The Next Chapter

Achilles Gentle of GoodMinds.com shares the Indigenous books that are popular in his online store

The family-owned store specializes in Indigenous education and books by Indigenous authors.
Achilles Gentle is the owner of independent online bookstore GoodMinds.com. (Submitted by Achilles Gentle)

This segment originally aired on Oct. 31, 2020.

Achilles Gentle is the owner of GoodMinds.com, a family-owned business located on the Six Nations of the Grand River in Ontario. GoodMinds.com specializes in Indigenous education and features a selection of First Nations, Métis and Inuit books.

Gentle spoke with The Next Chapter about what books are popular in his store.

The Case of the Missing Auntie by Michael Hutchinson

The Case of the Missing Auntie is a middle-grade book by Michael Hutchinson. (Second Story Press, @Mike_Hutchins0n/Twitter.com)

"This is part of the Mighty Muskrat Mystery series, a new series with a third book coming out soon. It's about inseparable cousins from Windy Lake First Nation who go to Toronto to look for their grandfather's missing little sister, who was part of the Sixties Scoop and the residential school system in the city. 

"They meet bullies, heroes and unlikely teachers and learn about First Nations children in the city. They also visit the Truth and Reconciliation offices in their search for their auntie."

The Mishomis Book by Edward Benton-Banai

Edward Benton-Banai is Ojibwe-Anishinabe of the Fish Clan from Lac Courte Oreilles Reservation. (University Of Minnesota Press)

"This is a classic book of Ojibwe traditional teachings written for children and all learners. Edward Benton-Banai is the teacher and spiritual leader who founded the Red School House, an alternative school for Indigenous students.

"His goal in writing the book was to provide students with an accurate account of a culture, history and worldviews based on the oral teachings."

Treaty Tales series by Betty Lynxleg, illustrated by Amber Green and Scott B. Henderson

Betty Lynxleg is from western Manitoba's First Nation of Tootinaowaziibeeng Treaty Reserve. (Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre)

"This is an original trilogy that makes learning about the treaties and their history fun and engaging. The characters in the book learn about friendship, respect, honour, agreements and the history of Turtle Island." 

Achilles Gentle's comments have been edited for length and clarity.

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