One Beaded Earring

Gr 1-5–A heartfelt illustrated early chapter book that blends family, culture, and honesty into a moving story of discovery and love. Nine-year-old Delia takes one of her mother’s treasured beaded earrings to school, hoping to fit in, but accidentally loses it. Afraid to confess, she turns to her Grandma Jo, and in doing so begins a journey into her Métis heritage. Alongside her best friend Jeffrey and the support of her family, Delia learns about beadwork, traditional recipes, language, and ancestral history while also grappling with responsibility, forgiveness, and identity. The strength of this book lies in its seamless weaving of cultural tradition with a relatable child’s mistake. Delia’s journey is both social-emotional learning accountability and making amends and cultural, as she and her family reclaim a heritage that had been hidden for generations. Skene draws from her own Métis background, and the back matter includes photographs, a glossary of Métis words, and historical context that enriches the narrative. Laurin’s artwork, done in a bold and approachable style, supports emerging readers while adding depth to the cultural elements. The inclusion of the “spirit bead” tradition, recipes, and stories grounds the book in authenticity and creates opportunities for classroom connections. This book is not only an engaging story but also an important resource for identity exploration and cultural education. It’s perfect for classroom libraries, community collections, and family read-alouds, especially in discussions about honesty, resilience, and heritage.