All Grade 1 Novels
Grade 1 Indigenous Content Novels
Grade 1 Picture Book Novels
Okapi Loves His Zebra Pants
OKAPI loves spending carefree days frolicking in the African Rainforest alongside his best friend AFRICAN GREY PARROT. One day, he meets a CHIMPANZEE who laughs at his striped legs and teases that he's stolen a zebra's pants. OKAPI has never met a ZEBRA and pretends he doesn't care, but the seed is planted, and he soon finds himself questioning the very stripes he used to love. What choice does he have but to set out in search of this strange zebra animal and see for himself if he has in fact accidentally taken its pants. A story about resilience, self-acceptance, community, and finding joy in our similarities as well as our differences.
My Grandma Makes Bannock = Stso' Ghey Bee Sit'e 'Ilhekh
In English and Dakelh. This story shows a grandmother making bannock with her grandchild.
Published in 1997 by SD91 (Nechako Lakes).
Our Auntie Makes Indian Ice Cream = Niwh Hik'iy Niwis Ilhekh
In English and Dakelh. This story shows an aunt making traditional ice cream out of soapberries.
Published in 1997 by SD91 (Nechako Lakes).
I Like Who I Am
Celina is a young Mohawk girl who moves to her mother's home reserve. She is teased by her classmates who tell her that she is not Mohawk and does not belong because she has blond hair and blue eyes. Celina starts to believe her classmates and decides not to dance at an upcoming Pow Wow. But her great-grandmother helps Celina understand that being Mohawk is not about how she looks but about what she feels in her heart. When the drumming starts at the Pow Wow, Celina decides to dance after all. A beautifully illustrated story, I Like Who I Amexplores issues of bullying and belonging as Celina looks for acceptance in her new community.
When We Were Alone
Winner of the 2017 Governor General's Literary Award! A young girl notices things about her grandmother that make her curious. Why does her grandmother have long, braided hair and beautifully coloured clothing? Why does she speak Cree and spend so much time with her family? As the girl asks questions, her grandmother shares her experiences in a residential school, when all of these things were taken away. Also available in a bilingual Swampy Cree/English edition. Download the free teacher guide on the Portage & Main Press website.
Courage
Bernard Waber, creator of the beloved Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile, explores many different kinds of courage in this look at the moments, big and small, that bring out bravery in each of us. There are many kinds of courage. Awesome kinds. And everyday kinds. Highlighting both the big and seemingly small actions of ordinary people--like being the first to make up after an argument or going to bed without a nightlight--Courage is the perfect read for anyone who needs a boost of confidence. With gentleness and humor, Bernard Waber presents an ideal read for milestones like graduation or starting school, or for gently responding to world events that feel overwhelming or scary. In moments that require resilience and compassion, Courage is an empowering balm for the spirit.
Not My Girl
Margaret can't wait to see her family, but her homecoming is not what she expected. Two years ago, Margaret left her Arctic home for the outsiders' school. Now she has returned and can barely contain her excitement as she rushes towards her waiting family--but her mother stands still as a stone. This strange, skinny child, with her hair cropped short, can't be her daughter. "Not my girl!" she says angrily. Margaret's years at school have changed her. Now ten years old, she has forgotten her language and the skills to hunt and fish. She can't even stomach her mother's food. Her only comfort is in the books she learned to read at school. Gradually, Margaret relearns the words and ways of her people. With time, she earns her father's trust enough to be given a dogsled of her own. As her family watches with pride, Margaret knows she has found her place once more.
Birds = Gal
This book was created as part of Dakelh language revitalization project by Div. 11 students at Harwin Elementary, school year 2022-2023. The students chose the topic and wrote and illustrated the work with the help of art lessons from Jennifer Pighin as well as translation support from Jennifer Pighin and Dakelh elder Edie Frederick.
Bugs are Food = Nulh'asyaz 'uhinli ts'uyi
This book was created as part of Dakelh language revitalization project by Div. 11 students at Harwin Elementary, school year 2022-2023. The students chose the topic and wrote and illustrated the work with the help of art lessons from Jennifer Pighin as well as translation support from Jennifer Pighin and Dakelh elder Edie Frederick.
Cats = Boos
This book was created as part of Dakelh language revitalization project by Div. 11 students at Harwin Elementary, school year 2022-2023. The students chose the topic and wrote and illustrated the work with the help of art lessons from Jennifer Pighin as well as translation support from Jennifer Pighin and Dakelh elder Edie Frederick.
Esther 'ink'e Winnie = Esther and Winnie
This book was created as part of Dakelh language revitalization project by Div. 11 students at Harwin Elementary, school year 2022-2023. The students chose the topic and wrote and illustrated the work with the help of art lessons from Jennifer Pighin as well as translation support from Jennifer Pighin and Dakelh elder Edie Frederick.
Evan sba ekenezoo = My friend, Evan
This book was created as part of Dakelh language revitalization project by Div. 11 students at Harwin Elementary, school year 2022-2023. The students chose the topic and wrote and illustrated the work with the help of art lessons from Jennifer Pighin as well as translation support from Jennifer Pighin and Dakelh elder Edie Frederick.
Food All Year Round = Ts'uyi ts'uyawh yusk'ut
This book was created as part of Dakelh language revitalization project by Div. 11 students at Harwin Elementary, school year 2022-2023. The students chose the topic and wrote and illustrated the work with the help of art lessons from Jennifer Pighin as well as translation support from Jennifer Pighin and Dakelh elder Edie Frederick.
How to Grow Sunflowers = Sa'indak yi hubodulha'eh
This book was created as part of Dakelh language revitalization project by Div. 11 students at Harwin Elementary, school year 2022-2023. The students chose the topic and wrote and illustrated the work with the help of art lessons from Jennifer Pighin as well as translation support from Jennifer Pighin and Dakelh elder Edie Frederick.
Lhana tun k'ut nuhuzoot 'et lhch'ahuldeh = Hockey
This book was created as part of Dakelh language revitalization project by Div. 11 students at Harwin Elementary, school year 2022-2023. The students chose the topic and wrote and illustrated the work with the help of art lessons from Jennifer Pighin as well as translation support from Jennifer Pighin and Dakelh elder Edie Frederick.
Mishaal sba ekenezoo = My Friend, Mishaal
This book was created as part of Dakelh language revitalization project by Div. 11 students at Harwin Elementary, school year 2022-2023. The students chose the topic and wrote and illustrated the work with the help of art lessons from Jennifer Pighin as well as translation support from Jennifer Pighin and Dakelh elder Edie Frederick.
Our School = Huhodul'eh yoh
This book was created as part of Dakelh language revitalization project by Div. 11 students at Harwin Elementary, school year 2022-2023. The students chose the topic and wrote and illustrated the work with the help of art lessons from Jennifer Pighin as well as translation support from Jennifer Pighin and Dakelh elder Edie Frederick.
Riley soozi ink'ez hoonutst'i = What I Like to Do
This book was created as part of Dakelh language revitalization project by Div. 11 students at Harwin Elementary, school year 2022-2023. The students chose the topic and wrote and illustrated the work with the help of art lessons from Jennifer Pighin as well as translation support from Jennifer Pighin and Dakelh elder Edie Frederick.
Running = Gal
This book was created as part of Dakelh language revitalization project by Div. 11 students at Harwin Elementary, school year 2022-2023. The students chose the topic and wrote and illustrated the work with the help of art lessons from Jennifer Pighin as well as translation support from Jennifer Pighin and Dakelh elder Edie Frederick.
Slik, Rosie = My Dog, Rosie
This book was created as part of Dakelh language revitalization project by Div. 11 students at Harwin Elementary, school year 2022-2023. The students chose the topic and wrote and illustrated the work with the help of art lessons from Jennifer Pighin as well as translation support from Jennifer Pighin and Dakelh elder Edie Frederick.
Sudestl'oh, Violet = My Sister, Violet
This book was created as part of Dakelh language revitalization project by Div. 11 students at Harwin Elementary, school year 2022-2023. The students chose the topic and wrote and illustrated the work with the help of art lessons from Jennifer Pighin as well as translation support from Jennifer Pighin and Dakelh elder Edie Frederick.
Tsa gal'acho = The Fast Beaver
This book was created as part of Dakelh language revitalization project by Div. 11 students at Harwin Elementary, school year 2022-2023. The students chose the topic and wrote and illustrated the work with the help of art lessons from Jennifer Pighin as well as translation support from Jennifer Pighin and Dakelh elder Edie Frederick.
Wet'suwe'ten Culture = Wet'suwe'ten
This book was created as part of Dakelh language revitalization project by Div. 11 students at Harwin Elementary, school year 2022-2023. The students chose the topic and wrote and illustrated the work with the help of art lessons from Jennifer Pighin as well as translation support from Jennifer Pighin and Dakelh elder Edie Frederick.
Willson the Cat = Willson boos
This book was created as part of Dakelh language revitalization project by Div. 11 students at Harwin Elementary, school year 2022-2023. The students chose the topic and wrote and illustrated the work with the help of art lessons from Jennifer Pighin as well as translation support from Jennifer Pighin and Dakelh elder Edie Frederick.
Winter Animals = Khuna khui
This book was created as part of Dakelh language revitalization project by Div. 11 students at Harwin Elementary, school year 2022-2023. The students chose the topic and wrote and illustrated the work with the help of art lessons from Jennifer Pighin as well as translation support from Jennifer Pighin and Dakelh elder Edie Frederick.
Adventures of a Pangopup
Pangopup is convinced he is old enough to leave his burrow and see the world. When his mother disagrees, the naughty pup waits for her to fall asleep and sneaks away. Outside, he meets a mischievous Dik Dik who is eager to show him some fun. However, Dik Dik's idea of fun isn't necessarily Pangolin proof and Pangopup finds himself in more and more danger as their explorations of the African landscape take them further from his burrow.
Aye-Aye Gets Lucky
Join endangered and misunderstood AYE-AYE on his quest to win back the hearts of the people of Madagascar after his mischievous pranks get him banned and labelled bad luck. A story about empathy, self-acceptance, community and second chances.