This is a good, simple, introduction to the idea of the residency schools, and should probably be followed up with something that is a little more detailed. The history of the Residential Schools is a dark mark on Canadian History, but it needs to be told. The youth of today need to know that this happened and our government needs to continue to work toward reconciliation with the Native Canadians.

Amik loves school and shares this with his grandfather. When he discovers that his grandfather did not like his school, he asks why. Grandfather tells him very briefly about the residential school he lived in. He does not give a lot of detail about the horrors that many children experienced while at residential schools. Amik comes up with an idea to share how different his school is from the one his grandfather went to. He invites him to spend time with him at school and shows how the language of his people are taught at the school, and his heritage is now respected. They even smudge the room every morning, just as they do at home. His grandfather is happy that this school is not like the one he endured. The illustrations are well done and very respectful to the culture.

This is one of seven books that teach about the "Seven Teachings of the Anishinaabe—love, wisdom, humility, courage, respect, honesty, and truth." I am looking forward to reading the other six in this series. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.

( )