Description
Shannen and the Dream for a School is one of the titles in the Kids Power Series from Second Story Press. The author Janet Wilson has taken the real-life story of Shannen Koostachin, her friends and family of Attawapiskat and created a fictionalized account in a chapter book format. Shannen was a student attending JR Nakogee Elementary when her and other community students began a campaign to have a new school built. The school had been contaminated by a fuel spill in 1979, and now students were forced to endure moldy and drafty portables during the school day. At thirteen Shannen and her classmates created a YouTube video about their school portables’ conditions and how they all wanted a safe and healthy building in which to learn. The video turned viral and garnered support from a variety of students across Canada as well as support from organizations. The author successfully weaves created dialogue into this fictionalized story but remains faithful to the heart of this moving story. Portraying a history of this James Bay Cree community's 30-year efforts to lobby for a decent school building as well as explaining the history of the Indian Act and the role of the federal government in the lives of First Nations is accomplished with ease and simplicity. In addition the book includes black and white photographs of Shannen and her classmates and family as well as a timeline, glossary and map. The role of a thirteen-year-old Cree activist is told with respect and dignity. Shannon's dream of a new school for Attawapiskat was unrealized when she tragically died in an automobile accident when she was fifteen. Despite the loss of this bright and determined student her dream for a safe and healthy learning environment for all First Nations students has been kept alive by her friends and family and we all look forward to the day in the near future when a new school at Attawapiskat is opened. ATOS Reading Level: 5.9; Lexile Measure: 840; Reading Level: 5.5. Highly recommended. Shannen and the Dream for a School is the Selected Title for First Nation Communities Read 2012-2013 program. Janet Wilson's Teacher Guide is located at: http://www.janetwilson.ca/study-guide-shannen-and-the-dream-for-a-school.html