anishinaabemowin and English.

Translated by Mary Ann Corbiere.

Key Text Features: Author's note, translations, illustrations

Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.3
Describe characters, settings, and major events in a story, using key details.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.7
Use illustrations and details in a story to describe its characters, setting, or events.

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