The Animal People Choose a Leader is shortlisted for the First Nation Communities READ 2025–2026
Douglas & McIntyre is pleased to announce that The Animal People Choose a Leader by Richard Wagamese and illustrated by Bridget George, is shortlisted for the First Nation Communities READ 2025–2026 in the Children’s Category.
The First Nation Communities READ program announced the shortlists for the Children’s and Young Adult/Adult categories on September 10th. Chosen by a jury of First Nation librarians from across Ontario, these titles represent the best of Indigenous literature from Canada. The title selection announcement and award presentation for FNCR 2025-2026 will take place during First Nation Public Library Week (October 6-10, 2025). The two selected title authors will be the recipients of the Indigenous Literature Award and will each receive a $5000 cash prize.
The Animal People Choose a Leader is a tradition-steeped story from renowned author Richard Wagamese that meditates on the unifying powers of wisdom, kindness and respect with all the visionary clarity of our most essential legends. Unforgettable for its lyrical power and poignant message, The Animal People Choose a Leader is yet another example of the late author’s unique gifts as a storyteller, and a welcome reminder of his honoured place in Canadian writing.
Bridget George is an Anishinaabe author-illustrator and graphic designer. Raised on the Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, she now lives in London, Ontario, with her family. It’s a Mitig, her debut picture book, won the TD Summer Reading Club and First Nation Communities READ / PMC Indigenous Literature Award, and she has since worked on several more bestselling and critically acclaimed books for children, including The Animal People Choose a Leader and The Inquisitive Raven, both by Richard Wagamese.
First Nation Communities READ was launched in 2003 by the First Nations Public Library Community in Ontario, with support from the Ontario Library Service. FNCR aims to increase awareness of the importance of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit writing, illustration, and publishing by promoting and celebrating Indigenous literature across Canada. For more information, visit the FNCR website at www.fncr.ca.