By Spencer Miller
Recently, I had the opportunity to host a webinar with team members from Books to Build On, a project led by Indigenous and non-Indigenous faculty, students, and community members at the University of Calgary that supports educators bringing Indigenous literature into their classrooms. Since 2020, the team at Books to Build On has been developing a publicly available database designed to make Indigenous literature and accompanying lesson plans more accessible.
Books to Build On encourages educators engaging in the work of Indigenous education to “start with story.” During the webinar, Dr. Erin Spring, project co-lead, shared three ways that starting with story makes a difference:
- Stories centre Indigenous voices – “It allows me to bring perspective and voice into my classroom in a way that is not possible just from my own lived experience.”
- Stories are relational – “When I bring in Indigenous [stories], I feel as though the author or illustrator is in the room, and that they’re contributing, and that we’re part of a kind of a kind of community in the classroom.”
- Stories are engaging – “It’s a mode of sharing knowledge that draws people in.”
In recent years, there has been an increased number of books and stories from Indigenous creators published in Canada. Bring more Indigenous voices into your classrooms and libraries with these brand-new books from Canadian publishers:
K-3 (Picture Books)
Dad, Is It Time to Gather Mint? (HighWater Press) invites readers to celebrate the seasons and learn from the land with Joshua and his father from Lake Nipigon First Nation, in northeastern Ontario. Joshua’s favourite activity is to gather mint from the land to make delicious Mint From the Land Iced Tea. With help from his dad, Joshua learns how to recognize each of the seasons and when it is time to harvest mint.
Highlight: The story thoughtfully incorporates words from the Swampy Cree Language and Ojibwe Language, with the English translations on the side.
The Game (Greystone Kids) is a beautifully illustrated reimagining of the origins of hockey. Killer Whale and Brown Bear are arguing: Brown Bear says he can beat Killer Whale at any challenge, yet Killer Whale disagrees. When Powerful Mena overhears their bickering, he comes up with a solution: a game on the ice, played with sticks, nets, and a star for a puck. But who will win and earn the trophy?
Highlight: A wonderfully imaginative story. Infinitely re-readable.
Raven’s Ribbons (Owlkids Books) is a joyous celebration of gender expression. Readers are introduced to a child named Raven who loves round dances. He loves the rhythm of the drums, dancing with his grandma and most of all: the colourful ribbon skirts. When Raven asks for a ribbon skirt of his own, Grandma sews late into the night — even though she’s never seen a boy wear a ribbon skirt before. At the next dance, Raven wears the swirl of unique ribbons with pride.
Highlight: Enchanting rainbow ribbons, smiles, and dancing fill the pages with joy.
K-3 (Chapter Books)
Sarah Ponakey, Storycatcher and Maskwa’s Tipi Tales (Annick Press) is the second book in a vibrant new early chapter book series that celebrates Cree culture and being true to yourself. In this story, 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!
Highlight: Sarah is an endearing and relatable protagonist!
Two Tricksters Find Friendship (Orca Book Publishers) is a new early chapter book about friendship and reconciliation. Jessie and Johnny have been inseparable ever since Jessie moved to the small island town during summer break. But as they begin fourth grade together, the new school year gets off to a rocky start when outside pressures and differences in their home lives threaten their friendship. The two friends bridge the gaps between them and learn to lean on each other through family troubles and cultural differences.
Highlight: Encourages openness, respect, and understanding when encountering cultural differences.
4-6
Elvis, Me, and the Postcard Winter (DCB Young Readers) continues the award-winning middle grade series. In this book, Truly is happily settling into a new life at Eagle Shores Trailer Park when Clarice returns, asking for a second chance at being Truly’s mom. Has Clarice really changed? Can Truly ever forgive her? And if so, will she have to give up this new life to move back in with Clarice?
Highlight: Doesn’t shy away from difficult conversations about poverty, child welfare, bullying, etc.
Spirit Rider: A Lillian Indigenous Mystery (Durvile & UpRoute Books) is the latest instalment in the Lillian Mystery Series. Lillian and her friends once again find themselves at the crossroads of spirits and secrets when a mysterious boy on a bicycle appears outside Lillian’s window. The boy’s mischievous antics hide a deeper, more haunting purpose.
Highlight: Readers are rewarded with an emotional and satisfying conclusion.
7-10
The Haunted Blizzard (Inhabit Media) is a short graphic novel set during a terrible snowstorm in Northern Canada. Readers follow a teenage girl walking home in a blizzard after school was cancelled for the day. Ignoring an Elder’s warning about the terror blizzards can hold, she finds herself being followed by a creepy, shadowy figure.
Highlight: Colours and shadows create eerie, glowing scenes that capture the vibes of a vintage horror movie.
Ours to Tell: Reclaiming Indigenous Stories (Annick Press) is a wide-ranging anthology that collects stories from sixteen Indigenous creators. The stories—from novelists, poets, graphic artists, historians, craftspeople, and mapmakers—share traditions, historical events, and lived experiences.
Highlight: The stories are accompanied by stunning visuals including illustrations, archival photos, and contemporary art.
11-12
The Fragments that Remain (DCB Young Readers) is an emotional debut young adult novel that clings to hope despite dealing with despair, grief, and loss. In the story, a young woman named Andy begins college shortly after losing her brother to an overdose. Andy explores her identity while piecing together the remaining fragments of her brother’s life.
Highlight: Makes use of vignettes, letters, and poems to tell the story in a unique way.
Spencer Miller (he/him) is a teacher, writer, reader and basketball fan. He advocates for Canadian books in the classroom as the Editorial Coordinator of Top Grade: CanLit for the Classroom, a program of the Association of Canadian Publishers. You can follow more of Spencer’s passion for books on Instagram @SpencerBMiller.