FICTION

Miya Wears Orange

by Wanda John-Kehewin (text) & illus. by Erika Rodriguez Medina
HighWater Pr. Aug. 2025. 40p. Tr $18.95. ISBN 9781774921258.
COPY ISBN
K-Gr 2–This picture book opens the door to an important discussion about residential schools for young readers. Miya is an Indigenous elementary schooler who loves story hour. One day, her teacher shares a story that unexpectedly hits close to home. Upon learning how children just like her were taken away from their families to attend residential schools, Miya feels sad and worried that this could happen to her. The book showcases healthy coping strategies and ends with a call to action about wearing orange and reconciling with the truth of these institutions not just on Orange Shirt Day, but always. This message shines brightest in the text—the illustrations, while cute, don’t add much to the story.
VERDICT A solid choice for schools and libraries seeking a tie-in to programs on residential schools or the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Reviewed by Maria Bohan , Mar 01, 2025

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