Book recommendations from GoodMinds.com for Orange Shirt Day
- Tamara Botting
- Sep 25
- 2 min read
In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, on September 30, Lansdowne Children’s Centre asked GoodMinds.com in Brantford to recommend some titles to help staff and client families better understand the significance of the day and the generational impact of the residential school system in Canada, through the works of Indigenous writers and illustrators.
The Day I Became Number 54, Written and illustrated by Lorrie Gallant
This book retells the story of Dawn V. Hill’s experiences in residential school. Author and artist Lorrie Gallant is from Six Nations of the Grand River, Cayuga Nation, Turtle Clan. https://goodminds.com/products/the-day-i-became-number-54
Who We Are: Four Questions For a Life and a Nation, By The Honourable Murray Sinclair
Senator Sinclair was a judge for 28 years (he was the first Indigenous judge appointed in Manitoba, and the second in Canada), and he served as Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. In this book, he shares his full story and his vision for our nation.
Miya Wears Orange, Written by Wanda John-Kehewin, illustrated by Erika Rodriguez Medina
One day during story time at school, Miya hears about a little girl who was taken away from her family and had to go to a residential school because she was Indigenous, just like Miya. While her mom reassures her that the same thing won’t happen to her, Miya is still sad. What can she do about these feelings?
Today is Orange Shirt Day, Written by Phyllis Webstad, illustrated by Natassia Davies
This board book was written by Phyllis Webstad, the founder of the Orange Shirt Day – Every Child Matters movement, and helps families have a first conversation about residential schools.
The Secret Pocket, Written by Peggy Janicki, illustrated by Carrielynn Victor
This is the true story of how Indigenous girls at a Canadian residential school used the skills passed on to them from their relatives to sew secret pockets into their dresses to hide food for themselves and younger girls, and survive.
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