Lucy & Lola / When We Play Our Drums, They Sing!

by Richard Van Camp, Monique Gray Smith, Julie Flett (Illustrator)

Tłįcǫ Translation : Eye Ts'ehxà Nid̨è, Gedzi ̨

The novellas will be bound together in a "flip-book" format, which offers the intended audiences two important perspectives in one package.

The first part is: The Journey Forward, A Novella On Reconciliation: When We Play Our Drums, They Sing! by Richard Van Camp

This the story of 12-year-old Dene Cho, who is angry that his people are losing their language, traditions, and ways of being. Elder Snowbird is there to answer some of Dene Cho's questions, and to share their history including the impact Residential schools continue to have on their people. It is through this conversation with Snowbird that Dene Cho begins to find himself, and begins to realize that understanding the past can ultimately change the future.

Tessa Macintosh's wonderful photographs are featured on the cover and interior of this memorable story.


The second part is: The Journey Forward, A Novella On Reconciliation: Lucy & Lola by Monique Gray Smith

Lucy and Lola are 11-year-old twins who are heading to Gabriola Island, BC, to spend the summer with their Kookum (grandmother) while their mother studies for the bar exam. During their time with Kookum, the girls begin to learn about her experiences in being sent -- and having to send their mother -- to Residential school. Ultimately, they discover what it means to be intergenerational survivors.

Award-winning illustrator Julie Flett created the amazing cover illustration and interior spot art that perfectly suit this engaging novella.

Genres: Indigenous, Middle Grade, Canada, Childrens, Young Adult, Native American, Juvenile

150 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2018

About the author

A Dogrib (Tlicho) Dene from Fort Smith, NWT, Richard Van Camp is an internationally renowned storyteller and best-selling author. He is the author of the novel, The Lesser Blessed, a collection of short stories, Angel Wing Splash Pattern, and two children’s books with Cree artist, George Littlechild. His new baby book: Welcome Song for Baby: A Lullaby for Newborns is the official selection of the Books for BC Babies program and is being given to every newborn baby in British Columbia in 2008. His new novel, Blessing Wendy, will be released in the fall of 2009 through Orca Book Publishers. Richard was awarded Storyteller of the Year for both Canada and the US by the Wordcraft Circle of Native Writers and Storytellers. You can visit Richard at his website: www.richardvancamp.org.

Reviews

[Niki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Uniquely, Lucy & Lola and When We Play Our Drums, They Sing! are two separate stories by different authors, bound together as one.

Lucy & Lola is the the tale of two young girls who spend the summer with their Kookum. Author Monique Gray Smith weaves in many important topics, including residential schools, assumptions/prejudices, and alcoholism. Lucy & Lola is a gentle story filled with important teachings. I would recommend it for students in grades 4-6.

In When We Play Our Drums, They Sing!, author Richard Van Camp also addresses important topics of history and culture, residential schools, and climate change through a young boy's passionate desire to learn more about his culture. He questions the apathy he is surrounded by and is encouraged to be a leader of change. In my opinion, When We Play Our Drums, They Sing! would be most effective with a slightly older audience, grades 6-8.

While I feel that these stories are loaded with important messages that need to be heard, I am slightly concerned that if this text isn't supported in our schools that much of the message will be lost.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading this flipbook of two lower middle-grade novellas on reconciliation. One is Lucy & Lola by Monique Gray Smith, with illustrations by Julie Flett. The other is When We Play Our Drums, They Sing! By Richard Van Camp with photographs by Tessa Macintosh.

Both novellas (roughly ages 8+) are fantastic in their own ways with so much to offer readers of all ages (adults could benefit from this book as much as kids).

Lucy & Lola was really funny and cute while also being incredibly heartfelt. Lucy and Lola are twins, they are Cree, and they're spending the summer with their Kookum while their mother studies for the bar. The story shows them smudging, respecting the land they are on, respecting languages, and dealing with prejudice (including viewing the other side and witness a woman who thought she was open-minded deal with her own prejudicial views). They learn a bit of their mom's and Kookum's residential school stories. They visit the Witness Blanket. It is a touching story deeply rooted in the girls' culture, with moments of love and humour to lift the story up.

When We Play Our Drums, They Sing! was a bit darker in tone, but it was probably my favourite of the two. The story follows Dene Cho, a young Tłı̨chǫ Dené boy, who is constantly at trouble at school because they don't understand him and he doesn't understand why they aren't learning traditional Dené knowledge or Indigenous history at school. His principal challenges him to learn as much about culture as he can to give a presentation about the ways the school could incorporate that knowledge. Dene Cho turns to Elder Snowbird for help, and he learns drumming, songs, language, global warming, residential school history, and more. They also talk about Dene Cho's father, who died, and what a great leader he had been. Dene Cho learns that he can become a leader in all the areas he feels passionate and angry about, and that sometimes anger can lead you to fix what is wrong.

Both stories were fantastic and necessary Reads, although I think When We Play Our Drums, They Sing! will stay with me longer. I highly recommend both.

[Melinda Doucette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lucy & Lola could be a good read for grade four or five students.
When We Play Our Drums, They Sing is a little more mature and complex. I enjoyed the story and think it could be an informative read for educators and anyone trying to learn a little more about Indigenous culture and residential schools.

[Jon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both stories are rich in their own ways. Wonderful collection for youth and learning about truth and reconciliation.

[Christine J · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve been a fan of Richard Van Camp for a long time. I really liked his contribution to this flip book. It was slightly edgy, but accessible. The Lesser Blessed is a great book, but it’s too complex in parts to be accessible to all my students, plus there’s some pretty graphic sex, drugs and rock and roll, but this book could be (and probably should be) read by all people.

Monique Gray Smith’s contribution is a cute story, but I didn’t enjoy it as much. It would be suitable for a much younger reader. I appreciate the content, but the twin girls’ characters were a bit contrived. I didn’t believe their dialogue, and the story seemed more like an opportunity to include history. It’s important history, but I didn’t enjoy the “lecture.” Again, better suited for a younger reader.

I appreciate the messages of reconciliation in these stories, and recommend this book as a way into the thoughts and feelings of indigenous people, regarding a terrible part of Canadian history. I learned a lot.

[Marmot · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for When We Play Our Drums, They Sing!, and 3 stars for Lucy and Lola. The drum story was more engaging and eye opening for me, as I think a lot of indigenous youth may feel like Dene did. I loved the format of this book, 2 stories, 2 covers, and guiding questions in the middle. Probably the thing that was the most unique about this book, was that it really seemed targeted for indigenous youth to read, rather than to educate the rest of the world on what it can be like to be an indigenous youth. That was a refreshing perspective. I found the reference to popular culture (iPads, Netflix, etc) in Lucy and Lola to not add anything to the story, it just dates it and I generally don’t like books that add things like that for no particular reason. Funny enough, on the other hand, the reference to Facebook in the drum story bugged me less, since it was actually part of the way Dene got his views of the world, which seems sadly true of many modern youth.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both stories are told from the point of view of young people, and they are people of this generation who have not been to residential schools, but they are hearing from their parents and elders about the legacy of the schools. Most of the books I have read previously have focused on the student experience, either at the time or looking back, but this gives an idea for how it is for the parents, and that makes it an important contribution to the literature.

Both books underline the importance of community and language.

This is going to stay with me, from When We Play Our Drums, They Sing!
"... what I see is a protector. That's why you're so angry. You see how things should be. That's a gift. It comes with a price, and that price is rage. Underneath that rage is hurt. Every leader I know has the same kind of hurt because you carry the pain of how things should be, could be, and deserve to be."

[Kelly · Rating 1 out of 5]

Only read when we play our drums they sing because of a class assignment. Really borring if you asked me. I was surprised to find out that it wasn't a real story because of how not exsitment it was. Their was no big battle at all and the ending I think got deletted by mis-tacke and never made it onto the pages. I was slightly looking forward to seeing how the meeting with the teachers went but we never even got that. The book had no ending. Honnestly I don't know why we read had to read this book. I think I feel a sleep every few pages cause I can barely remember what happpened. Would not suggest to anyone. Sorry. when we play our drums the sing ruined the intire book and I didn't feel like contineing to the second part.

-Kelly J. Grade 6

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Lucy & Lola” I could do without. I thought the dialogue and character’s reactions were at times inappropriate, as though there was a part the reader missed (leaving me confused or simply no longer “in” the story). I often felt that the dialogue and reactions were not genuine, and simply written in to get information across to the reader that could have been done in a more natural way.

I loved “Where We Play Our Drum…” though. It was well written, the characters were believable, and I wish it was a full novel rather than simply a novella. I would love to have watched the main character’s journey.

[Christine Boyer · Rating 1 out of 5]

My school district bought this "flip" novel for 6th grade teachers because it has a theme with Canadian First Nations people. So 1 star for mentioning the First Nations people of British Columbia. The rest: Horrible.

Lucy & Lola - no plot. And a big declaration that grandma used to be a raging alcoholic. My students were bored, then depressed. The only thing that kept us going was the talking pug!

When We Play Our Drums - no plot. And a teenaged boy that complained to no end throughout the entire story.

Both stories just went on and on and on about how shitty how these young kids felt. I shelved the novels at the back of my cabinet. Hopefully never to be seen again.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

All should read this book. The story of Dene Cho was a perspective we should all be aware of. The metaphor of lava was very effective. His anger made me feel uncomfortable, which I think I should feel. The other side was a good history lesson. The misunderstanding with Kate was a bit contrived, I wish that part of the story was different. I will recommend to all the grade 4 & 5 classes. Maybe a library read aloud. I really appreciate the readers guide that went with both novellas.

[Martha Viehmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two novellas bound in one volume exemplify the "journey forward" toward reconciliation and truth-telling about Canada's residential schools. Lucy & Lola by Monique Gray Smith and When We Play Our Drums, They Sing! by Richard Van Camp both feature youth developing relationships with elders and learning about their history or their heritage. Both novellas put Indigenous people at the center. The stories otherwise are very different. Both are engaging and fast paced.

[K-Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I especially enjoyed the Drum story. It was informative as well as a good thought provoking story. I enjoyed Lucy and Lola but found it to be light and more simplistic. I would use both in a school context to teach students about reconciliation.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both sides were good. I liked how it had indigenous culture ‘cause you don’t see stuff like that often. I liked the book(s) but it’s not really AMAZING but nice for a change. I’d like you to try this book and see your opinion.

[Kaleena Carriere · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed both of these short stories and they were both very quick reads. I appreciated that they both shed a little bit more light on residential schools while incorporating some traditional culture. Both very different writing styles, but they work well together.

[Lara Murakami · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly, I don’t get the hype with Lucy and Lola. I had to read it for school in grade 8 and just didn’t appreciate the writing style. It made me cringe at least once every page and it seemed really unrealistic. In my opinion, it was kinda hard to read because of how simplistic it was.

[Liv CG · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read the half that was Richard Van Camp’s story - which was super sweet! - but abandoned during the Smith story. It just didn’t work for me (the dog thing is not my thing!) but I could see others liking it.

[Jaelynne Wormenor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the authours of these books. Your vulnerability and honesty is what our country needs. This should be required reading for students in school and can be a tool in starting conversations and helping towards reconciliation.

[Shamana Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Powerful medicine. Recc.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Two novellas in one book.

[Roderick Mcgillis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slight but important stories. Recommended.

[Katrina Teall Breeze · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love When We Play Our Drums, They Sing, but Lucy & Lola felt a bit forced. Still a worthwhile read.

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for work and reallly liked it. Easy and enjoyable!

[Reeve Klatt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two sweet stories. Definitely geared towards children, but still worth reading for the perspective.

[Ren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made me cry and comforted me too.

[Chantelle Cotton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book to teach to my students who have just arrived to Canada. Will teach the truth, help them learn English and understand Canada as it is today.

[Elsa Medina · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important read for youth and adults that centres Indigenous voices and approaches reconcilliation through the power of story and dialogue.

[Alexis Armit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two simple, but beautiful stories of healing and reconciliation. Short, impactful reads.

[ash (mymodernrenaissance) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A couple books to read on truth and reconciliation. Two different stories, but both touch on some realities faced by Indigenous populations even now.

[Dee Robb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great resources for Grade 6-8 classrooms.