As Long as the Rivers Flow

As Long as the Rivers Flow

Written by: Loyie, Larry
Illustrated by: Holmlund, Heather
ages 8 and up / grades 3 and up

Winner of the Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children's Non-Fiction

In the 1800s, the education of First Nations children was taken on by various churches, in government-sponsored residential schools. Children were forcibly taken from their families in order to erase their traditional languages and cultures.

As Long as the Rivers Flow is the story of Larry Loyie's last summer before entering residential school. It is a time of learning and adventure. He cares for an abandoned baby owl and watches his grandmother make winter moccasins. He helps the family prepare for a hunting and gathering trip.

Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.7
Explain how specific aspects of a text's illustrations contribute to what is conveyed by the words in a story (e.g., create mood, emphasize aspects of a character or setting)

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.3
Describe in depth a character, setting, or event in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., a character's thoughts, words, or actions).

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.5.5
Explain how a series of chapters, scenes, or stanzas fits together to provide the overall structure of a particular story, drama, or poem.

Winner of the Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children's Non-Fiction

In the 1800s, the education of First Nations children was taken on by various churches, in government-sponsored residential schools. Children were forcibly taken from their families in order to erase their traditional languages and cultures.

As Long as the Rivers Flow is the story of Larry Loyie's last summer before entering residential school. It is a time of learning and adventure. He cares for an abandoned baby owl and watches his grandmother make winter moccasins. He helps the family prepare for a hunting and gathering trip.

Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.7
Explain how specific aspects of a text's illustrations contribute to what is conveyed by the words in a story (e.g., create mood, emphasize aspects of a character or setting)

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.3
Describe in depth a character, setting, or event in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., a character's thoughts, words, or actions).

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.5.5
Explain how a series of chapters, scenes, or stanzas fits together to provide the overall structure of a particular story, drama, or poem.

Published By Groundwood Books Ltd — Sep 4, 2005
Specifications 48 pages | 7.25 in x 10 in
Supporting Resources
(select item to download)
Teacher's Guide
Written By Larry Loyie is the author of several plays, short stories and children's stories dealing with native traditions, literacy and residential schools.
Illustrated by Heather D. Holmund studied fine art and the visual arts at York University, specializing in watercolour. Most recently she has focused on painting people as they relate to the natural world.
Written By Constance Brissenden is a freelance writer and editor. She is the author of nine books of travel and history.
Written By
Larry Loyie is the author of several plays, short stories and children's stories dealing with native traditions, literacy and residential schools.
Illustrated by
Heather D. Holmund studied fine art and the visual arts at York University, specializing in watercolour. Most recently she has focused on painting people as they relate to the natural world.
Written By
Constance Brissenden is a freelance writer and editor. She is the author of nine books of travel and history.
Audience ages 8 and up / grades 3 and up
Reading Levels Lexile 660L
Key Text Features illustrations; chapters; translations; photographs; historical context
Common Core CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.3
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.7
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.5.5

Winner, Norma Fleck Non-fiction Award, 2003

Commended, Cooperative Children's Book Center Choice, 2004

“A haunting combination of art, story and document.” —Toronto Star

“Holmlund's realistic and detailed watercolors expertly illuminate events throughout the story, in vignettes, plates, and a few full-page pictures.” —School Library Journal

“Loyie's quite words and Holmlund's authentic watercolor art capture the happy wilderness home...” —Booklist