Books by Traci Sorell

A 2022 American Indian Youth Literature Picture Book Honor BookA 2022 Robert F. Sibert Honor BookTwelve 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.

2019 Sibert Honor Book2019 Orbis Pictus Honor BookNPR''s Guide To 2018’s Great Reads2018 Book Launch Award (SCBWI)Kirkus Reviews Best Books of 2018School Library Journal Best Books of 20182018 JLG selection2019 Reading the West Picture Book AwardThe 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."A gracious, warm, and loving celebration of community and gratitude"—Kirkus Reviews STARRED REVIEW"The book underscores the importance of traditions and carrying on a Cherokee way of life"—Horn Book STARRED REVIEW"This informative and authentic introduction to a thriving ancestral and ceremonial way of life is perfect for holiday and family sharing"—School Library Journal STARRED REVIEW"An elegant representation"—Shelf Awareness STARRED REVIEW