Encourage children to show love and support for each other and to consider each other’s well-being in their everyday actions.
Consultant, international speaker and award-winning author Monique Gray Smith wrote You Hold Me Up to prompt a dialogue among young people, their care providers and educators about reconciliation and the importance of the connections children make with others. With vibrant illustrations from celebrated artist Danielle Daniel, this is a foundational book about building relationships, fostering empathy and encouraging respect between peers, starting with our littlest citizens.
This bilingual book includes full text in both English and Anishinaabemowin.
"You Hold Me Up is a gentle but effective way to introduce the topic of Reconciliation to students of all ages."
– ETFO Voice
"You Hold Me Up is a welcome addition to the ongoing conversations around healing and rebuilding relationships…Gentle, relevant and never heavy-handed, this book serves both as a quiet lullaby and a starting point for discussions on empathy, community and wellness."
– Canadian Children's Book News
"A seemingly simple picture book that conveys a valuable message for all ages…The distinctive and soft illustrations by Daniel enhance the positive message by Smith about the power of companionship, compassion, respect and togetherness…This quiet book has a deep beauty and a universal message. "
– Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award Jury
"Ideal for early readers by themselves, for lap-sitting, or as a read-aloud."
– Canadian Literature
"A strong and powerful message that even the youngest reader can understand...Very timely message indeed."
– Youth Services Book Reviews
“Warm illustrations help to expand the brief text.”
– The Horn Book Online
“A lovely meditation on compassion and respect...A strong sense of community runs through the poetic text and is warmly depicted in Daniel’s stunning watercolour paintings.”
– 49th Shelf
“This colourful picture book highlights the important connections that young children make with their friends and family members.”
– Canadian Teacher Magazine
“An uplifting look at the impact of small moments throughout the day.”
– School Library Journal
Canadian Children's Book Centre (CCBC) Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award | 2018 | Short-listed
Quill & Quire's Best Books of the Year | 2017 | Commended
American Indians in Children's Literature (AICL) Best Books | 2017 | Commended
Resource Links, The Year's Best Books | 2017 | Commended
Bank Street College of Education Children's Book Committee Best Children's Books of the Year | 2018 | Commended
CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens | 2019 | Commended
Telling Tales Reading List | 2017 | Commended
