Gedakina’s One Shelf Books are coming to a school library near you!
We are so thrilled to see our books making their way into the hands of students. This years curated collection of books will be on the shelves of over fifty schools across Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine and even a school in Arizona!
“As you can see from the attached photos, the kids were very grateful and interested in the books, which were shared among six different elementary classrooms and the school library. We all really appreciate your kind gift, and the stories will be put to good use in the future.”
“On behalf of Canaan Schools in Canaan, VT, I want to offer a big thank you to your organization for the wonderful box of books that we received earlier this week. As the librarian of the school, I was thrilled to share these stories with my students.
As you can see from the attached photos, the kids were very grateful and interested in the books, which were shared among six different elementary classrooms and the school library. We all really appreciate your kind gift, and the stories will be put to good use in the future.
- Kaitlin Wood, Library & Media Specialist, Canaan Schools
Thank you very much for your donation of literature to the Boothbay Schools. We create a display each year for Indigenous Peoples day and these books will be a great addition this month. Thank you very much!
- Kerrin Erhard, District Librarian, Boothbay Region High School I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of books to our school library. Your contribution has significantly enriched our collection and provided our students with valuable insights into Native American cultures.
Thank you again for your support, and I look forward to sharing Native American wisdom with my students. I have included a book display I have put together to celebrate Native American Heritage Month in November.
- Brittany Hubacz, Librarian, Burke Town School We are writing to express our sincere gratitude for the generous gift of the One Shelf Project. The culturally relevant, historically accurate, and high-quality traditional literature and educational materials you’ve sent are truly invaluable resources for our school.
As a recipient of your 2024-2025 selection of books, we are deeply moved by your dedication to providing these resources free of charge to schools and libraries serving American Indian children.
Gedakina’s mission aligns perfectly with our own efforts to foster a culturally responsive and inclusive learning environment. The books you’ve provided will undoubtedly enrich our students’ understanding of Native American heritage and help encourage empathy and better understanding in others who don’t come from the same culture and need to learn more about it. We are grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the One Shelf Project and look forward to sharing these wonderful books with our students. Thank you again for your generosity and support.
-Tina McClure, School Librarian at Sutton School, -Rachel Robillard, Principal at Sutton School
Gedakina’s One Shelf Books displayed in the Burke School library honoring Native American Heritage Month
I wish to extend a sincere thank-you to Gedakina for the gift of books to North Haven Community School for our school library. We have already used and enjoyed several titles as we study Indigenous Peoples day within the school and community.
I read the Orange Shirt Story to our Kindergarten students. They were truly saddened when the little girl was sent to the residential school. I tried to relate it in a way they might understand how it would make them feel if they (at the age of 5 or 6) would feel if they were taken from their loved ones and must learn to live in a new and scary world.
I had them put their hand print on the thank-you poster and sign their name. We also had the whole school sign the Heart card enclosed. Please know that this wonderful resource will be enjoyed for years to come.
-Kathryn Quinn, Librarian, North Haven Community SchoolThank you so much for the donation of beautiful books by indigenous writers! Please scroll down to see a photo below that you are welcome to use.
We are excited to share these books with the community! Some books will be added to the library's collection, while others will be distributed to our partner organizations serving youth and teens.
Megan Estey Butterfield, MLS, Youth Library Manager, Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, Vermont
A shout-out to the schools we have heard from so far…
Boothbay Region High School
Burke Town School
Canaan School
Hazen School
Indian Township School
Lyndon Institute
Newton Elementary School
Newbury Elementary School
North Haven Community School
Sipayik Elementary School
Sutton School
Princeton Elementary School
Boys and Girls Club of Maliseet
Image of books prepared to ship, on the left our collection of Middle School books and the right, our collection of Elementary books, including Patricia Smith’s collection of photos and poetry, Wiliniwaskw Wliahki, Good Spirit, Good Earth published by Gedakina. Every school’s box included a copy of Patricia’s poetry book.
Learn more about Gedakina’s One Shelf Book Project.
And, reach out below if you would like to participate in our project next year either as a funder or a recipient of our books.