You Hold Me Up, by Monique Gray Smith

FUN FRIDAY!! I thought I'd share today's story in a different way.  Instead of hearing me read You Hold Me Up, below is a video of the author, Monique Gray Smith, reading her book to a group of young children.  (You'll hear their comments and ideas throughout the reading.)  The text is very short and simple, but shows how we can hold each other up in our families, with friends, and in our communities by treating each other with respect.  (By the way, this is one of Mrs. Forcucci's favorites on the "new books" shelf in the Media Center!)

The story is inspired by the author's experience and heritage as a native person (of the Cree and Lakota tribes) of Canada.  Did you know that in Canada, they call their natives the "First Nation?"  What a cool, empowering name!

Also check out this video, where the author gives some background information on the native people of Canada, and her hope to inspire young people to hold each other up with love and respect.

Big kids, if you want to learn more about Indian Residential Schools in Canada, read this detailed (and sad) article from Faces Magazine.  The Gale Infobits database may ask for a password: hcpsfl.