Shirley : une histoire de pensionnat indien
« Où allons-nous? » « À l’école », a-t-il répondu.","The inspiring story of a young girl's resilience and survival at residential school.
Shirley n’a que cinq ans quand l’agent des Indiens l’emmène vivre dans un pensionnat autochtone.
Elle adore apprendre, mais elle n’est pas là de son propre gré. Dès le premier jour où elle gravit la longue volée de marches en pierre de l’école, la vie est difficile et les règles sont innombrables. Séparée de ses frères et sœurs, elle est livrée à elle-même.
Shirley est très courageuse, mais elle n’a personne pour la rassurer le soir quand elle a peur. Personne pour la border et la réconforter. Shirley tient bon malgré sa tristesse. Elle se fait des amis et vit des aventures. Et surtout, elle attend impatiemment l’été, car elle pourra alors retrouver sa famille et le bonheur d’être à la maison.
Praise & Recognition
"...Horn maintains a mischievous sense of humor that helps the subject and her peers survive: 'Daring each other to feel alive, we made our own joy,' unadorned text states, recounting time spent swinging on barn ropes or hiding snakes in a pocket. Saturated cartoon illustrations portraying key moments are superimposed over historical b&w photographs of Horn’s journey, culminating in a somber tribute to both the pain and joy she experienced throughout her youth."
Publishers Weekly"Shirley’s story is painful yet triumphant."
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books"Through powerful words and illustrations, this book honors Shirley’s lived experiences at residential school while also highlighting her advocacy in ensuring that residential school histories are remembered and taught. Shirley offers an accessible entry point into a complex topic while centering Survivor voices. This book is a moving resource for educators and families committed to truth-telling and learning."
Krista McCracken, Researcher & Curator, Shingwauk Residential Schools CentreDetails
Publication Date: February 10, 2026
Reading Age: 9 - 12
Genre: Children's Nonfiction
Product Format: Paperback
Pages: 70
ISBN: 978-1-77260-456-6
Weight: 200
About the Author
Joanne Robertson
Joanne Robertson is Anishinaabe kwe and a member of Atikameksheng Anishnawbek. She is a graduate of Algoma University and Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig. Joanne is the author and illustrator of The Water Walker / Nibi Emosaawdang, Nibi is Water, and Shirley: An Indian Residential School Story. She lives north of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.
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About the Illustrator
Joanne Robertson
Joanne Robertson is Anishinaabe kwe and a member of Atikameksheng Anishnawbek. She is a graduate of Algoma University and Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig. Joanne is the author and illustrator of The Water Walker / Nibi Emosaawdang, Nibi is Water, and Shirley: An Indian Residential School Story. She lives north of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.
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