You Hold Me Up

by Monique Gray Smith, Danielle Daniel (Illustrator)

This vibrant picture book, beautifully illustrated by celebrated artist Danielle Daniel, encourages children to show love and support for each other and to consider each other's well-being in their everyday actions.

Consultant, international speaker and award-winning author Monique Gray Smith wrote You Hold Me Up to prompt a dialogue among young people, their care providers and educators about reconciliation and the importance of the connections children make with their friends, classmates and families. This is a foundational book about building relationships, fostering empathy and encouraging respect between peers, starting with our littlest citizens.

Genres: Picture Books, Indigenous, Family, Friendship, Childrens, Fiction, Realistic Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 31, 2017

Reviews

[Prabhjot Kaur · Rating 4 out of 5]

You hold me up is a book about kindness, sharing, standing together, respect and compassion. I loved the idea behind this and the illustrations were good too. The text is simple yet delivers a very important and powerful message. Author's note at the end really moved me and made me think that our history is full of violence and oppression (around the world). Some things have changed and others are in the process of changing but unless we hold each other up, things aren't going to change.

4 stars

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful book written in both English and Plains Cree. According to the author, the starting point was for "healing and Reconciliation" in response to the history of oppression of Indigenous people, particularly in regards to Residential Schools in Canada. The result is a project that embodies kindness, respect, and joy in relationships and communities with engaging, tender, pink-cheeked illustrations.

[Schizanthus Nerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

You Hold Me Up by Monique Gray Smith is a lovely picture book that teaches children empathy, compassion, love and the importance of supporting one another. I've read this book twice so far and the second read was as sweet and heartwarming as my first time through. Danielle Daniel's illustrations are bright, colourful and happy. I loved that the principles outlined in this book are shown clearly relating to children's interactions with not only their peers, but also adults and family.

I particularly loved the author's note at the end of the book that provided deeper meaning to this project, that of much needed reconciliation and healing for Canada's Indigenous population as a result of 150 years of abuse suffered by children in Indian Residential (boarding) Schools.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley (thank you very much to NetGalley and Orca Book Publishers for the opportunity) in exchange for honest feedback.

[La Coccinelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel bad about not being able to give this book a higher rating. The intention with which it was written was good. The text and message are fine, laudable even. So what's the problem?

I really didn't like the pictures. The very first one looked to me like the woman was side-eyeing the reader, and that was kind of the feeling I had myself as I went through the rest of it. The illustrations are very basic, and look almost like they were done by a child. Everybody's skin is blotchy, to the point where I wondered if they had some sort of medical condition. I think I would have found the illustrations unnerving when I was a child.

It may just be a matter of personal preference, but with the narrative being as thin as it is, I can't really justify giving this picture book any higher of a rating... since I didn't like the pictures at all.

[Krystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This wonderful children's story provides Indigenous representation with a heartwarming message and vibrant images, which is particularly needed towards healing and reconciliation.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

You Hold Me Up was a lovely book showing the love and respect between a First Nations community across generations. The message about dignity and caring for others is an important one to share with young readers and was especially meaningful coming from an Indigenous author. The illustrations were bright and eye-catching with a cherry-cheeked motif throughout. Recommended for both the message it imparts, as well as the welcome diversity.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[CaseyTheCanadianLesbrarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful book about empathy, community, solidarity, dignity and respect. The words on the main pages are short, simple, and profound, and there's also an author's note at the end about reconciliation, healing, and residential schools. The note seems more aimed at older kids and caregivers, whereas the main text could be read to very little ones.

[Producervan · Rating 5 out of 5]

You Hold Me Up by Monique Gray Smith. Illustrated by Danielle Daniel. Orca Book Publishers. This book and illustrations show how simple actions support family, friends, and people in our social circles and communities in healthy ways. Highly recommend for young children. Thanks to NetGalley and Vanita Books for providing this ebook for review.

[Kristy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read with my friend's daughter, Ava (4 1/2).

Ava's review: I thought it was too short, but I liked the pictures.

I agree with her. Cute story about loving each other, but really short.

[Nrithya · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was okay. It's a book on empathy & solidarity for kids. A lot of pictures and few lines of text. So suitable for very young kids who are just getting to learn new words. The intent of the book is good but I didn't get a wow feeling about either the illustrations or the content and hence the 2-star rating.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

We hold each other up, the simple narrative in this Canadian First Nations picture-book informs us, by being kind and sharing with one another, by laughing and learning with one another, and by playing with, and listening to and respecting one another. By doing all these and other things, we embark on what the author describes, in her brief note, as a journey of healing and reconciliation...

Canadian author Monique Gray Smith, of mixed First Nations (Lakota and Cree) and European (Scottish) ancestry, first came to my attention through her lovely board book, My Heart Fills With Happiness , illustrated by the talented Julie Flett. I sought out You Hold Me Up because of my positive experience with that earlier book, and on the whole I found it engaging. I certainly appreciate the intent behind the book, which is to provide a template for humane community behavior for the youngest children, and to encourage healing from the trauma inflicted by Canada's residential school system for First Nations peoples. The illustrations here are done by Danielle Daniel, a Canadian artist who is also of mixed First Nations (Anishinaabe) and European (French and Scottish) ancestry, and have an interesting folk art style to them. I've read through the book three times now, and still can't decided if I like them - I don't find them aesthetically appealing, but they draw my eye and keep my attention, all the same - so perhaps I'll have to track down Ms. Daniel's own Sometimes I Feel Like a Fox , for further consideration. I do have a weakness for fox stories, after all. In any case, this is one I would recommend to picture-book readers looking for First Nations/Native American content, as well as to those simply looking for stories to encourage kindness toward all.

[Katy O. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful picture book about supporting those around us. I plan to read it aloud to my 4K classes.

Thanks to the publisher for the review copy!

[Earl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Canadian import that I was super impressed with. The story is great for "how full is your bucket?" fans. It's also great to teach acts of kindness to readers who may be overwhelmed by all the bad news out in the world or are inspired by Wonder's message to choose kind!

The author's note discusses a deeper intention of why this book was written- the mistreatment of Canada's indigenous people through its implantation of residential schools.

[Kaethe · Rating 4 out of 5]

#10 in 365 Kids Books challenge and bid to get back on the Top 100 Readers list for full explanation see my review for 101 Amazing Facts about Australia

This is proving to be not just fun, which I anticipated, but also a good stretch. My local libraries hold collection which are in part formed by people at least somewhat like me for a community at least somewhat like me. The pandemic has curtailed in-person browsing, and with adult children I don't follow picture book reviews as I once did.

That whole sentence was just "I don't get out much," wasn't it?

Because narrowing my search was hard, I just put anything that looked like it might could be a picture book in my basket. Paw Patrol didn't make the cut, nor that strangely hillbilly family of bears series, but pretty much everything else did. If it's a picture book and I can find it in GRs or Amazon then that's what's next.

Mostly unfiltered then. So much I would possibly have skipped.

This, for example, which is simple and lovely. For some reason I am touched by the pink cheeks in particular, who knows? This goes back to my idea that one of the purposes of picture books is to get adults who might not have a lot of experience or examples of verbally expressing their positive emotions to do it anyway. That reading aloud "I love you and I will always love you no matter what" teaches us to think that way and gives us a script to use comfortably.

Just a thought. But if it is true, this is a really good book to give first time parents.

Library copy

[Amie's Book Reviews]

YOU HOLD ME UP is a beautifully written and gorgeously illustrated children's book

Learning empathy is important for all children and even parents can learn (or at least, be reminded) that parents need to have empathy for others as wekl.

This book was easy to rate. It deserves every one of the 5 out of 5 Stars that I am awarding to it.

Highly recommended!!!

[Raina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great ownvoices picture book. Brief text facing simple illustrations of different scenes.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful book.
(100 books)

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful story about showing support and how important support and acceptance are for an individual.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet book.

[Educateempower · Rating 5 out of 5]

The four words : You hold me up ring throughout this picture book, highlighting the importance of family, trust, friendship and love.



Written by two Canadian authors, this story highlights the damage done by the government to indigenous children in the past and at times, now.

A pertinent issue for many countries around the world, and as an Australian, something we need to do more about.  

Children being taken from their families, never to see them again was something that happened all too often and the stories that are emerging from this are atrocious.

Many of these children and families are on a long path to healing and can only do this with the support of the community around them.

This story reminds us that we are all human and that we all need love, respect and dignity.

Monique Gray Smith has written this with the littlest people in mind and hopes to encourage dialogue among children, their families and educators.

Danielle Daniel’s illustrations are vibrant and full of warmth and love. Each picture oozes the strength of each relationship and the bond held between the people involved.

Read this story with those around you and as you do, you will realise how important it is to hold everyone in our community up.

[Alia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Important book for discussion and healing. Lovely. Can't wait until it's a board book.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book does a great job of bringing awareness to the injustice brought to indigenous people in Canada. This book serves as a platform from which to launch discussions with children about history.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quiet story of support and love, within families and among friends.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very simple. The theme is kindness together, kindness to others. I love the illustrations.

[Kier Scrivener · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't normally rate picture books but this was just so good!

Monique Gray Smith is able to write simply and yet profoundly, digging into the universal truths we struggle with. Fundementally we need children to share, to play, to respect each other. We fundmentally fail at this as adults.

We need this between children. Between adults and children. We need this between white and Indigenous communities. You Hold Me Up. I Hold You Up. We Hold Each Other Up. Is simple, base and yet what most of us fight tooth and nail for all our lives. In insecurity, in loss, in the words we cannot say.

We come into the world only able to use our voice to ask for what we need. Relying on others. And we move further and further away. Running from holding each other up as we hope others will hold us up.

Danielle Daniel's art is gorgeous. Celebrating Indigenous art and people through art is so important!

I love this book so much!

[Claire Dannaman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave You Hold Me Up 5 out of 5 stars. It’s a gentle, rhythmic book that focuses on kindness, respect, and emotional support. The text is simple and repetitive: “You hold me up when you listen. You hold me up when you play with me,” making this a perfect read-aloud for early childhood. The illustrations are warm and inclusive, showing diverse families and friendships. I’d use this book to build classroom community, especially at the start of the year or during social-emotional learning. It pairs well with a class activity where students write or draw how they hold each other up.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very simple picture book written in "the spirit of reconciliation" for wrongs done to indigenous families in Canada. None of these policies/politics are explored explicitly here . . . rather, the reader just is treated to a lovely list of ways we "hold (each other) up" by the kindnesses we share. Diversity in illustrations is much appreciated.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful book describes the ways in which humans can support each other. Text points out that the simplest choices have powerful positive messages. And the pictures convey the same ideas. For example: "When you share with me" is the text and the picture shows one person handing an apple to another. Very lovely!

[Madison Paprzycki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a book that represents kindness and shows that someone in your life can hold you up and give you a source of happiness. This can be used in the classroom because these can be things we do in the classroom together and it can be seen as us as a community and the students will feel closer together.

[Taylor Trimble]

This story is about compassion, empathy, friendship, and community. It teaches chidren to stand up for their friends regardless of their backgrounds and to really think about how other people feel and what they have been through. This is a great story to teach children about how to be a good friend and would be perfect for a read aloud.