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"We Are Still Here!: Native American Truths Everyone Should Know"

Written by Traci Sorell                Illustrated by Frané Lessac

       
Image Source: Penguin Random House
        Traci Sorell, author of "We Are Still Here!: Native American Truths Everyone Should Know", is a member of the Cherokee Nation. The scope of the content in this informational picture book covers many policies and laws that both hurt and helped Native Nations. Topics covered range from assimilation to self-determination to language revival. Some of the laws or policies are historical and others continue to this day. Due to some of the vocabulary, the language level would be difficult for a young child but with proper preparation and help from the other reference aids included, this would be a great resource for older elementary aged children learning about the Native Nations.
        The content is organized approximately in time line order. Sorell includes many reference aides to help supplement knowledge for a reader that wants to learn more. In the back of the book there is a "More Information" spread that gives more of a definition to some trickier vocabulary words that you may not know and a description of the corresponding illustration. There is also a timeline that goes from 1870 to the 2000s, with the last entry being 2007 with the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. There is a glossary, sources and an author's note also found at the end.
        The layout and writing style contributes to a natural flow of information without overwhelming a reader. Each spread is set up as a student's presentation giving us the main bullet points of their topic. The pattern of the layout is easy to follow and helps set the pace. The typeface and size are easily read without being too large and allowing the illustrations to speak as well. The full page spreads are filled with bright vivid colors that help capture the concept being discussed.


Sorell, Traci. We Are Still Here!: Native American Truths Everyone Should Know. Illustrated by Frané Lessac. Charlesbridge, 2021. 39 pages. TR. $10.16, ISBN 9781623541927.

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