Rez Kid

A celebration of traditional ways of life and the power of sharing what we have.

＂Rez kid!＂ The girl ignores the taunt as she hurries to the back of the school bus. She just wants to get home to the reservation, where she can feel safe. One by one, she tells her mom, nóhkom, moshum and aunty about what happened. And one by one they offer her advice on what to do. Each one has a different idea, but each idea is the same at heart: share something from the reservation with the other children. The girl listens, but decides to come up with her own idea. And, as with everything else about her life as a rez kid, her idea grows out of all she has been given by those who came before her.

Andrea Landry has written a beautiful story that celebrates Indigenous ways of life and encourages readers to be proud of who they are. The traditions practiced on the girl’s reservation are showcased as she beads, harvests medicine, gardens and rides horseback with her elders. Isabella Fassler’s stunning art, with swirls of bold colors, evokes the majesty and splendor of nature. The message of showing kindness in response to aggression offers a powerful lesson for all readers. This book could augment social studies lessons on Indigenous cultures and character education conversations about courage, compassion and inclusiveness. An author’s note gives a brief history of reservations/reserves.

Andrea Landry is Anishinaabe from a small community called Pays Plat First Nation in Northwestern Ontario but currently resides on Poundmaker Cree Nation. She’s a mother, a life skills coach through Red Echo Associates, a university instructor and a freelance writer. Her passion is working with children, young people and families in the areas of healing and wellness. She also loves learning and being on the land with her two daughters.
Isabella Fassler is an interdisciplinary artist based in Toronto, Ontario, who is passionate about exploring the different ways art can transform our perceptions. Drawn to all things bright and bold, she loves to play with color and texture in her art.