REVIEWS


The Sockeye Mother tells the story of the sock- eye salmon through the seasons and how, during its lifecycle, it nourishes the land that the Skeena River flows through. The Gitxsan people, Indigenous peoples who live along the Skeena River in the northwest interior of Brit- ish Columbia, make this land their home. It is because of the sockeye salmon that the forests, landscapes and people can exist here. Throughout the book, there are bright illus-


trations that move across the page. They create a feeling of constant motion while the salmon are making their journey. The bright orange, red and green of the salmon stand out against the black of the moving river as well as the greens of the weeds or foliage along the water. The strong illustration of the grizzly also repeats a couple of times as do some images of Gitxsan art. This book would be a perfect read aloud for


THE SOCKEYE MOTHER Hetxw’ms Gyetxw (Brett David Huson), illus- trated by Natasha Donovan Highwater Press, 2017 22 pages, $18.00 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ Reviewed by Jane Ranson


the junior grades. It connects to the Grade four Social Studies curriculum by giving a beautiful- ly illustrated story of the relationship between a society and the environment, an overall expec- tation in the Heritage and Identity strand of the curriculum. When I read, “The young sockeye has so far avoided predators, escaping the hun- gry hands of ‘watxs – the otter – and dodging the unnaturally changing landscape, denuded


“Everyone belongs somewhere.” What a great message to send to our students. This book highlights how students can feel a sense of be- longing in a big and sometimes difficult world. Better Together: Creating Community in an Uncertain World explores different types of com- munities that people create to meet their need for companionship. The book promotes the idea of people coming together to help each other around the world. Author Nikki Tate shares per- sonal stories connecting to big and sometimes controversial ideas related to religion, racial, eth- nic and LGBTQ identities, and global communi- ties. Better Together looks at the many ways we are the same no matter where we live. Tate begins with a statement about peo-


BETTER TOGETHER: CREATING COM- MUNITY IN AN UNCERTAIN WORLD Nikki Tate Orca Book Publishers, 2018 48 pages, $19.95 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ Reviewed by Theresa Lau


46 ETFO VOICE | SPRING 2020


ple’s need to feel a sense of community. She describes the smallest groups people belong to (family), and moves on to global organi- zations that build on a common goal and lastly, to people working together as a power- ful force to create social change. Even though tension and conflict arise in groups, the au- thor shares how groups react and how people can still make a difference.


by the clear-cutting of man,” I thought of how this connects to the overall expectation in the Grade five social studies curriculum strand about people and the environment. Students in Grade five use the inquiry process to investigate issues associated with balancing human needs and activities with environmental stewardship. This definitely introduces the issue. Not only could this book be used as part of


the Social Studies curriculum but it is an ex- citing story to portray the interdependence of plants and animals within a specific habitat, an expectation in the Grade four science strand about habitats and communities. It can also be used while teaching biodiversity which is a Grade six science strand. I highly recommend this book. I love not


only the incredible illustrations and beautiful story but also how much it can be used to en- gage students in learning.


Jane Ranson is a member of the Limestone Teacher Local.


Throughout the book, the author shares in-


spiring stories from youth who are making a difference. Readers are encouraged to become peace activists and environmentalists. This book would be a valuable resource for


any school or classroom library interested in promoting diversity, equity and inclusion. The reading level is suggested for students in junior grades and up. The ideas in this book can spark discussions related to many expectations in the Social Studies curriculum. For example, Grade six students can use this resource for Canada’s Interaction with Global Community unit. This book also promotes discussions related to iden- tity and a sense of belonging which connect to the Health and Physical Education curriculum. This book is current and filled with facts,


photos and captions that would capture a young reader’s imagination. The final message Tate shares is that kindness is powerful. “Look- ing after each other and the planet we live on is the best way to make sure our shared future is bright and prosperous,” she concludes.


Theresa Lau is a member of the Simcoe County Teacher Local.


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