You Hold Me Up by Monique Gray Smith; Danielle Daniel (Illustrator)ISBN: 9781459814479
Publication Date: 2017-10-31
This story provides a perfect entry place for teaching very young students about Orange Shirt
Day, residential schools and reconciliation. However, rather than talking directly about
residential schools and their impact, Monique Gray Smith has chosen to focus on describing ways we can move forward “in the spirit of reconciliation” (see dedication) by supporting and caring for each other. Her words are positive, heart warming, and gentle. The illustrations are childlike, colourful and engaging. Note how the characters lips are often hearts and almost every picture includes nature (even the wallpaper has flowers or leaves!). You Hold Me Up is a beautifully written story that helps children understand the importance of kindness, respect and empathy. As Gray Smith says, “it is a book about love, building relationships and fostering empathy “(see Author’s Note at the back of the book). While the story is aimed at our youngest students, it could be used with older students.