Miya Wears Orange
Wanda John-Kehewin author Erika Rodriguez Medina illustrator
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Portage & Main Press
Published:18th Sep '25
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
Miya feels scared and sad after learning about residential schools but she learns how to cope with the help of her mother.
This beautifully illustrated book, based on the lived experience of the author, that gently explores the complicated feelings a young girl experiences as she learns about tragedy and injustice.
Miya loves her school and she especially loves storytime. One day, her teacher shares a story about a little girl who was taken away to a residential school. The little girl wasn’t allowed to go home. Her hair was cut and she wasn’t allowed to keep her favourite doll. She was taken away from her family because she was Indigenous, just like Miya!
Miya worries the same thing will happen to her. Her mom tells her that Indigenous girls and boys aren’t forced to leave their families anymore. Miya is relieved, but she is still sad. What can she do about these feelings?
The book showcases healthy coping strategies and ends with a call to action... This message shines brightest in the text. A solid choice for schools and libraries seeking a tie-in to programs on residential schools or the national Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
* School Library Journal *This contemplative picture book will spark meaningful conversations about truth and reconciliation.
* Booklist *I'm impressed by the layers of understanding evident in the portrayal of Miya's experience. The emotional content rings true. The illustrations depicting mother-child interactions are very warm and give a strong sense of how secure their relationship is. Highly Recommended.
* American Indians in Children's Literature (AICL) *It's fantastic. Go out and get the book.
Link:
https://talkingbooksandstuff.libsyn.com/episode-309-miya-wears-orange
Among The Children’s Book Council’s National Native American Heritage Month list
https://cbcbooks.org/cbc-book-lists/natl-native-american-heritage-month/
ISBN: 9781774921258
Dimensions: 215mm x 215mm x 7mm
Weight: 272g
40 pages