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ANCESTOR APPROVED

Cynthia Leitich Smith

Intertribal Stories for Kids

Edited by award-winning and bestselling author Cynthia Leitich Smith, this collection of intersecting stories by both new and veteran Native writers bursts with hope, joy, resilience, the strength of community, and Native pride.

Native families from Nations across the continent gather at the Dance for Mother Earth Powwow in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

In a high school gym full of color and song, people dance, sell beadwork and books, and celebrate friendship and heritage. Young protagonists will meet relatives from faraway, mysterious strangers, and sometimes one another (plus one scrappy rez dog).

They are the heroes of their own stories.

Featuring stories and poems by: Joseph Bruchac, Art Coulson, Christine Day, Eric Gansworth. Carole Lindstrom, Dawn Quigley, Rebecca Roanhorse, David A. Robertson, Andrea L. Rogers, Kim Rogers, Cynthia Leitich Smith, Monique Gray Smith, Traci Sorell, Tim Tingle, Erika T. Wurth, and Brian Young.

Cynthia Leitich Smith is the New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestselling YA author of HEARTS UNBROKEN and both the FERAL trilogy and TANTALIZE series. These novels were released by Candlewick Press in North America, Walker Books in the UK and Australia/New Zealand, and additional publishers around the globe. She also is the author of several award-winning children's books, including: JINGLE DANCER, RAIN IS NOT MY INDIAN NAME, and INDIAN SHOES, all published by HarperCollins. In addition, Cynthia is the author-curator of Heartdrum, a Native-focused imprint of HarperCollins Children's Books, which will launch its first list in winter 2021.
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Published 2021-02-01 by Heartdrum

Comments

The entries tell of the personal struggles, family joy, belief systems, and stunning regalia of various nations, including the Cree, Ojibwe, Choctaw, Cherokee, Navajo, Abenaki, and Haudenosaunee, through the eyes of the young protagonists. Enrollment issues, Indian wannabes, and veterans' histories are just a few of the serious themes addressed in these entertaining stories written by familiar and lesser-known writers alike. Senses of goodwill and humor pervade the book as well as the spirit of community, intersection, resilience, and a desire to remember the past... A joyful invitation to celebrate the circle of ancestors together. -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Children's Book Imprint Heartdrum Focuses On Contemporary Native Stories Read more...

This uplifting assembly affirms the vitality of Indigenous life today and offers accessible situations and characters to all young readers. -- Shelf Awareness "A thoughtful and sometimes funny celebration of a celebration, and whether kids are veteran powwow-goers or new to the experience, they'll long for the convivial warmth of the festivities. -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

With exceptionally strong writing throughout, and appended with glossary, author notes, and acknowledgements, this makes an appealing choice for those just learning about contemporary Indigenous life as well as readers well versed with the powwow circuit. -- Booklist, starred review

... “a trailblazer in writing Native children's literature.” -- author profile in PW Read more...

The collection's strength is the rich variety of contemporary Indigenous experience, families and culture it portrays. -- Toronto Star Read more...

A wonderful introduction to the included authors' work and a persuasive encouragement to seek out more Indigenous stories. -- Publishers Weekly, starred review