The Orange Shirt Story
The story behind Orange Shirt Day, told by its founder. This accessible book introduces young learners to themes of identity, belonging, and respect.
Truth & Reconciliation
CyberKiddies' Recommended Reading List
Learning about Indigenous histories, cultures, perspectives, and contributions is an important part of building understanding, respect, and reconciliation. The resources below have been selected to support students at different stages of their learning journey and encourage meaningful engagement with Indigenous voices, stories, and experiences.
Readers are encouraged to explore Indigenous authors and scholars whose work contributes to conversations about reconciliation, education, decolonization, identity, and social justice.
Elementary Readers (K–8)
Stolen Words
An award-winning children's book that explores language loss, cultural revitalization, and the importance of reclaiming Indigenous languages.
When We Were Alone
A gentle and age-appropriate story that helps young readers understand the lasting impacts of residential schools through the relationship between a young girl and her grandmother.
Junior Readers (Grades 4–8)
I Am Not a Number
Based on the true story of residential school Survivor Irene Couchie Dupuis, this book introduces students to the experiences of Indigenous children who attended residential schools.
Shi-shi-etko
A moving story about a young Indigenous girl spending her final days with her family before leaving for residential school, emphasizing the importance of culture, family, and connection to the land.
Fatty Legs
A memoir based on the experiences of Margaret Pokiak-Fenton, an Inuvialuit residential school Survivor, offering students a deeper understanding of resilience and perseverance.
Speaking Our Truth: A Journey of Reconciliation
Written specifically for young people, this book helps students learn about residential schools, reconciliation, and ways to build respectful relationships.
Secondary Readers (Grades 9–12)
The Inconvenient Indian
A thought-provoking examination of the historical and contemporary relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in North America. Through humour and critical analysis, King challenges common narratives about Indigenous history and identity.
Indian Horse
A widely acclaimed novel that explores the impacts of residential schools, intergenerational trauma, and resilience through the story of Saul Indian Horse, an Ojibwe boy with a remarkable talent for hockey.
Seven Fallen Feathers
An important work of Canadian journalism that examines the deaths of seven Indigenous students in Thunder Bay and highlights broader issues related to systemic racism, education, and Indigenous youth.
21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act
An accessible introduction to the Indian Act, its historical context, and its continuing effects on Indigenous Peoples and communities in Canada.
Five Little Indians
An award-winning novel that follows the lives of five residential school Survivors as they navigate the challenges of rebuilding their lives and identities after leaving the residential school system.
Critical Perspectives on Reconciliation, Decolonization, and Indigenous Resurgence
Decolonization Is Not a Metaphor
A foundational article that challenges readers to think critically about decolonization and the responsibilities associated with reconciliation.
Decolonizing Education: Nourishing the Learning Spirit
An influential work examining Indigenous knowledge systems and educational transformation.
As We Have Always Done: Indigenous Freedom Through Radical Resistance
A powerful exploration of Indigenous resurgence, self-determination, and community.
Red Skin, White Masks: Rejecting the Colonial Politics of Recognition
A critical examination of colonialism, reconciliation, and Indigenous resurgence.
The Right to Be Cold
A memoir connecting Inuit experiences, climate justice, culture, and human rights.
From Truth to Reconciliation: Transforming the Legacy of Residential Schools
A collection of essays examining the history and future of reconciliation in Canada.
This reading list is intended as a starting point. We encourage students, educators, families, and community members to continue seeking out Indigenous authors, scholars, storytellers, and knowledge keepers whose voices contribute to a deeper understanding of reconciliation, education, and community.
The resources included in this guide are intended as a starting point for learning and reflection. As our understanding grows and new educational materials become available, CyberKiddies is committed to reviewing and updating this collection to ensure it remains relevant, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of educators, students, and communities. We recognize that reconciliation is an ongoing journey, and our learning will continue alongside it.
Ready to build
digital confidence?
Contact us to learn more about our programs, current offerings, availability or any other general inquiries.