Like many this week, I’ve been gutted by the news of the 215 unmarked graves discovered at a Kamloops residential school. The experts believe that Indigenous children as young as three are buried there. Children who were taken from their families, neglected, abused, and then hidden from history.

It must have been a small group of massively determined people in the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation who — despite the government’s denial of funding and despite the lack of public attention — refused to rest until the children were found. That kind of commitment is what shifts the world. Indeed, the federal government today pledged to support efforts to search other residential school grounds.

In an ideal world, the activism shown by the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation wouldn’t be necessary. But in our far-from-ideal world, I’m grateful for their work.

If you’re discussing the news with your students or your children, look to this book list by David A. Robertson for resources. There are also recommendations on 49th Kids.

You can donate to support residential school survivors here. And survivors who need support are encouraged to call the National Indian Residential School Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419.

It was a little odd speaking to myself in my family room and assuming — in other rooms in other places around the continent — there were people laughing at my jokes. But it was also fun to talk about my newest book, This Is Your Brain on Stereotypes. And apparently, 1200 people tuned in. (Thank goodness no one told me that until after my presentation!)

This is Your Brain on Stereotypes is officially on store shelves this week (in real life and virtually). It’s all about the ways bias works inside our brains, sometimes without us consciously realizing.

The book was illustrated by the talented Drew Shannon.

When the printed copies arrived, Violence grabbed one.

“It looks so cool!” he said.

This is rare praise from any thirteen-year-old boy. I’m taking it as my best review yet. (Though I’m sure it had everything to do with Drew’s cover, and nothing to do with my writing!)

The book has earned lovely praise from more official reviewers, too, including Kirkus. (And a star! Yay!)

I think you should get a copy. But… of course… I’m thoroughly biased.

You might think I’m all about serious issues these days, since I’ve been posting about Black Lives Matter and stereotypes and pandemics.

Well, rest assured, my life is just as ridiculous as ever.

About five days ago, we got a puppy. His name is Coby (short for Cobra Kyi, for those of you who are martial arts nerds like my family members). He is small, cute, and very demanding.

My house is now carpeted in pee pads and dog toys. My days are spent wrestling over sock ownership. And my nights are spent shlepping the little guy outside every few hours, whenever he starts to whine.

A couple nights ago, I carried him downstairs at 3 a.m. I pointed him toward a safe place to pee. Then I sat down — in my nightgown — on the threshold of my house.

On top of a bee.

That’s right. I sat on a bee at 3 a.m.

And it hurt! I haven’t been stung in years, and I forgot how much it… well… stings!

“What was a bee doing on your doorstep?” my friend said, when I told her the story.

Presumably, he was sleeping. Which is something I hope Coby and I manage to do, too, sometime soon.