29 must-read books for children and teens by Indigenous writers, curated by Phyllis Webstad

Sept.30th is Orange Shirt Day. It's also known as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation,a day in honour of the Indigenous children who were sent away to residential schools in Canada.

In 2024,CBC Books asked Phyllis Webstad,the creator of Orange Shirt Day, to curate a list of children's books to read in honour ofNational Indigenous History Month.

Phyllis Webstad is Northern Secwepemc from the Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation (Canoe Creek Indian Band). She comes from mixed Secwepemc and Irish/French heritage. Shecurrently lives inWilliams Lake, B.C.

In 2018,Webstadpublished her first children's book, The Orange Shirt Story, which tells the story ofhow Webstad's favourite orange shirt was taken from her on her first day at residential school when she was six years old.

LISTEN | Phyllis Webstad on Radio West:

Radio West6:45Northern Secwepemc author and founder of Orange Shirt Day Phyllis Webstad curates a book list for young readers to mark National Indigenous History Month

Northern Secwepemcauthor and founder of Orange Shirt Day Phyllis Webstad curates a book list for young readers to mark National Indigenous History Month

• Orange Shirt Day creator Phyllis Webstad reflects on inspiring a movement

Webstadcreated this list which features titles for newborns all the wayto young adults.

"It was hard to choose a few books, when there are so many worthy of being on the list.I chose books that bring about conversation of what happened to us as Indigenous People and ones that bring hope for a better future,"Webstad told CBC Books via email.

"Through my Orange Shirt Story, I have traveled and visited many places in Canadaand I have realized that we are all affected by colonization. This collection of books speaks to the revitalization of language, the re-learning of our culture and traditions, as well as the need to have humour in our lives."

This collection of books speaks to the revitalization of language, the re-learning of our culture and traditions, as well as the need to have humour in our lives.- Phyllis Webstad

"My grandchildren are the first in five generations to be raised by their mother and father under the same roof. I, therefore, have a fondness for books about families they warm my heart.

"As Indigenous People, storytelling is a part of who we are. It's my hope that these books can be brought into homes and schools tobring education and awareness of the experience and inter-generational impacts of colonization that Indigenous People have and are still faced with."

Check out Webstad's picks for books to read this month below.

Today is Orange Shirt Day by Phyllis Webstad, illustrated by Natassia Davies

Today is Orange Shirt Day is a board book for babies and toddlers that starts the conversation about the importance of Orange Shirt Day and The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This age-appropriate touch-and-feel board book helps children to understand what they can expect to see and do on Orange Shirt Day.

Today is Orange Shirt Day is for ages 0-3.

Phyllis Webstad was born on Dog Creek Reserve and is Northern Secwepemc from the Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation. Based in Williams Lake, B.C., she travels around the country to tell her own orange shirt story. She won the YA/adult category of the 2021/2022 First Nation Communities Read Awards for her book Beyond the Orange Shirt Story.

Natassia Davies is an artist, graphic designer and illustrator of Coast Salish ancestry. She has illustrated several books for children, including Little Wolf, written by Teoni Spathelfer, and White Raven, written by Teoni Spathelfer, which was shortlisted for the Indigenous Voices Awards.

WATCH |Orange Shirt Day creator visits Wolastoqey immersion school in New Brunswick:

Orange Shirt Day creator visits Wolastoqey immersion school in New Brunswick

1 year ago

Duration 3:26

Phyllis Webstad, from the Stswecemc Xgattem First Nation in British Columbia, had her orange shirt taken away at a residential school. Decades later, the founder of Orange Shirt Day visited a Wolastoqey school in Fredericton.

Every Child Matters by Phyllis Webstad, illustrated by Karlene Harvey

Every Child Mattershonours the history and resiliency of Indigenous Peoples on Turtle Island and moves everyone forward on a path toward Truth and Reconciliation. Readers will learn the meaning of the phrase "Every Child Matters" on the annual Orange Shirt Day on Sept. 30, which honours residential school survivors, their families and communities, and commemorates those who did not return home.

Every Child Mattersis for ages 6 to 10.

• New picture book by Orange Shirt Day creator Phyllis Webstad to explore meaning of 'Every Child Matters'

Phyllis Webstad was born on Dog Creek Reserve and is Northern Secwepemc from the Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation. Based in Williams Lake, B.C., she travels around the country to tell her own orange shirt story. Shewon the YA/adult category of the 2021/2022 First Nation Communities Read Awardsfor her bookBeyond the Orange Shirt Story.

Karlene Harvey is a Tsilhqot'in and Syilx illustrator and writer who grew up on territories of the Semiahmoo and Kwantlen Nations. Other children's books illustrated by Harvey include the novelMaggie Lou, Firefox, written by Arnolda Dufour Bowes.

My Little Ogichidaa by Willie Poll, illustrated by Hawlii Pichette

My Little Ogichidaa is a picture book inspired by Indigenous motherhood. It is written as a lullaby showing an Indigenous parent speaking to her unborn child, celebrating Indigenous love and legacy. Ogichidaa means Warrior in Anishinaabemowin.

My Little Ogichidaa is for ages 6 to 10.

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Willie Poll is a Mtis author from the Robinson Huron Treaty Territory (Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.) and a member of the Mtis Nation of Ontario. Poll has a bachelor of arts in Indigenous studies and a master of arts in archaeology. She lives on Prince Edward Island.

Hawlii Pichette is a Mushkego Cree (Treaty 9) urban mixed-blood illustrator and artist. She was born in Cochrane, Ont., and now lives in London, Ont. Pichette previously illustrated the picture book Benjamin's Thunderstorm, written byMelanie Florence.

LISTEN | Willie Poll discusses My Little Ogichidaa:

Fresh Air7:07A Book inspired by Indigenous motherhood that reclaims the positive legacy of gentle parenting

A new book celebrating Indigenous motherhood aims to break the cycle of intergenerational trauma and abuse, through gentle parenting. It's called "My Little Ogichidaa" and was written by author Sault Ste. Marie's Willie Poll. We spoke with her about it.

The Secret Pocket by Peggy Janicki, illustrated by Carrielynn Victor

The Secret Pocket is a picture book which tells the true story of how Indigenous girls at a residential school sewed pockets into their clothes to hide food and survive. In The Secret Pocket a young girl called Mary is taken away from her family at four years old and sent to the Lejac Indian Residential School where she is forbidden from speaking Dakelh. Mary and other girls come up with the idea of sewing hidden pockets into their dresses where they hide carrots, apples and pieces of bread to share with the younger children.

The Secret Pocket for ages 6 to 8.

Peggy Janicki is a Dakelh teacher from the Nak'azdli Whut'en First Nation. She holds a master of education in Indigenous knowledges/Indigenous pedagogies from the University of British Columbia. The Secret Pocket is based on Janicki's mother's experience at residential school. She lives in Chilliwack, B.C.

Carrielynn Victor is an artist and illustrator of St:l, Coast Salish andsettler heritage from the XwCh:ym (Cheam) community in B.C. She previously illustrated the picture book,Stand Like a Cedar, written byNicola I. Campbell.

LISTEN | Peggy Janicki discusses The Secret Pocket on The Next Chapter:

The Next Chapter7:50Peggy Janicki on The Secret Pocket

Peggy Janicki on The Secret Pocket, her children's book based on her mother's true story.

I Am Not a Number by Jenny Kay Dupuis & Kathy Kacer, illustrated by Gillian Newland

I Am Not a Numberfollows the story of eight-year-old Irene as she gets removed from her First Nations family to live in a residential school. Irene is confused, frightened and homesick. When she goes home for summer holidays, Irene's parents decide never to send her and her brothers away again. Based on the life of co-author Jenny Kay Dupuis' grandmother, the book brings a terrible part of Canada's history to light in a way that educates children.

I Am Not a Numberis for ages 7 to 11.

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Jenny Kay Dupuis is of Anishinaabe Ojibway ancestry and a proud member of Nipissing First Nation. She is an educator, researcher, artist and speaker who works full-time supporting the advancement of Indigenous education. She lives in Toronto.

Kathy Kacer is well known for her children's books about the Holocaust. Her books have won awards including the Silver Birch, the Red Maple, the Hackmatack and the Jewish Book Award. Kacer is a former psychologist and lives in Toronto.

Gillian Newland is an artist wholives in Halifax. She has also illustrated the books TheMagician of AuschwitzandA Boy Asked The Wind.

WATCH | Jenny Kay Dupuis reads an excerpt from I Am Not a Number:

Writer shares her grandma's residential school story

8 years ago

Duration 0:40

Jenny Kay Dupuis reads an excerpt from a book she co-authored about her grandma's experience in a Northern Ontario residential school in 1928.

When We Were Alone by David A. Robertson, illustrated by Julie Flett

InWhen We Were Alone,a girl asks her grandmother about why she wears her hair in a long braid and why she speaks in another language. Her grandmother responds by describing her childhood,growing up in a residential school.When We Were Alonewon the 2017Governor General's Literary Award for young people's literature illustrated books.

When We Were Aloneis for ages 6 to 8.

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

David A. Robertson is an author andgraphic novelist based in Winnipeg. He has written several books in many genres, includingthe graphic novelsWill I See?andSugar Falls, thepicture bookWhen We Were Alone,the YA series The Reckoner andthe memoirBlack Water.

Julie Flett has illustrated several picture books includingLittle You,My Heart Fills with HappinessandWe Sang You Home.Most recently she wrote and illustrated the picture book Let's Go. Her picture bookBirdsongwasa finalist for the TD Canadian Children's Literature Award.

LISTEN | David A. Robertson and Cherie Dimaline on the need for Indigenous books for kids:

Indigenous authors reflect on limited book options during childhood

1 year ago

Duration 3:26

Canadian authors David A. Robertson and Cherie Dimaline sat down with Alberta at Noon to talk about what books they would recommend for young adults, and what they turned to during their adolescence.

Muinji'j Asks Why by Shanika and Breighlynn MacEachern, illustrated by Zeta Paul

Muinji'j Asks Why tells the story of the Mi'kmaq people and the generational traumas of the residential school system. In Muinji'j Asks Why, seven-year-old Muinji'j is learning about residential schools and asks her Nana and Papa to explain to her why the schools existed and why children died there. Her Nana and Papa take Muinji'j through the history of what happened in this honest and poignant picture book.

Muinji'j Asks Why is for ages 4 to 7.

Shanika MacEachern is a Mi'kmaw woman and a Native student advisor with Annapolis Valley Centre for Education.

Breighlynn MacEachern is a Mi'kmaq elementary school student whose dream is to be a ballet teacher and an RCMP officer.

Zeta Paul is a Mi'kmaw interdisciplinary artist who attended The Nova Scotia University of Art and Design.

Stolen Words by Melanie Florence, illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard

Stolen Wordstells the story of the beautiful relationship between a little girl and her grandfather. When the young girlasks her grandfather how to say something in his language Cree he admits that his language was stolen from him when he was a boy. The little girl then sets out to help her grandfather find his language again. This picture book explores the intergenerational impact of the residential school system that separated young Indigenous children from their families.

Stolen Wordsis for ages 6 to 9.

• How Melanie Florence turned the stories of missing and murdered Indigenous women into a children's book

Melanie Florence is a writer of Cree and Scottish heritage. Based in Toronto, she is the author ofMissing Nimm,which won the TD Canadian Children's Literature Award in 2016 and the 2017 Forest of Reading Golden Oak Award. Some of her other works includeHe Who Dreams,The MissingandBenjamin's Thunderstorm, which wasillustrated by Hawlii Pichette.

Gabrielle Grimard has illustrated over 30 picture books, includingWhen I Was EightandNot My Girl.She lives in Quebec.

When I Was Eight by Christy Jordan-Fenton and Margaret Pokiak-Fenton, illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard

InWhen I Was Eight,Olemaun is eight years old and knows a lot of things. But she doesn't know how to read. Ignoring her father's warnings, she travels far from her Arctic home to the outsiders' school to learn. Based on the true story of co-author Margaret Pokiak-Fenton, the book makes the bestsellingFatty Legsaccessible to younger readers, reminding us what power we hold when we can read.

When I Was Eight,is for ages 6 to 9.

MargaretPokiak-Fenton,Christy Jordan-Fentonand Gabrielle Grimardhaveworked on several books together, includingFatty Legs: A True Story,A Stranger At Home,When I Was EightandNot My Girl.

MargaretPokiak-Fentonisan Inuvialuk elder and artisan who grew up onBanks Island in the high Arctic. She now lives in Fort St. John, B.C.

Christy Jordan-Fentonlives in Fort St. John, B.C., and Margaret Pokiak-Fenton is her children's grandmother.

Gabrielle Grimardis an illustrator who lives in Quebec.

LISTEN | Margaret Pokiak-Fenton on Unreserved:

Unreserved6:31Residential school memoir set to become new Canadian children's classic

An Inuk grandmother's life has inspired a best-selling series of books about residential school so popular, they're set to become Canadian children's classic. Fatty Legs, the first in the series, is still making Top 10 lists six years after coming out.

Go Show the World by Wab Kinew, illustrated by Joe Morse

This rap-song-turned-picture-book byWab Kinew andJoe Morsecelebrates Indigenous leaders in the U.S. and Canada. Some of the figures mentioned include Crazy Horse,Net-no-kwa, former NASA astronaut JohnHerringtonand MontrealCanadiensgoalie Carey Price.Go Show the Worldwas shortlisted for the2018 Governor General's Literary Award for young people's literature illustrated books.

Go Show the Worldis for ages 5 to 9.

• Wab Kinew introduces a new generation to Indigenous trailblazers in picture book Go Show the World

Wab Kinewis the Premier ofManitoba and a bestselling author. Previous books by Kinewinclude The Reason You Walk, which is a memoir about mending his relationship with his father, and the novels, The Everlasting RoadandWalking in Two Worlds.

Joe Morse is an artist and children's book illustrator based in Toronto.In 2006, he was nominated for a Governor General's Literary Award for his illustrations in Casey at the Bat, a picture book of Ernest L. Thayer's classic poem. His illustrations also appear in the books Play Ball Jackie!, written by Stephen Krensky andHoop Genius, written by John Coy, among others.

Sweetgrass by Theresa Meuse, illustrated by Jessica Jerome

In the picture book Sweetgrass, Matthew is going sweetgrass picking with his Auntie and his younger cousin, Warren. Auntie uses her traditional Mi'kmaw knowledge to explain the many uses of sweetgrass from being used for smudging, as a traditional medicine or as a sacred offering. When they are back home Auntie shows Matthew and Warren how to clean and braid the sweetgrass.

Sweetgrass is for ages 4 to 7.

Theresa Meuse is a First Nations educator and advisor. Her previous books include The Gathering, which was illustrated by Leonard Paul. Sweetgrass was longlisted for the 2023-2024 First Nation Communities Read Awards in the children's category. Meuse was born in the Bear River First Nation and lives in Elmsdale, N.S.

Jessica Jerome is a two-spirit graphic designer, born in the Listuguj Mi'kmaw First Nation, and raised as a member of the Mi'kmaq's of Gesgapegiag.

Walking Together by Elder Dr. Albert D. Marshall & Louise Zimanyi, illustrated by Emily Kewageshig

Walking Together is a picture book by a Mi'kmaw elder that introduces children to the concept of Etuaptmumk or two-eyed seeing. Elder Dr. Albert D. Marshall describes two-eyed seeing as viewing the environment through human eyes while having the ability to see things from another's perspective including plants or animals or other aspects of nature. In this story we follow a group of young children as they connect with nature.

Walking Together is for ages 4 to 7.

• Children's book brings elder and artist together to reconnect children with nature

Elder Dr Albert D. Marshall is from the Moose Clan of the Mi'kmaw Nation, Eskasoni First Nation in Unama'ki-Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

Louise Zimanyi is a professor, researcher and writer of French-Canadian and Hungarian descent. She lives in Toronto.

Emily Kewageshig is an Anishnaabe artist, illustrator and visual storyteller. She is from Saugeen First Nation in Ontario. Her previous works include illustrating With Our Orange Hearts, written by Phyllis Webstad.

The Sharing Circle by Theresa "Corky" Larsen-Jonasson, illustrated by Jessika Von Innerebner

The Sharing Circle is a picture book which tells the story of a gentle buffalo who takes a braid of sweetgrass to a local elder and asks her to help with a sharing circle for the animals, after two red foxes have a dispute which breaks apart their community.

The Sharing Circle is for ages 6 to 9.

Theresa "Corky" Larsen-Jonassonis aCree/Danish Mtis Elder with roots in Red Deer and Maskwacis First Nations.Larsen-Jonasson serves as a member of the National Collective of the Walking With Our Sisters missing and murdered Indigenous women awareness movement.

Jessika von Innerebner is an artist and illustrator from Kelowna, B.C. Previous books that she has illustrated includeGifts from Raven, written by Kung JaadeeandKevin the Unicorn: It's Not All Rainbowswhichvon Innerebnerwrote and illustrated.

Betty: The Helen Betty Osborne Story by David A. Robertson, illustrated by Scott B. Henderson

Betty: The Helen Betty Osborne Story is a YA nonfiction book which tells the story of Helen Betty Osborne, known as Betty, who dreamed of becoming a teacher. She left her home to attend residential school and high school in a small town in Manitoba. On November 13, 1971, Betty was abducted and brutally murdered by four young men. Initially met with silence and indifference, her tragic murder resonates loudly today. Betty represents one of almost 1,200 Indigenous women in Canada who have been murdered or gone missing.

Betty: The Helen Betty Osborne Story is for ages 12 and up.

• Helen Betty Osborne's story is timeless and it shouldn't be

David A. Robertsonis a writer and graphic novelist based in Winnipeg. He has published books across a variety of genres, including the graphic novelsWill I See?andSugar Falls, YA bookStrangers, the memoirBlack Waterand theGovernor General's Literary Award-winning picture booksWhen We Were AloneandOn the Trapline,both illustrated by Cree-Mtis artist Julie Flett.

Scott B. Henderson is an author and illustrator based in Winnipeg. Some of his other books includeBreakdown,As I Enfold You in PetalsandA Blanket of Butterflies.He was also a contributor to the graphic anthologyThis Place: 150 Years Retold,which is now aCBC Books podcast.

Borders by Thomas King, illustrated by Natasha Donovan

Bordersis based on a short story written by Thomas Kingin 1993, and was adapted as a graphic novel by illustrator Natasha Donovan. It's about a boy and his mother who try to take a road trip from Alberta to Salt Lake City. When they identify as Blackfoot at the American Canadian border,the pair are pressured to change their answer. The story that follows is a powerful and thought-provoking look at justice, resilience and identity.

Bordersis for ages 10 to 14.

• Thomas King publishing his first graphic novel get a sneak peek now

Thomas King is an influential Canadian American writer of Cherokee and Greek ancestry. His bestselling books includeTruth & Bright Water,The Inconvenient Indianand many more. His latest, the novelIndians on Vacation, won the 2021 Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour.

Natasha Donovan is a Mtis illustrator originally from Vancouver. She has illustrated several graphic novels, including theSurviving the Cityseries by Tasha Spilletand Brett Huson's animal series, which includesThe Sockeye Mother,The Grizzly MotherandThe Eagle Mother. She also illustrated the cover forThe Ghost Collectorby Allison Mills and her work appears in the anthologyThis Place: 150 Years Retold.

LISTEN | Thomas King and Natasha Donovan discuss Borders:

12:29In new graphic novel, Thomas King explores Indigenous nationhood through scenes at the border

Since its release nearly three decades ago, writer Thomas King's acclaimed short story Borders has gone through several permutations. The latest adaptation is a graphic novel, illustrated by Mtis artist Natasha Donovan. King and Donovan discuss the new adaptation and why it continues to resonate today.

Speaking Our Truth by Monique Gray Smith

InSpeaking Our Truth, Monique Gray Smithmakes the topic of reconciliation accessible to a young audience of Indigenous readers and aspiring allies alike. The innovative book helps young readers understand the history of the residential school system in Canada and its lasting effects on survivors today. Inspired by Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the book includes questions and prompts to help young people think about these complicated issues, and how to move forward with understanding and empathy.

Speaking Our Truthis for ages 9 to 12.

• Why Monique Gray Smith almost stopped writingSpeaking Our Truth

Monique Gray Smith is a Cree, Lakota and Scottish author. Hermany other books include the novelsTilly: A Story of Hope and ResilienceandTilly and the Crazy Eights, and the picture booksWhen We Are KindandMy Heart Fills with Happiness.Gray Smith's novelSpeaking Our Truthwas shortlisted for the 2018 TD Canadian Children's Literature Award.

Dipnetting with Dad by Willie Sellars, illustrated by Kevin Easthope

Dipnetting with Dadis a picture book set in theCariboo Chilcotin region that shows a father teaching his son theSecwepemc method of fishing known as dipnetting. The father and son visit the sweat lodge, mend their nets and then catch their fish and bring them home for preparation.

Dipnetting with Dadis for ages 4 to 8.

Willie Sellars was born and raised in Williams Lake, B.C., and is the Chief of the Williams Lake First Nation.Dipnetting with Dadwon a Moonbeam Children's Book Award and was shortlisted for the Chocolate Lily, Shining Willow and Ontario Library Association awards. Sellarshas also written the book, Hockey with Dad, illustrated byKevin Easthope.

Kevin Easthope is a B.C.-based illustrator. His artistic work spans a variety of mediums including oil painting, graphite and graphic design. He has illustrated the children's booksDipnetting with DadandHockey with Dad, both written by Willie Sellars.

I Sang You Down from the Stars by Tasha Spillett-Sumner, illustrated by Michaela Goade

I Sang You Down from the Starsis a story of birth and creation for younger readers. Using poetic language andwatercolours, the picture book uses Indigenous creation stories and traditional teachings to celebrate nature and the bond betweenmother and child.

I Sang You Down from the Starsis for ages 2 to 5.

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Tasha Spillett-Sumner is an educator, poet and scholar of Nehiyaw and Trinidadian descent. She is also the author of graphic novelSurviving the City,whichwon the2019 Indigenous Voices Award for works in an alternative format.

Michaela Goade is an American-born illustrator from the Tlingit and Haida tribes. Goadewon the 2021 Caldecott Medal for her illustrations in the bookWe Are Water Protectorsby Carole Lindstrom. She has illustrated numerous other books and wrote and illustratedBerry Song.Goadelives in Juneau, Alaska.

LISTEN | Tasha Spillett-Sumner on Unreserved:

Unreserved8:01Pandemic parenting the perfect topic for new picture book

"I Sang You Down From the Stars" is Tasha Spillett-Sumners latest picture book, one that recognizes the unique situation of parenting during a pandemic.

Berry Song by Michaela Goade

A young girl and her grandmother gather gifts from the earth such as berries from the forest, herring eggs from the ocean and salmon from the stream in the picture bookBerry Song. Throughout their journey, they showa gratitude and kinship with the earth and with the generations that came before them.

Berry Song is for ages 4 to 8.

Michaela Goade is an American-born illustrator from the Tlingit and Haida tribes. Goadewon the 2021 Caldecott Medal for her illustrations in the bookWe Are Water Protectorsby Carole Lindstrom. She has illustrated numerous other books including I Sang You Down from the Stars by Tasha Spillett-Sumner. Goadelives in Juneau, Alaska.

The Song That Called Them Home by David A. Robertson, illustrated by Maya McKibbin

Inspired by Indigenous folklore,The Song that Called Them Homeis a story about two children who go on a trip with their grandfather. They decide to fish for dinner and are unexpectedly thrown overboard. When her brother James is pulled away by the Memekwesewak, a creature from Indigenous legend that lives and interacts with humans, Lauren must pursue a watery adventure to bring James back. But Lauren also feels the pulland the two lost kids are reunited with their grandfather through his song speaking to family, love and tradition.

The Song that Called Them Homeis for ages 4 to 8.

David A. Robertsonis a writer and graphic novelist based in Winnipeg. He has published books across a variety of genres, including the graphic novelsWill I See?andSugar Falls, YA bookStrangers, the memoirBlack Waterand theGovernor General's Literary Award-winning picture booksWhen We Were AloneandOn the Trapline,both illustrated by Cree-Mtis artist Julie Flett.

Maya McKibbin is two-spirited Ojibway, Yoeme and Irish filmmaker, illustrator and storyteller based in Vancouver. McKibbin previously illustrated the picture bookSwift Fox All Along,which waswritten by Rebecca Thomas.

Circle of Love by Monique Gray Smith, illustrated by Nicole Neidhardt

InCircle of Love, young Molly spends the day at the intertribal community centre where they're preparing for a feast. She introduces readers to the people she knows and loves, including her grandmother and her grandmother's wife, her uncles and their baby, her cousins and her cherished friends. Throughout, Molly explains how at the centre, everyone is welcome and "love is love."

Circle of Loveis for ages 4 to 8.

• Monique Gray Smith explores the power of love and community in picture book Circle of Love

Monique Gray Smith's many other books include the novelsTilly: A Story of Hope and ResilienceandTilly and the Crazy Eights,the picture booksWhen We Are KindandMy Heart Fills with Happiness.

Neidhardt is Din (Navajo) of Kiiyaa'anii clan and works in a variety of media, including book illustration, mylar stenciling, installation and mural painting and design.

Finding My Dance by Ria Thundercloud, illustrated by Kalila J. Fuller

Finding My Danceis a picture book which tells the true story of Indigenous dancer Ria Thundercloud. From being brought into the powwow circle at four years old, to dancing with her brothers all around the country, to performing as a professional dancer,Finding My Dancetakes children on Ria's journey to becominga dancer.

Finding My Dance is for ages 4 to 8.

Ria Thundercloudis a writer and a professional Indigenous dancerfrom theHo-Chunk Nation and Sandia Pueblo.She holds strong ties to her kinship in the Southwest and North, practicing both styles of traditional dance.

Kalila J. Fuller is an American illustrator from Portland, Oregon. She has also illustrated the non-fiction children's book,Indigenous Ingenuity, written byDeidre HavrelockandEdward Kay.

Mtis Like Me by Tasha Hilderman, illustrated by Risa Hugo

Mtis Like Meis a non-fiction picture book where a group of childrenof Mtis descent share the ways they celebrate their heritage. From enjoying bannock bread and Saskatoon berries, to crafting with beads, to sharing dance, music and songs, the Mtis children explore the richness of their culture.

Mtis Like Me is for ages 3 to 7.

Tasha Hildermanis a writer ofMtis descent and a registered member of the Mtis Nation of Alberta. She is the co-owner of a home retail store and garden caf in Lloydminster, Sask. Hildermanhas a bachelor of arts in English from the University of Saskatchewan.Mtis Like Me is her debut novel.

Risa Hugo is an illustrator who has a bachelor offinearts in illustration from Emily Carr University of Art and Design. She is the author ofthe book Shadow, and has illustrated other children's books includingLeopold's Leotard byRhiannon Wallace andWhy Are You So Quiet? byJaclyn Desforges. She lives in Vancouver.

Benny the Bananasaurus Rex by Sarabeth Holden, illustrated by Emma Pedersen

InBenny the Bananasaurus Rex,Benny knows that if he eats too many bananas, he might turn into one but that's not going to stop him. After eating bananas morning, noon and night, he becomes a Bananasaurus Rex and silly chaos ensues.

• Sarabeth Holden, Kevin Sylvester and Gordon Korman among winners of 2024 Forest of Reading Awards

Benny the Bananasaurus Rexis for ages 3 to 5.

Sarabeth Holden is an Inuk author who grew up between Nova Scotia, Nunavut, New Brunswickand Ontario. She is currently the president of the Toronto Inuit Association. Her debut picture book was 2020'sPlease Don't Change My Diaper.

Emma Pedersen is a storyteller and illustrator from Ontario. She also illustrated the picture booksThe Blizzard, written by Heather Main, andLife Cycles of Caribou, written byMonica Ittusardjuat.

Be a Good Ancestor by Leona Prince and Gabrielle Prince, illustrated by Carla Joseph

Children are encouraged to think about the ways in which they live in connection to the world around them in Be a Good Ancestor. Rooted in Indigenous teachings, this picture book looks at animal welfare, environmental issues and the importance of community. The authors deliver a universal message to the readers to be a good ancestor to the world around them.

Be a Good Ancestor is for ages 3 to 5.

• This Indigenous educator launched her own publishing company to release her first book

Leona Princeis from the Lake Babine Nation and Nak'azdli Whut'en and belongs to the Lhts'umusyoo (Beaver Clan). She is currently the Director of Instruction of Indigenous Education for School District 91 (Nechako Lakes).Her previous books includeA Dance Through the Seasons, illustrated byCarla Joseph.Prince lives inBurns Lake, B.C.

Gabrielle Princeis from the Lake Babine Nation and Nak'azdli Whut'en andbelongs to the Lhts'umusyoo (Beaver Clan). Prince is currently a full-time student at the University of Northern British Columbia,

Carla Joseph is a Cree artistoriginally from Prince George, B.C. She previously illustrated the children's book,A Dance Through the Seasons, written by Leona Prince. She currently lives inChilliwack, B.C.

Take Us to Your Chief by Drew Hayden Taylor

Take Us to Your Chiefis a short story collection by award-winning playwright and author Drew Hayden Taylor. The collection combines Indigenous stories with science fiction. The book was a finalist for the 2017 Stephen Leacock Medal, a prestigious Canadian literary prize for humour writing.

Take Us to Your Chiefis for ages 16 and up.

• How Drew Hayden Taylor married Indigenous stories with sci-fi, and found a perfect match

Drew HaydenTaylor is an Ojibway playwright, author and journalist from Curve Lake First Nations in Ontario. He has worked on over 17 documentaries examining Indigenous experiences. His other books includeMotorcycle and Sweetgrass.

LISTEN | Drew Hayden Taylor discusses Take Us To Your Chief on q:

11:07Monique Gray Smith on how to talk to children about the residential school era and its legacy

Monique Gray Smith talks to Shelagh Rogers about using books to help children understand the residential school era and its legacy and also about her books, Speaking Our Truth and You Hold Me Up.

The Ghost Collector by Allison Mills

The Ghost Collectorby Allison Mills is about a young girl named Shellywith an important job. She catches ghosts in her hair and helps them transition to the afterlife. But when Shelly's mom dies, she stops helping the ghosts and starts hoarding them, as she waits for her mother's ghost to arrive.The Ghost Collectoris a middle-grade novel inspired by Mills's great-grandmother's life and influenced by her Cree heritage.

The Ghost Collectoris for ages10 and up.

• How family stories inspired Allison Mills's novel about a girl who catches spirits in her hair

Mills is a writer based in Vancouver.The Ghost Collectoris her first book.

He Who Dreams by Melanie Florence

He Who Dreams is a YA novel about a boy called John who discovers he has a passion for dance. After accidentally stumbling into anIndigenous dance class at his local community centre, John finds himself wanting to prioritize dancing over everything else. He finds a dance class for boys at theNative Cultural Centre in his city but struggles with how he's going to tell his family and friends about his new passion.

He Who Dreams is for ages 12 and up.

Melanie Florence is a writer of Cree and Scottish heritage. Based in Toronto, she is the author ofMissing Nimm,whichwon the TD Canadian Children's Literature Award in 2016 and the 2017 Forest of Reading Golden Oak Award. Some of her other works includeStolen Wordsthat won the Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children's Book Award,The MissingandBenjamin's Thunderstorm, which wasillustrated by Hawlii Pichette.

LISTEN |Melanie Florenceon The Next Chapter:

Q18:47Drew Hayden Taylor explores Indigenous stories through science fiction

Writer Drew Hayden Taylor's new book, Take Us To Your Chief, tells sci-fi stories about aliens, surveillance and technology through the lens of Indigenous people.

Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley

Warrior Girl Unearthed is a YA novel which takes place on Sugar Island, the same location of author Boulley's debut YA novel, and bestseller,Firekeeper's Daughter.Perry Firekeeper-Birch is a twin, often known as the laidback one of the pair. She stays close to home and is known as being the best fisher on Sugar Island. But when a number of Indigenous women begin to go missing, and her family gets caught up in a murder investigation, Perry has totake matters into her own hands.

Warrior Girl Unearthed is for ages 14 and up.

• Ojibwe author's debut novel catches attention of the Obamas

Angeline Boulley is amember of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. Boulley writes about her Ojibwe community in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. She is a former Director of the Office of Indian Education at the U.S. Department of Education. Her debut novel,Firekeeper's Daughter, was a Reese Witherspoon book club pick and is being adapted for TV by the Obamas' Higher Ground production company.Boulleylives in southwest Michigan.

LISTEN | Angeline Boulley on Unreserved:

The Next Chapter10:22Melanie Florence on "Missing Nimama"

Melanie Florence on her children's book based on missing and murdered indigenous women.