You Hold Me Up

Written by Monique Grey Smith and Illustrated by Danielle Daniel

Published October 31, 2017 by Orca Book Publishers

“With this book, we are embarking on a journey of healing and Reconciliation. I wrote it to remind us of our common humanity and the importance of holding each other up with respect and dignity.” These are Monique Gray’s Smiths words in her Author’s Note. She tells readers that she hopes You Hold Me Up “encourages dialogue among children, their families, their care providers and their educators.”

Gray Smith’s words and Danielle Daniel’s gorgeous illustrations combine to create a stunning picture book that reminds readers of all ages of the power of kindness, of small acts of caring, and of community. This book will indeed invite dialogue among readers of all ages about what it means to hold one another up and how we can take action to do just that.

Introducing the Author and Illustrator:

Visit Monique Gray Smith’s website and author bio page.

Visit Danielle Daniel’s website and bio page.

Learning More About the Book:

Read reviews of You Hold Me Up here, here, and here.

Watch Monique Gray Smith read You Hold Me Up to a group of children.

Developing Background Knowledge:

Listen to Monique Gray Smith read the Author’s Note.

Educators who would like to know more about residential schools in Canada can start with these sources.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada

Residential Schools in Canada Education Guide

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (University of Manitoba)