Stolen Words

Stolen Words follows the relationship between a young Cree girl and her grandfather as they discuss the loss of his native language. When the granddaughter learns about the Indigenous language she inherited, she discovers her grandfather's painful past at residential school. The story addresses how residential schools systematically removed Indigenous languages and culture from First Nations children in Canada. Through conversations between the two main characters, readers witness both the devastating impact of forced assimilation and the possibility of cultural reclamation. This picture book uses straightforward text and illustrations to explore complex historical truths and intergenerational healing. The narrative demonstrates how knowledge and identity can be recovered across generations, offering a message about preservation of Indigenous heritage.

Readers emphasize this picture book's value in teaching children about residential schools and Indigenous language loss in Canada. Parents and educators note it handles complex topics with age-appropriate sensitivity. Readers appreciated: - Clear, accessible explanation for young children - Beautiful illustrations by Gabrielle Grimard - The hopeful tone and focus on healing - The granddaughter-grandfather relationship - Inclusion of Cree words and pronunciation guide Common criticisms: - Some found the story oversimplified - A few noted the ending feels rushed - Limited historical context provided Ratings: Goodreads: 4.31/5 (834 ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (286 ratings) "Perfect introduction to a difficult subject for elementary students," noted one teacher reviewer. A parent wrote, "My 7-year-old asked thoughtful questions and wanted to learn more." The book receives particularly strong reviews from educators who use it to teach Indigenous history and reconciliation in primary classrooms.

When We Were Alone by David Robertson A young girl learns about her grandmother's experiences in residential school through gentle conversations in their garden.

I Am Not a Number by Jenny Kay Dupuis, Kathy Kacer A First Nations girl resists attempts to erase her culture and identity while forced to attend residential school in 1920s Canada.

Shi-shi-etko by Nicola I. Campbell A First Nations child spends her last four days before residential school collecting memories of her family and traditions.

The Orange Shirt Story by Phyllis Webstad The true account of a six-year-old girl's first day at residential school becomes a symbol for the experiences of Indigenous children across Canada.

You Hold Me Up by Monique Gray Smith Indigenous children and adults connect through traditional teachings and cultural practices that strengthen their community bonds.

🌟 Author Melanie Florence wrote this story based on her own relationship with her grandfather, who attended a residential school in Canada 📚 The book helps explain the devastating impact of residential schools on Indigenous families and the loss of their native languages through a touching grandparent-grandchild story 🗣️ Many Indigenous children who attended residential schools were punished severely for speaking their native languages, leading to a generational disconnect from their linguistic heritage 🎨 The book's illustrator, Gabrielle Grimard, used warm colors and expressive faces to help convey the emotional journey of healing and cultural reconnection 🍁 The story reflects a crucial period in Canadian history, as over 150,000 Indigenous children were forced to attend residential schools between the 1880s and 1996