“Touching Grass:” How One Story Inspires Kids to Unplug and Connect with the Real World

In a world where kids are often more connected to their screens than the sky above them, stories that remind us to slow down and reconnect with nature feel especially meaningful. Touching Grass, written by Kristy Jackson and published by HarperCollins, does exactly that. From the author of the Governor General’s Award–shortlisted and Silver Birch Award finalist Mortified, this funny and heartfelt middle-grade novel (recommended for ages 8-12) follows Tristen, a young gamer who would rather stay online than outdoors. That is until he’s sent to a Dene First Nation culture camp that changes everything. Keep reading for an exclusive interview with Canadian author, Kristy Jackson, and a message about finding a healthy balance with technology, especially since it’s something we can’t live without.

Parents and educators will find Touching Grass especially meaningful for young readers growing up in our screen-filled world. Jackson captures the challenges and rewards of stepping away from devices and finding joy in real-life connections by “touching grass”. The in-person and online tutoring team at Teachers on Call recommends this book for its authentic portrayal of modern kids and its gentle encouragement toward balance, cultural awareness, and outdoor exploration. It’s a thoughtful conversation starter about the importance of both technology and time in nature. The term “touch grass,” meaning to disconnect from the virtual world and reconnect with the physical one, is more than gaming slang; it’s been shown to carry real mental health and well-being benefits.

About the Author: Kristy Jackson

Kristy Jackson is a Canadian author based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Drawing from her Cree and German heritage, she writes stories that are both funny and deeply human, exploring themes of belonging, balance, and self-discovery. Her debut novel, Mortified, was a finalist for several major awards, and her latest book, Touching Grass, continues to resonate with readers for its humor, heart, and timely message about reconnecting with nature and culture. The Calgary Herald has selected it as one of their Children’s book picks for November.

A proud member of Whitefish Lake First Nation #128 (Goodfish Lake), Kristy lives near Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, with her husband and two sons. Kristy runs a program that delivers books to children in seven remote Indigenous communities in Canada and volunteers for a non-profit dedicated to improving literacy in her community.

Exclusive Interview with Touching Grass Author Kristy Jackson

For readers who haven’t been keeping up with internet slang, what does Touching Grass mean, and why was it the title you couldn’t resist?

Touching Grass is a gaming term that’s been around for a number of years. It means that you’ve been playing too many video games and it’s time to go outside and “touch some grass” and get back to reality. When I learned about this from my 12-year-old, I was so excited. It was the perfect title for this story, which is about a boy who plays too many video games and needs to connect with the real world. I usually find figuring out the title to be the hardest part of writing, but this one was easy.

Tristen starts the story as someone who is most comfortable online. What drew you to explore a character so resistant to the outdoors, and what do you hope readers see in his journey?

I grew up in the 80s, and we spent a TON of time outside. And to many parents, it feels like there are a lot of kids who don’t even like to go outside at all. I think kids are always hearing from my generation about how much time we spent outside, and about how kids should ditch their screens entirely and go back to that. As a parent, I certainly had concerns. What I started learning as I researched gaming and wrote the book is that technology isn’t inherently bad. Technology has some great benefits, like improved safety and stress relief. Like many things in life, the key to enjoying tech and not having any of the harms is balance. I think that’s a key message I want to get across. Games are cool, but so is nature.

The friendship dynamics in the book, both online and offline, play a huge role. Why was it important for you to show both sides of how kids connect today?

I think part of what makes the online world so attractive to kids (and adults really) is that it’s hard for many people to make friends in real life. You have to put yourself out there, take initiative, take risks. In many ways, it’s easier to interact with people through tech, especially when you’re with a group doing something you all like. And again, there are a lot of benefits to having friends online and finding online communities.

But I think real-life friendships are incredibly rewarding in ways you just can’t get online. In the story, I wanted Tristen to make some friends in real life and discover those joys too, because he’s already so well liked and respected in the gaming world.

One of the most powerful parts of the story is Tristen reconnecting with his Dene roots at culture camp. Can you share what inspired you to weave that cultural element into the book? Was there any connection to your own roots?

I was inspired to write this book after visiting a culture camp near Black Lake Denesuline First Nation in May 2023. At this camp, they were teaching young people traditional ways of living off the land. I didn’t grow up on reserve. I was not at all used to seeing things like blood and fur and whole fish.

It was such an amazing, impactful experience for me. I’m not Dene – my background is Cree and German primarily. And I didn’t grow up with traditional teachings from either side of my family.  I think for people with mixed backgrounds like me, there’s often a sense of not belonging anywhere, until you reach out and start connecting. It was a theme that I wanted to explore with this story because I think there are lots of kids that have that sort of mixed cultural background like I do.

Many readers will relate to the digital versus natural world tension. What message do you hope kids, and maybe even parents, take away about finding balance?

I think for parent readers, there’s a tendency to see technology as just a bad thing for kids, because we hear so much of the scary stuff. And indeed, too much screen time is not a good thing, especially for minds that are still developing. But nobody’s volunteering to get rid of our cell phones anytime soon either. I sure don’t want to, and I know for a fact that neither of my kids do.

For the kids reading this book, I think they’ll appreciate this story that does not make technology the bad guy. Tristen needs to go spend some time outside, but he doesn’t need to get rid of his games completely. That’s asking too much. He loves them, just like many kids (and adults) do.

 I think there’s room for technology in a balanced life, and we need to find that balance. And one of the best ways to do that is to go out on the land, touch some grass.

Culture camps, land-based learning, and outdoor education are woven into the story. How might educators use Touching Grass to spark classroom conversations about nature and Indigenous knowledge?

I’m excited that kids who read this book will learn a lot about Dene culture from reading it. There are over 600 First Nations communities and over 50 Indigenous groups with their own distinct language and culture in Canada; there aren’t a lot of books about this particular area and culture from what I can find in the market.

I have worked for a company owned by Dene communities for 14 years and I’ve visited northern communities many times. I was very lucky to have two incredible women from Hatchet Lake Denesuline First Nation help with the book. Making sure the book was accurate and respectful was a huge priority for all of us. The things that happen in the story are based on real cultural teachings, such as the Dene law, “Share what you have,” or the importance of wolves in Dene culture. We were able to include a Dene legend, thanks to permission from the Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Center. And both Ronelda and Rosalie helped with including some Dene words in the manuscript. There’s a glossary at the back of the book about these terms.

There are also forwards in the book that were included by both Ronelda Robillard and Rosalie Tsannie-Burseth. I think Rosalie says it very well when she invites people to learn about the communities, saying you will never be turned away. I’ve always found that to be true. The Athabasca communities are incredibly welcoming, and I have a sense that most Indigenous people are happy when you want to learn about their culture and traditions, and approach it with a good heart. A great place to start is by reading books by Indigenous authors. I would also encourage anyone who wants to learn about Indigenous culture to reach out and make those connections.

You have written characters who grapple with embarrassment in Mortified and now with fear of the outdoors in Touching Grass. What do you hope your books offer tweens who are navigating these tricky feelings in real life?

I hope that kids who read my stories know they aren’t alone. I’ve noticed that kids really gravitate to books that reflect who they are and how they feel. I personally found it so helpful as a kid to read about other characters who felt things I did. That’s why stories are so powerful. We can process our own feelings and learn so much through story.

In Mortified, I deliberately included Belinda’s Inner Critic voice, because I had a mean one when I was a kid, and I didn’t realize anyone else had that until I was well into adulthood. I think that would have been so, so, so helpful for me as a kid to know that.

For Tristen, he’s dealing with all kinds of feelings and anxiety and restlessness, which I think a lot of kids feel today when they spend too much time on their screens. When he does artwork, beadwork, or spends time outside, he gradually relaxes. A little. Tristen’s a born mover, so he’ll never totally relax. But by the end of the story, after spending some time in the real world and connecting with nature, he’s definitely more settled.

And of course, humour is such a great way to learn. Laughter is the best medicine, and kids love laughter.

When you’re looking for inspiration or a change of scenery to spark your creativity, do you have a favourite spot, like a local coffee shop, library, or hidden gem in your community, where you go to write or brainstorm?

I write anywhere, but the place I write most often is at a small glass-covered desk in a room in our basement. There's a random assortment of things on it; drawings from my kids, paperwork I forgot to do, a nerf dart (I have two boys, so nerf darts are literally everywhere in my house). It’s not glamorous, but it works for me.

When I really want to be alone with my thoughts, I’ve gone to Wanuskewin (4 Penner Rd, Saskatoon, SK S7K 3J7), which is a local museum celebrating Saskatchewan Indigenous cultures. It was a gathering place for Indigenous people for over 6000 years, and I just love the feeling I get when I go there. Walking the trails (touching grass!) helps get me in the zone.

I’ve also booked hotel rooms and gone on writing retreats. Or just stopped at coffee shops. Libraries. Sat on the grass with a notebook. I’ve even written in the doctor's office or my car. So yeah – I really write anytime I have some spare minutes, and any place.

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In the end, Touching Grass reminds us that while screens are a big part of young people’s lives today, stepping away from them to experience the outdoors, community and land can make a meaningful difference. The story of Tristen’s journey echoes growing evidence that simply limiting screen time isn’t enough — it’s what children do on their devices, how they balance virtual and real-world connection, and how they reconnect with nature that truly matters. 

Can’t get enough of Kristy Jackson and her impactful stories? Check out our recent blog with Kristy Jackson on her Forest of Reading nominated title, Mortified. Looking for more inspiration to fill your “to be read” list? Our Hooked on Books series showcases books for readers of all ages and stages from Canadian authors from Vancouver, to Toronto, and across the Maritimes. Stay tuned with our upcoming interviews with 2026 Forest of Reading nominated authors.