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A review by cnidariar3x
I Am Not a Number by Jenny Kay Dupuis, Kathy Kacer
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