We Are Who We Are: An Ode to Indigenous Heroes Past and Present Wab Kinew, Janine Gibbons (Illustrator)

My thoughts:  Firstly, I highly anticipated this children's book. I believe we (as non-indigenous to the Americas peoples) need to learn more of those who were here before Europeans came to the Americas. I believe our roots (all cultures) should be preserved historically and I believe in the ability of peoples to dwell together in peace and community. I do not believe today's people should be condemned for the acts of predecessors. Nor do I believe in repatriations. I believe that indigenous peoples have been influenceful and impactful and this book highlights several who have lived to do just that.

In this children's book there are positives but there are negatives, and I rarely say that about a children's book because I am selective in that which I review and promote. 

The illustrations are bold, colorful, and represent the peoples and culture of the (Canadian) Anishinaabe (some call them Eskimos), Lakota (peoples of the Black Hills in USA), and others. Some of the faces are bright and cheerful and some are fierce as a warriors should be.

A  two-page spread highlights a woman warrior had "wives" and wouldn't "take a man.  and it is further highlighted in the back pages where individual heroes are shown with short bios. This I believe speaks of homosexuality which is contrary what I believe is God's plan for mankind. This reference should not be in a children's book and is a primary reason I can not recommend this book. 

About the book: A companion book to the bestselling Go Show the World, this is another joyous picture book celebration of 13 Indigenous heroes from the past and present.

We are who we are. There's strength in this too. We kept this place free, so you can be you.

Author Wab Kinew expresses this essential message and continues his work from Go Show the World by celebrating the triumphs of 13 more Indigenous heroes throughout history — and how their struggles and successes have made not just their communities but the world a better place for today's youth.

DISCLOSURE: I received a copy via the LibraryThing.com Early Readers contest. Reviews are appreciated but not necessary. Opinions are mine, alone.

An Anishinaabe Christmas by Wab Kinew & illustrated by Erin Hill

The very name "Christmas" denotes that it is a Christ-centered, Christian holiday. Today's world has caused an evolution socially of "Christmas" into a one-and-all holiday celebrated by Christians and non-Christians alike but for different reasons. 

Christmas for the Christian denotes reverence for the Advent of the Christ Child. Christmas for the non-believer denotes a season of joy, festivities, family togetherness, and gifting.

 An Anishinaabe Christmas

ISBN: 9781774883570
US $18.99 | CAN $24.99
Tundra Books

My thoughts:  This is an interesting children's story about a family of indigenous, aboriginal folks living in Canada. The family is going to travel to their "roots" on the Rez and enjoy an Anishinaabe Christmas. The story is where "baby" doesn't know how Santa will know to bring their gifts if they're away from home.

As the story progresses, we see that the culture of Anishinaabe is much like big-city or township cultures in the nature of what "home" is to a family. As they travel, they talk about bears, their culture's "circle," and how the bear is included. Other sweet aspects of home, family, culture are part of this lovely story. And yes, baby does receive his Santa gifts. 

I like that descendants of an "original peoples" group, aboriginal, or indigenous peoples like the Anishinaabe (indigenous to North America) are having printed materials that pass along their heritage to them as well as to non-indigenous peoples.

About the book: A festive, joyful Indigenous picture book that explores both Christmas traditions and Anishinaabe culture, for fans of Santa in the City and Go Show the World. One winter solstice, Mommy says, "Baby, we're going home to the Rez. We're going to have an Anishinaabe Christmas." But this is Baby's first Christmas away from the city, and they're worried! They have a lot of will Santa know where to find them? Why do we have presents on Christmas? How come they're going home to the Rez but don't live there? On the long trip to Mooshom's and Kookom's, Baby learns about animals and plants being part of their family, about the North Star leading them home and even the meanings of some Anishinaabe words. Will this Anishinaabe Christmas be Baby's best yet?

I won a copy on the LibraryThing.com Early Reviewer's Program. A review was requested though not required. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

Encyclopedia of American Indian History and Culture from National Geographic [Review & Giveaway]

Encyclopedia of American Indian History and Culture (ages 8-12-adult, hardcover $24.99)

My thoughts: As America gears up to celebrate the Thanksgiving season, school children across the nation reenact the "Thanksgiving Meal" shared by the Pilgrims and the Indians. American history is filled with episodes - many of which cause our minds and hearts to reel with visualized terror - from every corner of our United States.

In Encyclopedia of American Indian History and Culture the publishers at National Geographic Kids have compiled an extensive collection of organized information, historical and cultural, of Indians who lived in North America.

Categorized by geographic regions and the different tribes or groups of Indians who lived in that specific region, the book explores the range of Indian life from thousands of years prior to Europeans discovering the land mass.

Outstanding photographs of individuals and groups, both current and historical imagery detail the differences of peoples as well as their habits, clothes, utensils, etc. I am completely mesmerized by the beauty.

I think this large specialty encyclopedia would be especially nice for all libraries - school, home, public, and classroom. But I also highly recommend it for any family who carries Indian heritage as a source of pride in their heritage.

About the book: “This encyclopedia fills a gap in the availability of reliable information about indigenous peoples...It was produced under the aegis of expert consultants from each of those regions—experts who are not only members of Native communities but who are also professionally involved in the research, preservation, and documentation of indigenous matters….In sum, this book should be part of every classroom and school library.” - STARRED REVIEW, Booklist

More than 160 tribes are featured presenting a comprehensive overview of the history of North America's Native peoples. From the Apache to the Zuni, readers will learn about each tribe's history, traditions, and culture, including the impact of European expansion across the land and how tribes live today.

Features include maps of ancestral lands; timelines of important dates and events; fact boxes for each tribe; bios of influential American Indians such as Sitting Bull; sidebars on daily life, homes, food, clothing, jewelry, and games;   To help give kids the lay of the land, this reference is arranged by region, and all federally recognized tribes are included. Tribal members representing each region and experts at the National Museum of the American Indian at the Smithsonian Institution were involved in its creation.

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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's copy if provided and shipped directly to the winner by publisher or publicist.