Top Ten Tuesday – Favorite Books for Pink Shirt Day!

Pink Shirt Day falls on the last Wednesday of February every year – which means that it is coming up SOON! (Next Wednesday, Feb. 28th). This week is the perfect time to launch discussions in your class about the history of Pink Shirt Day and how we can all work together to create a more kind, inclusive world. And what better way to launch that discussion than by starting with a great Pink Shirt Day read-aloud?

There are MANY books that focus on some of the important themes of this day – bullying, kindness, inclusion, empathy, and staying true to what you believe in. Here are ten (okay, eleven!) of my favorites:

Penguins Don’t Wear Pink – Jeffrey Turner

Henry the penguin loves all things pink – his pink bicycle, his pink lemonade… but when the other animals start teasing him for wearing his favorite pink hat, Harry decides to wear different colous and the teasing stops. But Henry finds the strength to remain steadfast in embracing his love of pink regardless of what other penguins may say. A great read-aloud for beginning readers – simple language and colourful illustrations.

Pink is for Boys – Robb Pearlman

Pink is for boys . . . and girls . . . and everyone! A great book to help readers rethink and reframe the stereotypical blue/pink gender labels and empowers us to express themselves in every color. The simple language makes it accessible for young children as you discuss favourite colours. Could also inspire your class to create a display of what everyone loves and what makes everyone different

Pink Is For Everybody – Ella Russell

A cute, wonderfully illustrated book with a simple message: you can love what you love, wear what you want, and not be worried. Don’t like pink? That’s okay too. This is a great book for younger students about inclusivity, breaking down gender stereotypes, and being yourself.

How to Be a Lion – Ed Vere

When the other lions tease Leonard for being best friends with a duck named Marianne, he finds the courage to focus on being true to himself and his friend and not backing down to hurtful criticism. This book is gentle, funny, thoughtful, and an empowering story about choosing kindness over bullying. One of my favorites!

Everybody: You, Me, and Us– Elise Gravel

Perfect inclusion themed book by the great Elise Gravel emphasising that we are all humans and we all share the same hopes, dreams, fears & failures. Everybody needs love and everybody needs to be treated with respect. Signature Gravel-monster illustrations depict all the feels!

What Happens Next – Susan Hughes

An excellent book about bullying to share with students (recommend grade 3-5). Such a simple and powerful story depicting a scenario where a non-gender specific child is bullied and how the situation is resolved. An excellent starting point for discussing feelings and what we say vs. what we don’t say about bullying. I also appreciate that it emphasizes that we’re all people — including the bully.

Little Wolf – Teoni Spathelfer

Heartfelt storybook about a young Indigneous girl moving from her home in the country to a big city (Vancouver) and finding ways to hold onto her connection to nature and her Indigenous heritage and culture, despite facing bullies in her school. Great read for older students (Gr. 4-6).

My Secret Bully – Trudy Ludwig

Emotional bullying between friends is the theme of this important book that explores the fact that bullying isn’t always in-your-face, loud, mean, and physical. It can be verbal and quiet, but enough to hurt. Ludwig does an amazing job writing books that are important for older learners and this one is no exception.

Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress – Christine Baldacchino

Love this book about a sensitive, artistic child who is bullied for not following gender norms. Morris loves the swishy, crinkly tangerine-colored dress in the costume box at school. He wears it every chance he gets and allows the dress to fuel his imagination. But when he is teased by his peers, he decides to stay home from school. With the help of his supportive mum and his cat Moo, Morris dusts himself off and returns with new determination to be true to himself. Love this one!

A World Of Kindness – Suzanne Del Rizzo

This simple book outlines clear, concrete examples of different ways you can be kind.  From waiting your turn, to helping someone younger – this book is a great starting point for discussing “actions of kindness” that leave “heartprints” on others.  For my lesson on leaving heartprints, click HERE.

When We Are Kind – Monique Gray Smith

This is a such a lovely story about being kind by the amazing Monique Gray Smith. It tackles the wide definition of kindness and the many ways it can be shown in a way that is accessible for both young and older students. (good reminder for adults too!) The diversity featured in the book is wonderful.

For those who are interested, Monique Gray Smith will be doing a live author visit webinar on Pink Shirt Day for you and your whole class to enjoy. She will be reading from some of her books and leading an engaging converstation on kindness, empathy, and standing up against bullying. Perfect event for Grades 2-5 but all are welcome. Register now to participate in the live event or watch on your own time via the recording:

👉 REGISTER now at joyfullearningcanada.ca/psd24

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you found one or two new books to add to your Pink Shirt book collection!

Top Ten Tuesday – Favorite Books About Gratitude and Thanksgiving

Well, it’s hard to believe that it’s October and even harder to believe that Thanksgiving will be here in less than a week! And what better time to share some books and talk about things we are thankful for? These would be also be wonderful books to share all month if you and your class are writing daily “gratitudes” on your “Gratitude Pumpkins” (see below). Remember – if you don’t have a copy of the books, check out YouTube for shareable read-alouds! Always a bonus when it’s the real author reading it themselves!

Thankful – Elaine Vickers

I LOVE this book about a little girl who writes what she is thankful for on little slips of paper and then makes a gratitude chain. I love that she gives thanks for simple, small things like pockets and butter! Instructions and tracers included at the back.

The Thankful Book – Todd Parr

You can’t beat Todd Parr’s signature art and wonderful words that young readers will all make connections to. Love that he includes always includes a little humour!

Gratitude is My Superpower – Alicia Ortego

Lovely story, lovely rhymes and lovely little character who learns that happiness is made up of simple things in life to be grateful for. Great connections to family and friends.

I Am Thankful – Sheri Wall

Lovely, rhyming book that follows three different families as they celebrate Thanksgiving with their own traditions, acts of kindness, and ways of giving back.

We Give Thanks – Cynthia Rylant

I LOVE Cynthia Rylant books and this one is a gem! In it, we follow two sweet friends as they zip around town talking to all their pals about the things they love. Adorable!

Giving Thanks – A Native American Good Morning Message -Chief Jake Swamp

This Native American good morning message, otherwise known as the Thanksgiving Address, is based on the belief that the natural world is a precious and rare gift – from the moon and the stars to the tiniest blade of grass. Gorgeous illustrations.

Thankful – Eileen Spinelli

Heartwarming, rhyming text that celebrate everyday blessings and encourages readers to practice thankfulness and observe the wonderful acts of kindness in our world. LOVE this one!

Thanks for Thanksgiving – Heather Patterson

An oldie but a goodie! I love that this book celebrates our Canadian Thanksgiving and is a great mentor text for using the senses – and all the sights, sounds, smells, and feelings of the holiday.

Harvest Days – Giving Thanks Around The World – Kate DePalma

While not focusing exactly on “giving thanks”, this is an excellent book to explores different harvest festivals around the world. Lyrical, rhyming text and beautiful artwork!

The Thank You Book – Mary Lyn Ray

Delightful book that explores the many simple, daily ways of being thankful. Poetic text and adorable pictures. Kids will really connect to this one.

My Heart Fills with Happiness – Monique Gray Smith

This book is a perfect one to reflect on simple things that make us happy – the sun on your face, the smell of warm bannock, holding someone’s hand that you love. This book is filled with joy and gratitude!

The Thank you Letter – Jane Cabrera

A young girl writes letters thanking her teacher, her dog, even the sky for being blue! Such a great book about gratitude and giving thanks. Great reminder to be grateful for both tangible gifts and for the little things we don’t always stop to appreciate.  A great book to inspire your students to write their own thank you letters!

THANK YOU for stopping by! I’m grateful to all of you! Hope you found a few new titles you can share with your students this week! Happy Reading and Happy Thanksgiving!

Top 10 Tuesday – Top 10 Books to Honour Truth and Reconciliation Day

Books have always been a way for me to approach tough topics and start important discussions with students. This week, as we prepare for The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30th, here are some books that might help you launch those discussions in your class. Thank you to all who shared titles of books you will be sharing with your students this coming week, as you prepare for this day. Hopefully, there will be one or two new books on this list you may be able to share with your students to honour this important day.

The Orange Shirt Story – Phyllis Webstad

This book tells the true story that inspired the movement of Orange Shirt Day. When author Phyllis Webstad was a little girl, she was excited to go to residential school for the first time. Her Granny bought her a bright orange shirt that she loved and she wore it to school for her first day. When she arrived at school her bright orange shirt was taken away, along with so much of herself. This book is more suited for older readers.

Phyllis’s Orange Shirt – Phyllis Webstad

A wonderful adaptation of the best selling Orange Shirt Story, written for younger students.

With Our Orange Hearts – Phyllis Webstad

This heartfelt memoir really resonates with me. This story explores author Phyllis Webstad’s experience at a residential school. The unique perspective of a young child in this painful setting will engage children’s empathy and spark essential conversations about reconciliation. Creating orange heart mobiles with thoughts or comments would make a lovely follow-up to this read-aloud.

Every Child Matters – Phyllis Webstad

Another book by Phyllis Webstad is a good one for sparking honest conversations in the classroom. This book provides an accessible introduction to the tragedy of residential schools. One thing I really liked was the message of sharing the truth and how it encourages readers to become active agents of change and champions of reconciliation.

The Secret Pocket – Peggy Janicki

I love when I learn of a new book from comments on my posts. This book was released last spring and several people commented on it as an important story to share with their students. It tells the true story of how Indigenous girls at a residential school sewed secret pockets into their dresses to hide food and survive. Hearing the author’s mother’s story of her time in the Lejac residential school is such an amazing example of resilience — little girls using the sewing skills their mothers, aunties and grandmothers taught them, to sew secret pockets in their clothing to hide and share food. So many discussions will be launched from this powerful story of survival, courage, and hope.

My Suitcase: Nii Sookayis – Christina Fox

This is a beautiful, heartfelt story of author Christina Fox’s experience in residential school. The story centers around the preparation of leaving for school and on the suitcase the author’s grandmother lovingly packs with a traditional red dress, a pair of moccasins, a hairbrush, and a doll that is meant to bring comfort. It is a story of triumph, hope, and healing.

Trudy’s Rock Story – Trudy Spiller

While not specifically focusing on residential schools, this book will help young children connect with Mother Nature and their feelings.   When a young girl from the Gitxsan Nation argues with her brother, she remembers the teachings of her grandmother and goes in search of a stone to share her feelings with. I like that the story teaches children that it is okay to have feelings and shows them how to process and release negative thoughts.

When I Was Eight – Christy Jordon-Fenton

This picture book adaptation of the early/middle grade chapter book Fatty Legs tells the true story of Olemaun (Margaret) Pokiak as she ventures into residential schools in northern Canada. An excellent choice for introducing younger readers to the topic of residential schools.

I Am Not A Number – Jenny Kay Dupuis & Kathy Kacer

This heart-breaking picture book is based on the life of 8 year old Irene Couchie (grandmother of the author) who was removed from her First Nations family and sent to a Canadian Residential school.

When We Were Alone – David A. Robertson & Julie Flett

A young Indigenous girl asks her grandmother why she does things the way she does – wear her hair long, wear happy colours, hang out with her brother… The answers are as heartbreaking as her grandmother tells her about life in a residential school a long time ago, where all of these things were taken away. 

Shi-Shi-Etko – Nicola Campbell 

This is a heartbreaking book about Shi-shi-etko, a young native girl, this time in Canada, who must leave her home and family to go to a residential school. As she prepares to leave, she gathers memories during the last few days, first with her mother and father, then with family and her grandmother. CLICK HERE for my lesson connected to this book.

Stolen Words – Melanie Florence

Heartbreaking, gentle story about a young girl and her grandfather. Her grandfather’s language – Cree – was taken from him as a child at residential school and now his granddaughter wants to help him reclaim it.

I Lost My Talk – Rita Joe

In this powerful poem by indigenous poet and songwriter, Rita Joe tells the heart-breaking story of how she lost her language, her culture, and ways of knowing the world while in residential school. I would recommend this for older grades (Gr. 5-7)

I’m Finding My Talk – Rebecca Thomas

In this companion book to Rita Joe’s I Lost My Talk, a second-generation residential school survivor writes an open and honest response poem about rediscovering her community, and finding her culture.

I Hope – Monique Gray Smith

I like to think that Orange Shirt Day is a hopeful step towards healing. So I end my list of books with Monique Gray Smith’s gorgeous new book. Written in English and Cree, this is a lovely story of hope and love and a reminder to be kind to all those around us, including our earth. 

I love that more and more children will be read stories about the legacy of residential schools in the classroom this year and that these books opens up a space for important conversations in your classrooms and homes. Thanks for stopping by. I hope that you found one or two new titles to add to your collection.

Top 10 Books For Indigenous Month

June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, a time to recognize the rich history, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis. In honour and recognition of Indigenous month, I am sharing some old and new favorite indigenous picture books from my collection.

NOTE: For those of you who have or plan to register for a GEARPICKS PACK picture book subscription service or ADD ON PACK for the 2023-24 school year, I will be including several of these newer titles in your subscription boxes so please check the descriptors.

Âmî Osâwâpikones Dear Dandelion – SJ Okemow

A simply gorgeous book about finding beauty in everything, being grateful for all, and taking care of the world around us. Beautiful illustrations and simple text. (Publisher: Annick Press, Date: May 23 2023 )

GEARPICKS ADD ON PACK Selection – Connecting to Land

Walking Together – Elder Albert Marshall

A beautiful story that explores the respectful relationship between people and nature for the benefit of all. This book encourages sharing, living, and existing together and is a great book to introduce young children to be mindful of their impact on earth. (Publisher: Annick Press, Publication Date: April 4 2023)

GEARPICKS ADD ON PACK Selection – Connecting to Land

Forever Our Home – Tonya Simpson

A beautiful lullaby of the Cree author sung to her child. The illustrations are soft and lovely and pair wonderfully with the text celebrating the ancestral relationship between Indigenous children and the land that is forever their home. (Publisher: Orca Book Publishers, Publication Date: May 16, 2023)

GEARPICKS ADD ON PACK Selection – Connecting to Land

When We Had Sled Dogs: A Story from the Trapline – ācimowin ohci wanihikīskanāhk – Ida Tremblay

Inspired by Elder Ida Tremblay’s childhood memories, and told in English with Woodland Cree words and phrases, the story follows the seasonal cycle of trapline life in Northern Saskatchewan. (Publisher: Your Nickel’s Worth Publishing, Publication Date: May 1, 2019)

Tanna’s Owl – Rachel & Sean Qitsualik-Tinsley

I love this story about a little Inuit girl’s hard work and effort taking care of a baby owl. I really liked that it introduced the concept of never really being able to own something that is a part of nature, and of taking care of something even when you don’t particularly want the responsibility – an important message not always found in children’s books about pets. (Publisher: Inhabit Media, Publication Date: Jan. 7, 2020)

Still This Love Goes On – Buffy Sainte-Marie

This song-lyrics turned picture book by Canadian Cree singer-songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie and gorgeously illustrated by Julie Flett celebrates seasons, nature, and community. A beautiful story of hope and change. (September 2, 2022 by Greystone Kids)

Finding My Dance – Ria Thundercloud

Professional Indigenous dancer Ria Thundercloud tells the true story of her path to dance and how it helped her take pride in her Native American heritage. (Published September 13, 2022 by Penguin Workshop)

Berry Song – Michaela Goade

While a grandmother teaches her grandchild how to forage berries and other foods, she also enriches her with Tlingit culture, lore, and traditions her grandchild will be able to pass on. GORGEOUS illustrations and who knew there were so many different kinds of berries?? (Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, Publication Date: July 19 2022 – Caldecott Honour book 2023)

On The TrapLine – David A. Robertson

A boy and Moshom, his grandpa, take a trip together to visit the trapline; a place where people hunt and live off the land, and the special place where Moshom grew up. Beautiful story that honors our connections to the past and our grandfathers and fathers. (Publisher: Tundra Books, Publication Date: May 4 2021)

The Barren Grounds – David A. Robertson

The first of a middle grade series is a cross between The Chronicles of Narnia and Indigenous folklore. It tells the story of Morgan and Eli, two indigenous children who happen upon a magical world in the attic of their foster home. Love the fantasy-sci-fi element! This book is a favorite for class read-alouds and Literature circles. (Publisher: Puffin Canada, Publication Date: Aug. 31 2021)

Birdsong – Julie Flett

I am a huge fan of Canadian illustrator and author Julie Flett. Her lovely story celebrates nature, the changing seasons and an intergenerational friendship between a little girl and her elderly neighbour. When Katherina moves from her home by the sea, she finds her new life very different. She starts to explore her new surroundings and gets to know her elderly neighbour, Agnes. (Publisher: Greystone Kids, Publication Date: Sept. 30 2019)

When We Are Kind – Monique Gray Smith

This lovely, heart warming story is a perfect anchor book for teaching Powerful Understanding (deepening my understanding of others). It is a simple story about being kind, and features Indigenous children. While it is important to share stories about indigenous experiences, culture and beliefs, I also look for books that focus on more diverse themes that feature indigenous characters. (Publisher: Orca Book Publishers, Publication Date: Oct. 13 2020)

Pow Wow Day – Traci Sorell

While 8 year old River is not able to join in the dance at the celebration because of a recent illness, readers learn alongside her as she discovers the richness of powwows and the importance of community. Vivid and hopeful story. (Publisher: Charlesbridge, Publication Date: Feb. 8 2022)

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you found one or two new books to add to your indigenous collection!

Counting Down My Favorite Picture Books of 2022!

As we get ready to welcome in the new year tomorrow, I welcome the opportunity to count down my favorite picture books of the past year. There are SO many amazing ones to choose from – it was hard to narrow it down to just ten (or 11 if you are counting!) Note – if you are a GearPicksPack subscriber, you will recognize many of these titles! I have included a few runner-up titles at the end.

Stand-out themes this year?   Intergenerational stories (grandparent and granchild) and books about supporting and supportive communities.    

Here we go….

10. Knight Owl – Christopher Denise

High on the cuteness scale, #10 on my list is the story of a small, brave, and totally adorable owl who dreams of becoming a knight. When knights begin disappearing and a call goes out to recruit more, his dream comes true.  Owl becomes a knight and is assigned to the “Knight Night Watch”. Heart-warming story, detailed illustrations and the bonus is the humorous wordplay!  This book was included in this year’s GearPicksPack Fall subscription box.

9.  Lizzy and the Cloud – Fan Brothers

A “best books of the year” list would not be complete without a contribution from the amazing Fan Brothers.  Coming in at #9 is Lizzy and the Cloud (also included in the fall GearPicksPack!) It tells the quirky, whimsical story of Lizzy and her pet cloud, Milo.  When Milo grows too big to manage, Lizzy has to make the difficult decision to let go.  This gorgeous book is perfect for inferring and could be used to talk about so many tough subjects.  Message is gentle, respectful, and positive.  Another gift from the extraordinarily gifted Fan Brothers. 

8. Big Truck Little Island – Chris Van Dusen

When a huge tractor trailer with a “wide load” fails to make a corner on a twisty island road, four kids come up with an ingenious solution.  Based on a true event, #8 on this year’s list is a clever story about problem-solving, community, and sharing. Kids come up with an ingenious solution. Rhyming wordplay, whimsical illustrations and plenty of cars and trucks for transportation-loving readers.

7. Witch Hazel – Molly Idle 

A gorgeous, quiet book, literally filled with love and magic takes the #7 spot. This book speaks to so many of the things in my heart that I love in a picture book.  It is a gentle story that celebrates the connection between grandparent and grandchild, the importance of passing on family stories, and the gift of making new memories together.  I would also recommend this gentle book for inferring – lots of room for interpretation. 

7. Luli and the Language of Tea – Andrea Wang

Luli’s teapot was empty, but her heart was full. Parents attending English as a Second Language classes drop their kids off in the childcare room next door. None of the children speak the same language so everyone plays by themselves until Luli has a wonderful idea: serve tea, a drink that everyone in the room recognizes. #7 on my list is such a wonderful story and a great anchor book for discussing cultural food (drink) and traditions. 

6. This is a School – Jon Schu 

One of my favorites from the fall GearPicksPack subscription, this book is a perfect “back to school” read-aloud in a classroom or opening assembly.  Number 6 on my list is a celebration of all that a school signifies – work, play, creativity, a supportive community.  A joyful book – for your eyes, ears, and heart! 

5. Gibberish –  Young Vo

From the Spring 2022 GearPicksPack, #5 depicts the experience many immigrant children feel when starting school, surrounded by a language they can’t understand.  Young Dat is in a new school where everyone around him speaks gibberish.  This leaves him feeling very alone, until Julie comes along.  The illustrations beautifully carry the parts of the story that are hard to communicate in words.  This is the perfect picture book to read at the beginning of a new school year, especially if you have new language speakers in your class. 

4. Walter Had a Best Friend – Deborah Underwood

Oh my… I discovered this book only recently and I LOVE it!  It is gentle, kind and beautiful…and SO important!  It tells the story of Walter who had a very best friend until, over time, they just stopped being best friends.  Such an important book that addresses the concept of gaining and losing friends in a way that is both hard and hopeful. Many connections will be made and the story and a perfect one for discussing friendships.  I will definitely be adding it to my Powerful Understanding booklist! 

3.  Can Sophie Change the World? – Nancy Wallace

This inspiring book in the #3 spot is about paying it forward and being kind from a Jewish perspective is a perfect anchor book for a class kindness project.  When Sophie asks her Grandfather what he would like for his birthday, he says he would like her to “change the world”.  He teaches her about “mitzvahs” – small, kind deeds and soon, Sophie is weaving kindness into her daily life.  LOVE! Click HERE for a free template you can use with this book.

2.  Love in the Library – Maggie Tokuda-Hall

Another pick from last spring’s GearPickPack, this moving story in the second spot is based on the true story of the author’s grandparents who fell in love while living in a Japanese-American internment camp during the second world war.  It is heartbreaking and hopeful and makes me teary just thinking about it.  There are very few books that focus on this subject and this one is a gem. 

And now…my favorite picture book of 2022 is…. DRUM ROLL please….

1. Berry Song – Michaela Goade

It wasn’t hard to decide which book took the Number 1 spot this year. This book is a gorgeous story about a girl and her grandmother (oh, how I love grandparent and grandchild stories!), who find all kinds of gifts from the land during the different seasons.  Who knew so many berries existed? Lush watercolors and lyrical text depict the respect and wealth of the land by the indigenous peoples.  Author note explains more of her native heritage.  This might be the most beautiful picture book I’ve ever read (and I’ve read A LOT!).

Runners Up

Farmhouse – Sophie Blackall

Opening this beautiful book is literally like walking back in time and stepping inside an old farmhouse – a farmhouse the author bought in upstate New York.  Blackall carefully catalogues everything she finds in the house and, through the objects, fictionally reconstructs the lives of the Swantak family and their 12 children who had lived there. There are actual pieces of the old farmhouse included in the illustrations!  I especially loved the last two-page spread with the farmhouse laid open like a dollhouse. I can understand why there is a lot of Caldecott buzz about this book. 

A Spoonful of Frogs – Casey Lyall

If you are looking for a laugh-out-loud read-aloud – look no further!  A witch with a cooking show is preparing her favorite frog soup. All the other ingredients are mixed and ready, so it’s time to add the key one. Just put the frog on the spoon and . . .oops!  This book will have you and your students in stiches as the chaos and frustration mounts!  So clever and SO FUNNY!

This Story Is Not about a Kitten – Randall de Sève

No, it’s not about a kitten – it is about a community who comes together to save a kitten.  So clever!  This would be a great book practice inferring theme:  “If this book isn’t about a kitten, what is it about? What is the author’s message? How did the author convey that message?”  Could also be used as a writing anchor to prompt students to write their own stories “not about a —-“ to convey a theme of their choice.

I Hope / nipakosêyimon – Monique Gray Smith

Touching message about loving, nurturing and wishing the best for our children. It showcases multicultural groups of children from different parts of the world and includes stunning illustrations by Gabrielle Grimard.  This dual-language book (English and Plains Cree) would make a lovely grad gift and will no doubt resonate with all parents, grandparents and caregivers.

Every Dog in the Neighborhood – Philip C. Stead

I love Philip C. Stead (A Sick Day for Amos McGee)  I love dogs.  I love this book.  When a boy wonders how many dogs live in the neighborhood, his grandmother encourages him to find out. This leads him to knock on doors and meet all of the neighborhood dogs. Adorable! While Louis is doing this, his grandmother is also up to something but it might take re-reading to find out what that is!  (HINT:  making a difference in your community!)

And there you have it! My favorite picture books of 2022.

What books are on your list? What books will you be adding?

Can’t wait to start sharing some of the great new titles we can all look forward to reading and sharing in 2023.

Happy New Year and happy reading, everyone!

Top 10 Tuesday – Top 10 books for Orange Shirt Day

Books have always been a way for me to approach tough topics and start important discussions with my students. This week, as we prepare for The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30th, here are some books that might help you launch those discussions. While there are more and more books being written each year about residential schools, these are among my favorites:

The Orange Shirt Story – Phyliss Webstad

This book tells the true story that inspired the movement of Orange Shirt Day. When author Phyllis Webstad was a little girl, she was excited to go to residential school for the first time. Her Granny bought her a bright orange shirt that she loved and she wore it to school for her first day. When she arrived at school her bright orange shirt was taken away, along with so much of herself.

Phyllis’s Orange Shirt – Phylliss Webstad

An adaptation of the best selling Orange Shirt Story, written for younger students.

Secret Path – Gord Downie & Jeff Lemire

Powerful graphic novel that tells the true story of Chanie “Charlie” Wenjack, a twelve-year-old boy who died while trying to walk home from the Cecilia Jeffrey Indian Residential School, 400 miles away from his house.

Fatty Legs – Christy Jordon-Fenton & Margaret-Olemaun Pokiak-Fenton

A true story of Margaret Pokiak, an Inuit girl who, longing to read like her older sister, begs her father to be sent to school. Eventually he gives in, sending her to a residential school in Northern Canada. Her dreams are crushed when she soon faces terrible hardship and humiliation from the nuns.

When I Was Eight – Christy Jordon-Fenton

The picture book adaptation of the chapter book Fatty Legs.

I Am Not A Number – Jenny Kay Dupuis & Kathy Kacer

This heart-breaking picture book is based on the life of 8 year old Irene Couchie (grandmother of the author) who was removed from her First Nations family and sent to a Canadian Residential school.

When We Were Alone – David A. Robertson & Julie Flett

A young First Nations’ girl asks her grandmother why she does things the way she does – wear her hair long, wear happy colours, hang out with her brother… The answers are as heartbreaking as her grandmother tells her about life in a residential school a long time ago, where all of these things were taken away. 

Shi-Shi-Etko – Nicola Campbell 

This is a heartbreaking book about Shi-shi-etko, a young native girl, this time in Canada, who must leave her home and family to go to a residential school. As she prepares to leave, she gathers memories during the last few days, first with her mother and father, then with family and her grandmother.

Stolen Words – Melanie Florence

Heartbreaking, gentle story about a young girl and her grandfather. Her grandfather’s language – Cree – was taken from him as a child at residential school and now his granddaughter wants to help him reclaim it.

I Lost My Talk – Rita Joe

In this powerful poem by indigenous poet and songwriter, Rita Joe tells the heart-breaking story of how she lost her language, her culture, and ways of knowing the world while in residential school.

I’m Finding My Talk – Rebecca Thomas

In this companion book to Rita Joe’s I Lost My Talk, a second-generation residential school survivor writes an open and honest response poem about rediscovering her community, and finding her culture.

Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults – Robin Wall Kimmerer & Monique Grey Smith

I loved Braiding Sweetgrass so was thrilled to learn Monique Grey Smith had adapted it for young adults. I loved it equally, if not more than the original. Through the author’s lens, we see nature and its impact on all of us, is clear and pure. The message of this book is simple; if you open your heart to it, nature will guide you and change your life in ways you cannot imagine. LOVE!

Speaking Our Truth – Monique Gray Smith

An excellent overview of the history of residential schools, their terrible impact, and what all Canadians can do to begin to repair the harm through acts of Reconciliation. Written for middle-school aged readers but also appropriate for adult readers. I especially liked the reflection questions the author asks, the additional resources she suggests, and the calls to action she provides.

The Witness Blanket: Truth, Art and Reconciliation – Carey Newman

The Witness Blanket is a living work of art, created with hundreds of collected items from Canadian residential school. This is the story behind the collected items and the making of the blanket as a first step in the journey of healing.

I Hope – Monique Gray Smith

I like to think that Orange Shirt Day is a hopeful step towards healing. So I end my list of books with Monique Gray Smith’s gorgeous new book. Written in English and Cree, this is a lovely story of hope and love and a reminder to be kind to all those around us, including our earth. 

I love that more and more children will be read stories about the legacy of residential schools in the classroom this year and that these books opens up a space for important conversations in your classrooms and homes. Thanks for stopping by. I hope that you found one or two new titles to add to your collection.

Top Ten Tuesday – 10 Favorite Back-to-School “Reconnect” Books

Anyone who knows me knows that “making connections” is in my blood!  As one of the five “reading powers” I have taught hundreds of “connect” lessons to students, helped hundreds of teachers know the difference between “deep” and “quick” connections, recommended thousands of “connect books” over the years, and made dozens of “connect” book lists.  

Earlier this summer, I received an email from an educator in school district #69 (Qualicum, Vancouver Island) asking me for a recommendation for a “Re-connect” book.  At first, I wondered if it was a typing mistake!   “What do you mean by Re-Connect book?” I asked her.  

She explained that at the start of a new school year, the staff selects a picture book that is read in every classroom.  The theme of the book becomes the unifying school theme for the year.  

Past themes the school explored included courage, generosity, independence, stewardship, and caring communities.  This year, her school will be exploring the theme of “belonging” and she asked if I knew of any books I could recommend.  (I did, of course!) 

To build the school community, every class reads the book, then joins in an art activity around the theme during the first few weeks of school. The art is hung in the entrance hallway of the school to mark the school theme.   Hers is not the only school in her district that carries on this tradition each fall.  

Here is a photo of one of their school-wide art projects based on one of their past themes: Reach for the Stars. The “Reconnect Book” they used for this theme was DREAM: A Tale of Wonder, Wisdom and Wishes by Susan V. Bosack.

She also shared past themes and corresponding picture books they have used:

Well, of course, my brain started swirling with “Re-Connect” themes and corresponding picture books and I felt so inspired that I just HAD to create a new TOP TEN TUESDAY book list!    With her permission, I am sharing this amazing idea with you in the hopes it may inspire your school to begin the year with a RECONNECT book!  

Below are my top ten “RE-CONNECT” book recommendations and the possible school theme connected to it.  

RECONNECT book:  Welcome! – Barroux

POSSIBLE THEME:  Inclusion/ Belonging 

RECONNECT book:  This is a School – John Schu 

POSSIBLE THEME: Caring Communities 

PLEASE NOTE:  This book is included in the Fall 2022 PRIMARY GearPicks Pack subscription 

RECONNECT Book:  All in a Day – Cynthia Rylant 

THEME:  Stewardship

RECONNECT book: The Thank You Letter – Jane Cabrera

THEME:  Gratitude 

See Also: Thankful – Elaine Vickers 

RECONNECT book: Jabari Jumps– Gaia Cornwall 

THEME:  Mastery/Growth Mindset 

See Also 

 The Most Magnificent Thing – Ashley Spires 

 Flight School – Lita Judge 

RECONNECT BOOK:  My Heart Fills With Happiness – Monique Gray Smith 

THEME:  Joy

See Also:   Pass it On – Sophy Henn

RECONNECT Book: What is Given from the Heart by Patricia McKissack

THEME:  Generosity 

See Also:  Those Shoes – Maribeth Boelts 

RECONNECT Book:   I Can Do Hard Things – Gabi Garcia 

THEME:  Resilience 

SEE ALSO:   It’s Tough to Lose Your Balloon – Jarrett J. Krosoczka

Reconnect Book: Rain Brings Frogs – A Little Book of Hope – Maryann Cocca-Leffler 

THEME:  Hope

RECONNECT Book: Wonder Walkers – Micha Archer

THEME:  Wonder/ Curiosity 

RECONNECT Book – Brave Every Day – Trudy Ludwig 

THEME:  Courage 

NOTE:  This book is included in the 2022 GearPicks Pack SEL Add-On Pack

See Also:  When You Are Brave – Pat Zieltow Miller 

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you feel inspired to “RECONNECT” with your students this fall by sharing one of these books with them! Huge shout out to Karen Monstad and the entire staff at Nanoose Bay Elementary School the staff for sharing their “RECONNECT” book idea with me! Happy reading, everyone!

Orange Shirt Day: A Day of Remembrance, Memory Bags, and Anchor Books

September 30th is Orange Shirt Day and the first National Day of remembrance: a day to acknowledge and honour the victims of the Canadian residential school system. Leading up to this day, it is important to begin the conversations around Truth and Reconciliation, no matter what grade you teach. As with many classroom conversations, picture books provide an access point into the discussions.

Here is a short video by CBC Kids News to explain “indigenous” that might be helpful to support the conversation. https://youtu.be/CISeEFTsgDA

The Inspiration

While not all the books on residential schools may be age appropriate for younger students, Nicola Campbell’s book Shi-Shi-Etko is a gentle way to begin the conversation. It is a beautifully told and illustrated story about the four days before a young Indigenous girl must leave her family and go to residential school. Her mother, father and grandmother, each in turn, share valuable teachings that they want her to remember, while Shi-shi-etko carefully gathers her memories to remind her of home.

Shi-Shi-Etko – Nicola Campbell

The Lesson

Part 1

• Write the word “home” on the board. Invite students to think about the word – ask them what connection, feeling, and visual image do they think of when they see this word. Invite students to share with a partner or share out with the class.
• Ask the students if they have ever been away from home? Discuss going away from home with your family vs. going away by yourself.
• Introduce the book Shi-Shi-etko by Nicola Campbell. Tell the students it is a book about an Indigenous girl who is leaving her home to go away to school. But she is young and she doesn’t want to go and she is going without her family. Ask the students what that might be like? What feelings would she be having?

NOTE: At this point, you may want to introduce the subject of residential schools. This would depend on your grade level. If so, explain that many indigenous children were sent away to school. In the schools, they were given English names, their hair was cut short, and they were not allowed to speak their own language or talk about their culture. Discuss what that might have been like.

• Explain that before Shi-Shi-Etko goes to school, she is trying to collect memories of her home. Her mom, grandmother, and father are telling her to remember her home, her land, laughter, dancing when she is away at school.
• Invite the students to listen carefully to the way the author uses the senses to help us get a feeling about the girl’s home and what are some of the memories she collects.
• Read the story.
• Discuss some of the “memories” she was keeping. Explain that a memory is a connection she makes between an object and something from home.
• Draw a large “bag” on a shared screen or chart paper. As students respond, draw and label the items inside the bag: fireweed, paintbrush(flower), sprig, leaf, columbine, sage, pinecone. (If possible, show images of these plants on your ipad or smart board)
• Pass out “Memory Bag” paper. Invite students to draw Shi-Shi-Etko’s memories inside the bag. (see sample below)

Download the Memory Bag Template HERE

Lesson – Part 2

NOTE: You will need to prepare for this lesson by gathering objects from your home that you would put into your memory bag – to help you remember home. If possible, hide them inside a paper or drawstring bag.

• Review story of Shi-Shi-Etko. Remind students that in order to remember her home, her land, her family, Shi-shi-Etko collected “memories” for her memory bag.
• Ask the students to imagine having their own memory bag to store things to help them remember their home.
• Explain that you have collected some items from your home that you have strong connections to. They help you remember your home. (If possible, bring real objects from home for this lesson) Take each item out of the bag and explain why you chose it and what it reminds you of.
Example:
 sprig of lavender – my grannie’s favorite flower and the smell reminds me of her
 knitting needle – reminds me of my mom because she loved to knit
 maple leaf – reminds me of the maple tree in my front yard which was a wedding gift (reminds me of my husband)
 piece of fur – from my dog to remind me of her
 heart shaped pebble – reminds me of my sons

• Have students talk with a partner about some of the things they might want to put into their memory bag. Discuss how a toy may be something fun to play with but may not help them remember their home.
• Pass out the blank memory bag (same as part 1) Invite students to draw and label things inside their Memory Bag.
• On the back, they can list their items and why it is special to them.

Download the Memory Bag Template HERE

End the lesson
• Ask the students to compare their memory bags with Shi-Shi-Etko’s. What do you notice? All of Shi-Shi-Etko’s memories are connected to the land. Explain to students that Indigenous people believe that the land connects us all.

Other books to support Orange Shirt Day:

The Orange Shirt Story – Phyllis Webstad

The original book that started the Orange Shirt Day movement. Geared for older students. Watch the author, Phyllis Webstad, talk about the book. (As always, please preview the video before sharing with your students) https://youtu.be/E3vUqr01kAk

Phyllis’s Orange Shirt – Phyllis Webstad

An adaptation of The Orange Shirt Story for younger students.

The Train – Jodie Calleghan

The Secret Path – Gordon Downie

Tragically Hip front man, the late Gordon Downie collaborated with illustrator Jeff Lemire to create this graphic novel picture book that tells the true story of Chanie “Charlie” Wenjack, a twelve-year-old boy who died trying to walk home after fleeing from the Cecilia Jeffrey Indian Residential School. Gordon Downie wrote 10 powerful songs to go along with the book. Recommended for older students.

When We Were Alone – David A. Robertson

I am Not A Number – Jenny K. Dupuis

When I Was Eight – Christy Jordan-Fenton

I Lost My Talk – Rita Joe

I’m Finding My Talk – Rebecca Thomas

Speaking Our Truth – A Journey of Reconciliation – Monique Gray Smith

You Hold Me Up – Monique Grey Smith

NOTE:

When I was a student in elementary school in the early 70’s, I had never heard of residential schools. None of my teachers mentioned it. In my early years of teaching, I didn’t talk to my students about residential schools because it was not in our curriculum, and no teacher mentioned it. Hard to admit that, but it’s true. Thank you to all of you for mentioning, acknowledging, and honoring this important truth. Every child does matter.

Adrienne’s OLLI – Online Learning Lesson Idea #15: 100 Things That Make Me Happy

Hello, everyone!  Well, it’s mid-January and the January blues may be creeping in!  Time for another OLLI and time to spread a little happy in your class!  For those getting ready for 100th Day – this lesson will be a perfect fit! For those who aren’t – there is never a wrong time to focus on gratitude for simple things that bring us joy! 

Here is a list of the previous OLLI lessons and anchor books:

OLLI#1 (The Hike)

OLLI#2. (If I Could Build A School)

OLLIE#3  (Mother’s Day)

OLLI#4 (Everybody Needs a Rock)

OLLI #5 – (WANTED:  Criminals of the Animal Kingdom) 

OLLI #6 – (Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt)

OLLI #7 (All About Feelings – “Keep it! – Calm it! – Courage it!)  

OLLI #8 (I’m Talking DAD! – lesson for Father’s Day) 

OLLI #9 (Be Happy Right Now!) 

OLLI #10 – (Dusk Explorers)

OLLI#11 (If You Come to Earth)

OLLI #12 (Map of Good Memories)

OLLI #13 (Harvey Slumfenburger)

OLLI #14 (New Year’s Resolutions)

THE INSPIRATION:

As primary teachers prepare to mark the 100th day of school, I thought this lesson would be one way to mark the day by finding and spreading a little “happy” (x 100!) in your classroom!  Mid winter blues, Covid, (will it ever end???) – we could all use a little happy in our lives!  Finding joy in everyday things and demonstrating gratitude is something can all practice.  Even if you don’t celebrate 100th Day in your class – this lesson can be adapted to any grade and great chance for you and your students to “find some happy”!  

THE ANCHOR:

100 Things That Make Me Happy – Amy Schwartz

A lovely, charming, rhyming list of things that make most of us happy.   I love this book for so many reasons: the abundance of gratitude for simple things in life, the whimsical rhyming that makes it easy for kids to read and reread, the feeling of joy that comes from thinking positive thoughts with our students, and, of course, the connection to “One Hundredth Day” celebrations.   You can find the online read aloud – HERE

The Lesson

• Begin with the “one word” activity by writing the word “happy” on the board.  Invite students to think about the word. Specifically, ask them to make a connection, create a visual image, and attach a feeling connected to the word.  (because this is a feeling word, invite them to think of other words that might be connected) 
• Invite students to share their connection, visual image, and feeling with a partner.  Ask some to share and record their ideas onto the chart, around the word “happy” to create a class web.  
• Tell them you are going to read a story about “happy”.  Invite them to pay attention to their thinking because you will be coming back to the word after you have finished reading
• Read the story or show the video of the read-aloud.  You can find the online read aloud – HERE
• After reading the story, invite the students to “re-visit” and “re-think” the word “happy”.  Has anything changed?   (you may want to steer them in the direction that this book made you think about how easily happiness can be found in small, simple things.  This book also made you feel thankful that there are so many things in the world that can bring us joy – we just have to notice them)
• Invite the students to brainstorm a list of things that make them happy.  Remind them that the happiness in the book was found in things other than material things (toys, video games, etc.)  Encourage them to include experiences, places, and people as well as objects on their list.  
• Invite students to share their list with a partner and then invite them to share out as you record their ideas to make a class list.  
• IF you are celebrating 100th Day – this could be the start of creating a class list “100 Things That Make Us Happy”.   Students could contribute their ideas as you record them on a large class list.  
• Pass out the template Things That Make Me Happy.  Model your own, showing how you draw a picture and write about it underneath.   
• You can download the Primary Template HERE 
• You can download the Intermediate Template HERE 
• You can download additional Happy Lists HERE (short list) and HERE (long list)
• Depending on your grade, this could be incorporated into a writing lesson, using “magical detail words” (See Powerful Writing Structures – page xxx).  After students write what makes them happy, they can add a detail using the word “Once, When, If, or Sometimes”    example:  Reading a book makes me happy.  Sometimes, I sniff the pages to fill my lungs with book joy.   OR  My dog Maggie makes me happy.  When I come home, she always meets me at the door and wags her fluffy tail.
• Students can share their happy pages with a partner.  
• Create a class book or display on a bulletin board: “Div. 5 is Finding Happy!” 

Additional Books About Happiness and Gratitude: 

Below are some of the other recommended books that encourage us to “look for happy” and be grateful for the little things.   

Taking a Bath with a Dog and Other Things That Make Me Happy – Scott Menchin

100 Things I Love to Do With You – Amy Schwartz

  100th Day Worries – Margery Cuyler

The Favorite Book – Bethanie Deeney Murguia

Hap-Pead All Year – Keith Baker

My Heart Fills With Happiness – Monique Gray Smith

A Good Day – Kevin Henkes 

This book is also great for TRANSFORM for younger students.  What makes a bad day?  What makes a good day?  

All the World – Liz Garton Scanton

Thankful – Eileen Spinelli

The Thankful Book – Todd Parr

Thanks for stopping by! I hope this lesson brings a little happiness into your classroom and into your heart!