Shin-chi's Canoe
Shin-chi's Canoe
by Nicola I. Campbell
Ages 5–8
Shi-shi-etko's little brother Shin-chi arrives at residential school. Their one comfort is a tiny canoe he carries as a reminder of home. Based on the author's family experience. Tender and essential.
- Author
- Nicola I. Campbell
- Age
- Ages 5–8
- Type
- Indigenous, History, Resilience, Picture Book
- Language
- English
- Publisher
- Groundwood Books
- In India
- Available
If you liked this, try
-
Fatty Legs
by Christy Jordan-Fenton & Margaret Pokiak-Fenton
Ages 7–10
Eight-year-old Olemaun (Margaret) is determined to learn to read — despite a cruel nun at the residential school who gives her ugly grey stockings to break her spirit. Based on a true story. Powerful.
Heads-up: Child abuse & neglect, Racism & discrimination
-
My Heart Fills With Happiness
by Monique Gray Smith
Ages 3–6✈️ Import only (pricey)
A lyrical picture book celebrating the small things that fill an Indigenous child's heart — the smell of bannock, warm sun on your face, holding hands with a grandparent. Gentle and joyful.
-
Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story
by Kevin Noble Maillard
Ages 4–8
A lyrical celebration of fry bread as it brings together generations of a Native American family — with a closing note on the diversity of Native nations today. Sibert Medal winner.
-
Eyes That Kiss in the Corners
by Joanna Ho
Ages 4–8
A young girl notices her eyes look different from her friends' — until she recognizes the same eyes in her mother, grandmother and little sister, and learns to see them as beautiful. A lyrical celebration of Asian beauty and heritage.
-
Julián Is a Mermaid
by Jessica Love
Ages 4–8
After seeing three women dressed as mermaids, Julián longs to be one too — and his abuela shows him exactly how, with full and joyful acceptance. A warm celebration of self-expression.
-
The Beautiful Layers of Me
by Sophia Payne (illus. Ruchi Mhasane)
Ages 4–7✈️ Import only (pricey)
Ameena feels like a princess in her first salwar kameez until a neighbour calls it pyjamas. With her family's help she learns to wear her heritage with pride.





