Kids' Power Series

This is the true story of Shannen Koostachin and the people of Attawapiskat, a Cree community in Northern Ontario, who have been fighting for a new school since 1979, when a fuel spill contaminated their original school building.

It is 2008, and thirteen-year-old Shannen and the other students at J.R. Nakogee Elementary are tired of attending class in portables that smell and don’t keep out the freezing cold winter air. They make a YouTube video describing the poor conditions, and their plea for a decent school gains them attention and support from community leaders and children across the country. Inspired, the students decide to turn their grade-eight class trip into a visit to Ottawa, to speak to the Canadian government. Once there, Shannen speaks passionately to the politicians about the need to give Native children the opportunity to succeed. The following summer, Shannen is nominated for the International Children’s Peace Prize. Her passion and that of the other students makes politicians stand up and take notice, and becomes a rallying point for the community and for the country.

Shannen will never see her dream fulfilled. Tragically, she was killed in a car crash in 2010. Her family, friends, and supporters are continuing to fight and to honor her memory as they work for equality for children in communities everywhere.

Awards
- In 2012-2013 Shannen and the Dream for a School was the award recipient for First Nation Communities Read.

Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the Kids' Power Series.

Recommended for ages 9 to 13.

Authenticity Note: This book has received the Authentic Indigenous Text label as it is written by Janet Wilson with the participation and support of members of the Attawapiskat community.

Can a sewing project make a difference half-way across the world?

Lacey Little Bird loves spending time with Kahasi, an elder on her reserve who is like a grandmother to her. From Kahasi, Lacey is learning about their people, the Siksika Blackfoot tribe of Alberta, including the art of beadwork.

Lacey hears about a project to help grandmothers in Africa who are raising their grandchildren because their parents have died from AIDS. Even though Africa is far, far away, Lacey wants to help and emails the grandmothers with a plan to raise money by selling beaded purses.

What difference can a young Blackfoot girl from North America make in the lives of grandmothers in Africa? A lot, as Lacey discovers. Her decision to help will bring about amazing changes in her life and her community.

Lacey and the African Grandmothers is based on true events, real people, and the Stephen Lewis Foundation’s Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaign.

This is a Kids Power Book – our series inspired by real stories of young people who have taken action to make their lives, and their world, better.

Reviews
"This is a story of remarkable courage and initiative in a young person who wanted to help others less fortunate." — Canadian Teacher, January 2009

"Holler includes the wisdom of the elders as personified by Kahasi, Lacey’s grandmother. Reverence for the old ways, through such traditional crafts as beading and making moccasins, is also documented...It would make an excellent introduction to a study of children making a difference in the world, such as the ongoing work of Craig Kielburger." — CM Magazine, August 2010

Educator & Series Information
Recommended Ages: 9-12

Lacey and the African Grandmothers is a fictionalized story inspired by a true one.

Subjects:

• Character Education
  > Empathy
  > Strong Female Characters
• History & Social Studies
  > Global Cultures
  > Social Justice
• Reflecting Diversity
  > Cultural & Ethnic Diversity
  > First Nations & Indigenous Peoples

This book is part of the Kids' Power Series.

Additional Information
164 pages | 6.52" x 8.01"