Lights along the River
- Publisher
- Orca Book Publishers
- Initial publish date
- May 2024
- Category
- Métis, Science & Technology, Post-Confederation (1867-)
-
eBook
- ISBN
- 9781459836532
- Publish Date
- May 2024
- List Price
- $17.99
-
Hardback
- ISBN
- 9781459836518
- Publish Date
- May 2024
- List Price
- $21.95
Add it to your shelf
Where to buy it
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age: 3 to 5
- Grade: p to k
- Reading age: 3 to 5
Description
On a cold winter morning in 1952, Patsy Lamondin wakes to the day electricity will finally be connected to her small town along the Magnetawan River.
Patsy and her siblings buzz with excitement, eagerly awaiting the ceremony being held at the center of town. The Lamondins have lived along the waters of Georgian Bay and the Magnetawan River for generations. They are a Métis family who love music, dancing and being outdoors, and Patsy ponders how electricity will change all of their daily lives. What she knows for sure is that, whatever changes, she will always feel she belongs here.
About the authors
Pat Skene retired from the world of banking to find her voice. She is an Indigenous author of seven books for children, including What a Hippopota-Mess!, Rhyme Stones and Monster Lunch in the Orca Echo line. Pat is a regular contributor to the Oakville News and is currently working on her memoir. She lives in Oakville, Ontario.
Awards
- Commended, Indigenous Books for Schools
- Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens
- Commended, BC Books for Schools
Editorial Reviews
“A great reminder to prioritize family and the outdoors, no matter what innovations come our way. I highly recommend it.”
The Historical Novel Society, Historical Novels Review (HNR)
“An authentic depiction of life in Canada in 1952...Teachers/caregivers can use this book with units of study about then and now, Metis culture, and Canada in the 1950’s. Children will enjoy reading this book or having it read to them. Highly Recommended.”
Canadian Teacher Magazine
“Digital artwork offers a realistic setting that is sure to spark conversations about life in rural areas in the 1950s.”
Sal's Fiction Addiction
“The colourful illustrations in this book help to transmit a joyful and excited mood within this author’s pleasant memories.”
Indigenous Books for Schools
“Tailor-made for elementary classrooms…Serves as an excellent conversation starter, sparking [students'] curiosity and encouraging them to ask questions. The story not only entertains but also educates, providing valuable insights into the history of electricity in small towns, the role of lighthouses, and the treatment of Indigenous people during the 1950s. The beautiful and colourful illustrations enhance the book’s appeal, making it a must-have for any elementary school classroom or library.”
Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)
“Using humour and warm-hearted descriptions of family life, the author explores the curiosity, anticipation, and wonder felt as lights get turned on by a switch on the wall. The colourful, detailed illustrations set the mood for a nostalgic look at the simple pleasures of family life before and after electricity comes to a typical Canadian town.”
CM: Canadian Review of Materials
“Inspired by the author’s childhood growing up Metis and French, and the changes technology brought to her small town, it has a nostalgic tone. This Canadian historical picture book may find a home in units on unearthing family stories or in writing creative nonfiction.”
School Library Journal (SLJ)
Other titles by
Other titles by
Mysteries at Château Frontenac
Esther and Ben's Investigations
Nanook the Christmas Bear
Tricoter du bonheur
Spies on Parliament Hill
Esther and Ben's Investigations
The Tooth Fairy Goes on a Mission!
My Amazing Heroes
Hush, Puppy
Charlie's Rules #3
Ruff Day
Charlie's Rules #2
Sur le toit du monde
Pasture Bedtime
Charlie's Rules #1
