9 children's books by Indigenous writers to read

June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada. In 2018, Mtis writer Cherie Dimalinecurated this list of nine children'sbooks by Indigenous writers and artiststhat are worth checking out for CBC Books.

Dimaline is the author of the booksRed Rooms,The Girl Who Grew a Galaxy,A Gentle HabitandThe Marrow Thieves.In 2017, she won theGovernor General's Literary Award for young people's literature textandKirkus Prize for young readers' literatureforThe Marrow Thieves. In 2018, singer Jully Black defendedThe Marrow ThievesonCanada Reads.Her latest is the novelEmpire of Wild.

• Cherie Dimaline writes about the power of Indigenous storytelling

A Day with YayahbyNicola I. Campbell, illustrated by Julie Flett

"Nicola I. Campbell is a powerful storyteller (you should go to a reading, trust me) and a unique voice. Passionately connected to her community, she works to preserve, protect and hand down her stories and she does so while putting forth excellence in the craft. A Day with Yayah is one of those books parents are happy to read again and again to their children."

• Illustrator Julie Flett brings light to a dark period of history

When We Were Alone byDavidRoberston, illustrated by JulieFlett

"Winner of the 2017 Governor General's Literary Award for children's illustration, this heartwarming story of a grandmother explainingresidential schools will bring you all the feels. It's so beautiful and so gentle, and therein lies its transformative power. Julie Flett continues to dazzle with her highly original illustrations."

• Why David Alexander Robertson wrote a children's book about residential schools

I Am Not a Number by Jenny Kay Dupuis & Kathy Kacer, illustrated by Gillian Newland

"This remarkable story of Dupuis' grandmother and her family's journey with residential schools deserves every accolade it's received since being published. Dupuis is an advocate for community stories and it shows in her vivid book, a volume that has made it into classrooms and homes across the continent, sparking conversation and building reconciliation through story."

• Truth-telling critical part of teaching residential schools, says author of I Am Not a Number

Just a Walk byJordan Wheeler, illustrated by Christopher Auchter

"Kids' books need to be joyful, full of adventure, livelyand most of all, to have a great and lovable hero. Wheeler manages to bring all these elements together in his fun-loving children's book."

Amik Loves School by KatherenaVermette, illustrated by Irene Kuziw

"AmikLoves Schoolis just one book in a seven volume series written by multi-award winning superstar Katherena Vermette and illustrated by Irene Kuziw. Each story illustrates one of the Seven Grandfather Teachings (Anishinaabe): Humility, Truth, Wisdom, Love, Bravery, Honestyand Respect. Geared toward readers from kindergarten to Grade 4, this is an invaluable teaching tool for all children."

• Sharing the story of Indian residential schools with my 5-year-old son

We Sang You HomebyRichard Van Camp, illustrated by Julie Flett

"There are works that remind you that there is still magic in the world. This one reminds you that the magic is you. The dynamic duo of Richard Van Camp and Julie Flett is nothing short of the very best. Get this board book for every little one you know."

• Richard Van Camp calls comic books movies you can hold in your hands

What's My Superpower?by Aviaq Johnston, illustrated byTim Mack

"Governor General's LiteraryAward-nominated YA author Aviaq Johnston proves she is as versatile as she is skilled with her children's book about a little Inuk girl trying to find her own power. We get to meet the immensely likable Nalvana and learn Inuktitut words as we follow her on her journey. Heartwarming and energizing for all readers. Oh, and the kids will love it too."

• Why author Aviaq Johnston's stories are rooted in the Arctic

Owls See Clearly at Night (Lii Yiiboo Nayaapiwak lii Swer)by Julie Flett

"Flett's work is like a quilt cut from storybooks the images folded into one another to make a beautiful whole, yet each one isa piece of art worthy of a frame. Here she brings her stand-out style to preserve and illuminate the endangered Michif language."

• Julie Flett is reclaiming Indigenous themes of community and language through her children's books

You Hold Me Up byMonique Gray Smith, illustrated by Danielle Daniel

"A gorgeously illustrated picture book, You Hold Me Up is an important tool in starting and maintaining conversation about just what it means to have connections, to build relationships and to truly find reconciliation. It is exactly the kind of top-notch children's literature we have come to expect from Monique Gray Smith. And she delivers every time."

• Monique Gray Smith wants everyone to read 'a variety of lived experiences and perspectives'