When We Play Our Drums, They Sing! / Lucy and Lola

This collection of two novellas focuses on Indigenous children who learn about their roots, culture, love, and reconciliation through the teachings of elders and family members. The stories present past and present struggles and stereotypes that Indigenous people face and demonstrate how past events affect Indigenous youth today and have an impact on their sense of self and culture. Suitable for grades 4-11, this resource would be useful as a read-aloud or literature circle selection for units on residential schools and Indigenous culture and to launch discussion and pair with a drum-making session or a visit from an Indigenous elder.