Books not only help build a student's literacy levels, it also allows them to make connections to prior knowledge and other content. No matter what age you are teaching, you can use a children's book or a novel to teach lessons and create activities appropriate for the age group based on the book. Take a look at some suggested Indigenous books below:
"The Song Within My Heart"
By: David Bouchard & Allen Sapp
Renowned Cree painter Allen Sapp's inspired and stunning artwork beautifully complements this sweet story of a young Indigenous boy preparing for his first pow wow. The text is based on memories from Allen Sapp's childhood. The young boy's Nokum - his beloved grandmother - guides him through the exciting day and watches over him as events unfold.
By: David Bouchard & Allen Sapp
Renowned Cree painter Allen Sapp's inspired and stunning artwork beautifully complements this sweet story of a young Indigenous boy preparing for his first pow wow. The text is based on memories from Allen Sapp's childhood. The young boy's Nokum - his beloved grandmother - guides him through the exciting day and watches over him as events unfold.
"The Thundermaker"
By: Alan Syliboy
Syliboy is an established artist renown for large scale installations; his work was featured in the Vancouver 2010 Olympics.
The Thundermaker is based on a multi-media exhibit created by Alan Syliboy and carries the same name. Little Thunder is learning from his father, Big Thunder, about the traditional teachings and stories of his people – the Mi’kmaw – about why it is so important to make thunder. Syliboy’s illustrations bring the brings the story of Little Thunder to life.
By: Alan Syliboy
Syliboy is an established artist renown for large scale installations; his work was featured in the Vancouver 2010 Olympics.
The Thundermaker is based on a multi-media exhibit created by Alan Syliboy and carries the same name. Little Thunder is learning from his father, Big Thunder, about the traditional teachings and stories of his people – the Mi’kmaw – about why it is so important to make thunder. Syliboy’s illustrations bring the brings the story of Little Thunder to life.
"The Outside Circle"
By: Patti LaBoucane-Benson "The Outside Circle" discusses the historic trauma healing opportunities in Aboriginal communities. This novel follows the lives of two Indigenous brothers, Pete and Joey, who grow up surrounded by poverty, drug abuse and gang violence. One night Pete gets into a fight with his mother’s boyfriend, killing him, and getting sent to jail. Initially Pete stays involved with his negative ties only to realize the influence it has on his younger brother Joey and changes his lifestyle. |
"Goodbye Buffalo Bay"
By: Larry Loyie and Constance Brissenden Larry Loyie grew up living a traditional Cree life until he attended St. Bernard Mission Residential School in Grouard, Alberta. Goodbye Buffalo Bay mirrors the time he spent at St. Bernard. Goodbye Buffalo Bay chronicles the life of Lawrence, a young teenage boy during his final year at residential school and his struggles afterwards as he returns home but his community seems to have forgotten about him. |