An empowering story of resistance that gently introduces children to the history of residential schools in Canada.
Description
A young girl notices things about her grandmother that make her curious. Why does her grandmother have long, braided hair and beautifully coloured clothing? Why does she speak Cree and spend so much time with her family? As she asks questions, her grandmother shares her experiences in a residential school, when all of these things were taken away.
When We Were Alone won the 2017 Governor General's Literary Award in the Young People's Literature (Illustrated Books) category, and was nominated for the TD Canadian's Children's Literature Award. This edition includes the text in Swampy Cree syllabics and Roman orthography, as well as the original English.
Awards
- Winner, Governor General's Literary Awards for Young People's Literature, Illustrated Books 2017
- Short-listed, TD Canadian Children's Literature Award 2017
Reviews
Among CCBC's Best Books for Kids and Teens list
Canadian Children's Book Centre
Robertson’s soft rhythmic text and Julie Flett’s simple, yet expressive, illustrations combine to create a beautiful story of strength and resistance. The muted colours used in the pictures of residential school life remind readers of the suffering endured by Indigenous children. The contrast between these pages, and the vibrant greens, reds, and blues of the illustrations depicting residential school students temporarily escaping into nature, is heartbreakingly effective. Robertson never tries to disguise the underlying tragedy of Nókom’s experience, but together he and Flett have crafted a book that is still suitable for younger readers, in spite of the intense subject matter.
When We Were Alone is an incredible work of art and is very highly recommended.
Roseanne Gauthier, National Reading Campaign
A quiet story…of love and resistance. … Flett’s collage illustrations, with their simplicity and earthy colors, are soulful and gentle…. All readers will connect with how Nókom lives in celebration of colors, her long hair, her language, and, most of all, her family.
The Horn Book Magazine, starred review
When We Were Alone is rare. It is exquisite and stunning, for the power conveyed by the words Robertson wrote, and for the illustrations that Flett created. I highly recommend it.
Debbie Reese, American Indians in Children's Literature (AICL)
Robertson handles a delicate task here admirably well: explaining residential schools, that shameful legacy, and making them understandable to small children. ..Spare, poetic, and moving, this Cree heritage story makes a powerful impression.
Kirkus Reviews
Beautiful, painful, and shining with truth and dignity.
Richard Van Camp