When the Spirits Dance

When Lawrence’s father goes overseas with the Canadian Army during the Second World War, the young Cree boy struggles to grow up while wrestling with the meaning of war. With Papa gone, Mama raises the children alone. Traditional foods such as wild meat and fish are scarce, and many other foods are rationed.

Angry about the changes and confused about the future, Lawrence misses his father and his teachings about their natural way of life. When army runaways threaten the family, Lawrence’s courage and knowledge of traditional skills are called upon to keep them safe. With guidance from his grandfather and encouragement from his grandmother, Lawrence faces his challenges, becomes wiser and stronger, and earns the respect of his Elders.

AUTHOR

Larry Loyie

Author Larry Loyie was born in Slave Lake, Alberta. He spent his early years living a traditional Cree life and treasures the lessons he learned from the elders. He went to residential school from the age of 10 to 14, then began his working life. Larry returned to school later in life to fulfill his childhood dream of becoming a writer. He received the 2001 Canada Post Literacy Award for Individual Achievement (British Columbia). In 2003, Larry was the first First Nations writer to win the Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction for his first children’s book As Long as the Rivers Flows.


AUTHOR

Constance Brissenden

Constance Brissenden, BA (University of Guelph), MA (University of Alberta, theater) wrote a number of books with her partner, Larry Loyie. A nonfiction writer and editor of more than 14 books of history and travel, she was a writing instructor in Simon Fraser University’s Writing & Publishing program for 18 years. In 1993, Larry Loyie and Constance Brissenden launched the Living Traditions Writers Group to encourage writing in Indigenous and other communities. A lifelong freelancer, Constance Brissenden continues to write, edit and teach writing and theater.


Awards

There are no awards found for this book.
Excerpts & Samples ×
When Lawrence’s father goes overseas with the Canadian Army during the Second World War, the young Cree boy struggles to grow up while wrestling with the meaning of war. With Papa gone, Mama raises the children alone. Traditional foods such as wild meat and fish are scarce, and many other foods are rationed.

Angry about the changes and confused about the future, Lawrence misses his father and his teachings about their natural way of life. When army runaways threaten the family, Lawrence’s courage and knowledge of traditional skills are called upon to keep them safe. With guidance from his grandfather and encouragement from his grandmother, Lawrence faces his challenges, becomes wiser and stronger, and earns the respect of his Elders.

Reader Reviews

Accessibility Detail

Language tagging provided

Details

Dimensions:

44 Pages
10.25in * 7.5in * 0.125in
180gr

Published:

May 01, 2010

City of Publication:

Penticton

Country of Publication:

CA

Publisher:

Theytus Books

ISBN:

9781926886022

Featured In:

All Books

Language:

eng

No author posts found.

Related Blog Posts

There are no posts with this book.

Other books by Constance Brissenden