When We Were Alone

When We Were Alone is a children's book written by David Robertson, illustrated by Julie Flett and published December 1, 2016 by HighWater Press. The book is published in English, and one edition include text in Swampy Cree syllabics and Roman orthography, translated by Alderick Leask.^[1]

When We Were Alone

Author	David Robertson (writer)
Illustrators	Julie Flett
Language	English, Swampy Cree language
Genre	Children's literature, Historical fiction
Publication date	December 1, 2016
Publication place	United States
Media type	Print

The book tells the story of a young girl who asks her grandmother about the grandmother's colorful clothing while they are gardening. From there, the grandmother tells some of her history of living in a residential school as a child, during which times she and others broke the school's rules "when [they] were alone."

Reception

When We Were Alone received starred review from Booklist,^[2] as well as positive reviews from American Indians in Children's Literature^[3] and Kirkus Reviews.^[4]

The book received the following accolades:

• Governor General's Literary Awards: Young People's Literature — Illustrated Books winner (2017)^[5]
• Shining Willow Award nominee (2018)^[6]