Reviews

I Am Not a Number by Jenny Kay Dupuis, Kathy Kacer

goodem9199's review

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5.0

White people have so much to be ashamed of in our history. Horrendous.

bickie's review

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4.0

Heart-wrenching story of an Ojibwe girl and her brothers' being taken against their and their family's will to a residential "Indian" school in Canada. The school is run by a sadistic matron who aims to beat all Native Americanism out of the children. After one year, the children hide when the "Indian agent" comes to collect them again.
Written by author of Ojibway/Anishinaabe descent who is a member of the Nipissing First Nation. It is a fictionalized retelling of her grandmother's experience in Canada.
Back matter includes a summary of these institutions in Canada, Irene Couchie Dupuis' story, and photos of Irene and her father Ernest.

qace90's review

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emotional informative sad

5.0

jaij7's review

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5.0

Excellent book. A must read. I had heard about native Indian people being taught new ways by religious groups. I had no idea how terrible these 150,000 children were treated and the atrocities that were committed.

britainmic's review

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challenging emotional informative inspiring sad fast-paced

5.0

Dang… this was sad, but I also think it was a good short story about a quick part of history. It was also interesting to read about this because I am American and this took place in Canada, so it’s not something I was aware of before. Reading the afterword at the end is something I feel like is very helpful in understanding the content as well.
I know I’m stating the obvious, but a person’s culture and name are important to who they are as an individual, and they should not be reduced to just a number.

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selinayoung's review

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5.0

This is a must read in classrooms and homes across Canada. Very well written and illustrated telling of the horrible truth of residential schools. Kids need to know so we have a better world for them and their kids. Shows the deep love of family, culture and home.

mimiee01's review

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4.0

À lire ! Lecture rapide qui vaut la peine pour s'éduquer sur les réalités du passée des premières nations. Encore d'actualité avec toutes les découvertes horribles des derniers mois...

maureen_fox's review

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4.0

A heartbreaking but necessary look at the mistreatment of First Nation peoples in Canada. Easily accessible for 4th grade and up.

annetjeberg's review

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5.0

Important story.

megatsunami's review

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5.0

This was so good. Great storytelling with vivid imagery and characters. My 8 year old LOVED it and did not want to return it to the library.