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

 

Multicultural Book Review

Bibliography:

Sorell, T. (2021). We are still here!: Native American truths everyone should know. Charlesbridge.

ISBN 1623541921

Plot Summary:

We Are Still Here! presents facts about a sometimes uncomfortable history of the Native American peoples in a way that is easy for children to understand. The truths are presented in the style of a class of students giving reports on different topics of Native American history such as assimilation, termination, relocation, activism, and language revival efforts. Through each trial and triumph, the Native Nations cry "We are still here!" This book full of facts many may not know, a depiction of the hardships many Native Nations have faced, and the hopeful refrain that through it all, they survive and are still here. 

Critical Analysis:

We Are Still Here! is witting as more of a presentation of facts than a story. But the illustrations that go along with the facts show the story of students receiving an assignment and presenting their findings on each topic. The pictures by Frané Lessac are done in gouache folk-art style. They show real places, historic events, and people with a variety of backgrounds and skin tones (showing the diversity of the many Native Nations). The refrain, "We are still here!" is echoed through the book, giving strength and hope to the people. In the back of the book there is a glossary defining each of the twelve terms presented in the book along with a description of what the illustration for each term shows. It also includes a timeline that begins after treaty making between the US government and Native Nations ended. The author, Traci Sorrel, states, "This is when Indigenous people generally disappear from curriculum." This book is an important look at events that many be overlooked in schools.

Review Excerpts:

"...emphasizes contemporary strength, community, and joy.... Stirringly portray[s] the ongoing fight for Native American recognition and rights." -School Library Journal, starred review

"This book provides information that is omitted from most curricula...in an easy-to-understand manner. Above all, the message is reinforced for all readers: Native people are still here." -The Horn Book, starred review

Connections:

Because this book presents events that happen after "Indigenous people generally disappear from curriculum," it is a valuable asset to have in social studies and history classrooms. Students could do their own research about different topics presented in the book and give presentations like the students in the book.

Awards

A 2022 American Indian Youth Literature Picture Book Honor Book

A 2022 Robert F. Sibert Honor Book

Indescribable: 100 Devotions About God & Science

 

Christian Book Review

Bibliography:

Giglio, L. (2017). Indescribable: 100 Devotions about God & Science. Tommy Nelson.

ISBN 0718086104

Plot Summary:

Indescribable is a children's devotional written by inspirational pastor, author, and public speaker Louie Giglio. Each of these devotions starts with a scripture. The body of each is a science concept and how it is connected to God, who created all things. Every devotion thought ends with a prayer. Along with each devotion is the "Be Amazed" section that gives fun facts about different creatures, objects, and living things found in nature. 

Critical Analysis:

This book is written in a captivating way that encourages children and adults alike to see how science and nature are connected to God. Four main topics are mixed throughout the book, but the introduction shows the four topics: space, earth, animals, and people, and gives the page numbers for each, so if you wanted to read about one specific topic, you could do so. There is a combination of beautiful illustration by Nicola Anderson and photographs that lend authenticity to the scientific information in the book.

Review Excerpts:

"This book, Indescribable, is so unique and definitely stands out from the rest. The illustrations are outstanding, and the devotions share the wonders of God in such a creative way. I think this is a book that you will come back to over and over with the children in your life." -Chris Tomlin, Grammy Award-winning Christian recording artist

"This book is so original! I don't think I've ever seen a book that leads kids from inspiring scientific facts into devotion and worship. The design itself is stunning, but the content of the book is the real hero." -Matt Redman, Grammy Award-winning Christian recording artist

Connections:

This book would be great for family devotions or in a Christian classroom. IndescribableKids.com provides free resources to go along with this and other Louie Giglio devotions. These include a free "Experience Kit and Activity Book" and "Indescribable Educator Guide". There are other materials for purchase like a board book for littles and a kids activity book that pair with Indescribable. 

In the introduction of the book there is a list of four themes that the book covers: space, earth, animals, and people. A science or social studies teacher at a Christian school could select devotions from a specific topic to read to students to go along with the materials or themes they are covering in class.