Reviewed by Debbie Reese
Review Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature
Book Author: Wanda John-Kehewin
Debbie and I have talked with many non-Native educators who know the importance of teaching about hard aspects of Indigenous peoples’ history. Good teachers want to do it “right.” We try to impress on them that conversations about those difficult topics may land differently with Native children than with others. We kept this fact in mind when adapting An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States for Young People, carefully choosing how we presented some of the most painful situations in history.
Miya Wears Orange begins when Miya’s well-intentioned, non-Indigenous teacher reads aloud from a story about the Canadian residential schools. The teacher does not seem to anticipate how the story might effect Miya. Continue reading on American Indians in Children’s Literature.
Find more recommended books on this topic on our American Indians booklist.
Miya Wears Orange by Wanda John-Kehewin
Published by Portage & Main Press on August 5, 2025
Genres: American Indians First Nations Metis Inuit, Education
Pages: 40
Reading Level: Early Childhood, Grade K
ISBN: 9781774921258
Review Source: American Indians in Children's Literature
Publisher's Synopsis:
A beautifully illustrated book 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?
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