7 Children’s Books About Sikh Faith and Culture

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The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats was a groundbreaking book in that it featured a Black child as its main character. I remember, with fondness, seeing a main character that I could relate to in that way. As a primary teacher and now teacher-librarian, I love to see children connect with the characters in a variety of ways. Working in a city with a large Indian population (with many belonging to the Sikh faith), it’s important for me to share books featuring South Asian characters. Here are some of my faves about Sikh Heritage or written by Sikh authors.

This post contains affiliate links.

 
Children's books about Sikh faith and culture.
 

The Many Colors of Harpreet Singh
Author: Supriya Kelkar
Illustrator: Alea Marley

Harpreet expresses his feelings with the colors of his patka; bright, happy colors! One day, his family moves to a new state. Feeling uneasy about his new surroundings, he wears sad colors - blues, greys, and even white so that he can feel invisible. His parents can’t cheer him up. Will he ever be his colorful self again?

Themes: moving/relocation, feelings, friendship

Hair Twins
Author: Raakhee Mirchandani
Illustrator: Holly Hatam

If you like Hair Love by Matthew Cherry, Hair Twins is worth a look!  This father-daughter duo bond over their daily hair routine.

Themes: identity, hair, family, traditions, religious customs

What is a Patka?
Author: Tajinder Kalia
Illustrator: Yuribelle

Mohan gets a lot of questions about his patka which he proudly wears every day. In this simple book, young children will learn who wears a patka and why. The book includes step-by-step instructions in tying a patka.

Themes: identity, hair, religious customs

Super Satya Saves the Day
Author: Raakhee Mirchandani
Illustrator: Tim Palin

Satya’s superhero cape is at the dry cleaners and she is convinced that she can’t have a super day without it. She discovers that her strength/power doesn’t come from her cape, but from her own abilities.

Themes: superheroes, bravery

Fauja Singh Keeps Going
Author: Simran Jeet Singh
Illustrator: Baljinder Kaur

A true story about Fauja Singh, a long-distance runner that broke the world record when he ran a marathon at 100 years of age! Learn about the obstacles he faced and the source of his grit.
 
Themes: growth mindset, perseverance, disability

A Lion’s Mane
Author: Navjot Kaur
Illustrator: Jaspreet Sandhu

The story begins with the question, “Do you know who I am?” The main character is a Sikh boy on a journey of self-discovery through the metaphor of a lion’s mane. It also explains how the lion is symbolized in other cultures. Children will learn that we are all different, but also alike.

Themes: identity, acceptance

The Garden of Peace
Author: Navjot Kaur
Illustrator: Nana Sakata

This book is an allegory to explain the birth of Sikhism. It calls for readers to become citizens of change. It’s a bit complex; it will require unpacking to get the full historical meaning. The author’s note will help with this.

Themes: Sikhism, activism, social justice

ONE MORE ADDITION!

My Name is Saajin Singh
Author: Kuljinder Kaur Brar
Illustrator: Samrath Kaur

Saajin loves the sound of his name, but on the first day of school his teacher mispronounces it. His classmates follow her lead and Saajin assumes that it must be how his name is pronounced outside of his home (after all, teachers know everything!) Even so, Saajin does not like it. When his parents learn what has been happening, they remind him that everyone makes mistakes, (including teachers), and that it is okay to correct them.

Themes: identity, Sikhism

Vaisakhi

Vaisakhi is a Sikh harvest festival that originated in the Punjab region of India. It is celebrated on April 13th or 14th in Sikh communities around the world. Sikhs also remember the birth of the Khalsa order in 1699 which is a significant event in the history of Sikhism.

Recognize Vaisakhi with this informative 8-page mini book which includes:

  • basic facts about Vaisakhi

  • the history/background of Vaisakhi

  • bhangra facts

  • the 5 Ks of the Sikh Faith

  • popular foods

  • a maze for children to complete

  • a prompt for children to list what they’ve learned

  • a corresponding Google Slide version

You can find this resource in my TPT Store and BP Shop.

Informative Websites

If you’re interested in learning more about the Sikh faith and culture, check out these websites:

Any must have books for my school’s collection? I can’t say no to more books! Any other helpful resources? Please share your faves with me in the comments below.

 
 
Sikh Heritage Children's Books
 

6 Boo-rific Books and Halloween Reading and Writing Fun

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I've compiled a list of some of my fave Halloween picture books. These stories have amazing illustrations and although some of them aren't necessarily Halloween stories, they do tie in well with the theme.

This post contains affiliate links.

 
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Crankenstein
Author: Samantha Berger
Illustrator: Dan Santat

When faced with frustrating situations, Crankenstein becomes a very cranky little boy. We all can be a Crankenstein sometimes!

 
 
 

Creepy Carrots!
Author: Aaron Reynolds
Illustrator: Peter Brown

Jasper the rabbit loves carrots and to his dismay, some creepy carrots begin to stalk him. They are determined to keep Jasper from eating them. Be sure to check out the sequel - Creepy Pair of Underwear!

 
 
 

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bat!
Author: Lucille Colandro
Illustrator: Jared Lee

This book is part of a series based on There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly. This old lady swallows a bat, a cat, a ghost, some bones, and more - much to the delight of kids.

 
 
 

How to Catch a Monster
Author: Adam Wallace
Illustrator: Andy Elkerton

A little kid plays the role of a ninja in the school play. Feeling emboldened and ready to face his fears, they plan to trap the monster in their closet. Great lesson in the end. Perfect opportunity to create monster traps as a fun S.T.E.M. challenge.

 
 
 

Monster Trouble
Author: Lane Frederickson
Illustrator: Michael Robertson

Winifred isn't scared of monsters, but is literally tired of them because they will not let her sleep. She struggles with fatigue during the day. This clever and resourceful girl is determined to find a way to chase away the monsters.

 

Room on the Broom
Author: Julia Donaldson
Illustrator: Axel Scheffler

A kind witch and her cat are flying around as they usually do, but strong winds cause items to fly off the broom. During each pit stop to retrieve their item, a new friend wants to hop on their broom. Is there room on the broom?

 
 

LITERACY ACTIVITIES

Take a look at the following resources - writing prompts, non-fiction reader, chapter book response, and a poem.

 
 
 
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12 Must Have Books for the First Weeks of School

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Planning for the first week of school?  Take a look at my list of back to school read alouds for the first weeks of school.  Read alouds are a great way to prompt classroom discussions, set expectations, introduce themes, and calm fears and anxieties. Your students are sure to love these diverse, touching, and fun stories.

This post contains affiliate links.

 
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All Are Welcome
Author: Alexandra Penfold
Illustrator: Suzanne Kaufman

As the title states, this story lets your students know that no matter who they are, where they are from, what they look like, or who they worship, they are welcome in your class and school. 

Themes: Celebrity diversity, inclusion
Activity: Discuss how we can make others feel welcome. Display these posters.

First Day Jitters
Author: Julie Danneberg
Illustrator: Judy Love

This has been my first day read aloud for many years.  Only a few of my students seem to understand the twist that the person that is scared about their first day at a new school is actually the teacher!  I definitely will be very jittery on the first day and I’m sure my students will be, too. 

Themes: First day of school, confronting fears
Activity: Discuss our own first day jitters.  Take a look at this blog post with another activity.

David Goes to School
Author: David Shannon
Illustrator: David Shannon

Oh David!  The David series has always been a hit.  My students are flabbergasted by David's antics and find them hilarious.
 
Themes: School rules and responsibilities, self-regulation, character education. 
Activity: Have students brainstorm a rule and what it would look like if they did and did not follow it.  Try this sample activity from my Rules, Relationships, and Responsibilities resource in my TPT Store and BP Shop.  

Our Class is a Family
Author: Shannon Olsen
Illustrator: Sandie Sonke

I mean we take care of each other, eat together, play together, read to each other, celebrate our successes, encourage each other, go on trips together...we are a family!  Relationship building is key this year.

Themes: Family, community
Activity: Have students compare and contrast themselves with a partner.  You could also have students complete All About Me booklets and share with the class (TPT Store or BP Shop).

School’s First Day of School
Author: Adam Rex
Illustrator: Christian Robinson

A newly built school is the main character of this story.  He’s nervous about his first day of school because he doesn’t know what to expect.  He experiences a few highs and lows, but overall really enjoyed his first day and is eager to have everyone return.  

Themes: New experiences, anxiety
Activity: As a class, brainstorm a list of things that happened in the school day (e.g. centers, recess, PE class, lunch, national anthem, assembly, arrival, dismissal, etc.)  Have students choose one event, draw a picture of it, and write about the event from the point of view of your school. 

Sick Simon
Author: Dan Krall
Illustrator: Dan Krall

Sick Simon is a funny story that we know all too well.  Simon loves going to school so much that he will not miss a day even when he’s sick.  This year especially students will have a greater understanding of the importance of spreading germs and proper hygiene.  

Themes: Germs, hygiene
Activity: Check out this blog post with activities, tips, and a freebie.

The Day You Begin
Author: Jacqueline Woodson
Illustrator: Rafael López

This story is about being in a new place and feeling like you don’t belong.  Children are encouraged to appreciate who they are, find their voices, and share their stories. 

Themes: Similarities and differences, acceptance
Activity: I like playing getting to know you games like, “Find Someone Who…”  I created a slideshow version where my students mixed and mingled to find classmates who shared their interests.  This year I will try, “Stand if your fave season is summer/fall/winter/spring.”  Check out the fish tank themed and ice cream themed games in my TPT Store or BP Shop.

The Most Magnificent Thing
Author: Ashley Spires
Illustrator: Ashley Spires

In this story, the little girl has a great idea to make the most magnificent thing, but when it comes to making it, she is faced with challenges.  She quits, but then calms down and returns to her project with a renewed mindset and ultimately succeeds. 

Themes: Growth mindset, perseverance, creativity, it’s okay to make mistakes
Activity: Ashley Spires has written another book about resilience, The Thing Lou Couldn’t Do. My growth mindset resource was created to use with both of these stories. Get it in my TPT Store or BP Shop.

The Pigeon HAS to Go to School
Author: Mo Willems
Illustrator: Mo Willems

In my humble opinion, Mo Willems is a must in any primary class.  The Elephant and Piggie, Knuffle Bunny, and Pigeon series are the best.  Pigeon is anxious and has plenty of excuses for not going to school.  Who needs it?!

Theme: Anxiety
Activity: As a class, create a list of all of the things we love about school.

We Don’t Eat Our Classmates
Author: Ryan T. Higgins
Illustrator: Ryan T. Higgins

Penelope Rex has a hard time making friends at school.  Unfortunately it’s because Penelope is a dinosaur and her classmates are delicious humans!  Once the tables are turned, Penelope learns her lesson.

Themes: Making friends, golden rule
Activity: Discuss as a class how to be a good friend.

Your Name is a Song
Author: Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
Illustrator: Luisa Uribe

This beautiful picture book is perfect for the beginning of the school year.  The little girl doesn’t want to go to school because her teachers and classmates mispronounce her name. Her mother teaches her about the rhythm and musicality of names from different cultures. 

Themes: Identity, names, culture
Activity: Have students share their names as a song. Do word work activities using their names. Take a look at this book companion.

You’re Finally Here!
Author: Mélanie Watt
Illustrator: Mélanie Watt

This is another first day of school selection for me.  I read with tons of expression to let students know that bunny and I have been anxiously awaiting their arrival.  

Themes: Impatience, punctuality
Activity: Post this sign on chart paper and ask students a question like, “Where have you been?” or “What took you so long?”  I’ve asked students to respond on post-its, but lately I’ve been writing everyone’s responses on the chart paper.


Any must haves for my collection? I can’t say no to more books! Please share your faves with me in the comments below.

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Canadian Black History and Culture for Kids: A Book List

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Hi, my name is Nicole and I have a children’s book addiction! As a child, I had a voracious appetite for books; I enjoyed getting lost in characters’ lives and in other worlds. This is in spite of the fact that I rarely saw myself represented in books beyond being a supporting character. Today, there is so much diversity!! I think it’s such an exciting time in children’s literature. This is why I spend so much time in the children’s section of libraries and bookstores - filling an unmet and unknown childhood need! In this post, I’m excited to share some great Canadian Black History/Culture picture books. These books feature black authors, illustrators, and/or characters.

This post contains affiliate links.

 
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Oscar Lives Next Door
Author: Bonnie Farmer
Illustrator: Marie Lafrance

Oscar Lives Next Door is a fictional account of Oscar Peterson’s childhood. Born in Montreal, Quebec, Oscar Peterson was an-award winning jazz pianist and composer. This story explains why Oscar gave up playing the trumpet and instead focused on playing the piano (spoiler: a bout of tuberculosis weakened his lungs).

Braids!
Author: Robert Munsch
Illustrator: Dave Whamond

I own EVERY. SINGLE. BOOK. written by Robert Munsch. And he keeps releasing new titles (bye-bye $$$)!! When I saw Braids! my heart truly warmed. Little black girls can attest to the HOURS spent on hair care, whether it’s washing, combing, or braiding. The main character Ashley dreads sitting for hours while getting her hair braided and will avoid it at all costs. The longest hair-braiding session I suffered through…11 hours!

Viola Desmond Won’t Be Budged
Author: Jody Nyasha Warner
Illustrator: Richard Rudnicki

Viola Desmond won’t be budged! When faced with bigotry and discrimination she stood her ground and was unjustly arrested, charged, and convicted. The story begins by sharing VIola’s entrepreneurial achievements and the circumstances that led to her being removed from a theatre in 1940’s Nova Scotia. Growing up I heard a lot about Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King. I’m grateful that this picture book is helping to educate thousands of children across Canada about one of our own civil rights heroes.

Africville
Author: Shauntay Grant
Illustrator: Eva Campbell

In Africville, a little girl visits the site/land in Halifax, Nova Scotia where her ancestors lived before being forcibly removed. She imagines what life was like in the black community of Africville. The text and illustrations express the beauty and vibrancy of the community and its people. It ends with a brief overview of the history of Africville.

Christopher, Please Clean Up Your Room
Author: Itah Sadu
Illustrator: Roy Condy

Every child can relate to not wanting to clean their room! Storyteller Itah Sadu introduces us to Christopher, a boy who refuses to clean his room despite the horrible mess and disgusting smell. Family and friends tried, but no amount of pleading, threatening, and punishments could persuade Christopher to change his mind. Finally, his goldfish and a whole lot of cockroaches join forces to convince Christopher to clean his room.

Abigail’s Wish
Author: Gloria Ann Wesley
Illustrator: Richard Rudnicki

Abigail’s Wish is based in the 1780s in the Black Loyalist community of Birchtown, Nova Scotia. Black Loyalists found freedom in Canada through supporting the British during the American Revolutionary War. Abigail’s family struggles to make ends meet in their new colony, but she has one wish - a new dress to help celebrate a new birth in the family.

Malaika’s Costume
Author: Nadia L. Hohn
Illustrator: Irene Luxbacher

Set in Jamaica, Malaika's Costume is the story of a little girl whose mother moved to Canada for better job opportunities leaving Malaika with her grandmother. It's Carnival time on the island and Malaika waits in vain for money that her mother promised to send so that she could buy a new costume. Not satisfied by her grandmother's old costume, Malaika is gifted with fabric scraps which she and her grandmother transform into a peacock costume.

Malaika’s Winter Carnival
Author: Nadia L. Hohn
Illustrator: Irene Luxbacher

In this sequel to Malaika's Costume, Malaika is preparing to join her mother and her new stepfather and stepsister in Canada. Life is not as expected: Quebec City is cold, she doesn’t understand French, and the Carnival celebration is nothing like the ones in Jamaica. Malaika also misses her grandmother. A chat with grandma helps to lift her spirits. Malaika decides to give Canada a chance. This story lends itself well to discussions about blended families and immigration.

Malaika’s Surprise
Author: Nadia L. Hohn
Illustrator: Irene Luxbacher

In this third installment, Malaika has adapted to life in Canada with her mother, stepfather, and stepsister. When her parents announce that there’s a new baby on the way, she is worried about yet another change. She is worried about being forgotten. For Malaika’s birthday, she is surprised by her grandmother’s visit and the baby’s arrival!

Granny’s Kitchen
Author: Sadé Smith
Illustrator: Ken Daley

Also set in Jamaica, Shelly-Ann lives with her grandmother. Feeling hungry, Shelly-Ann asks her grandmother for a snack and Granny tells her, “Gyal, you betta can cook!” She teaches Shelly-Ann how to cook a Jamaican dish. Something goes wrong with every attempt at a new dish. When the time comes for Shelly-Ann to make breakfast for Granny, she rises to the occasion!

Race With Me!
Author: Andre De Grasse & Robert Budd
Illustrator: Joseph Osei Bonsu

This autobiography is filled with photographs and illustrations. Andre talks about his childhood and how he prepares for each race. He walks us through his thoughts in the lead-up to one of his events at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. This book sprinkled with motivational messages throughout.

C is for Carnival
Author: Yolanda T. Marshall
Illustrator: Daria Lavrova

Celebrate and learn about Caribbean Carnival culture, from A to Z! From bacchanal to mas, pan to soca, imagine the sights and sounds of an exciting day! It includes a roti recipe and a helpful glossary.

No need to save these books for Black History Month in February, they’re great at any point of the year! I created comprehension and response activities for these books and more. You can check out the resource {here}. * Indicates Canadian author or content.

• *Abigail's Wish - Gloria Ann Wesley
• *Malaika's Costume - Nadia L. Hohn
• *Malaika's Winter Carnival - Nadia L. Hohn
• *Malaika's Surprise - Nadia L. Hohn
• *Granny’s Kitchen - Sadé Smith
• *Oscar Lives Next Door - Bonnie Farmer
• *Viola Desmond Won't Be Budged! - Jody Nyasha Warner
• *A Change Of Heart - Alice Walsh
• *A Good Trade - Alma Fullerton
• *Dear Baobab - Cheryl Foggo
• *French Toast - Kari-Lynn Winters
• *Braids! - Robert Munsch
• *Christopher, Please Clean Up Your Room - Itah Sadu
• Henry's Freedom Box - Ellen Levine
• The Story Of Ruby Bridges - Robert Coles
• The Water Princess - Susan Verde
• Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters - John Steptoe
• Anansi The Spider - Gerald McDermott
• Why Mosquitoes Buzz In People's Ears - Verna Aardema
• Little Red And The Very Hungry Lion - Alex T. Smith

 

Get a FREE sample of my Canadian Black History and Culture series! This freebie includes an Oscar Peterson quote poster, a comprehension response to the book, Oscar Lives Next Door, and a S.T.E.A.M. activity.

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Any must haves for my personal connection? Leave a comment below!

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Teach Kids History with Empathy: Learning about Residential Schools

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In the 1800s, the Canadian government ignorantly believed that Indigenous people were uncivilized.  In an effort to assimilate them into European/Canadian culture, children were taken from their homes and brought to residential boarding schools run by different religious groups.  Many children were harmed by being separated from their families, being forbidden to speak their languages, malnutrition, and abuse of all kinds.  The last residential school closed in 1996.  Today, many Indigenous communities are still suffering from this horrific legacy. 

If you are introducing your elementary students to the history of residential schools in Canada, these read-alouds are perfect starting points.

This post contains Amazon Affiliate links.

 
 

Shi-shi-etko
Author: Nicola I. Campbell
Illustrator: Kim LaFave

Shi-shi-etko is a little girl counting down the days until she has to go to a residential school.  She spends those days with her father, mother, and grandmother who each share words of wisdom.  Shi-shi-etko soaks up her surroundings to store as memories for when she is away.  This story is more of a poetic account with very rich descriptive language.

Shin-Chi's Canoe
Author: Nicola I. Campbell
Illustrator: Kim LaFave

Shin-chi's Canoe is the sequel to Shi-shi-etko.  In this story, Shi-shi-etko returns to a residential school with her little brother Shin-chi.  She tells him to remember his surroundings just like she did.  At school, they have English names and cannot speak to each other.  Months of skimpy meals, chores, church, school, and loneliness have Shin-chi longing for home.  He spends his time at the river with his toy canoe, anxiously waiting for the salmon to return.  When the salmon return, it signals the start of spring and time to go home.

When I Was Eight
Authors: Christy Jordan-Fenton & Margaret Pokiak-Fenton
Illustrator: Gabrielle Grimard

When I Was Eight tells the story of Olemaun, an eight year old Inuit girl who in spite of her father's objections, wants to go to the "outsiders' school" so that she can learn to read like her older sister.  As soon as she arrives at the residential school, her hair was cut and she was given uncomfortable clothes.  Olemaun, her Inuit name, was changed to Margaret.  Instead of learning to read, she was given many chores and had to attend church.  After some time, she finally began her studies.  Not knowing how to speak English, she was ridiculed and punished for her misunderstandings.  Olemaun did her best not to break under the supervision of a cruel and harsh nun and in the end she learned to read!  The story is based on the experiences of one of the authors, Margaret Pokiak-Fenton.

Not My Girl
Authors: Christy Jordan-Fenton & Margaret Pokiak-Fenton
Illustrator: Gabrielle Grimard

Not My Girl is the sequel toWhen I Was Eight.  In this follow-up, Olemaun returns home from her residential school and her mother declares, "Not my girl!"  Olemaun is now ten years old, her long hair was cut, and thin due to malnourishment and hard chores.  She learned a lot at school, had table manners, could say her prayers, and speak in both English and French.  But she could no longer speak her own language.  Her favourite foods were now unappetizing, she couldn't help around the house, and her best friend from school could not play with her anymore.  Olemaun feels like she isn't a part of the family and has to relearn her language and way of life.

When We Were Alone
Author: David A. Robertson
Illustrator: Julie Flett

In When We Were Alone, a little girl  notices things about her grandmother - her colourful clothes, long hair, how she speaks in Cree, and how she often spends time with her family.  Her grandmother explains how as a child in a residential school, many things were forbidden.  When they were alone, she and other children would try to keep their culture alive.  Now that she is older, she cherishes the customs that officials tried to erase.

Stolen Words
Author: Melanie Florence
Illustrator: Gabrielle Grimard

In Stolen Words, a little girl asks her grandfather to say something in Cree, but he can't remember.  He says that he lost his words a long time ago; they were taken away.  He sadly recalls angry teachers that raised their voices and hands at the children.  Determined to help, the little girl gets an Introduction to Cree book to give him back the stolen words.

Bonus! I recently found new stories and wanted to add it to this post.

The Orange Shirt Story
Author: Phyllis Webstad
Illustrator: Brock Nicol

Phyllis’s Orange Shirt
Author: Phyllis Webstad
Illustrator: Brock Nicol

 

Phyllis Webstad shares her experiences in The Orange Shirt Story.  Phyllis couldn't wait to attend St. Joseph's Mission so that she could join her cousin and friends and hopefully make new friends.  Like many families, Phyllis went shopping for back to school clothes and picked out a bright orange shirt.  She happily wore her shirt on the first day of school and was devastated when her clothes were taken away.  She was given different clothes to wear and begged for orange shirt, to no avail.  Phyllis tried to make the most of her year at school, but felt lonely and homesick.  She went home that summer and never returned.  People across Canada now recognize Phyllis' story and honour residential school survivors on Orange Shirt Day, September 30.  Phyllis felt that she didn't matter, but we affirm that every child matters. Phyllis’s Orange Shirt is a shorter, simplified version of the story.

 

Orange Shirt Day Mini Book

Recognize Orange Shirt Day with this informative 9-page mini book. Find it in my TPT Store or BP Shop. Proceeds from the sale of this resource will be donated to an Indigenous charity. The resource includes:

  • intro to Orange Shirt Day

  • history/background of Residential Schools

  • see/think/wonder prompt

  • Phyllis and her orange shirt

  • Orange Shirt Day

  • design an orange shirt

  • secret message activity

  • a prompt for children to list what they’ve learned

  • a corresponding Google Slide version

Residential schools are a sad reality of our nation's past, but their legacy have caused great harm to Indigenous communities.  Born and raised in Canada myself, I was unaware of this part of Canadian history.  I understand that it's a heavy and emotional topic and one that requires sensitivity; it cannot be ignored.  Educating our students, even younger ones is an important part of the truth and reconciliation process. 

 
 
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