Survivor Shares Residential School Story in Children's Book

A new children's book is helping young readers understand a painful chapter of Canadian history through one survivor's eyes.

Shirley Horn was just five years old when an Indian agent took her from her family and placed her in residential school. Now, decades later, her childhood memories have become Shirley: An Indian Residential School Story, an illustrated book that balances honest truth with messages of resilience.

Anishinaabe author and illustrator Joanne Robertson spent years working with Horn to get the story right. Horn shared many memories from her time at Shingwauk Indian Residential School in Sault Ste. Marie, including both the loneliness and cruelty she experienced, as well as moments of humor and connection between the children.

"I had to sit with it for a really long time, because I didn't want to cause more harm," Robertson said about choosing which stories to include. Both women agreed the book should educate without traumatizing young readers.

Robertson discovered a unique way to illustrate the book after becoming inspired by Mo Willems' Knuffle Bunny. She blended black-and-white historical photos from the Shingwauk Residential School Centre archives with brightly colored drawings of the students.

The photos add truth and reality to the story. The vibrant illustrations bring life and color to the children, showing their strength and resilience even in difficult circumstances.

Why This Inspires

Horn, who was recently appointed to the Order of Ontario, has dedicated years to preserving the stories of residential school survivors through the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association. This book ensures those stories reach a new generation of Canadian students.

Robertson grew up in southern Ontario and never learned about residential schools in her own education. She hopes Horn's story will spark curiosity and encourage young readers to learn more about this important part of Canadian history.

"It's part of her legacy," Robertson said. "I feel really honoured, and I have a responsibility to carry this story now."

Horn and Robertson will meet readers at a book signing and question-and-answer session at Algoma University on March 4. The event gives students and community members a chance to hear directly from both women about the collaborative process.

The book shows how preserving difficult histories can be done with care, honesty, and hope for understanding.