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britainmic's review
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement and Child abuse
brokenspine's review
challenging
emotional
sad
fast-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, and Racism
nini23's review
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
A powerful book depicting a First Nation child's experience with the Canadian residential school system. A form of cultural genocide as the aim was to "force the Indian out of the child." These strongarm measures include removing indigenous children from their families, not allowing them to speak in their native language, underfeeding them, physical and psychological abuse.
I Am Not A Number is based off the author's grandmother's experience. While it's inspiring that she escaped and her parents were able to hide her, it's sobering to think about the thousands of indigenous children who didn't. The discovery of mass children graves on residential school grounds this year in Canada is testament to this. The government of Canada has designated this coming Thursday September 30th as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, this book is one of those that's freely available as part of First Nation's library reads for better understanding.
I Am Not A Number is based off the author's grandmother's experience. While it's inspiring that she escaped and her parents were able to hide her, it's sobering to think about the thousands of indigenous children who didn't. The discovery of mass children graves on residential school grounds this year in Canada is testament to this. The government of Canada has designated this coming Thursday September 30th as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, this book is one of those that's freely available as part of First Nation's library reads for better understanding.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
cnidariar3x's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This short picture book was recommended to me by my librarian. At less than 50 pages, it's likely meant for kids, though it handles a really heavy topic.
The story follows a survivor of the Canadian residential schools and her brothers. It is a true story based on the author's grandmother.
Immense trigger warnings for emotional and physical abuse of children, neglect, institutionalized racism, forced separation, and arguably torture among others.
The story is compelling and heartbreaking, the illustrations are harrowing but beautifully realized. One thing that will always stick with me, however, is a black & white photograph of a nun standing behind several indigenous children. It's included at the end in a quick context blurb at the end, but it's striking.
I would recommend taking an afternoon to read through and process this story if your mental health allows it. This particular story, even with its dark subject matter, ends on a relatively lighthearted note.
5 stars, I have no complaints.
The story follows a survivor of the Canadian residential schools and her brothers. It is a true story based on the author's grandmother.
Immense trigger warnings for emotional and physical abuse of children, neglect, institutionalized racism, forced separation, and arguably torture among others.
The story is compelling and heartbreaking, the illustrations are harrowing but beautifully realized. One thing that will always stick with me, however, is a black & white photograph of a nun standing behind several indigenous children. It's included at the end in a quick context blurb at the end, but it's striking.
I would recommend taking an afternoon to read through and process this story if your mental health allows it. This particular story, even with its dark subject matter, ends on a relatively lighthearted note.
5 stars, I have no complaints.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
Moderate: Racism
calcifire's review
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming and Child abuse
juliastimpson's review
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
🟩
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, and Child abuse
katsbooks's review
challenging
emotional
informative
fast-paced
5.0
This is a great children's book for upper elementary. The story is based on the life of one of the author's grandmother who was forced to be attend a residential school when she was a child. I am just beginning my education about residential schools in North America. This was a very moving account.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, Racism, Religious bigotry, and Xenophobia
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