Sunday, 17 June 2018

Dear Canada - These Are My Words: The Residential School Diary of Violet Pesheens By: Ruby Slipperjack

Genre:  Historical Fiction
Age Recommendation:  Grade 5+

This "Dear Canada" diary takes us into the world of Violet, who is beginning grade 5 and must go to Residential School far from home.  In her secret diary, Violet records her experiences. Violet lives in a dormitory with many other girls. She is not allowed to speak her own language or do anything related to her culture.  Violet attends the local public school. She is homesick and often feels angry about her situation.  This book also includes historical information at the back.  If the reader does not have any knowledge of Canada's Residential School history, it would be helpful to read the historical note before beginning the diary.  This book is a helpful extension to the Grade 6 Social Studies - Communities in Canada, Past & Present.  Violet's story provides an opportunity for us to better understand the experiences of those who were forced to attend Residential Schools.  The author, Ruby Slipperjack, attended Residential School herself.

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