Cherokee

The beloved traditional English Christmas carol, The Twelve Days of Christmas, has been adapted here to reflect aspects of the richly varied cultures and traditions of twelve Native American cultural groups from different parts of the U.S. A cultural background is included for each day's gift in an easy-to-understand manner, placing the adapted song lyrics in the context of these tribal cultures. 

Educator Information
Recommended for grades 1 to 5.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.25" x 11.75"

From the author of Hedge Over Heels comes another irresistible story featuring family, friendship, and an adorable baby fox!

Twelve-year-old Skye has just rescued a baby fox she’s named Kitkat, with the help of her Park Ranger cousin Braeden. Skye would usually release the fox back into the wild as soon as it’s healed, but this baby fox was injured by a trap. No one hurts a baby animal and gets away with it as long as Skye’s around, and now she’s on a mission to find the poacher!

When Skye takes Kitkat to the vet, she meets a quiet girl named Ivy. To Skye’s surprise, Ivy decides to join in on the investigation and a friendship starts to form between the girls. But will these new friends uncover the true identity of the poacher and safely release Kitkat back into the wild?

Reviews
"Skye Hunter, along with little brother Leo, spends every summer in Verdant, Massachusetts, with her aunt Lynne, uncle Pete, and park ranger cousin Braeden. Skye, with help from Braeden, rescues a baby fox from a trap baited with poisoned meat in the state park adjacent to their family diner. She names the injured fox Kitcat. At the veterinary clinic, Skye meets a girl named Ivy, who’s a new arrival to Verdant from Saskatchewan and is a member of the Nakoda First Nation. McMullen-Ciotti (Cherokee) has created two intriguing main characters, both of whom are dealing with loneliness. Skye, who has moved a lot and struggled to make friends, slowly grows close to Ivy, even as the girls search for the identity of the poacher, documenting clues while sharing aspects of their respective Indigenous cultures. Suspenseful (but not too scary) moments involve a spooky oddities shop and a search for leads at the public library. The effective combination of animal rescue and sleuthing with themes of friendship and family life make this a strong and appealing choice. Skye’s passion for natural science, Ivy’s skill in caring for animals, aspiring comedian Leo’s humor, and the storytelling of the girls’ uncles round out the story. A charming and engaging tale with special appeal for nature and animal lovers." - Kirkus Reviews

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 12.

Additional Information
256 pages | 5.25" x 7.62" | Paperback

Eleven-year-old Zach Feather can't wait to go on his first pheasant hunting trip, especially when he learns his parents have a surprise for him—a new bird dog! The family travels across the state from the Cherokee reservation in eastern Oklahoma to hunt pheasant on a relative's ranch. There are more surprises—including a rattlesnake encounter—in store for Zach on his first hunt. Along the way, he learns that hunting is about more than just finding pheasants. It's also about patience and the things in life that are most important—hunting with his dog and his family.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 11.

This book is part of the Wilderness Ridge Series. Authentic hunting and fishing stories are brought to life in this chapter-book series perfect for fans of Jake Maddox. Readers will experience the highs and lows of outdoor adventures—from the thrill of a young hunter’s first deer camp to the disappointment of missing a big fish. No matter the outcome, these stories will demonstrate essential skills young sportsmen and sportswomen need, including teamwork, respect, personal responsibility, and positive thinking. With action-packed illustrations and accessible text, Wilderness Ridge will reel in readers and have them hunting for the next book.

Additional Information
72 pages | 5.25" x 7.50" | Paperback

This delightful story teaches children that many bugs are helpful insects and enables the reader to develop a positive and protective attitude towards them. Willie the Worm introduces his insect friends and inspires the young reader to discover a fresh interest in bugs and to realize many of them are indeed their friends too. Included are a series of questions and recommended activities to help parents and teachers engage children to learn even more about these little helpers.

Educator Information
Recommended for grades 2 and under.

Included are a series of questions and recommended activities to help parents and teachers engage children to learn even more about these little helpers.

Includes these insects: worm, bee, butterfly, caterpillar, firefly, ant, ladybug, spider, daddy long legs, moth, dragonfly, hornet, snail, grasshopper, cricket.

Additional Information
40 pages | 8.50" x 8.50" | Paperback

In this uplifting, contemporary Native American story, River is recovering from illness and can't dance at the powwow this year. Will she ever dance again?

River wants so badly to dance at powwow day as she does every year. In this uplifting and contemporary picture book perfect for beginning readers, follow River's journey from feeling isolated after an illness to learning the healing power of community.

Additional information explains the history and functions of powwows, which are commonplace across the United States and Canada and are open to both Native Americans and non-Native visitors.

Awards

• 2023 Wyoming Buckaroo Award

Reviews
"A heartwarming picture book about the roles of courage, culture, and community in the journey of personal healing." —Kirkus Reviews

"A resonant, hopeful tale about the healing power of community and tradition" —Publishers Weekly

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Additional Information
32 pages | 9.44" x 9.31" | Hardcover

The descendant of Cherokee ancestors who had been forced to walk the Trail of Tears, Wilma Mankiller experienced her own forced removal from the land she grew up on as a child. As she got older and learned more about the injustices her people had faced, she dedicated her life to instilling pride in Native heritage and reclaiming Native rights. She went on to become the first woman Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation.

In this chapter book biography by award-winning author Traci Sorell, readers learn about the amazing life of Wilma Mankiller--and how she persisted.

Complete with an introduction from Chelsea Clinton, black-and-white illustrations throughout, and a list of ways that readers can follow in Wilma Mankiller's footsteps and make a difference!

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 9.

This book is part of the She Persisted series, a chapter book series about women who spoke up and rose up against the odds.

Additional Information
80 pages | 5.31" x 7.63" | Paperback

From celebrated Indigenous author Thomas King and award-winning Métis artist Natasha Donovan comes a powerful graphic novel about a family caught between nations.

Borders is a masterfully told story of a boy and his mother whose road trip is thwarted at the border when they identify their citizenship as Blackfoot. Refusing to identify as either American or Canadian first bars their entry into the US, and then their return into Canada. In the limbo between countries, they find power in their connection to their identity and to each other. 

Borders explores nationhood from an Indigenous perspective and resonates deeply with themes of identity, justice, and belonging.

Reviews
"Borders is a graphic novel adaptation of one of Thomas King’s short stories exploring identity and belonging themes. This story highlights the significance of a nation’s physical border versus that of an Indigenous perspective. It follows a boy and his mother being asked a question about citizenship and the limbo between nations." - The Dalai Lama Center

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 10 to 14.

Additional Information
192 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | Paperback

Mary Golda Ross designed classified airplanes and spacecraft as Lockheed Aircraft Corporation's first female engineer. Find out how her passion for math and the Cherokee values she was raised with shaped her life and work.

Cherokee author Traci Sorell and Métis illustrator Natasha Donovan trace Ross's journey from being the only girl in a high school math class to becoming a teacher to pursuing an engineering degree, joining the top-secret Skunk Works division of Lockheed, and being a mentor for Native Americans and young women interested in engineering. In addition, the narrative highlights Cherokee values including education, working cooperatively, remaining humble, and helping ensure equal opportunity and education for all.

Awards

• 2021 Junior Library Guild Selection winner
• 2021 Eureka! Children's Book Award Winner
• 2021 A Mighty Girl's Book fo the Year winner
• 2022 Rise: A Feminist Book Project List winner
• 2022 Cooperative Children's Book Centre Choices winner

Reviews
"Highlights the life and secret work of Cherokee aerospace engineer Mary Golda Ross.

As a teen in the 1920s, Mary Golda Ross loves 'puzzling out math equations' despite expectations of the times. At 16, she finds being the only girl in a college math class means working extra hard to prove herself to the boys who 'refused to sit next to' her. Guided by her Cherokee belief that 'gaining life skills in all areas' is important, Ross not only strives for better grades, she aims for loftier goals. Each step of the way—whether teaching high school, working for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, or helping solve aircraft design flaws during World War II— Ross is fueled by other Cherokee principles as well. Ultimately, her passion for math and her commitment to those deeply rooted values result in her selection to a 'supersecret work team' that promises to take her career, and the world, farther than ever before. Meticulously researched and subtly framed according to the Cherokee beliefs that piloted Ross, page-turning prose elevates this Indigenous hidden figure to her rightful place in history. In addition, bold, classic-comics–like illustrations and colors reminiscent of 1950s advertisements give an appropriately retro vibe. A stellar addition to the genre that will launch careers and inspire for generations, it deserves space alongside stories of other world leaders and innovators.

Liftoff. A biography that lands beyond the stars!"—starred, Kirkus Reviews

"Mary Golda Ross, born to Cherokee Nation–citizen parents, always excelled at math. Graduating from high school at 16 and college at 20, she became a math and science teacher. When WWII began, she was hired by Lockheed Aircraft, where she worked with engineers correcting a design flaw in P-381 fighter planes. Later, she was chosen as the only female in Lockheed's Skunk Works group (a top-secret program whose efforts are still mostly classified), designing spacecraft for NASA. Sorell's (Indian No More, 2019) succinct text emphasizes Ross' reliance on Cherokee values (gaining skills, working cooperatively, remaining humble, and ensuring equal opportunity for all), which played a defining role in her successes and influenced the mentoring work she chose in her retirement. Donovan's illustrations employ rich earth-tone colors and bold outlines, and often incorporate sequential storytelling techniques, enabling multiple scenes to appear in one spread. Appended with a time line, author's note, and resources, this biography makes a valuable addition to units on Indigenous individuals or women in STEM."—Booklist

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 7 to 11.

Lexile 940
Guided Reading Level: R

Keywords / Subjects: Narrative Nonfiction, Diverse Books, Feminism, #OwnVoices, Race & Ethnicity, Social Justice, Diversity, STEM, Space Science

Additional Information
32 pages | 9.25" x 11.00"

This traditional Cherokee creation story takes place during a time when animals did many of the things that people can do. When the earth was young, the animals lived on a rock above it, and the earth was covered in water. The animals needed more room, but where could they find it?

This book retells the delightful Cherokee story of how the earth was created while teaching the invaluable lesson that even the smallest creature can make a difference.

Written in both Cherokee and English, the book will familiarize readers with the syllabary and the Cherokee language.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 7.

When none of the animals can bring mud to the surface of the water to increase the size of the island, they turn to the wise Beaver for advice. Beaver tells them to give Water Beetle a try. Everyone thinks that Water Beetle is too small to help, but she proves that small can be powerful.

Features themes of bullying, determination, and perseverance.

This book is a traditional Cherokee creation story that is used to teach Cherokee values.

Additional Information
40 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | Paperback

The beloved chapter book by New York Times bestselling author Cynthia Leitich Smith about the love and adventures shared by a Cherokee-Seminole boy and his Grampa now has brand-new illustrations! A perfect pick for new readers.

What do Indian shoes look like, anyway? Like beautiful beaded moccasins... or hightops with bright orange shoelaces?

Ray Halfmoon prefers hightops, but he gladly trades them for a nice pair of moccasins for his grampa. After all, it's Grampa Halfmoon who's always there to help Ray get in and out of scrapes—like the time they teamed up to pet sit for the whole block during a holiday blizzard!

Award-winning author Cynthia Leitich Smith writes with wit and candor about a boy and his grandfather, sharing all their love, joy, and humor.

Reviews
“The stories’ strength lies in their powerful, poignant evocation of a cross-generational bond and in the description of the simple pleasures two charming characters enjoy.” — ALA Booklist

“A very pleasing first-chapter book from its funny and tender opening salvo to its heartwarming closer.” — Kirkus Reviews

“Shoes is a good book for any elementary-aged reluctant reader, and a necessity for indigenous children everywhere.” — School Library Journal

“Indian Shoes is about belonging to family and community, helping neighbors, and sometimes feeling different but most times knowing who you are in the world.”— Multicultural Review

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 10.

Additional Information
80 pages | 5.12" x 7.62"

In these entertaining profiles, twelve Indigenous actors and filmmakers tell stories of the hard work and struggle that went into their careers. Overcoming prejudice and stereotypes in the film industry, fighting to make and promote films that demonstrate an honest portrayal of Indigenous life and heritage. Their stories show how there’s more to filmmaking than acting and directing, including writing, producing, editing, designing, and special effects.

Their accomplishments include acting in major blockbuster films and TV shows, directing prize-winning documentaries, running film programs, and starting a film festival to promote Indigenous voices. These twelve have stood on the shoulders of the Indigenous filmmakers who came before them, and are working to open doors for the next generation. They encourage young people to pursue their dream, and that their stories and ideas are valuable. Includes Tantoo Cardinal, Alanis Obomsawin, and Doreen Manuel.

Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the First Nations Series for Young Readers. Each book is a collection of biographies of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit women and men who are leaders in their fields of work, in their art, and in their communities.

Recommended for ages 9-14.

Subjects:
Language Arts
> Biography

Reflecting Diversity
> First Nations & Indigenous Peoples

Additional Information
128 pages | 6.00" x 9.00"

Celebrate diversity, math, and the power of storytelling!

Bo wants to find the perfect container to show off his traditional marbles for the Cherokee National Holiday. It needs to be just the right size: big enough to fit all the marbles, but not too big to fit in his family's booth at the festival for the Cherokee National Holiday. And it needs to look good! A playful exploration of volume and capacity featuring Native characters and a glossary of Cherokee words.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 6.

The Storytelling Math series celebrates children using math in their daily adventures as they play, build, and discover the world around them. Joyful stories and hands-on activities make it easy for kids and their grown-ups to explore everyday math together. Developed in collaboration with math experts at STEM education nonprofit TERC, under a grant from the Heising-Simons Foundation.

Additional Information
32 pages | 9.50" x 9.50" | Paperback

Twins Harley and Rhiannon Hummingbird have always been competitive. But there's one thing the siblings can agree on—they can't wait to travel from their Oklahoma home to their grandparents’ new cabin in northern Wisconsin. Both Harley and Rhiannon are looking forward to a week of swimming, boating, and most importantly, fishing. While there, they learn about the best baits, the best techniques, and the importance of location in having a successful day fishing. But the most important lessons they learn are about teamwork and persistence.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 11.

Part of the Wilderness Ridge series, which features authentic fiction stories about hunting and fishing activities. 

The first-person point of view puts readers in the midst of the action. 

Action-packed illustrations attract young fans of outdoor sports.

Perfect for reluctant readers.

Additional Information
72 pages | 5.25" x 7.50" | Paperback

The Land of Great Turtles is a Cherokee origin story that introduces the reader to Cherokee beliefs and values.

The Creator gave the Cherokee people a beautiful island with everything they could ever need. It came with only one rule: they must take care of the land and the animals living there. But what happens when the children decide to play with the turtles instead of taking care of their responsibilities?

Written in both Cherokee and English, readers become familiar with the Cherokee syllabary and the Cherokee language.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 7.

Explores themes of disrespect, disobedience, responsibilities, and the consequences of choices.

This is a Cherokee origin story that teaches Cherokee values.

Additional Information
40 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | Paperback

Rodney Locust is finally twelve, the age his dad says he must be to attend the annual deer hunt on his family’s allotment in the hills of eastern Oklahoma. But there's a lot of work to do before Rodney can grab his rifle and step foot in the woods, starting with hunter safety. Rodney is anxious to start hunting and not excited about all the prepwork. But when he finally gets his chance, Rodney discovers the lessons he's learned may have been the key to a successful first hunt.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 11.

Part of the WIlderness Ridge series, which features authentic fiction stories about hunting and fishing activities. 

The first-person point of view puts readers in the midst of the action. 

Action-packed illustrations attract young fans of outdoor sports.

Additional Information
72 pages | 5.25" x 7.50" | Paperback