Swampy Cree

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

This lyrical and joyful picture book celebrates new experiences and community traditions when a young boy learns to dance at his first powwow. It’s Powwow Time! is for readers of Cynthia Leitich Smith’s Jingle Dancer and Oge Mora’s Thank You, Omu!

Bineshii is looking forward to his first powwow. He wakes up and travels with his mother to the community event. He eats bannock and drinks strawberry juice as he watches the dancers perform. And ever so slowly, Bineshii works his way from the edge of the circle watching the dancers to inside the circle itself, dancing and celebrating with everyone else.

Award-winning journalist Martha Troian’s child-centered text and Hawlii Pichette’s action-packed illustrations build excitement on the page as Bineshii’s curiosity and confidence grows. It’s Powwow Time! explores the rewards of being open to new experiences while also serving as a beautiful and informative introduction to a First Nations powwow.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Keywords/Themes: Early Years (Body and the Senses); Powwows; Self-Esteem; Dance; New Experiences.

This book is a wonderful read-aloud.

Includes an author's note about powwows. 

Additional Information
32 pages | 10.00" x 9.00"

Les histoires traditionnelles autochtones sur le ciel et les constellations rencontrent la légende de Narnia dans cette série fantastique et épique destinée aux préadolescents, écrite par l’auteur primé David A. Robertson.

Morgan et Eli, deux jeunes Autochtones contraints de quitter leur famille et leur communauté, sont réunis dans un foyer d’accueil à Winnipeg, au Manitoba. Ils se sentent déconnectés de leur culture, mais aussi les uns des autres, et peinent à s’intégrer à l’école et dans leur nouvelle maison… jusqu’à ce qu’ils découvrent un endroit secret, muré dans une chambre mansardée et inachevée.

Un portail s’ouvre sur une autre réalité, Askí, les menant sur des terres gelées et arides, où ils rencontrent un Ochek (un pêcheur). Seul chasseur à subvenir aux besoins de sa communauté affamée, Misewa, l’Ochek accueille les enfants humains et leur enseigne les méthodes traditionnelles de survie.

Alors que le besoin de nourriture se fait cruellement sentir, ils s’embarquent pour une mission dangereuse. Accompagnés d’Arik, un écureuil insolent qu’ils ont surpris à voler sur la ligne de chasse, ils tentent de sauver Misewa avant que l’hiver ne vienne tout geler, y compris eux.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 10+.

This book is part of La saga Misewa.

This is the French translation of The Barren Grounds.

Additional Information
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

Un plan de lecon de l'enseignant pour approfondir le livre, Ma petite Ogichidaa. Peut inclure des questions de compréhension, des activités de groupe, des amorces de conversation, des quiz, des activités d’arts du langage et des pages à colorier. L’histoire Ma petite Ogichidaa est inspirée par la maternité autochtone. Elle nous invite à découvrir les rêves et les espoirs fascinants d’une mère autochtone pour sa petite guerrière qui naîtra bientôt. Le mot Ogichidaa signifie guerrier/guerrière en anishinaabemowin et ce livre magnifiquement illustré rend hommage à toutes les familles autochtones qui élèvent fièrement leurs enfants pour qu’ils perpétuent leur culture, leur langue et leur amour avec résilience, force et gentillesse. Cette histoire réconfortante et inspirante célèbre l’amour autochtone et le puissant héritage qu’il crée.

Educator Information
Recommended for use with ages 7 to 10.

Find the student resource here: Ma petite Ogichidaa: une berceuse autochtone

This lesson plan is available in English: My Little Ogichidaa Teacher Lesson Plan

Additional Information
15 pages | 6.31" x 5.93" | Paper Packet

L’histoire Ma petite Ogichidaa est inspirée par la maternité autochtone. Elle nous invite à découvrir les rêves et les espoirs fascinants d’une mère autochtone pour sa petite guerrière qui naîtra bientôt. Le mot Ogichidaa signifie guerrier/guerrière en anishinaabemowin et ce livre magnifiquement illustré rend hommage à toutes les familles autochtones qui élèvent fièrement leurs enfants pour qu’ils perpétuent leur culture, leur langue et leur amour avec résilience, force et gentillesse. Cette histoire réconfortante et inspirante célèbre l’amour autochtone et le puissant héritage qu’il crée.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 7 to 10.

This book is available in English: My Little Ogichidaa: An Indigenous Lullaby

Find a lesson plan for this book here: Ma petite Ogichidaa Plan de cours

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.43" x 11.22" | Hardcover 

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

The Windy Lake First Nation’s lands have been shared with cottagers for fifty years, but no one can agree on where the reserve land ends. The only thing that can prove the boundary is a steel surveyor’s pin with the borders of the Windy Lake reserve etched into its head.

When the Mighty Muskrats hear that the pin was stolen years ago—and that it is connected to their grandpa’s mysterious past—they make it their mission to find the missing pin and prove that the land belongs to their people. But the mystery gets tense when Grandpa becomes a suspect. Cousins Sam, Otter, Atim, and Chickadee must find that pilfered pin!

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 9-12.

This book is part of the fun and adventurous A Mighty Muskrat Mystery Series. This series puts an Indigenous spin on the classic Hardy Boys and Three Investigators books. 

Additional Information
184 pages | 5.25" x 7.50" | Paperback 

Hockey fans will love this action-packed middle-grade novel about teamwork, overcoming adversity, and being proud of who you are and where you come from.

Everything is changing for 11-year-old Alex Robinson. After his father accepts a new job, Alex and his family move from their community to the city. For the first time in his life, he doesn’t fit in. His fellow students don’t understand Indigenous culture. Even a simple show of respect to his teacher gets him in trouble.

Things begin to look up after Alex tries out for a local hockey team. Playing for the Kodiaks, Alex proves himself as one of the best, but he becomes a target because he’s Indigenous. Can Alex trust his teammates and stand up to the jerks on other teams? Can he find a way to fit in and still be who he’s meant to be?

Reviews
“Conflicts that make you think. David expertly weaves entertainment and humour with life lessons—and suggestions for making the world a better place.” — Kevin Sylvester, author/illustrator of The Hockey Super-Six

"Hockey fans will love this action-packed middle grade novel...a really nice addition to the field." — School Library Journal 

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 9 to 12.

This book is part of the Breakout Chronicles series.

Big Ideas: Aspects of Indigenous Cultures, Worldviews, Teachings and Protocols, Contemporary Setting, Diverse and Inclusive Representation, Identity, Social Emotional Learning, Character Education, Courage, Friendship, Self-Esteem and Self-Reliance, Social Justice, Discrimination, Impacts of Colonization and Colonialism, Prejudice and Racism, Bullying, Resilience.

Recommended in the Indigenous Books for Schools catalogue as a valuable resource for English Language Arts in grades 6 to 10.

Content Warning: Racism, stereotypes, culturally offensive language, violence, and bullying

This book is available in French: Les Kodiaks: L'avantage de la glace

Additional Information
184 pages | 5.25" x 8.00" | Paperback

Eli and Morgan experience life-changing revelations in this new adventure in the award-winning, Narnia-inspired Indigenous middle-grade fantasy series.

While exploring World’s End, an area in Aski they've just discovered, Morgan and Emily delight in their developing relationship, while Eli struggles to understand his new-found power: the ability to locate a portal. A shocking turn of events leads them to a new village, Ministik, where the animal beings who live there are going missing. Horrified to discover who is responsible, the children vow to help and turn to friends, old and new. But it's getting harder and harder to keep the two worlds separate, especially when details of a traditional legend change everything. Forever.

Reviews
"Delivers what series fans have come to expect: fast-paced adventure, humorous banter, and tender explorations of Indigenous experiences." —Kirkus Reviews 

"David A. Robertson’s novel The Portal Keeper, a remix of The Chronicles of Narnia set in Winnipeg, is an exciting new instalment that adds its distinct touch on the world that Robertson has been building on for the past four years." —Northern News Service

"The Portal Keeper is another excellent instalment in the Misewa Saga. Robertson’s increasingly masterful prose keeps readers engaged, curious, and on the edge of their seats."—The Anishinabek News

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 10+.

This is the fourth book in the Misewa Saga. Narnia meets traditional Indigenous stories of the sky and constellations in this epic middle-grade fantasy series from award-winning author David Robertson.

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

Eli and Morgan embark on a dangerous mission to rescue kidnapped animal beings in this new adventure in the award-winning, Narnia-inspired Indigenous middle-grade fantasy series.

Eli, Morgan and Emily embark on their most dangerous mission yet, to save the kidnapped animal beings of Ministik. But before they can reach the heavily guarded Land of the Sleeping Giant, Eli must rally more help, not just from old friends, but from surprising new allies. And he must rely on a new way to travel: on the back of the leader of the Bird Warriors himself, Pip. Together they will journey across the North Country, on a mission to reconnect the Bird Warriors, as well as confront old enemies. But even as he must fight for his life – and the lives of his friends and new family – Eli must also come to terms with his newfound knowledge: What does it mean that he is only part human?

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 10+.

This is the fifth book in the Misewa Saga. Narnia meets traditional Indigenous stories of the sky and constellations in this epic middle-grade fantasy series from award-winning author David Robertson.

The Misewa Saga series reflects stories of the sky and the constellations held within its great canvas. The word “misewa” is Cree for “all that is” — elders say that what is above is mirrored below, and this is the connection we have with misewa.

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

A fresh and fearless collection of short fiction, poetry and graphic fiction for today’s middle-grade readers.

In this timely, thought-provoking, funny and heartbreaking collection, ten acclaimed BIPOC authors from across Canada explore the theme and concept of home.

From awkward family dinners, to life on the rez, to moving to a new town, each of these stories provides a unique perspective on the theme of belonging through characters tasked with navigating and finding their place in this world.

Brought together by curator (and story contributor), Jael Richardson, Today I Am will make readers laugh and cry while opening their hearts and minds to the world around them, validating how it feels to be young and alive today.

Today I Am includes stories by Jael Richardson, Marty Chan, Rosena Fung, Michael Hutchinson, Chad Lucas, Angela Misri, Mahtab Narsimhan, Danny Ramadan, Liselle Sambury and Brandon Wint.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 10 to 14.

The majority of authors on this work are not Indigenous.  This work includes a contribution from Michael Hutchinson, a citizen of the Misipawistik Cree Nation.  Readers will need to determine if this text will work for their purposes.

Additional Information
240 pages | 5.49" x 8.25" | Paperback 

A thunderstorm evokes a boy's family traditions, in this rainy-day story from award-winning author Melanie Florence.

Benjamin loves the rain. He loves splashing through puddles in his bright yellow rain boots and watching the colors of a rainbow in the water as they ripple around his feet. But most of all, Benjamin loves thunder. To him, thunder --- piyêsiwak --- sounds like his grandfather's drum. It calls to him, like the songs his grandfather plays while his father and other powwow dancers spin and step in time to the drumbeat. As Benjamin hears the thunder rumble overhead, he imagines himself as a powwow dancer. He spins, he taps his feet and he lifts his knees. Faster and faster he twirls, delighted by and filled with the rhythm of piyêsiwak.

This artfully written story from award-winning author Melanie Florence celebrates both the universal joys of playing in the rain and the connections to family traditions that center and ground us. Elements of Cree powwow culture and Cree words for colors and weather are interwoven into the story, with a pronunciation guide in the back matter.

The vibrant and eye-catching art by Hawlii Pichette, inspired by the scenery of northern Ontario, adds drama to the pages. This inviting picture book makes a perfect read-aloud for a rainy day, as well as an excellent introduction to Cree cultural traditions, local communities and experiencing nature firsthand.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 7.

This book is available in French: Benjamin, au rythme du tonnerre 

This book is part of the Benjamin Outdoors series. From dancing in the rain with thunder for a drum to planting a vegetable garden with his mom, Benjamin loves being in nature. With evocative text and vibrant art, this delightful picture book series celebrates the joys of spending time outdoors and weaves in nature-related Cree words.

Additional Information
32 pages | 10.00" x 8.50" | Hardcover

L’auteur primé de Ligne de trappe nous offre le récit d’une aventure fantastique et cinématique inspirée des légendes autochtones.

Un jour d’été, Lauren et son petit frère, James, partent en voyage sur les terres avec leur moshom (grand-père). Arrivés à destination, les enfants décident d’aller pêcher pour le repas du souper pendant que Moshom fait la sieste. Leur canot se trouve au milieu du lac lorsque l’eau devient soudainement agitée et les fait chavirer! Quand Lauren refait surface, elle voit son frère se faire entraîner par les Memekwesewak, des créatures à l’apparence humaine qui vivent autour de l’eau et aiment jouer des tours aux gens. Lauren doit avoir le courage de suivre les Memekwesewak dans leur monde et de ramener son frère à la maison. Mais ces créatures exercent une forte emprise sur James, et elles ne l’abandonneront pas si facilement.

Un récit écrit avec cœur qui plaira aux lecteurs curieux et aventuriers.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

This book is available in English: The Song That Called Them Home

Additional Information
9.25" x 10.22" | Paperback

Les cousins Sam, Otter, Atim et Chickadee sont inséparables. Au sein de la Première Nation de Lac-aux-Vents, où ils ont grandi, ils sont surnommés « les Rats musclés » en raison de leur propension à la rigolade, à la bagarre et aux aventures de toutes sortes. Avec eux, une péripétie n’attend pas l’autre!Lorsqu’un archéologue venu effectuer des fouilles sur le territoire de la réserve est porté disparu, les Rats musclés se mettent en tête de le retrouver. Au milieu des conflits, des drames familiaux et des manifestations environnementales qui agitent leur communauté, les quatre cousins mènent l’enquête pour faire le jour sur cette disparition.Ils font d’un vieil autobus scolaire leur quartier général, depuis lequel ils examinent chaque indice, explorent chaque piste pour découvrir la vérité. Une chose est certaine : ils n’abandonneront pas tant que le mystère n’aura pas été résolu!Cette série primée au Canada anglais reprend la formule aguerrie des romans d’enquête pour la jeunesse en mettant en scène quatre apprentis détectives qui n’ont pas froid aux yeux. Elle révèle aussi aux jeunes lecteurs tout un pan de la réalité des Premières Nations du Canada en abordant des sujets sensibles tels que la colonisation et l’effacement des cultures autochtones. Une excellente porte d’entrée pour parler de réconciliation tout en gardant un pied dans l’aventure.

Educator Information
Juvenile Fiction

This book is available in English: The Case of Windy Lake 

Additional Information
224 Pages | Paperback