I Am Not a Number

"The story was captivatingly told.... I can’t stress the importance of having these books in your library collection enough. They reflect accurately the experiences of many Native families and the history of many Native peoples (not just the ones in Canada). They can start conversations, albeit hard ones for us white teachers and parents, around the deep seated racism in our country and how that has played out over the years. They can also ensure that children are being exposed to this history."

"Gillian Newland’s illustrations are a highly realistic, very evocative accompaniment to [the] text. They set the tone and establish the mood of the story.... [The book] raises such issues as child rights, parental rights, Canadian constitutional rights, and Indigenous rights. I Am Not a Number would be an excellent starting point for anyone pursuing these issues."

"This well done, empathetic historical book is highly recommended for all collections." Starred Review

"To any one looking for a book to teach children about the history of residential schools 'I Am Not A Number' is without hesitation a very powerful and historical teaching tool."

"Recently, right before bed, my seven-year-old brought me to tears retelling me the story his class had read earlier that day. The book is called “I Am Not a Number” by Dr. Jenny Kay Dupuis and Kathy Kacer. ...my kids are now among many who are learning about Orange Shirt Day on Sept. 30, as Canada works toward truth and reconciliation....As we acknowledge the National Day of Truth Reconciliation this week, we should be reminded that we share a collective responsibility to learn and unlearn about our past and present, and hope this will lead to a better future."

"With tenacious resolve and empathetic storytelling, [Jenny Kay Dupuis, Kathy Kacer, and Gillian Newland] reminds us – perhaps more urgently than ever – that 'there is still much work to be done.'"