Stephanie Sinclair (2)

“To feel healed, a person needs to feel heard,” (pp. 12-13) write Stephanie and Sara Sinclair, in sharing how they came to edit this collection or writing and art from forty indigenous creators. The offspring of German-Jewish refugees on their mom’s side and survivors of Indian residential schools on their dad’s side, they divulge the difference between the acknowledged Holocaust horrors and the hidden horrors their grandfather faced in silence. Made to feel shame for being Indian at show more the Indian residential schools, their grandfather didn’t tell his own sons they were indigenous. Such was the editors’ personal story that led them to create this book. The foreword by Mazina Giizhik-Iban (Murray Sinclair), the editors’ uncle, ushers readers into the volume with a singularly telling story about diversity, Because he was Anishinaabe, he was raised to feel like an Ugly Duckling that didn’t belong. Despite a successful career in law, he had had to learn he “was always a beautiful swan” (p. 20).
A chorus of voices offers soothing words, advice, stories, and more to trigger conversations about Indigenous history. Standout passages include Zoe Todd’s story about how places “will hold you even when you have moved far away from them” (p. 37), Warren Cariou’s letter that introduces Cree kinship terms in admiration for all his ancestors endured, Cherie Dimaline’s and Cynthia Leitich Smith’s pieces about storytelling, and Monique Gray Smith’s poetic offering. Utilizing various art styles, particularly moving, standout art includes Jessie Boulard, Christi Belcourt, Bryce Many Fingers/Singer, Alanah Astehtsi’ Otsistohkwa’ (Morningstar) Jewel, and George Littlechild.
Vibrant stunning art and meaningful messages will be particularly resonant for an indigenous audience, but the volume is a must-buy for all library collections. Anyone who has felt different or left out for any reason will find insight and solace in both words and art.
Thanks to Tundra for the review copy. show less

"You Were Made for This World" is absolutely beautiful from the front cover to the last word. When I read indigenous works like these, I often see anger and hatred as the underlying emotions. In this anthology, the underlying emotion is hope. I love this. I'm not indigenous, but I married into an indigenous family, and I'm the library director at an indigenous college. I want to see more indigenous books like this to encourage my family and students. My favorite line was: "For much of my show more life, I waited for change. You are the change." This book is definitely a keeper. Thank you, Tundra Books! show less

This beautiful collection of writing and artwork is not one that can be absorbed in a single sitting - it's the kind of book that you return to over and over, gleaning bits of wisdom and insight. Described as an anthology of letters, the written pieces range in style from poetry to prose, with colorful art that appears to be variously painted, beaded, sketched, block printed, and more. An introduction and forward provide valuable context, and brief biographies of each contributor can be show more found at the back of the book. The physical volume is beautifully made, with embossed artwork on the cover and a ribbon to mark your place - further evidence that this is a book meant to be savored!

I will admit that, despite the subtitle of the book referencing young people, much of the content doesn't seem like it would be immediately appealing to kids. While the format of letters from elders to youth is powerful from an adult perspective, it seems a bit less engaging than narrative stories, and the thick book with small font may be daunting to some young readers. There are also cultural and linguistic references which may require explanation, as well as mentions of atrocities committed against Indigenous peoples which would benefit from further discussion with a caring adult.

Thus, this book strikes me as one that would be best shared with children by a caregiver or teacher, in smaller bite-sized chunks, with lots of opportunity for reflection and discussion. I could easily see it being used in schools to help students explore both the past and present of Indigenous history, as a resource for non-Indigenous families hoping to learn about other cultures, and most of all, as a fantastic entry point for Indigenous families to explore their pasts and futures together. show less

I am so happy more books like this are being written. I wish I had things like this as a Métis child whi did not have the opportunity of growing up with elders or anyone to truly pass my culture down to me. I resonated a lot with even just the introduction to this book. It was beautifully done with gorgeous artwork through out and I recommend for all ages of Indigenous peoples.