Description
The Journey Forward: Novellas on Reconciliation, Lucy & Lola and When We Play Our Drums, They Sing! is a unique flip book published by McKellar and Martin publishers. Printed as one book the two novellas address the issues surrounding residential schools, foster care (60s scoop), Truth, Reconciliation and what this means for students from grades five to eight. Told from the perspectives of First Nations youth, Lucy and Lola is told by Monique Gray Smith and When We Play Our Drums, They Sing is written by Richard VanCamp. Lucy and Lola are 11-year-old twins who are heading to Gabriola Island, BC, to spend the summer with their Kookum (grandmother) while their mother studies for the bar exam. During their time with Kookum, the girls begin to learn about her experiences in being sent — and having to send their mother — to Residential school. Ultimately, they discover what it means to be intergenerational survivors. Award-winning illustrator Julie Flett created the appealing and inviting cover illustration and interior art that perfectly suit this engaging novella. In VanCamp's novella is a story about 12-year-old Dene Cho, who is angry that his people are losing their language, traditions, and ways of being. Elder Snowbird is there to answer some of Dene Cho’s questions, and to share their history including the impact Residential Schools continue to have on their people. It is through this conversation with Snowbird that Dene Cho begins to find himself, and begins to realize that understanding the past can ultimately change the future. Ideal for introducing residential schools, and truth and reconciliation to junior and intermediate level students. Highly recommended