Monique Gray Smith

Monique Gray Smith is a Canadian author and Indigenous education consultant of Cree, Lakota, and Scottish descent. She writes books for children, young adults, and adults that focus on Indigenous experiences, reconciliation, and resilience. Her award-winning works include Speaking Our Truth: A Journey of Reconciliation, which explores the history and legacy of residential schools in Canada, and Tilly and the Crazy Eights, a novel about an Indigenous woman's transformative road trip with eight elders. Her picture books My Heart Fills With Happiness and You Hold Me Up have received recognition for their positive messages about Indigenous culture and community. Beyond writing, Gray Smith is known for her work in Indigenous education and wellness. She founded Little Drum Consulting, through which she delivers training on cultural sensitivity and trauma-informed practices across Canada. Gray Smith's literary contributions have earned multiple awards including the Burt Award for First Nations, Inuit and Métis Literature, and her works are frequently used in Canadian schools to teach about Indigenous perspectives and reconciliation. Her books have been translated into multiple languages including French, Korean, and Turkish.

Readers consistently highlight Gray Smith's ability to address difficult topics about Indigenous experiences in an accessible way, particularly for young readers. Parents and educators praise how Speaking Our Truth presents residential school history with honesty while remaining age-appropriate. What readers liked: - Clear, straightforward writing style - Balance of hard truths with messages of hope - Culturally authentic representation - Effective use of personal stories and testimonials - Picture books that celebrate Indigenous joy and connection What readers disliked: - Some found the writing style too simple for adult readers - A few noted repetitive themes across books - Some wanted more historical detail in Speaking Our Truth Ratings: - Speaking Our Truth: 4.3/5 on Goodreads (1,200+ ratings) - My Heart Fills With Happiness: 4.4/5 on Amazon (300+ ratings) - Tilly and the Crazy Eights: 4.1/5 on Goodreads (400+ ratings) "Perfect for opening discussions with children about reconciliation," notes one teacher on Goodreads. Another parent writes, "Finally, Indigenous stories that show both challenges and celebrations."

My Heart Fills With Happiness (2016) A board book depicting everyday moments that bring joy to Indigenous children and families.

You Hold Me Up (2017) An illustrated story exploring ways children can support and nurture one another in their communities.

Speaking Our Truth: A Journey of Reconciliation (2017) A nonfiction book explaining the history and impact of residential schools in Canada to young readers.

Tilly: A Story of Hope and Resilience (2013) A semi-autobiographical novel following a young Indigenous woman's journey through intergenerational trauma and healing.

Lucy and Lola (2016) A story about twin sisters who learn about their culture and identity while spending time with their grandmother.

When We Are Kind (2020) A picture book showing various ways children can practice kindness in their daily lives.

I Hope (2021) A board book expressing aspirations and wishes for young children's futures.

Braiding Sweetgrass For Young Adults (2022) An adaptation of Robin Wall Kimmerer's work for teenage readers, exploring Indigenous wisdom and scientific knowledge about plants.

Richard Van Camp writes Indigenous stories that blend contemporary life with traditional elements. His children's books and Young Adult novels center on First Nations communities in Canada's Northwest Territories.

Cherie Dimaline creates narratives about Métis characters and Indigenous futures. Her work incorporates traditional knowledge and addresses themes of identity, belonging, and survival.

Julie Flett produces picture books featuring Indigenous children and families in their daily lives. Her work includes bilingual stories in Indigenous languages and emphasizes connections to nature and community.

David A. Robertson writes across multiple genres focusing on Indigenous history, culture and experiences in Canada. His work spans from children's picture books to graphic novels that address intergenerational trauma and healing.

Thomas King combines humor with commentary on Indigenous experiences in North America through his fiction and non-fiction works. His stories challenge stereotypes while exploring the intersection of traditional and contemporary Indigenous life.