The Train

by Jodie Callaghan (Author) Georgia Lesley (Illustrator)

The Train
Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade
Ashley meets her great-uncle by the old train tracks near their community in Nova Scotia. Ashley sees his sadness, and Uncle tells her of the day years ago when he and the other children from their community were told to board the train before being taken to residential school where their lives were changed forever. They weren't allowed to speak Mi'gmaq and were punished if they did. There was no one to give them love and hugs and comfort. Uncle also tells Ashley how happy she and her sister make him. They are what give him hope. Ashley promises to wait with her uncle by the train tracks, in remembrance of what was lost.
Select format:
Hardcover
$19.95

Kirkus

Through Uncle’s story, Callaghan (Mi’gmaq) presents a harsh topic in a gentle way. Lesley’s soft color palette and expressive characters blend beautifully with the story without lifting its heaviness. Keeps a critical memory alive. 

Review quotes



Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781772601299
Lexile Measure
590
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Second Story Press
Publication date
March 24, 2020
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV013030 - Juvenile Fiction | Family | Multigenerational
JUV039120 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Prejudice & Racism
JUV030090 - Juvenile Fiction | People & Places | Canada - Native Canadian
Library of Congress categories
Indians of North America
Canada
Railroad trains
Great-uncles
Education
Off-reservation boarding schools

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