Shirley is only five years old when she is taken away by the Indian agent to live at a residential school. She loves learning, but she is not there by choice. From the first day walking up the long, lonely stone steps of the school building, life is hard and full of rules. Separated from her brothers and sisters, she is truly on her own.
Shirley is very brave, but there is no one she loves to hold her at night when she is afraid. No one to tuck her in and comfort her. Shirley keeps going despite the sadness. She makes friends and has adventures. And most of all, she looks ahead to summertime, when she will be able to return to her family and the happiness of home.
A true story.
"Through powerful words and illustrations, this book honors Shirley’s lived experiences at residential school while also highlighting her advocacy in ensuring that residential school histories are remembered and taught. Shirley offers an accessible entry point into a complex topic while centering Survivor voices. This book is a moving resource for educators and families committed to truth-telling and learning."