Lillian & Kokomis: The Spirit of Dance

Told through the perspective of 11-year-old Lillian, Lillian & Kokomis highlights the importance of self-acceptance and community through this young girl’s experience with the foster care system. While this story could introduce early learners to the concepts of intergenerational trauma, residential schools, and the Sixties Scoop, it also features broadly relatable concepts such as trying to fit in at school. Additionally, the book includes poetry and terms in Anishinaabe and other Indigenous languages. Its simple vocabulary, good print spacing, and easy reading breakpoints throughout will appeal to adult-assisted early readers, and to older learners working on their reading skills.

Award:
Winner, Children’s & Young Adult Book of the Year, 2020 Alberta Book Publishing Awards