The Sockeye Mother

Gr 3–6—Gyetxw, also known as Brett D. Huson, has penned a moving meditation on the life cycle of the Sockeye salmon from the perspective of the Gitxsan people of Northwestern British Columbia. This beautifully illustrated book captures the growth of salmon from fry to full maturity and beyond. The Sockeye salmon are a keystone species along the Xsan (Skeena) River. Each section of the book highlights how this fish shapes the life of the people and animals along the Xsan. Vocabulary words are highlighted on each page with clear definitions. Gyetxw is a member of the Gitxsan nation and his passion and love of his culture is evident in the care with which the text has been written. Donovan, a member of the Métis nation, uses rich colors and bold lines to create stunningly detailed scenes of Xsan river life—readers will not be able to look away.