Winnipeg's TD Kids Book Club celebrates intergenerational storytelling with David A. Robertson

During this year's TD Kids Book Club event in Winnipeg,125 children from Laura Secordand Heritage Schools discussed the importance of identity with David A.Robertson, the author of When We Were Alone,a picture book about residential schools.

• How David A. Robertson wrote a picture book about the history of Canada's residential schools

Students between Grades 2-4 gathered in the hall dedicated to Truth and Reconciliationat the Canadian Museum for Human Rightsto ask Robertson about his bookand about the history of residential schools in Canada.

• Meet the finalists for the $30K 2017 TD Canadian Children's Literature Award

When We Were Alonewas nominated for the 2017 TD Canadian Children's Literature Award, and the Winnipeg event was one of six TD Kids Book Clubs taking place across Canada.

• Why David A. Robertson wrote a children's book about residential schools

Students listened as Robertson recalled his father's experience of learning English at a day school. Cree became the language his father spoke with his friends, but they had to hide from their teachers to do so.The personal account allowed students to draw parallels between Robertson's life and his book.

2017 Winnipeg TD Kids Book Club with David Alexander Robertson

7 years ago

Duration 1:24

The author of When We Were Alone visits students from Winnipeg's Laura Secord and Heritage Schools.

After a reading and Q&A session with the author, conducted by The Weekend Morning Show's Nadia Kidwai, students had the opportunityto ask their own questions about this period in Canadian history.

Community members also participated in a reading ofWhen We Were Alone, with Winnipeg's Geraldine 'Gramma' Shingoose taking on the role of the grandmotherand her friend Emily Boxshall reading the part of the granddaughter.

2017 TD Book Club Winnipeg Local Reading

7 years ago

Duration 1:35

Local child and elder, reading When we Were Alone aloud, in the roles of the granddaughter and her nkom for Winnipeg's TD Kids Book Club 2017.