You Hold Me Up

You Hold Me Up does not directly address residential schools, but Smith's (2017) author's note states that there is "a long history of legislation and policies that have affected the wellness of Indigenous children, families and communities. One of the most impactful was Indian Residential (boarding) Schools" (n.p.). She wrote this book as part of "a journey of healing and reconciliation" and to "remind us of our common humanity" (Smith, 2017, author's note).

The book explains how we hold each other up when we respect each other and seek ways to enjoy each other's company through learning, sharing, singing, and playing together. This book would make a wonderful companion to Phyllis's Orange Shirt and "Fall in Line, Holden!" as a way to bridge conversations about how all children matter and how we can celebrate our individuality.

Smith also wrote My Heart Fills with Happiness (2016), another story celebrating families and Indigenous cultures. Both You Hold Me Up and My Heart Fills with Happiness are used in Drinkwater's (n.d.) kindergarten lesson plans to help teach empathy to students.

Works Cited:

Drinkwater, R. (n.d.). Orange Shirt Day: A Kindergarten to Grade 6 Curriculum. OrangeShirtDay.org. https://www.orangeshirtday.org/uploads/7/9/8/7/79871818/orange_shirt_day_kindergarten_to_grade_6_curriculum.pdf

Smith, M. G. (2016). My Heart Fills With Happiness. Orca Book Publishers.