Cherokee Nation (Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma)

Fall hedge over heels for this story of first crushes, friendship drama, and prickly pets!

Rayna is used to being the new kid at school. But that doesn’t mean she wants to make new friends! Why bother when the military will only reassign her mom again soon anyway? No, the only friend Rayna wants is a furry, four-legged one.

But instead of the dog she’s been dreaming of, what Rayna gets is a hedgehog named Spike who is as prickly and emo as she is. Worse, Rayna’s mom insists she enter Spike in a pet talent show to get to know some kids her age, including a very cute boy named Nick. Only Spike doesn’t want to hang out or show off any more than Rayna does. Will Rayna curl herself into a ball and hide, or will she and Spike take a chance a new pack of friends?

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 12.

Additional Information
272 pages | 5.27" x 7.57" | Paperback

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

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

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 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

Twelve Native American kids present historical and contemporary laws, policies, struggles, and victories in Native life, each with a powerful refrain: We are still here!

Too often, Native American history is treated as a finished chapter instead of relevant and ongoing. This companion book to the award-winning We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga offers readers everything they never learned in school about Native American people's past, present, and future. Precise, lyrical writing presents topics including: forced assimilation (such as boarding schools), land allotment and Native tribal reorganization, termination (the US government not recognizing tribes as nations), Native urban relocation (from reservations), self-determination (tribal self-empowerment), Native civil rights, the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), religious freedom, economic development (including casino development), Native language revival efforts, cultural persistence, and nationhood.

Reviews
"Students at the Native Nations Community School share presentations about the history, present, and future of Indigenous communities. The vivid artwork features a simple, bold style. The narrative starts with a general introduction of Native Nations in the United States. Each presentation contains illustrations with the student’s name, an overview of the subject, a brief list of the impact that the concept or historical moment had on Native American people, and the refrain “We Are Still Here!” The last pages show students and their families with a variety of skin tones and physical abilities studying the presentations on topics that include sovereign rights and relocation. Additional information, a timeline, a glossary, sources, and an author’s note offer further context. The lyrical text and jewel-tone illustrations elegantly work together to stirringly portray the ongoing fight for Native American recognition and rights. VERDICT An essential purchase for introducing the impact laws and treaties had and continue to have on Native Nations." —School Library Journal, starred review

"In this meticulously researched nonfiction picture book, Sibert honorees Sorell and Lessac team up once again to answer this question: What has happened to Native Nations and their citizens after the treaties with the U.S. government ended in 1871? Lessac’s trademark colorful, folk-art–style illustrations show a Native American community school with a classroom of diverse students preparing for presentations at the Indigenous People’s Day assembly. Spread by spread, each child speaks, featured words and terms highlighting the journey Native Nations have taken to reclaim their land and rights. They show why Indigenous people say, “We are still here!” In the “Assimilation” presentation, Native children are dressed in militarylike uniforms, showing how U.S. leaders used schooling to destroy Native traditions. Dividing plots of tribal land for “Allottment” left much treaty land open for public sale. With “Termination” and “Relocation,” Native people were encouraged to leave their tribal lands and “act more like white people.” But Indigenous people say, “We are still here!” and the narrative arc turns to emphasize resilience. When activists speak up and organize, it strengthens tribal sovereignty. The tribes “protect and provide for future generations” by holding on to their traditional ceremonies, opening businesses to support their tribal members, and reviving their tribal languages. The illustrations, too, change their tenor, modulating from historical wrongs to emphasize contemporary strength, community, and joy. An emphatic, triumphant declaration: “WE ARE STILL HERE!”" —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 7 to 10.

This book has a Native American focus.

Additional Information
40 pages | 9.88" x 10.81"

Twelve-year-old Mary and her Cherokee family are forced out of their home in Georgia by U.S. soldiers in May 1838. From the beginning of the forced move, Mary and her family are separated from her father. Facing horrors such as internment, violence, disease, and harsh weather, Mary perseveres and helps keep her family and friends together until they can reach the new Cherokee nation in Indian Territory. Featuring nonfiction support material, a glossary, and reader response questions, this  story explores the tragedy of forced removals following the Indian Removal Act of 1830.

Reviews
"Highly Recommended. Andrea L. Rogers is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation. Her book, Mary and the Trail of Tears: A Cherokee Removal Survival Story came out on February 1, 2020. I've read it and I've followed conversations about it amongst citizens of the Cherokee Nation and am hoping for a review from a professor, soon. In the meantime, I want to make sure people order it for their children, or their classroom, or their library." — Dr. Debbie Reese, American Indians in Children's Literature

"When kids need reassurance in tough times (like now, for instance), we often point them to examples from the past, to moments of resilience and courage. Mary and the Trail of Tears is ideal for that. The book was lovingly crafted by Cherokee author, mama and educator Andrea L. Rogers. It’s a window to the forced relocation of Cherokee people from what’s currently called Georgia to Indian Territory. But more than that, the story offers an opportunity for kids to really get to know and care about Mary and her family, to relate to the Cherokees of their era as human beings. (For ages 8 to 12)"— NPR's Book Concierge Best Books of 2020, Cynthia Leitich Smith, author of Hearts Unbroken

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 12.

Additional Information
112 pages | 5.25" x 7.50" | 10 Colour Illustrations | Paperback 

A family, separated by duty and distance, waits for a loved one to return home in this lyrical picture book celebrating the bonds of a Cherokee family and the bravery of history-making women pilots.

At the mountain's base sits a cabin under an old hickory tree. And in that cabin lives a family -- loving, weaving, cooking, and singing. The strength in their song sustains them through trials on the ground and in the sky, as they wait for their loved one, a pilot, to return from war.

With an author's note that pays homage to the true history of Native American U.S. service members like WWII pilot Ola Mildred "Millie" Rexroat, this is a story that reveals the roots that ground us, the dreams that help us soar, and the people and traditions that hold us up.

Additional Information
32 pages | 9.38" x 11.81"

The Cherokee community is grateful for blessings and challenges that each season brings. This is modern Native American life as told by an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation.

The word otsaliheliga (oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah) is used by members of the Cherokee Nation to express gratitude. Beginning in the fall with the new year and ending in summer, follow a full Cherokee year of celebrations and experiences. Written by a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, this look at one group of Native Americans is appended with a glossary and the complete Cherokee syllabary, originally created by Sequoyah.

Awards

• 2019 Sibert Honor Book
• NPR's Guide to 2018's Great Reads
• Kirkus Reviews Best Books of 2018
• 2018 Book Launch Award (SCBWI)

Reviews
"According to storyteller Sorell, the Cherokee people always express gratitude for the little things they are given by saying the phrase, "Otsaliheliga," or "we are grateful." Raised in the Cherokee Nation, Sorell intentionally crafts a narrative that simultaneously embraces modernity and a traditional presentation of Cherokee community and way of life. Throughout, the measured text reminds readers that in all things "we say otsaliheliga." Colorful, folk art-style illustrations show Cherokee people during ceremonies, in family gatherings large and small, and outdoors enjoying each of the four seasons, always expressing gratitude. The scenes are contemporary; one shows a father taking care of his children, engaging in a positive parenting role, while another depicts a family seeing off a relative who is leaving for deployment in the military, underscoring that Cherokee people serve their country. Children participate in rites and in family outings with adults, and they also play traditional games such as stickball and plant strawberries, a practice that reminds their people to embrace peace with one another. The variety of skin tones represented in the illustrations likewise depicts a present-day reflection of the diversity that exists within the Cherokee people. Occasional Cherokee words are written in Romanized form, phonetically, in Cherokee characters, and in English—a lovely grace note. A gracious, warm, and loving celebration of community and gratitude. —Kirkus Reviews 

"An extended family engages with activities and traditions that express gratitude and carry on Cherokee history and culture, such as stomp dancing at the Great New Moon Ceremony, basket weaving, making corn-husk dolls, and playing stickball. The book underscores the importance of traditions and carrying on a Cherokee way of life while simultaneously incorporating modernity and challenging dated media images of Indigenous people. Here, a father sporting an earring and a topknot minds the children; a family bids goodbye to a clan relative who deploys with the U.S. military. Skin colors range from light to dark, visually underscoring the book’s message of diversity and inclusion. Staying firmly upbeat and idyllic, the cheerful, richly detailed gouache illustrations in bright, saturated colors cycle through the seasons, beginning with the Cherokee New Year in autumn. The text includes several Cherokee words; a line of text in a smaller font along the bottom of the page provides each word as written in the English alphabet, its phonetic pronunciation, the word as written in the Cherokee alphabet, and its definition. A glossary, an author’s note on Cherokee culture, and a complete Cherokee syllabary conclude this attractive and informative book." —Horn Book

"In Cherokee culture, Sorell shares, the expression of gratitude is part of daily life and extends from elaborate celebrations to struggles to ordinary life moments. She organizes her debut picture book by seasons, beginning with the fall, which is a time for collecting foliage for basket making and remembering those who suffered on the Trail of Tears. It also contains the Cherokee New Year and the Great New Moon Ceremony, a celebration of renewal and coming together. Each season section starts with the name of the season in Cherokee, an expression of gratitude for the change in nature, and subsequent pages describing community activities pertinent to that season. Lessac's folkloric illustration in bright gouache colors stands in pleasing contrast to the book’s contemporary feel and setting. The text reads like poetry but has a gentle instructional dimension to it. On many pages, Cherokee words are accompanied by English translations, pronunciation guides, and Cherokee syllabary. Back matter contains relevant explanations and provides good context, and the author's note sets past misrepresentations right" —Booklist

"This informative and authentic introduction to a thriving ancestral and ceremonial way of life is perfect for holiday and family sharing"—School Library Journal

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 7.

Also available in a boxed set as board books for ages 3 and under: We Are Grateful Otsaliheliga: Seasons (BB - Box Set)

Additional Information