November 2019 Grow Gratitude

Books of the Month

Text copyright © 2018 by Traci Sorell. Illustrations copyright © 2018 by Frané Lessac. Images reproduced with permission of the publisher, Charlesbridge Publishing, Inc.

We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga

By Traci Sorell; illustrated by Frané Lessac (Charlesbridge Publishing, Inc.)

Celebrate community and gratitude with the Cherokee people who reflect daily on the blessings and challenges each season brings with the phrase “Otsaliheliga,” or “we are grateful.”

Themes:

Cherokee, Community, Elementary, Gratitude, Native American, Picture Book, Seasons

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The Hero Next Door

Edited by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich (Crown Books for Young Readers)

These short stories by powerful and diverse voices show how heroes come in all shapes and sizes and small acts of kindness can save the day.

Themes:

Coming of Age, Courage, Heroes, Middle Grade, Short Stories

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Hearts Unbroken

By Cynthia Leitich Smith (Candlewick Press)

A Muscogee (Creek) girl attending an overwhelmingly white high school, Louise “Lou” Wolfe deals with the difficulties of “dating while Native.”

Themes:

Dating, Muscogee (Creek), Native American, Prejudice, Realistic Fiction, YA

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Reading and Literacy in November

Author Traci Sorell

Cherokee Picture Book Shares Lessons of Gratitude for Thanksgiving and All Year Long

Traci Sorell was born and raised in the Cherokee Nation and began writing for children when she noticed a lack of books that feature contemporary Native Americans. NEA Today spoke to Sorrell about We Are Grateful: Ostaliheliga and the lessons it contains.

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