Indigenous Voices
The CBC looks for a theme to spotlight in each month’s Hot Off the Press list so that we can alert parents, teachers, librarians, booksellers, and all children’s book enthusiasts to cool new offerings from our member publishers.
With less than 2% of the books published in the US being authored by Indigenous writers, this segment of the population is one of the most under- and mis-represented. There is good news however, in that publishers are committing to publishing more books written and illustrated by Native, First Nations, and Indigenous creators and to making a growing space on bookshelves and in the home for these authors to authentically share their stories. For this Spotlight, we are delighted to center Indigenous voices with these five important new books.
Buffalo Dreamer, by Violet Duncan (Penguin Random House / Nancy Paulsen Books) — BIPOC Characters and Creators, Cultural Diversity, Family / Community, Historical Fiction, ages 7-12.
An illuminating novel about the importance of reclaiming the past, based on the author’s family history.
Summer and her family always spend relaxed summers in Alberta, Canada, on the reservation where her mom’s family lives. But this year is turning out to be an eye-opening one. First, Summer has begun to have vivid dreams in which she’s running away from one of the many real-life residential schools that tore Native children from their families and tried to erase their Native identities. Not long after that, she learns that unmarked children’s graves have been discovered at the school her grandpa attended as a child. Now more folks are speaking up about their harrowing experiences at these places, including her grandfather. Summer cherishes her heritage and is heartbroken about all her grandfather was forced to give up and miss out on. When the town holds a rally, she’s proud to take part to acknowledge the painful past and speak of her hopes for the future, and anxious to find someone who can fill her in on the source of her unsettling dreams.
Violet Duncan is Plains Cree and Taino from Kehewin Cree Nation.
Clack, Clack! Smack! A Cherokee Stickball Story, by Traci Sorell; illustrated by Joseph Erb (Charlesbridge) — Sports / Games / Recreation, Cultural Diversity, Social Emotional Learning, BIPOC Characters and Creators, ages 4-6.
Vann, a struggling stickball player, competes in a game on the Cherokee Nation. Can he help his team win? Written by award-winning Cherokee author Traci Sorell.
Vann loves his tribe’s traditional sport of stickball, but he’s not as skilled as his teammates. Vann stumbles, and he tries and fails to score. How can he help his teammates win the game?
Exciting and fast-paced, Clack, Clack! Smack! reminds readers that sportsmanship and being a team player is just as important as being the star. Back matter explains the Cherokee game of stickball, still played today.
Traci Sorell and Joseph Erb are both enrolled in the Cherokee Nation.
Little by Little: You Can Change the World, by Sonya Ballantyne; illustrated by Rhael McGregor and Toben Racicot (Portage & Main Press / HighWater Press) — Social Activism / Equality / Feminism, BIPOC Characters and Creators, Biography / Memoir, Cultural Diversity, ages 7-12.
Michael might be young, but he’s got a big heart and a strong sense of right and wrong. He knows it’s right to help people when they need it—but what can he do when so many people need help?
When Michael finds out about an upcoming youth conference, he sees his chance to learn more about helping others. But when he gets to the conference, he’s the youngest person there! And the speaker on stage is saying things about his community that aren’t true. Will Michael be brave enough to use his voice to stand up for what he knows is right?
Little by Little is a beautifully illustrated graphic novel about how one Indigenous child sparked change and inspired others.
Sonya Ballantyne is a Swampy Cree writer, filmmaker, and speaker based in Winnipeg, Manitoba; and Rhael McGregor is a Queer Two-Spirit/non-binary artist of both Métis and settler heritage working in comics and animation.
Sarah Ponakey, Storycatcher and Âhâsiw’s Forest Powwow, by Sita MacMillan; illustrated by Azby Whitecalf (Annick Press) — BIPOC Characters and Creators, Cultural Diversity, Friendships, Family / Community, ages 7-12.
A vibrant debut early chapter book series celebrating Cree culture and being true to yourself.
Sarah Ponakey has moved to the city from her home community with her mom and it’s the pits! She misses her Kôhkom, her best friend Eden, and the forests around her community. She’s had a hard time making new friends at school but at least she keeps in touch with Eden through meticulously written letters with very big words. After a particularly tough day where she nearly loses her favorite stuffed animal, Âhâsiw, and is brushed off by her mom, Sarah finds herself transported to a magical forest powwow . . .
Accompanied by a life-sized Âhâsiw in his beautiful regalia, Sarah watches in excitement as a chipmunk emcees, and bears play the host drum at her first ever powwow. The more she sees, the more her confidence grows. As she joins in the celebration, Sarah discovers that she can connect to her Cree culture no matter where she is. Her Kôhkom’s going to love this story! Âhâsiw’s Forest Powwow, the first book from debut children’s author Sita MacMillan, features Cree words throughout the story and a note to the reader. Azby Whitecalf’s dynamic illustrations bring life to this warm, charming, and funny introduction to Sarah Ponakey, the storycatcher.
Sita MacMillan is a registered member of Zagime Anishinabek and is of a mixed Cree and Scottish background and Azby Whitecalf is a Plains Cree illustrator and character designer.
We Are the Medicine (Surviving the City Vol. 3), by Tasha Spillett; illustrated by Natasha Donovan, Scott B. Henderson (Portage & Main Press / HighWater Press) — Coming of Age, BIPOC Characters and Creators, LGBTQIA+, Social Activism / Equality / Feminism, Teen.
Miikwan and Dez are in their final year of high school. Poised at the edge of the rest of their lives, they have a lot to decide on. Miikwan and her boyfriend, Riel, are preparing for university, but Dez isn’t sure if that’s what they want for their future.
Grief and anger take precedence over their plans after the remains of 215 children are found at a former residential school in British Columbia. The teens struggle with feelings of helplessness in the face of injustice. Can they find the strength to channel their frustration into action towards a more hopeful future?
We Are the Medicine is the moving final volume of the best-selling Surviving the City series.
Tasha Spillett, PhD, draws her strength from both her Inninew and Trinidadian bloodlines and Natasha Donovan is a Métis illustrator.
For more great book suggestions, be sure to check out the full August Hot Off the Press list!
List compiled by CBC’s resident book connoisseur, Brooke Pisarsky. Check out other Hot Off the Press Spotlight book lists on our blog.
