Last Friday marked the third year of schools in Portage la Prairie taking part in Orange Shirt Day, an annual day to recognize the impacts of the residential school system on children and families.

Yellowquill School had a rare treat as one of its students was featured in a book entitled "Tyson's New Orange Shirt" written by his grandmother Lynda Dobbin-Turner.

Turner said she was inspired to write the book after she heard her daughter explaining residential schools to her son. The author thinks informing kids early is important.

"People are only beginning to recognize what both the residential school system did and was, and what it's done and how it still impacts families. I believe starting with our youth is a way to start the conversation," Turner says.

Principal Shawn Harkness says to have a guest author come in is a great opportunity for kids at the school, and will help with curious kids wondering why they're wearing orange.

"A lot of the kids are asking "Why am I wearing orange?" and today's book will be so beneficial in explaining that to the kids in a way they can understand," says Harkness.

Turner had the chance to read her book to her grandsons at Yellowquill School, as well as to other children at École Arthur Meighen and Fort la Reine. The author and Grandmother says she didn't expect feedback to be as big as it was, but is happy her book is reaching more youth.

"The more children being aware and learning about some of our history that we never had a chance to learn, that's alright too," says Turner.

Turner has another book in the works that discusses children with disabilities. She says, similar to the residential school story, it will try to reach children before they get jaded with ideas and input from the world.

"If they can see a child with a disability or they can see a First Nations child from another culture as just another child, they're going to be way more prepared for dealing with some of the harshness that the real world will throw in terms of that sort of thing," explains Turner.

The author hopes that some of the proceeds of "Tyson's New Orange Shirt" will go toward supporting residential school survivors she helps with grief recovery work.

Harkness says the school plans to purchase copies of the book, which is also available on Amazon.