BOOK IM NOT A NUMBER

Gaawin Gindaawswin Ndaawsii/ I Am Not A Number written by Jenny Kay Dupuis and Kathy Kacer.

Irene and her family live together on Nipissing First Nation until the day a government agent comes to their door to take Irene and two of her brothers away to live at a residential school very far from home.

Irene's parents don't want to send their children away but they are given no choice. Irene's mother hugs her close and tells her: "Never forget who you are!"

Irene cannot guess what awaits her at the residential school but through everything she will cling to her mother's words. She will cling to her mother's words. She will not forget who she is or where she comes from.

Dr. Jenny Kay Dupuis is of Ojibway/Annishinaabe ancestry and is a proud member of Nipissing First Nation. Jenny's commitment to teaching about Indigenous issues along with her interest in her family's past led her to write her grandmother Irene Couchie Dupuis' story. Jenny lives in Toronto where she works for the advancement of Indigenous education.

Kathy Kacer is an award-winning author who has written many books about the Holocaust for young readers including The Secret of Gabi's Dresser Shanghai Escape and The Magician of Auschwitz. She is very honored to help share Jenny Kay Dupuis' family story with young people. Kathy lives wither her family in Toronto.