Today is the official publication day of My Street Remembers, gorgeously illustrated by Cathie Jamieson, and I’m thrilled it’s out in the world! I first wrote this manuscript in winter 2018 during my MFA program at the Vermont College of Fine Arts. It has passed through the hands of many readers and reviewers along the way, and I have much gratitude for their feedback. In particular, I’d like to thank Darin P. Wybenga, Traditional Knowledge and Land Use Coordinator of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and Dr. Mary Ann Corbiere, Associate Professor Emerita, University of Sudbury.
What the Book Is About
How many footsteps have walked your street?
Peel back the history of one city street in North America to reveal the greater story of the land on which we live. This rich collaboration between author Karen Krossing, of White settler descent, and Anishinaabe artist Cathie Jamieson ends with a question that readers anywhere can ask – what does your street remember?
This is the first book in the Better Paths series, which explores our relationship and reconciliation with the natural world.
Praise for My Street Remembers
“This addition to the Better Path series examines the relationship between humans and the natural world. Acrylic illustrations in bright, bold colors frequently stretch across double-page spreads, unfolding like a visual timeline that drives home the area’s history. A thoughtful overview and reflection on the life and legacy of a busy street.” Booklist
Launch Events
This Fall, I’ll be hosting a book launch for My Street Remembers and presenting at several festivals. I hope you’ll join me!
New School Presentation
I’m now booking for a new school presentation. You can also check out my other book talks and writing workshops.
What Does Your Street Remember?
I’ll take students on a journey of the collective history of one North American street using My Street Remembers as a framework. We will notice the place where the students live – who walks there now and what they know about who walked there before – and what it means to belong to a place. We will discuss treaties through the lens of collective friendship and what it means to be a good friend. And we will observe what we can do to connect and reconcile with the place where we live. I’ll speak from my identity as a person of settler heritage and use my collaboration with Anishinaabe illustrator Cathie Jamieson as a model for community-building. I’ll conclude with a gratitude activity for the place where we live and a Q&A. Themes: Relationships with place and inclusion; Indigenous experiences and reconciliation; Developing community and working with others; Environment and nature; Combatting racism and prejudice.
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