This is such a powerful book written by David A. Robertson illustrated by Julie Flett and published by High Water Press, a Canadian Press. Next week, on October 12th, we observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day. I thought what better way to highlight and celebrate than by sharing a relevant picture book. Children’s books are such an amazing way to introduce history and important conversations in a very non-pedantic way. In the book, a little girl asks her Grandma, her Kokam, why she dresses a certain way, why she wears bright colors, why her hair is long, why she speaks differently. Through explaining about her appearance, Kokam imparts an important lesson in identity and pride. The story takes us back to a difficult period in history where Native American culture was stifled, when they were not allowed to be themselves, instead, forced to conform, be like everybody else. Kokam now wears her unique identity with pride and teaches her granddaughter about it. It also ties in the beauty of family, bonding, and love and leaves us with hope and an appreciation of their resilience. This book is an opportunity to understand the struggles, the perseverance, and the dreams of the Native American people. 

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