When We Were Alone Explained

When We Were Alone
Author:	David Robertson (writer)
Country:	United States
Language:	English, Swampy Cree language
Genre:	Children's literature, Historical fiction
Release Date:	December 1, 2016
Media Type:	Print
Illustrators:	Julie Flett

When We Were Alone is a children's book written by David Robertson, illustrated by Julie Flett and published December 1, 2016 by HighWater Press. The book is published in English, and one edition include text in Swampy Cree syllabics and Roman orthography, translated by Alderick Leask.^[1]

The book tells the story of a young girl who asks her grandmother about the grandmother's colorful clothing while they are gardening. From there, the grandmother tells some of her history of living in a residential school as a child, during which times she and others broke the school's rules "when [they] were alone."

Reception

When We Were Alone received starred review from Booklist,^[2] as well as positive reviews from American Indians in Children's Literature^[3] and Kirkus Reviews.^[4]

The book received the following accolades:

• Governor General's Literary Awards: Young People's Literature — Illustrated Books winner (2017)^[5]
• Shining Willow Award nominee (2018)^[6]

See also

• How David A. Robertson wrote a picture book about the history of Canada's residential schools
• David Alexander Robertson on "When We Were Alone"
• David Alexander Robertson talks about his winning book, When We Were Alone
• Why David A. Robertson wanted When We Were Alone to celebrate the Cree language

Notes and References

1. Web site: Ispík Kákí Péyakoyak/When We Were Alone IndieBound.org. 2021-10-13. IndieBound. en.
2. Web site: March 15, 2017. When We Were Alone. 2021-10-12. Booklist.
3. Web site: Reese. Debbie. 2016-09-23. American Indians in Children's Literature (AICL): WHEN WE WERE ALONE by David Alexander Robertson and Julie Flett. 2021-10-13. American Indians in Children's Literature (AICL).
4. Web site: October 12, 2016. When We Were Alone. 2021-10-11. Kirkus Reviews.
5. Web site: Past GGBooks winners and finalists. 2021-10-13. Governor General's Literary Awards. en.
6. Web site: 2018 Shining Willow Finalists. 2021-10-13. Saskatchewan Young Readers' Choice Awards. en.