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''When We Were Alone'' is a children's book written by David Robertson, illustrated by
Julie Flett Julie Flett is a Cree-Métis author and illustrator, known for her work in children's literature centered around the life and cultures of Indigenous Canadians. Flett is best known for her illustrations in books such as ''Little You,'' and ''When ...
and published December 1, 2016 by HighWater Press. The book is published in English, and one edition include text in
Swampy Cree The Swampy Cree people, also known by their Exonym and endonym, autonyms ''Néhinaw'', ''Maskiki Wi Iniwak'', ''Mushkekowuk,'' ''Maškékowak, Maskegon'' or ''Maskekon'' (and therefore also ''Muskegon'' and ''Muskegoes'') or by exonyms includin ...
syllabics and Roman orthography, translated by Alderick Leask. The book tells the story of a young girl who asks her grandmother about the grandmother's colorful clothing while they are gardening. From there, the grandmother tells some of her history of living in a residential school as a child, during which times she and others broke the school's rules "when
hey Hey, HEY, or Hey! may refer to: Music * Hey (band), a Polish rock band Albums * ''Hey'' (Andreas Bourani album) or the title song (see below), 2014 * ''Hey!'' (Julio Iglesias album) or the title song, 1980 * ''Hey!'' (Jullie album) or the ...
were alone."


Reception

''When We Were Alone'' received starred review from ''
Booklist ''Booklist'' is a publication of the American Library Association that provides critical reviews of books and audiovisual materials for all ages. ''Booklist''s primary audience consists of libraries, educators, and booksellers. The magazine is ...
,'' as well as positive reviews from American Indians in Children's Literature and ''
Kirkus Reviews ''Kirkus Reviews'' is an American book review magazine founded in 1933 by Virginia Kirkus. The magazine's publisher, Kirkus Media, is headquartered in New York City. ''Kirkus Reviews'' confers the annual Kirkus Prize to authors of fiction, no ...
.'' The book received the following accolades: *
Governor General's Literary Awards The Governor General's Awards are a collection of annual List of awards presented by the governor general of Canada, awards presented by the governor general of Canada, recognizing distinction in numerous academic, artistic, and social fields. Th ...
: Young People's Literature — Illustrated Books winner (2017) * Shining Willow Award nominee (2018)


References


See also


How David A. Robertson wrote a picture book about the history of Canada's residential schools

David Alexander Robertson on "When We Were Alone"

David Alexander Robertson talks about his winning book, ''When We Were Alone''

Why David A. Robertson wanted When We Were Alone to celebrate the Cree language
{{Governor General's English children's illustration, state=collapsed 2016 children's books Governor General's Award–winning children's books Residential schools in Manitoba Swampy Cree Canadian children's books First Nations literature Books by David Robertson