Traci Sorell

"The word otsaliheliga 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"--Provided by publisher.

Because she has been very ill and weak, River cannot join in the dancing at this year's tribal powwow, she can only watch from the sidelines as her sisters and cousins dance the celebration--but as the drum beats she finds the faith to believe that she will recover and dance again.

On a day filled with anticipation, a young Cherokee girl bids farewell to her familiar city life and documents the changing landscape through drawings as her family moves to their ancestral land and embraces their new home.

"On powwow day, there's so much to see, count, and hear!"--

"When cool breezes blow and leaves fall, we say otsaliheliga! We are grateful every day, every season."--

"When showers fill streams and shoots spring up, we say otsaliheliga! We are grateful every day, every season."--

A chapter book biography of Native American activist, Wilma Mankiller, part of the She Persisted series.

This authentic, loving celebration of gratitude & community—written by a citizen of the Cherokee nation—follows celebrations and experiences through the seasons of a year, underscoring the traditions and ways of Cherokee life.

"Thirty diverse and award-winning authors and illustrators capture frank discussions about racism, identity, and self-esteem"--