English Language Arts

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 9 to 12.

Lexile measure: 1050L

This book is part of the Mother of Xsan series, which uses striking illustration and lyrical language to bring the poetry of the Xsan ecosystem to life. It is the eighth book in the series.

Additional Information
32 pages | 6.50" x 10.00" | Hardcover 

Today is a good day to go for a walk on Mother Earth.

Come on a journey with young Sachiiwin and Waawaasbiikse as they count all the wonderful animals they can see. With each new animal friend, learn their Anishinaabemowin name, and discover what makes them special.

This delightful resource for little ones from Ojibway author, Juliana Armstrong, combines concepts of counting, Anishinaabemowin language learning, and traditional teachings. Accessible, repetitive and gentle, this book offers readers a space to celebrate the beauty of language, and reflect on what guides us in our own walk on Mother Earth.

Educator Information 
Recommended for ages 4 to 11.

This is not a fully dual-language book, but it includes the Anishinaabemowin name for each animal in the story.

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

A decodable book featuring four phonics stories for striving readers, with special features to help children with dyslexia or other language-based learning difficulties find reading success.

Join Meg, Greg and friends on vacation where they throw a birthday party on a train, rescue a sheep from a creek, volunteer for a wild night in the circus and compete in a rowboat race. Plus, take a peek at a few of Greg's vacation photos in a bonus mini story!

Reviews
“The ‘Meg and Greg’ series continue to deliver valuable phonics instruction through engaging stories. The series offers a rare and much-needed resource for children with dyslexia. The adult-child team reading approach is innovative and makes this series a valuable addition to any collection, particularly for libraries supporting diverse reading needs." - School Library Journal (SLJ) Series Made Simple

“While Meg and Greg: Train Day! is designed as a decodable book, the humour, the problem solving, and the variety of characters, together with entertaining graphics and the chapter book format, will appeal to all children in grades 2 to 4. Once the format is explained to the child and proficient reading partner, both readers will enjoy a fun, engaging reading journey together. Highly recommended.”- CM: Canadian Review of Materials

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 9.

Meg and Greg: Train Day! is the sixth book in the Meg and Greg series designed for shared reading between a child learning to read and an experienced reader. The four stories inside (plus a bonus mini story!) introduce long vowels using vowel teams (long a: ai, ay, a, a-e; long e: ee, ea, e, y, e-e; long i: igh, ild, ind, i, y, i-e; long o: oa, ow, old, oll, olt, ost, o, o-e; long u: ue, ew, u, u-e). In addition to the familiar comic-style kids’ pages, highly controlled and decodable prose pages gently increase the amount of text that readers experience and provide even more opportunities to practice the reading skills previously introduced in Meg and Greg Books 1–5.

Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient: L
Lexile measure: 460L
Guided Reading Level: L

Additional Information
160 pages | 5.87" x 8.25" | 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.

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

Mistakes can be an opportunity for growth.

Indigenous artist and storyteller Andrea Fritz tells the tale of a wood duck and a crow who turn a mistake into an opportunity for friendship and growth.

Qwiwilh the wood duck is preparing to nest in his favorite tree when Q'uleeq'e' the crow invites him to play in the tall branches. They jump higher and higher up the tree until they accidentally break the branches and come crashing down into the stream below. After a daring rescue, Qwiwilh sadly realizes his nesting spot is gone, and Q'uleeq'e' decides to make things right for her new friend.

In this original story set in Coast Salish Traditional Territory, author and artist Andrea Fritz uses Indigenous storytelling techniques and art to share the culture and language of the Hul’q’umi’num’-speaking Peoples. This is the second book in the Coast Salish Tales, following Otter Doesn't Know.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

This is the second book in the Coast Salish Tales series, following Otter Doesn't Know.

Recommended in the Indigenous Books for Schools catalogue as a valuable resource for English Language Arts and Art in K to Grade 3.

Themes: Animals, Art, Community, Connectedness to Nature, Respect, Language, Relationships, Traditional Knowledge

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

After his snowmobile breaks down halfway across the sea ice on a trip back from a fishing camp, Serapio Ittusardjuat recounts the traditional skills and knowledge he leaned on to stay alive.

This harrowing first-person account of four nights spent on the open sea ice—with few supplies and no water—shows young readers the determination and strength necessary to survive in the harsh Arctic climate, even when the worst occurs.

Awards

• 2022 Forest of Reading—Silver Birch Express Award

Reviews
"[T]he graphic novel How I Survived is a true story of Arctic survival written by Serapio Ittusardjuat, an Inuk stone carver and former mechanic.... This beautifully designed, highly engaging graphic novel should engross both reluctant readers and those seeking adventure." - Quill & Quire

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 12+

The original hardcover version was included in the Indigenous Books for Schools 2020/2021 resource list as being useful for grades 6 to 9 for English Language Arts and Social Studies.

Additional Information
48 pages | 7.25" x 9.75"

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 

Eight-year-old Liam struggles with his school’s Career Day project in this installment from the Liam Kingbird’s Kingdom series.

It’s Career Day in Mrs. Dakota’s third-grade class on the Ojibwa reservation. Unfortunately, young Liam can’t decide what he wants to be when he grows up! Can Liam figure out his future, or will his class project be an epic failure? 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 chapter book 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

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

The inspiring true story of how Indigenous activist Michael Redhead Champagne found his voice to create change in his community.

Michael might be young, but he’s got a big heart and a strong sense of right and wrong. He knows it’s right to help people when they need it—but what can he do when so many people need help?

When Michael finds out about an upcoming youth conference, he sees his chance. But when he gets to the conference, he’s the youngest person there! And the speaker on stage is saying things about his community that aren’t true. Will Michael be brave enough to use his voice to stand up for what he knows is right?

Little By Little is a beautifully illustrated graphic novel about how one person can spark change and inspire others.

Awards

• 2025 Forest of Reading

Reviews
“A gentle, uplifting, and inspiring story about a gentle, uplifting, and inspiring person. In this little book, Michael teaches us and our future generations that anyone can be a change-maker by using their voice.” — Rosanna Deerchild, poet and CBC Radio host

"Here’s a touching story about Michael Redhead Champagne that will inspire children to help others, even in the simplest of ways." - Debra H., Elementary School Teacher, Indigenous Books for Schools

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 9 to 12.

Fountas & Pinnell T
Lexile Framework for Reading HL560L

Recommended in the Indigenous Books for Schools catalogue as being useful for grades 4 to 6 for Career Education, English Language Arts, and Social Studies.

Themes: Community, Diversity and Inclusion, Relationships, Respect, and Social Justice 

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

Help your child power up their reading skills and learn all about the amazing life of Matoaka, better known today as Pocahontas, with this fun-filled nonfiction reader carefully leveled to help children progress.

This book tells readers the true story of this iconic American’s young life among the Pamunkey and later in Europe with her English husband. It is a motivating introduction to using essential nonfiction reading skills, proving ideal for children ready to enter the riveting world of reading.

Educator Information
Recommended for grades 2 and 3 (ages 7 to 9).

This book is a Level 2 DK Super Reader. These books take children on a journey through the wonderful world of nonfiction: traveling back to the time of dinosaurs, learning more about animals, exploring natural wonders and more, all while developing vital nonfiction reading skills and progressing from first words to reading confidently.

These books can help children practice reading by:

- Covering engaging, motivating, curriculum-aligned topics.
- Building knowledge while progressing Grades 2 and 3 reading skills.
- Developing subject vocabulary on topics such as the events and achievements in the life of Matoaka.
- Boosting understanding and retention through comprehension quizzes.

Each title, which has been leveled using MetaMetrics®: The Lexile Framework for Reading, integrates science, geography, history, and nature topics so there’s something for all children’s interests. The books and online content perfectly supplement core literacy programs and are mapped to the Common Core Standards. Children will love powering up their nonfiction reading skills and becoming reading heroes.

Additional Information
32 pages | 5.94" x 9.00" | Paperback 

A decodable book featuring four phonics stories for striving readers, with special features to help children with dyslexia or other language-based learning difficulties find reading success.

Meg and Greg are back to school and ready for fall fun! Join Meg, Greg and friends as they plan an event for dogs at the fall fair, solve challenging clues in a scavenger hunt, complete their planned science-fair project and look after excitable kindergarteners at the pumpkin patch.

Meg and Greg: A Handful of Dogs is the fifth book in the Meg and Greg series designed for shared reading between a child learning to read and an experienced reader. The four stories inside introduce different types of suffixes and prefixes (consonant suffixes -ful -ly -ment -s, vowel suffixes -en -er -es -est -ing -y, the suffix -ed and prefixes de- dis- ex- in- pre- re- un-) and the spelling rules for adding them to base words. In addition to the familiar comic-style kids’ pages, Book 5 features new highly controlled and decodable prose pages to gently increase the amount of text that readers experience and to provide even more opportunities to practice the reading skills previously introduced in Meg and Greg Books 1–4!

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 9.

This book includes features to accommodate struggling or dyslexic readers, such as comic-book-style illustrations, a dyslexia-friendly typeface with ample spacing and shaded paper to reduce contrast between text and paper—all of which make this series more accessible.

Targeted at struggling readers ages six to nine has a wide appeal to ELL readers, reluctant readers and at-level readers alike with its engaging and age-appropriate plots and low reading level that doesn’t demoralize or stigmatize struggling readers.

This is the fifth book in the Orca Two Read series, designed for shared reading between a child learning to or struggling to read and an experienced reader.  All of the stories have special features to help a child with dyslexia or another language-based learning difficulty find reading success.

Additional Information
160 pages | 5.87" x 8.25" | Paperback

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