When We Were Alone

By David A. Robertson, Julie Flett (Illustrator)

A girl uncovers her grandmother's past in a residential school, revealing lost traditions.

4.5/5 Goodreads · 2,014 ratings

32 pages

$21.95Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

A young girl, curious about her grandmother's long braids and vibrant clothing, discovers a hidden past. As she tends the garden, her grandmother shares stories of a time when these cultural expressions were forbidden in residential school. This revelation unveils a history of loss and resilience, prompting questions about identity and heritage. What secrets lie in the past, and how do they shape the present? "When We Were Alone" explores a poignant chapter in history, highlighting the enduring strength of family and culture.

From the publisher

When a young girl helps tend to her grandmother’s garden, she begins to notice things that make her curious. Why does her grandmother have long, braided hair and beautifully coloured clothing? Why does she speak another language and spend so much time with her family? As she asks her grandmother about these things, she is told about life in a residential school a long time ago, where all of these things were taken away. When We Were Alone is a story about a difficult time in history, and, ultimately, one of empowerment and strength.Also available in a bilingual Swampy Cree/English edition.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.

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