National Day for Truth and Reconciliation for Kids

A selection of books for children including picture books, novels and non-fiction, by Indigenous authors in Canada.

Updated September 14, 2024
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Aggie & Mudgy : the journey of two Kaska Dena children
Proverbs, Wendy
Paper Book
Based on the true story of the author's biological mother and aunt, this middle-grade novel traces the long and frightening journey of two Kaska Dena sisters as they are taken from their home to attend residential school. When Maddy discovers an old photograph of two little girls in...
Kaiah's garden
Florence, Melanie
Paper Book
An uplifting story of a girl's connection to her beloved grandmother through the beadwork art they created together. As she wakes up one dull morning, Kaiah feels as cold and grey as the day. She longs to be with her grandmother again. Kaiah's life doesn't feel right without her. But...
Let's Go
Flett, Julie
Paper Book
An extraordinary book that celebrates skateboarding, family, and community, from beloved artist and author Julie Flett, a winner of the New York Times / New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children's Book Award. Every day, a little boy watches kids pass by on...
My little Ogichidaa : an Indigenous lullaby
Poll, Willie
Paper Book
My Little Ogichidaa is inspired by Indigenous motherhood. It invites readers to explore the compelling dreams and hopes of an Indigenous parent for her soon-to-be-born warrior. The word Ogichidaa itself means warrior in Anishinaabemowin, and this beautifully illustrated book is a tribute to...
The secret pocket
Janicki, Peggy
Paper Book
★"Captures the sympathy of readers and holds their attention...An age-appropriate telling by an Indigenous creative team of a tragic historical period."--School Library Journal, starred review The true story of how Indigenous girls at a residential school sewed secret pockets into...
Sky Wolf's call : the gift of Indigenous knowledge
Yellowhorn, Eldon
Paper Book
From healing to astronomy to our connection to the natural world, the lessons from Indigenous knowledge inform our learning and practices today. How do knowledge systems get passed down over generations? Through the knowledge inherited from their Elders and ancestors, Indigenous Peoples...
Speaking our truth : a journey of reconciliation
Gray Smith, Monique
Paper Book
★"Smith's book is an effort that returns, offering diverse voices that invite the world into the reconciliation experience. Absolutely necessary."--Kirkus Reviews, starred review Canada's relationship with its Indigenous people has suffered as a result of both the residential...
Sweetgrass
Meuse, Theresa
Paper Book
A modern story of traditional Indigenous knowledge that follows a young boy and his Auntie as they gather and braid sweetgrass, one of the four sacred medicines. It's early July, and for Matthew and his Auntie that means one thing: time to go sweetgrass picking. This year, Matthew's...
The Witness Blanket : truth, art and reconciliation
Newman, Carey
Paper Book
For more than 150 years, thousands of Indigenous children were taken from their families and sent to residential schools across Canada. Artist Carey Newman created the Witness Blanket to make sure that history is never forgotten. The Blanket is a living work of art--a collection of...

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