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More information about CCBC Choices book recommendations
Speaking Our Truth: A Journey of Reconciliation
CCBC Review:
Smith calls readers in to learn about the tragic history and lasting impact of Canadian Residential Schools on Indigenous lives. Her narrative provides an overview of what happened to Indigenous people after Europeans arrived, including eventual legislation that negated, denied, and oppressed the rights and humanity of Native peoples. It then looks closely at the Residential Schools and their lasting impact on generations of Indigenous Canadians, including intergenerational survivors today. She does not specifically discuss varying perspectives of Indigenous Canadians on the Canadian Truth & Reconciliation Commission whose work in part is the focus of this book, but does state, “I do not speak for all Indigenous people. I am one voice ... I am sharing with you my own understanding of a complex and painful history.” Personal narratives from commission testimony is woven into this account that, the author notes, is not just Indigenous history but Canadian history, important for all to know and understand. Although specific to Canada, this work illuminates similar trauma experienced by Indigenous peoples in the United States, who also were forced to attend residential schools, while modeling a remarkable tone for discussing systemic racism with children, an idea buoyed by perspectives provided by a diverse group of contemporary children whose voices are included. ©2017 Cooperative Children's Book Center
CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 8-13
Age Range:
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Grades 6-8 (Ages 11-13)
Format:
Substantial Narrative Non-Fiction
Subjects:
Discrimination and Prejudice
First/Native Nations
Genocide
Oppression
Racism
School
Diversity subject:
Indigenous
On CCBC Booklist:
Global Reading: Selected Books for Children and Teens Set in Other Countries
Publisher:
Orca
Publish Year: 2017
Pages: 160
ISBN: 9781459815834
CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, 971 Gray Smith