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Truth & Reconciliation: Kids & Teens

This list contains books for kids and teens about the history of the Indian Act, systemic racism against Indigenous peoples in Canada, and the ongoing impact of residential school experiences on survivors, their families, and communities. Indigenous History Month is recognized in June, with National Indigenous Peoples Day falling on June 21. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day are observed on September 30. The list is arranged with books for younger children first followed by books for older children and teens.

42 items

  • In this book, Phyllis Webstad, founder of Orange Shirt Day, shares her true story, encouraging young children to open their hearts when others share their feelings, and be more comfortable sharing their own feelings, too. Listening is a…
    Book[Victoria, B.C.] : Medicine Wheel Publishing, [2022] — PIC Web
  • Based on the true story of Margaret Pokiak-Fenton, and complemented by stunning illustrations, When I Was Eight makes the bestselling Fatty Legs accessible to younger readers. Now they, too, can meet this remarkable girl who reminds us…
    BookToronto : Annick Press, c2013. — EASY FIC Jor
  • Richly hued illustrations complement this gently moving and poetic account of a child who finds solace all around her, even though she is on the verge of great loss -- a loss that Indigenous Peoples have endured for generations because of…
    BookToronto, ON : Groundwood Books/House of Anansi Press, 2005 — EASY FIC Cam
  • Spirit Bear:

    Honouring Memories, Planting Dreams : Based on a True Story

    Blackstock, Cindy
    Jake, a friendly dog, tells Spirit Bear all about a big report on residential schools called the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC for short) and their calls for action which hope to help end the unfairness and make sure this…
    BookFirst Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada 2019. — EASY 371.829 BLA 2020
  • In this beautifully illustrated book, children learn about the tradition of Anishinaabe beadwork, strawberry teachings, and gender discrimination in the Indian Act.
    BookWinnipeg, Manitoba : HighWater Press, 2023. — PIC Dup
  • Learn the meaning behind the phrase, 'Every Child Matters.' Orange Shirt Day founder, Phyllis Webstad, offers insights into this heartfelt movement. Every Child Matters honours the history and resiliency of Indigenous Peoples on Turtle…
    Book[Victoria, BC] : Medicine Wheel Publishing, [2023] — EASY 970.54 WEB 2023
  • A picture book based on a true story about a young First Nations girl who was sent to a residential school. Also available in Nishnaabemin (Ojibwe)-English and eBook formats.
    BookToronto, ON : Second Story Press, [2016] — EASY FIC Dup
  • The legacy of the residential schools is conveyed with respect and imagination in this illustrated story for young readers. As the elderly Kookum remembers the experiences in her youth that changed her life forever, we see what was lost in…
    BookWinnipeg, MB : Pemmican Publications Inc. , 2011 — EASY FIC Eyv
  • "When Phyllis was a little girl, she was excited to go to residential school for the first time. Her Granny bought her a shiny orange shirt that she loved and wore to school for her first day. When she arrived at the school, this shirt was…
    Book[Victoria, BC] : Medicine Wheel Education Inc., [2019] — EASY 971.00497 WEB 2019
  • As a child, White Raven left her family to attend St. Michael's Residential School in Alert Bay, BC. While there, she experienced hunger, loneliness, shame, and isolation from her language and her culture. Even years later, as a grown…
    Book[Victoria, British Columbia] : Heritage House Publishing Company Limited, [2021] — EASY FIC Spa
  • A look at the intergenerational impact of Canada's residential school system that separated Indigenous children from their families and the beautiful, healing relationship between a little girl and her grandfather. Also available in eBook…
    BookToronto, Ontario : Second Story Press, [2017] — EASY FIC Flo
  • When a young girl helps tend to her grandmother's garden, she begins to notice things that make her curious. Why does her grandmother have long, braided hair and beautifully colored clothing? Why does she speak another language and spend…
    Book[Winnipeg, Manitoba] : HighWater Press, [2016] — EASY FIC Rob
  • This is the true story of Phyllis Webstad, the inspiration behind the Orange Shirt Day movement.
    Book[Victoria, B.C.] : Medicine Wheel Education, [2018] — EASY 371.829 WEB 2018
  • One of Rita Joe's most influential poems, "I Lost My Talk" tells the revered Mi'kmaw Elder's childhood story of losing her language while a resident of the residential school in Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia.
    BookHalifax, Nova Scotia : Nimbus Publishing, [2019] — EASY 821 JOE 2019
  • Author Jodie Callaghan worked as a journalist at the time of the Canadian government's apology for the residential school system. She took inspiration for this book from her conversations with survivors--including her own grandmother's…
    BookToronto : Second Story Press, 2020. — EASY FIC Cal
  • The true story of how Indigenous girls at a residential school sewed secret pockets into their dresses to hide food and survive.
    eBook2023. — DOWNLOADABLE eBOOK
  • A young mother, one of the many missing indigenous women, watches over her small daughter as she grows up without her nimama, experiencing important milestones - her first day of school, first dance, first date, wedding, first child - from…
    BookRichmond Hill, Ontario : Clockwise Press, 2015. — EASY FIC Flo
  • This book chronicles the unbreakable spirit of an Inuit girl while attending an Arctic residential school. Also available in eBook and audiobook formats. Follow up with the sequel, A Stranger at Home.
    BookToronto : Annick Press, 2020. — JUV 371.829 JOR 2020
  • This nonfiction book examines how we can foster reconciliation with Indigenous people at individual, family, community and national levels. Also available in eBook format.
    BookVictoria, British Columbia : Orca Book Publishers, 2017. — JUV 371.829 GRA 2017
  • Residential Schools

    With the Words and Images of Survivors

    Loyie, Larry, 1933-
    For over a century, Canada removed more than 150,000 Aboriginal children from their families to attend church-run residential schools, often in remote locations far from home. This hidden history is told by award-winning author and former…
    BookBrantford, ON : Indigenous Education Press, [2014] — JUV 371.829 LOY 2014