These Are My Words

These Are My Words follows twelve-year-old Violet Pesheens as she leaves her Indigenous community to attend residential school in 1966 Ontario. Through diary entries spanning two years, Violet documents her experiences at the Catholic school far from her family and traditional way of life. The narrative captures daily routines, friendships, and struggles as Violet navigates strict rules, harsh discipline, and the pressure to abandon her language and culture. Her observations range from mundane details about meals and classes to deeper reflections on identity and belonging. Away from her grandmother's teachings and her familiar surroundings in the bush, Violet maintains her connection to home through memory and writing. The novel presents residential schooling from a child's perspective while tackling themes of cultural survival, resilience, and the power of holding onto one's voice in the face of systematic oppression.

Readers note the book provides an authentic portrayal of residential school experiences through a child's perspective. The story follows daily routines and interactions rather than focusing solely on trauma. Readers appreciated: - The accessible writing style for young readers ages 12-14 - Cultural details about Ojibwe traditions and family life - Balance between difficult topics and moments of joy - Historical context provided through a relatable character Common criticisms: - Some found the pacing slow in sections describing school routines - A few readers wanted more emotional depth - The ending felt abrupt to several reviewers Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (89 ratings) Amazon.ca: 4.5/5 (11 ratings) CM Magazine: 4/4 stars "Helps students understand this period of history without being overwhelmed by darkness," wrote one teacher on Goodreads. Another reviewer noted: "The simple narrative style makes complex historical events approachable for young readers."

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🍁 Ruby Slipperjack drew from her own experiences attending residential school in Ontario during the 1960s to create this powerful narrative. 📚 The book is written in diary format, spanning main character Violet's time at residential school from age 12 to 14. 🏫 The story takes place at the Pelican Falls Indian Residential School near Sioux Lookout, Ontario - a real institution that operated from 1926 to 1978. ✍️ Ruby Slipperjack (born 1952) is an Anishinaabe author and educator who teaches Indigenous Learning at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay. 🗣️ The book includes words and phrases in Ojibwe (Anishinaabemowin), helping preserve and share the language with new generations of readers.