First Nation Communities READ 2025-2026 Children Shortlist Features “Bannock in a Hammock” and “Dad, I Miss You”.

First Nation Communities READ 2025-2026 Children Shortlist Features “Bannock in a Hammock” and “Dad, I Miss You”.

Chosen by a jury of First Nation librarians from across Ontario, these titles represent the best of Indigenous literature from Canada today.  The title selection announcement and award presentation for FNCR 2025-2026 will take place during First Nation Public Library Week (October 6-10, 2025).

Bannock in a Hammock is sweet and simple rhyming book that explores a popular traditional food with Inuit and other Indigenous people, and has some fun along the way. What’s your favourite way to eat bannock?

Told in the voice of a boy and his father by turns, Dad, I Miss You takes a thoughtful and heartfelt look at the emotional toll of a child being taken from their family and community to attend residential school. While the child’s internal monologue expresses his fear, confusion, and loss, the father’s monologue conveys his own sadness, fears, and hopes for the future of his child. The narrative gives voice to the things left unsaid between a parent and child experiencing this heart-rending separation. Upon his return to his community, when father and son are reunited, they must start the long process of reconnection.

You can read the full article HERE.