September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. In recognition of this important day we are highlighting books that can help young readers of all ages on the journey toward reconciliation. From picture books that can start conversations about the harmful effects of residential schools on Indigenous communities to chapter books featuring young friends modelling reconciliation, these books by Indigenous creators honor and uplift Indigenous stories, culture and language.
Books for Ages 6–8
The Secret Pocket
This moving picture book tells the true story of how a resilient group of Indigenous girls at a residential school sewed secret pockets into their clothes to hide food and survive.
Based on the author’s mother’s experience at residential school, The Secret Pocket is a celebration of quiet resistance to the injustice of residential schools and how the sewing skills passed down through generations of Indigenous women gave these girls a future, stitch by stitch.
★ “An age-appropriate telling by an Indigenous creative team of a tragic historical period.” —School Library Journal, starred review
Kohkom’s First Drum
This beautifully illustrated picture book is an age-appropriate introduction to the topic of the Sixties Scoop and the trauma its survivors carry.
The story is based on author Monique Gray Smith’s mother’s experience of being removed from her birth family as an infant, and it is dedicated to her memory.
“This family story honours the difficult topic of Indigenous family separation in an age-relevant way; a strong choice for collections.” —School Library Journal
Two Tricksters Find Friendship
In this early chapter book, a young white girl moves to a small island community where she and a local Indigenous boy form a strong friendship over the summer. When they begin the fourth grade together, the two find adventure while navigating the prejudices of their lives.
The authors used fictional versions of their younger selves to reimagine what it would be like if they met as children today. Reconciliation is exemplified by the friendship between the main characters.
One Beaded Earring
In this early chapter book, nine-year-old Delia learns that she is Métis after losing one of her mother’s special beaded earrings. She embarks on a journey to learn about her family’s history and culture in order to make things right.
Author Pat Lamondin Skene grew up in a Métis family that hid their culture and ancestry. Stories the grandmother shares with Delia in One Beaded Earring are based on Pat’s childhood and reflect her own journey to learn the truth about her deep Métis connections and her Indigeneity.
★“This is a tender, culturally rich story that is a touching celebration of heritage, honesty, and family that will inspire young readers to cherish their roots.” —School Library Journal, starred review
Books for Ages 9–12
Hummingbird / Aamo-binashee
In this deeply emotional picture book, the ancestors send a hummingbird to a child lost in Windigo’s darkness. Its teachings of resilience, love and connection bring the child home and remind us that our ancestors are always watching and can help us find our way if we only ask.
Hummingbird / Aamo-binashee won the 2025 Richard Allen Chase Memorial Award.
The Witness Blanket
The Witness Blanket tells the story of the making of the Witness Blanket, a living work of art by Indigenous artist Carey Newman that includes items from every residential school in Canada and stories from the Survivors who donated them.
The Witness Blanket won the 2023 Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction.
Speaking Our Truth
Guided by author Monique Gray Smith, readers will learn about the lives of residential school Survivors and listen to allies who are putting the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission into action.
★“Smith thoroughly and compassionately examines the history and traumatic aftereffects of Canada’s residential schools…Smith informs without overwhelming or sugarcoating, and she emphasizes the power readers themselves possess.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
★“Smith’s book is an effort that returns, offering diverse voices that invite the world into the reconciliation experience. Absolutely necessary.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review