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This Teacher Lesson Plan accompanies the book Rencontre ta famille. Includes comprehension questions, group activities, wordsearch, colouring pages etc. Mother Earth, we come from her, we go to her, without her we wouldn't be here, she gives all of us life and because of her we are all one family. In many segments of Indigenous life we speak of Mother Earth, Father Sky, Grandfather Sun, and Grandmother Moon. Meet Your Family is a rhythmic poem that will enlighten readers on how to view these important figures and share a greater concept of seeing the world as our natural family.

Rencontre ta famille is presented in both French and Ojibway. An additional softcover book written in Ojibway with a phonetics guide is included inside this hardcover book.

Educator Information
This is the teacher lesson plan for Rencontre ta famille.

This teacher lesson plan is also available in English: Meet Your Family Teacher Lesson Plan

Additional Information
12 pages | 8.50" x 11.00"

From the U.S.'s foremost Indigenous children's author comes a middle-grade verse novel set during the COVID-19 pandemic, about a Wabanaki girl's quarantine on her grandparents' reservation and the local dog that becomes her best friend.

Malian loves spending time with her grandparents at their home on a Wabanaki reservation. She’s there for a visit when, suddenly, all travel shuts down. There’s a new virus making people sick, and Malian will have to stay with her grandparents for the duration.
 
Everyone is worried about the pandemic, but Malian knows how to keep her family and community safe: She protects her grandparents, and they protect her. She doesn’t go outside to play with friends, she helps her grandparents use video chat, and she listens to and learns from their stories. And when Malsum, one of the dogs living on the rez, shows up at their door, Malian’s family knows that he’ll protect them too.
 
Told in verse inspired by oral storytelling, this novel about the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the ways Malian’s community has cared for one another through plagues of the past, and how they keep caring for one another today.

Reviews
“Hidden throughout this moving novel in verse, old stories are discovered like buried treasures.”—Kirkus

“With this gentle book, Bruchac offers children another story to expand their worlds and hearts.”—Booklist

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 12.

Additional Information
192 pages | 5.50" x 8.25"

Ride across the plains with GABRIEL DUMONT!

Based on historic events, Ride, Gabe, Ride! tells the tale of a dangerous, exhilarating hunt led by the famed Métis buffalo hunter.

From the award-winning author of Fiddle Dancer, Dancing in My Bones, and Call of the Fiddle.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 12.

Additional Information
32 pages | 11.00" x 8.50"

Rise Up and Write It combines a celebration of civic engagement with the hands-on fun of real pull-out examples of activism tools and is sure to encourage young readers to want to get up and get involved.

The book comes complete with a pull-out letter to the mayor, a ready-to-sign petition, a community meeting poster, a protest sign—and more!

When Farah Patel realizes that the butterflies have disappeared from her neighborhood, she discovers that it’s likely because there aren’t enough flowers to attract them. She can’t help but think, “This isn’t right.”

Luckily enough, Grove Hills is looking for ideas on what to do with the empty lot next door. And Farah has the perfect one—make it into a community garden to bring back a little green to their block! But when Farah finds out that she isn’t the only one with a plan for the future of Grove Hills, she’ll have to turn to her community for help.

Open the six envelopes inside to follow along with the story Farah as she rises up and brings her neighborhood together.

Reviews
"A general purchase recommendation for both library and classroom, [Rise Up and Write It] showcases a strong young female character who actively pursues positive change by developing her own strengths." — School Library Journal

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Keywords / Themes: Nature, Environmental Awareness, Civic Engagement, Social Responsibility, Protests, Petitions, Community.

Additional Information
48 pages | 7.75" x 10.00"

In the Road Allowance Era, Echo’s story picks up again when she travels back in time to 1885.

The Manitoba Act’s promise of land for the Métis has gone unfulfilled, and many Métis flee to the Northwest. As part of the fallout from the Northwest Resistance, their advocate and champion Louis Riel is executed. As new legislation corrodes Métis land rights, and unscrupulous land speculators and swindlers take advantage, many Métis settle on road allowances and railway land, often on the fringes of urban centres.

For Echo, the plight of her family is apparent. Burnt out of their home in Ste. Madeleine when their land is cleared for pasture, they make their way to Rooster Town, settling on the southwest edges of Winnipeg. In this final installment of her story, Echo is reminded of the strength and resilience of her people, forged through the loss and pain of the past, as she faces a triumphant future.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages  12+.

A Girl Called Echo is a graphic novel series by Governor General Award-winning writer and author of The Seven Teaching Stories Katherena Vermette. This graphic novel series explores the life of a Métis teenager through illustrated storytelling. Each book follows Echo Desjardins and her travels back through time, which illuminates important periods and events Métis history in an engaging, visually stimulating way for teenage audiences.

This is Vol. 4 in the A Girl Called Echo series.

This book is available in French: Elle s'appelle Echo Tome 4: L'ère des réserves routières 

Additional Information
48 pages | 6.50" x 10.00"

Cort Dogniez’s Road to La Prairie Ronde, takes the reader on an imagined journey of his ancestor, Frederick Dumont, from his home in Batoche to the Métis settlement of La Prairie Ronde, known today as Round Prairie. Frederick was a relative of the famous Métis leader, Gabriel Dumont. Frederick’s journey takes place just a few years prior to the tragic events of the 1885 Resistance.

This charming coming-of-age story focuses on young Frederick learning valuable lessons from his family as he begins his own journey from boyhood to manhood. The Cree and Métis concept of wâhkôtowin is a central part of this story. Wâhkôtowin is about maintaining and affirming relationships with the Creator and the natural world and with families, communities, and Indigenous nations. We have a relationship to all things.

Elegantly illustrated by Jade McDougall, Road to La Prairie Ronde is complemented with a Michif glossary, a teachers’ guide, and suggested learning activities. This comprehensive learning package gives readers and educators an opportunity to learn more about traditional Métis lifeways and history.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended by the publisher for ages 9+.

Chapter book themes: Transportation, Family, Métis communities, Genealogy—kinship, Relationship with the land, Relationship with the Dakota, Travel pre-1885, Coming-of-age, Bison hunting, Humour, Familial relationships

"Dogniez says, “My intent with all my stories is to ensure that Métis cultural components are woven throughout the stories to encourage children to learn more about us, but also to think about their own cultural traits and practices.”" - from "Métis road trip tale shows snapshot of everyday life in late 1800s" on Praire Books NOW.

This book is the first in a historical fiction series from Cort Dogniez.

Additional Information
44 pages | Paperback 

Do you know a kid who asks too many questions? Do you know a child with a superhuman thirst for knowledge? Science Girl is a story for the kids who make questioning a thing of art. Science Girl celebrates natural human curiosity, encourages readers to consider the art of question asking and helps to teach children that science is all about trying to find answers to things unknown.

Women make up on 30% of the world’s researchers. Let’s encourage more girls/women in science and science related fields (STEM – science, technology, engineering and math). Science Girl is a fun way to introduce and encourage children’s interests into the world of science.

Educator & Series Information
Science Girl is part of the Awkward+Awesome children’s book series celebrating unlikely heroes and inner weirdos. It is inspired by all women, past, present and future, who make our world wonderful simply by asking TOO MANY questions.

Suitable for children ages 3-9 and for anyone who likes to ask questions.

Based on true events.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8" x 8" | Paperback 

This picture book autobiography tells the triumphant story of Sharice Davids, one of the first Native American women elected to Congress, and the first LGBTQ congressperson to represent Kansas.

When Sharice Davids was young, she never thought she’d be in Congress. And she never thought she’d be one of the first Native American women in Congress. During her campaign, she heard from a lot of doubters. They said she couldn’t win because of how she looked, who she loved, and where she came from. But here’s the thing: Everyone’s path looks different and everyone’s path has obstacles. And this is the remarkable story of Sharice Davids’ path to Congress.

Beautifully illustrated by Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley, an Ojibwe Woodland artist, this powerful autobiographical picture book teaches readers to use their big voice and that everyone deserves to be seen—and heard!

Educator Information
Recommended ages 4 to 8.

The back matter includes information about the Ho-Chunk written by former Ho-Chunk President Jon Greendeer, an artist note, and an inspiring letter to children from Sharice Davids.

Additional Information
40 pages | 11.00" x 9.00"

In this chapter book biography by award-winning author Christine Day, readers learn about the amazing life of Maria Tallchief--and how she persisted. 
 
Maria Tallchief loved to dance, but was told that she might need to change her Osage name to one that sounded more Russian to make it as a professional ballerina. She refused, and worked hard at dancing her best, becoming America's first prima ballerina. Many famous American ballets were created for Maria!

Complete with an introduction from Chelsea Clinton, black-and-white illustrations throughout, and a list of ways that readers can follow in Maria Tallchief's footsteps and make a difference!

Reviews 
"A rich, clear picture of how one iconic Native dancer persisted." --Publishers Weekly
 
"Inspiringly shows how Maria Tallchief persisted and made her dreams come true." --Kirkus Reviews

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 9.

This book is part of the She Persisted series, a chapter book series about women who spoke up and rose up against the odds.

Additional Information
80 pages | 5.38" x 7.69" | Paperback

There are 150 million people experiencing homelessness worldwide, and that number is increasing every year. Homelessness is not a choice, yet it exists in almost every community. But why are people homeless? Who are they? What can you do? In Shelter: Homelessness in Our Community, readers will get answers to these complex questions. They’ll learn about the root causes of homelessness and its effects, and what people and organizations around the world are doing to address the problem. It shares the personal stories of people who live on the street and the adults and kids who work with them. As a former homeless-shelter worker, author Lois Peterson encourages young people to approach the issue with knowledge and compassion. She dispels some of the myths about homelessness and makes the case for why everyone deserves a safe, permanent place to call home.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 9 to 12.

This book is part of the Orca Thinks series.

Answers the often difficult questions young people have about homelessness in a straightforward, compassionate and age-appropriate way.

Themes: Homeless Shelters, Poverty, Substance Abuse, Mental Health, Affordable Housing 

Additional Information
120 pages | 7.00" x 9.00" | Hardcover 

This evocative picture book celebrates a child’s connection and kinship with whales. 

Swimming, singing, and blowing bubbles—children and baby whales love many of the same things! This lyrical picture book compares the parent-child relationship with the bond between a mother humpback whale and her calf, showing how their underwater lives are touchingly like our own. Patterned in a call-and-response format, where the mother observes and the child responds, this book is peppered with facts and begs to be read aloud before bedtime. At the story’s end, acclaimed author Beryl Young and debut illustrator Sakika Kikuchi leave readers gently falling asleep, dreaming of the wonderful world we share with whales.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 7.

Explores how we are similar to humpback whales in a charming and thoughtful way that helps children better understand the natural world and their place in it. 

Encourages connection to the natural world. Facts about Humpback whales are woven throughout the text.

Supports curriculum related to ecosystems and webs of life for grades 2-3

Guided Reading Level: M

Common Core State Standards
RL.2.1,2,3,4,5,6,7,9
W.2.1,2,3,5,6,8
SL.2.1,1a,1b,1c,2,3,4,5,6
L.2.1,1a,1b,1c,1d,1e,2,2a,2b,2c,2d,2e,3,4,4a,4b,4c,4d,4e,5,5a,5b,6

Next Generation Science Standards
2-LS4.D: Biodiversity and Humans

Additional Information
40 pages | 9.00" x 11.00"

« Mon nom est Brianna Jonnie. J’ai quatorze ans. Je suis autochtone. J’ai plus de chances de disparaître que mes pairs »En 2016, Brianna a écrit une lettre ouverte de dénonciation pour sensibiliser le public à la négligence des services de police dans la recherche des femmes autochtones disparues.Si je disparais est un roman graphique coup de poing, basé sur une histoire vraie, ou plutôt sur trop d’histoires vraies.La disparition et le meurtre de femmes et de filles autochtones ne sont PAS uniquement des problèmes autochtones canadiens. Ce sont des tragédies qui relèvent des droits humains partout dans le monde.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 12+

Traduit par: Nicholas Aumais 

This book is available in English: If I Go Missing

Additional Information
64 pages

The journey and transformation of water from the tops of the mountains down through the rivers and streams, told from a Syilx perspective.

skɬp’lk’mitkw / Water Changeling is the story of the natural water cycle from a Syilx traditional ecological knowledge perspective. The story features a water girl named skɬp’lk’mitkw who longs to visit with her grandparents. She receives help from newfound friends who change her into rain, hail and snow so she can reach her grandparents.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 7 to 10.

Author Harron Hall has written several children's books that incorporate her Indigenous heritage and her deep commitment to protecting the land and water, including The Water Sings to Suli?, We Go with Muskrat to Those Living Underwater and Lessons from Beaver's Work.

Learn about the water cycle using the n'syilxcen (the language spoken by the Sylix/Okanagan peoples) and English languages.  This book includes some words in n'syilxcen, but it is not a dual-language resource.

Learn about the water cycle through a fictional story.

This book is part of the Follow the Water series.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.00" x 8.00"

This resource for educators makes social emotional learning fun and engaging with 24 ready-to-use lessons about phenomenal plants and astonishing animals.

Storytelling is a learning device used by humans for centuries, and for good reason: storytelling is one of the best ways to increase critical thinking skills and social emotional learning (SEL). Social Emotional Stories combines storytelling with thought-provoking lessons and activities to help elementary students improve their self-esteem, increase their engagement with school, and give them a sense of empowerment.

The book contains 24 individual lessons that include:

• An SEL objective with specific keywords like “inner strength,” “problem solving,” and “responsibility”
• An engaging story that focuses on a distinctive quality of either a plant (like the inner strength of bamboo) or an animal (like the courage of a pig)
• Multiple activities that are quick, easy, and require few supplies to help kids identify and dive deeper into the specific SEL concepts represented

Educators can use these lessons individually with students, in small groups, or with an entire class. The lessons are interdisciplinary and flexible, with only minimal prep time required, allowing educators to adapt them for their situation. Extensive digital content supports the lessons with reproducible forms and a full-color photo of each plant and animal.

Reviews
“Lewis introduces fascinating aspects of the natural world—its constructive and destructive power—to young students in a way that reaches beyond knowledge acquisition. She shows teachers how to build bridges to the inner worlds of children with analogical thinking, reflective questions, and thoughtful conversations that nourish not only their understanding but their agency. If you want to use learning as a way to develop your students’ character, intrinsic motivation, and an ethically grounded relationship with the world, this is the guide you need.”—Diane Stirling

“Barbara Lewis weaves factual information with down-to-earth, applicable activities and discussions to encourage students’ appreciation for nature, while building their power to observe and to understand people and their world as multidimensional. Throughout, Lewis is respectful of children’s capacity to discuss important issues and form their own opinions.”—Silvia Blitzer Golombek

“Another delightful book from Barbara Lewis, Social Emotional Stories is filled with fascinating depictions and insightful analogies to support character development. We recommend Barbara Lewis’s books to all the families who seek our services. Believing that children can make a difference, Lewis provides the inspiration for helping others, taking a stand against injustice, squelching rumors, and seeing beyond stereotypes. This book should be a staple in every school’s social-emotional learning curriculum.”—Linda Kreger Silverman, Ph.D., licensed psychologist, director of the Gifted Development Center

Educator Information
Recommended for grades 2 to 5.

Additional Information
176 pages | 8.50" x 11.00"

Aqi and Uka decide to watch a movie after school. But when Sissi joins them, Aqi feels nervous. Aqi is sometimes shy around new people. Uka keeps asking Aqi if she is okay, which starts to make her upset. Uka supports Aqi to make her feel more comfortable. Aqi helps Uka understand that she is shy sometimes, and that's okay.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

This book is part of the Nunavummi Reading Series, a Nunavut-developed series that supports literacy learning while teaching readers about the people, traditions, and environment of the Canadian Arctic. This is a Level 11 book in the series.

Nunavummi Reading Series books have also been officially levelled using the Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient™ Levelling System. This book's F&P Level is K.

This book is also about the Social-Emotional Literacy series and its subseries Tundra Friends. The Tundra Friends are a delightful cast of anthropomorphic animal characters that each personify a different emotion. Intended for children aged 4 to 8, these books lay the groundwork for good mental health with thoughtful, engaging stories that teach children to identify and regulate their emotions in healthy ways.

Sometimes I Feel Shy helps children understand each other’s differences.

Additional Information
36 pages | 9.00" x 8.00" | Paperback