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#NotYourPrincess: Voices of Native American Women
Whether looking back to a troubled past or welcoming a hopeful future, the powerful voices of Indigenous women across North America resound in this book. In the same style as the best-selling Dreaming in Indian, #Not Your Princess presents an eclectic collection of poems, essays, interviews, and art that combine to express the experience of being a Native woman. Stories of abuse, humiliation, and stereotyping are countered by the voices of passionate women making themselves heard and demanding change. Sometimes angry, often reflective, but always strong, the women in this book will give teen readers insight into the lives of women who, for so long, have been virtually invisible.
112 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 12, 2017
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7130 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 585 reviews
August 16, 2017
An interesting idea, for sure. I wish my e-ARC was better formatted as I found it difficult to distinguish between the artwork, essays, poems and quotes. Selfishly I was hoping to read something more significant from someone from my own tribe (Tlingit) and while a contribution is there, it wasn't as satisfying as I'd liked. Really enjoyed several of the contributions but on the whole wanted just a little bit more.
November 18, 2017
This book is fantastic, a must-read and a must-add. Collected here is art in many forms - poetry, essays, photography, and other visual art - all by modern Native American women.
If all you know about Indigenous people is the Thanksgiving myth you learned in school, pick up this book and educate yourself. These pieces are powerful and they speak volumes in just a few words.
While the large format is a risk with teens, I think it can be spun as a magazine-type format. Teens deserve for us to press this book into their hands. The world deserves it. (Can you tell I feel strongly about this book?!)
If all you know about Indigenous people is the Thanksgiving myth you learned in school, pick up this book and educate yourself. These pieces are powerful and they speak volumes in just a few words.
While the large format is a risk with teens, I think it can be spun as a magazine-type format. Teens deserve for us to press this book into their hands. The world deserves it. (Can you tell I feel strongly about this book?!)
Read
December 18, 2019Fascinating collection. There was so much here, so many different storytelling methods and ideas, that I've decided not to rate the book. I feel like tacking a rating to this collection is nearly impossible with all the words packed into these pages. I'll just say that if you are interested in learning about the experience of Native American women this is a must read.
October 1, 2017
#NotYourPrincess is a beautiful collection of stories, poems, and artwork that honor and celebrate Indigenous women and their legacy. This collection tackles a lot of issues that indigenous women face- the shame that is forced on these women, the disrespect and dismissal of their history, and the legacy of pain inherited through generations. But we also see these women unburdening themselves - we see them reclaiming their rich history and begin the process of healing and renewing their sense of self. They challenge western beauty standards and the harmful Indian Maiden controlling images that erases their existence in the present, limiting their sociopolitical and economic power. Some of my favorite pieces in the collection were “Reclaiming Indigenous Women’s Rights” by Nahanni Fontaine, ,Resilient by Sierra Edd, Tagé Cho by Lianne Marie Charlie, “Leaks” by Leanne Simpson, and “We are Not a Costume” by Jessica Deer. This was a really great celebration of Indigenous women and their rich and varied history.
I received a copy of the books from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of the books from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 12, 2019
Powerful compilation of poetry, essays and artwork.
December 29, 2017
This was a difficult read, but it was definitely worth it. It was powerful, beautiful, and made me think. I'd definitely recommend it.
February 5, 2018
LOVED THIS. What an important book. I am currently taking a Native American Oral Literature class, and I am so happy that I picked this book up at this point in my life. I loved seeing the concepts that I am learning in class represented in this book. But more importantly, this book showcases powerful stories from Native American women in such a creative format. There are so many different forms of art from poetry, to interviews, to collages, to paintings that all pack a punch. Everyone needs to read this.
Also, there needs to be more YA books that are formatted like this, as well as more stories about Indigenous people in YA. Did I mention I LOVE this?
Also, there needs to be more YA books that are formatted like this, as well as more stories about Indigenous people in YA. Did I mention I LOVE this?
April 6, 2019
Actual Rating: 4.5 Stars
“You will never influence the world trying to be like it.”
Beautiful and powerful.
“You will never influence the world trying to be like it.”
Beautiful and powerful.
September 14, 2018
Just as they did with Dreaming in Indian: Contemporary Native American Voices, Lisa Charleyboy and Mary Beth Leatherdale have once again created an anthology of Native American voices from Canada and the United States. This time, however, it is devoted to the voices of indigenous women only. For Charleyboy, this work is "a love letter to all young indigenous women trying to find their way, but also to help dispel those stereotypes so we can collectively move forward to a brighter future for all."
#NotYourPrincess is divided into four sections, all of which contain a collection of poems, prose, art, and photographs by women and teens detailing some of the issues that have impacted their past, present and future as Native women.
In the first section, "The Ties That Bind," is about the ties to the past, recognizing a heritage and identity marred by the trauma and humiliations of the residence schools where Native children were taught to feel shame about who they are, and forced to assimilate to white society, or the shame felt at having everything taken by the government and wearing blankets in an attempt to protect themselves and to hide their shame. But, as Lianne Charlie (Tagé Cho Hudän) shows in her picture montage, #LittleSalmonWoman, Native women are their past but they are their present, too and it's in the present that things can change, accented by the last two entries of this section, In Her Words by Winona LaDuke (Anishinaabe/Ojibwe) and Jen VanStrander (Western Band of Cherokee).
The next section, "It Could Have Been Me," looks at the way victimization of indigenous women has always been perpetuated on Native women and those who now refuse to accept being victims and fight back. Even as young Native women are disappearing, are hurt and abused, actress Imalyn Cardinal (Cree/Dene) states flatly "I Don't Want to Be Afraid." And in "The Things We Taught Our Daughters," Helen Knott (DaneZaa/Cree) tackles domestic and sexual abuse and the way keeping silent was taught from generation to generation, and that now, it is time to speak up, to not accept this kind of treatment. As if in answer to Knott's is a poem by Patty Stonefish (Lakota) called "It Could Have Been Me" that ends with the word "I will not believe I am weak-/ I know I am indomitable./ I have the privilege of another day." I think this poem really shows the strength and the determination of young Native women refusing to be the victim anymore.
The third section, "I Am Not Your Princess," considers cultural appropriation in We Are Not a Costume by Jessica Deer (Mohawk) and the kind of erasure that happens when an indigenous person doesn't fit peoples preconceived ideas of what a Native person should look like, as in A Conversation with a Massage Therapist by Francine Cunningham (Cree/Métis), or the refusal to be stereotyped in Stereotype This by Melanie Fey (Diné), and What's There to Take Back? by Tiffany Midge (Hunkpapa Lakota) in response to a call for submissions about recreating Tiger Lily into "a real image of Indigenous womanhood."
Section four, "Pathfinders," looks at Native women who are forging a different, more positive present and future for themselves and their children. In the poem When I Have a Daughter, Ntawnis Piapot (Piapoy Cree Nation), tells her future daughter "Don't wait. Don't whine. Don't pine./ Go for it. Work for it. Earn it" even if it means being shunned and ostracized, have the courage to stand up and fight for justice. Which is exactly what 13-year-old Annalee Rain Yellowhammer (Hunkapapa, Standing Rock Sioux) did when she signed on to try and stop the Dakota Access Pipeline. In Defender of Mother Earth, this young activist writes "We demand 'rezpect' for out water, our land, and our voices. This is followed by photographs of successful Native athletes in Living Their Dreams. There are other successful women contributing to this section, but they point out that being a pathfinder isn't without obstacles and difficulties that must be overcome simply because they are Indigenous women. But these women have forge a path that celebrates their identity as strong, independent Native women following their dreams, leading the way for future generations.
#NotYourPrincess is not necessarily an easy book to read, but certainly one that should be read by Native and non-Native people, male and female. Native girls and women reading it will find a celebration of the multiple identities of their womanhood, of "taking control of how they and their traditions are seen" and of shattering stereotypes. It is impossible not to be affected by these contributions of different women, but it is also not an easy book to review. There is so much in the short one and two page offerings of women expressing themselves so freely, that just talking about it doesn't do justice to what is contained between the covers. My advice: Read #NotYourPrincess
Pair this with Dreaming in Indian for a more well-rounded though far from complete look at what it means to be Native in today's world.
#NotYourPrincess is divided into four sections, all of which contain a collection of poems, prose, art, and photographs by women and teens detailing some of the issues that have impacted their past, present and future as Native women.
In the first section, "The Ties That Bind," is about the ties to the past, recognizing a heritage and identity marred by the trauma and humiliations of the residence schools where Native children were taught to feel shame about who they are, and forced to assimilate to white society, or the shame felt at having everything taken by the government and wearing blankets in an attempt to protect themselves and to hide their shame. But, as Lianne Charlie (Tagé Cho Hudän) shows in her picture montage, #LittleSalmonWoman, Native women are their past but they are their present, too and it's in the present that things can change, accented by the last two entries of this section, In Her Words by Winona LaDuke (Anishinaabe/Ojibwe) and Jen VanStrander (Western Band of Cherokee).
The next section, "It Could Have Been Me," looks at the way victimization of indigenous women has always been perpetuated on Native women and those who now refuse to accept being victims and fight back. Even as young Native women are disappearing, are hurt and abused, actress Imalyn Cardinal (Cree/Dene) states flatly "I Don't Want to Be Afraid." And in "The Things We Taught Our Daughters," Helen Knott (DaneZaa/Cree) tackles domestic and sexual abuse and the way keeping silent was taught from generation to generation, and that now, it is time to speak up, to not accept this kind of treatment. As if in answer to Knott's is a poem by Patty Stonefish (Lakota) called "It Could Have Been Me" that ends with the word "I will not believe I am weak-/ I know I am indomitable./ I have the privilege of another day." I think this poem really shows the strength and the determination of young Native women refusing to be the victim anymore.
The third section, "I Am Not Your Princess," considers cultural appropriation in We Are Not a Costume by Jessica Deer (Mohawk) and the kind of erasure that happens when an indigenous person doesn't fit peoples preconceived ideas of what a Native person should look like, as in A Conversation with a Massage Therapist by Francine Cunningham (Cree/Métis), or the refusal to be stereotyped in Stereotype This by Melanie Fey (Diné), and What's There to Take Back? by Tiffany Midge (Hunkpapa Lakota) in response to a call for submissions about recreating Tiger Lily into "a real image of Indigenous womanhood."
Section four, "Pathfinders," looks at Native women who are forging a different, more positive present and future for themselves and their children. In the poem When I Have a Daughter, Ntawnis Piapot (Piapoy Cree Nation), tells her future daughter "Don't wait. Don't whine. Don't pine./ Go for it. Work for it. Earn it" even if it means being shunned and ostracized, have the courage to stand up and fight for justice. Which is exactly what 13-year-old Annalee Rain Yellowhammer (Hunkapapa, Standing Rock Sioux) did when she signed on to try and stop the Dakota Access Pipeline. In Defender of Mother Earth, this young activist writes "We demand 'rezpect' for out water, our land, and our voices. This is followed by photographs of successful Native athletes in Living Their Dreams. There are other successful women contributing to this section, but they point out that being a pathfinder isn't without obstacles and difficulties that must be overcome simply because they are Indigenous women. But these women have forge a path that celebrates their identity as strong, independent Native women following their dreams, leading the way for future generations.
#NotYourPrincess is not necessarily an easy book to read, but certainly one that should be read by Native and non-Native people, male and female. Native girls and women reading it will find a celebration of the multiple identities of their womanhood, of "taking control of how they and their traditions are seen" and of shattering stereotypes. It is impossible not to be affected by these contributions of different women, but it is also not an easy book to review. There is so much in the short one and two page offerings of women expressing themselves so freely, that just talking about it doesn't do justice to what is contained between the covers. My advice: Read #NotYourPrincess
Pair this with Dreaming in Indian for a more well-rounded though far from complete look at what it means to be Native in today's world.
December 22, 2018
4.5 stars — this is a nonfiction collection of poetry, artwork, and personal essays, all revolving around the identity of Native American women and reclaiming their self-value, highlighting their struggles. It’s important subject matter and an important amplification of their voices, considering every single contributor is a woman, and they speak to their own experiences.
However, this should not be read as ebook!! It’s a gorgeous design filled chockablock with artwork sprawling across the pages and interspersed between the texts, which, lol I did not realise that when I first borrowed the PDF; it’s really hard to read in digital and I think it’s probably a better, picturebook-y experience as a physical book.
However, this should not be read as ebook!! It’s a gorgeous design filled chockablock with artwork sprawling across the pages and interspersed between the texts, which, lol I did not realise that when I first borrowed the PDF; it’s really hard to read in digital and I think it’s probably a better, picturebook-y experience as a physical book.
September 12, 2017
First thing is first, this book will be released today September 12th, 2017 and you should buy it and then read it immediately...don't add it to your growing TBR! READ IT NOW! So I usually summarize the synopsis in my own words, because sometimes I don't like the actual summary and other times it is just too wordy for my liking because I like more concise explanations. This time, I decided to just stick with what was written because I will be putting absolutely no words of my own in this book of thoughts. This sounds like an insult to other authors but it isn't, I just have no words that I prefer to the ones written in the synopsis.
I read this book twice over and have goosebumps still! It has been a while since I have read a collection of short stories, essay, and poems that deeply moved me or made me think so I am beyond happy I got to read this. Okay wait, my previous statement may have been false because I don't ever recall being moved by a collection of stories before. That isn't the point! Any way, I loved the entire layout of this book. Each poem just made me feel like I was home. I am not a Native American or American NDN, I am just a regular African girl from around the way but I could empathize with everything that was said. I adored the connection to family, culture, and other women presented in each piece in this book. You guys have to understand, it is rare for me to gush about a book and have no complaints. I am the girl who loves harry Potter and can name at least 5 flaws in each book, so for me to look at this book and read it twice in one day and still be raving about it...
I was unsure if I could use pictures from the book, as I read it as an ARC and am unsure if I am allowed to take pictures from a book that has yet to be released. But don't let that deter you from picking up this book. There are some amazing prints, photographs, and works of art in this book. I have started a new habit where I bookmark pages that I find fascinating and I bookmarked every single page. I guess subconsciously I was waiting for the one thing to pop out at me. Usually, there is at least one bad thing in a book for me; whether misspelled word or just something that makes me unable to continue to seriously focus on the characters but that was not the case in this one. I often times found myself reminiscing on my childhood days when I would read Amelia's Notebook shorts in my American Girl magazine. I was hooked to this book like it was an N'SYNC concert. I just hung on to every word, every phrase,and every picture. I can honestly and dramatically say I spent my entire time reading the book like this . I realize that I have spent this entire post just going on and on about how great this book was, and if you read it, I hope you will better understand my featured photo, but I honestly have nothing bad to say about this book. It is a raw look into the truth of what it is to be an indigenous woman in a world that forgot you are not a cartoon character, nor are you the oversexualized woman depicted in film. I feel like this book should be something everyone reads! Hell, make it required reading! This book was given to me by Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion...my honest opinion is stop reading my review and read the dang book (like and comment first though, thanks)!
I read this book twice over and have goosebumps still! It has been a while since I have read a collection of short stories, essay, and poems that deeply moved me or made me think so I am beyond happy I got to read this. Okay wait, my previous statement may have been false because I don't ever recall being moved by a collection of stories before. That isn't the point! Any way, I loved the entire layout of this book. Each poem just made me feel like I was home. I am not a Native American or American NDN, I am just a regular African girl from around the way but I could empathize with everything that was said. I adored the connection to family, culture, and other women presented in each piece in this book. You guys have to understand, it is rare for me to gush about a book and have no complaints. I am the girl who loves harry Potter and can name at least 5 flaws in each book, so for me to look at this book and read it twice in one day and still be raving about it...
I was unsure if I could use pictures from the book, as I read it as an ARC and am unsure if I am allowed to take pictures from a book that has yet to be released. But don't let that deter you from picking up this book. There are some amazing prints, photographs, and works of art in this book. I have started a new habit where I bookmark pages that I find fascinating and I bookmarked every single page. I guess subconsciously I was waiting for the one thing to pop out at me. Usually, there is at least one bad thing in a book for me; whether misspelled word or just something that makes me unable to continue to seriously focus on the characters but that was not the case in this one. I often times found myself reminiscing on my childhood days when I would read Amelia's Notebook shorts in my American Girl magazine. I was hooked to this book like it was an N'SYNC concert. I just hung on to every word, every phrase,and every picture. I can honestly and dramatically say I spent my entire time reading the book like this . I realize that I have spent this entire post just going on and on about how great this book was, and if you read it, I hope you will better understand my featured photo, but I honestly have nothing bad to say about this book. It is a raw look into the truth of what it is to be an indigenous woman in a world that forgot you are not a cartoon character, nor are you the oversexualized woman depicted in film. I feel like this book should be something everyone reads! Hell, make it required reading! This book was given to me by Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion...my honest opinion is stop reading my review and read the dang book (like and comment first though, thanks)!
August 7, 2017
"We must and will have women leaders among us. Native women are going to raise the roof and decry the dirty house which patriarchy and racism have built on our bricks." - Lee Maracle (Stó:lō Nation)
*ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley for an honest review*
This is a collection of works (short stories, drawings, poems, comics) by Native women. It's a short book but with its few pages it achieved so much. It managed to move me and make me think and most importantly it gave visibility to a lot of women. It put them front and centre and we get to hear their voices, their struggles, their happiness, their day to day life, the systematic and every day racism they have to face, the heritage that they're so proud of but also the ones that they're not that proud of and the different intersections they have in their every day life. We got stories about teenagers, adults, queer women, successful women, women who are not afraid to call out an unjust system that still goes on until today. I actually admire the capacity that some of these works had to make me feel so much. There are so many of these women that are still carrying the weight that their ancestors had and who are trying to overcome the past-trauma and some of them are trying to take control of it.
I believe this was created by Native women for Native women and I just felt so grateful to be able to see all of this and read their stories. This is a story of the resilience that Indigenous women have been going through for so many years in the face of a corrupt and racially biased system that caters towards their oppression and the horrible things that keep happening to people like them. I felt the strength that these women had through the pages and it filled me up with inspiration and admiration. I love that we get pictures of successful Native women who achieved their dreams and also that we saw some of the (very little still) representation that they get in the media. It was incredibly interesting to also see people talking about current issues that still to this day are not solved and how they're using social media to make a change (this is specially with the Dakota Pipeline story).
My favourite works were The Things We Taught Our Daughters by Helen Knott (Dane Zaa/Cree) which is a poem about the transfer of the toxicity through family that became a pattern in their lives and the hope of healing and doing better in the future, My Grandmother Sophia by Saige Mukash (Cree) which is about Saige's grandmother and her realisation of things after she passed away, Blankets of Shame by Maria Campbell (Métis) which is about the shame that Indigenous people use like a blanket in their every day life and Portrait by Sierra Edd (Diné) which is about her work helping fight the Dakota Pipeline (which I'm so thankful because I never really understood what was happening there until now).
August 8, 2017
3.5 Amazing Stars
Thank you to Annick Press for the ARC, provided via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a captivating read. The Voices of Native American Women really resonated with me. The artwork was phenomenal. The poems and essays were informative and were packed with the strength, oppression, humility and humanity of all the contributors.
As a reader you could feel their emotions being adequately expressed whether it was frustration or happiness. These women have compassionate souls, who despite adversity, will stand up for what they believe in. They are warriors who fight against oppression of their cultural heritage and their identity as a Native woman. Each entry expressed this superbly.
The part that really drew me in and resonated with me, was the sexualisation of Native Women in the Western culture. This was a topic that I, as a non-American woman and lover of history, in my innocence, thought would have been moot by now and not relevant in modern society. After reading this book I understand the modern plight and will educate others in the future on this aspect.
The only reason that I didn’t give this book a higher rating is the fact that the e-format was a hot mess. The sentences flowed together, you couldn’t keep proper track of what was intended and the art work with captions didn’t always match up. This is the type of book that would most definitely work better in a paperback format.
I recommend this book to any reader, whether your Native or not, to read #notyourprincess. Any reader will find a refreshing perspective on issues that form part of our society. The artwork is beautiful and the content is very informative.
Thank you to Annick Press for the ARC, provided via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a captivating read. The Voices of Native American Women really resonated with me. The artwork was phenomenal. The poems and essays were informative and were packed with the strength, oppression, humility and humanity of all the contributors.
As a reader you could feel their emotions being adequately expressed whether it was frustration or happiness. These women have compassionate souls, who despite adversity, will stand up for what they believe in. They are warriors who fight against oppression of their cultural heritage and their identity as a Native woman. Each entry expressed this superbly.
The part that really drew me in and resonated with me, was the sexualisation of Native Women in the Western culture. This was a topic that I, as a non-American woman and lover of history, in my innocence, thought would have been moot by now and not relevant in modern society. After reading this book I understand the modern plight and will educate others in the future on this aspect.
The only reason that I didn’t give this book a higher rating is the fact that the e-format was a hot mess. The sentences flowed together, you couldn’t keep proper track of what was intended and the art work with captions didn’t always match up. This is the type of book that would most definitely work better in a paperback format.
I recommend this book to any reader, whether your Native or not, to read #notyourprincess. Any reader will find a refreshing perspective on issues that form part of our society. The artwork is beautiful and the content is very informative.
January 6, 2018
This is a great companion to Dreaming in Indian (which I also enjoyed but it's great to have a volume focused on women)! Like that book, the mixed media format reminds me of a zine or yearbook, in a good way. It's a great way to just get drawn in and encounter a lot of voices, with a combination of humor, insight, anger, sorrow, beauty...often all in the same piece.
Although I do think the large-size format works for this, I think librarians might need to do something extra to boost this to teen readers--I know often older kids find that large books like this come across as looking like baby picture books, but I think once they get past the size, the style and content has a lot to offer.
Although I do think the large-size format works for this, I think librarians might need to do something extra to boost this to teen readers--I know often older kids find that large books like this come across as looking like baby picture books, but I think once they get past the size, the style and content has a lot to offer.
July 9, 2018
A beautifully written, yet tragic anthology of stories, poems and art by Native American women. These writers/artists did a fantastic job of drawing the reader into their beautiful culture. My heart broke for each and everyone of those woman as they all had so much sadness and loss in their lives. This book also did a great job drawing attention to the issues that many Native American women face such as domestic violence, alcoholism, substance abuse and sexual assault. Seeing that many of these women went on to do amazing things really gave me such profound joy. I'd recommend this to anyone interested in Native American culture or social justice issues.
January 13, 2018
I started the Book Riot 2018 Read Harder Challenge today with this powerful #ownvoices anthology that I read in one sitting. Sized like a magazine, it's only about 100 pages long and features full-color art, poetry, essays, photography and more by nearly 60 contemporary women and teen girls who shatter stereotypes and affirm hope for the future. Windows and mirrors - hand this diverse book to anyone looking for something quick-to-read. Their world will be bigger.
January 2, 2018
This zine sold me on the medium and I'm sure you'll find something to love in it.
January 1, 2018
So important. Every high school and public library in the country should have this, and everyone should read it. It’s short and fast and will make your world bigger.
September 25, 2022
“Little sister
I see you even if you have yet to see yourself
even if you mask yourself in fragments of
untruths of you
even when you cloak yourself because
somewhere, sometime, someone has made
you feel that to hide is safer than to
shine as you were meant to do..”
— Tasha Spillett, Cree
Wow, this book was on my read list wayyy too long. I checked it out from the library tonight just to reread and go through it and I’m glad that I did. It’s a phenomenal work that hit me even deeper after seeing the film The Woman King this evening. It’s marvellous to experience women and sisters from various nations, loving on each other, taking care of each other through their actions, through their words and example. #NotYourPrincess is a beautiful read and a collaborative effort filled with art, poetry and testimony from Indigenous women coming together to create something distinctly for their community. It was a joy to experience.
Gorgeously executed, investigative on a personal level, critical, compassionate, and eviscerating; #NotYourPrincess is a work of reclamation and it’s something really special. There’s consideration and kind retrospective paid forward and across generational lines. It puts generations in conversation with each other and creates space for the sharing of love, fears, challenges and successes. Every contributor has given something powerful to this work and it shows, you can feel it on every page.
Read
January 29, 2018Love the style of this book -- it's a scrapbook of voices, art, poetry, and insight by and about Native women about their life experiences, the good, the bad, the joyous, and the painful. I wish it had been longer.
The format is the only downside. This is a short book at just over 100 pages, and the trim size makes it look like a picture book more than an appealing teen read. It makes sense because the art inside is full color (!!) and needs the space, but it's a little tough to maneuver (& I have a feeling it doesn't render in digital the same way it does in print).
The format is the only downside. This is a short book at just over 100 pages, and the trim size makes it look like a picture book more than an appealing teen read. It makes sense because the art inside is full color (!!) and needs the space, but it's a little tough to maneuver (& I have a feeling it doesn't render in digital the same way it does in print).
July 23, 2019
Native American writers, editors, artists, cover artists, even cover model! A great project from Annick Press!
Every piece was meaningful and beautiful. Each section felt very real and impactful. There was beautiful artwork and poems and short stories, and I'm really lucky to have read this.
It's important to support this kind of work, support native voices!!
Every piece was meaningful and beautiful. Each section felt very real and impactful. There was beautiful artwork and poems and short stories, and I'm really lucky to have read this.
It's important to support this kind of work, support native voices!!
August 19, 2017
This anthology from Indigenous women across North America is a revelation of their brilliant resilience in the face of white supremacist colonialist violence, so all readers should savour their words!
March 8, 2019
Gorgeous, educational, and hopeful. I would love to see more from the incredibly talented collaborators behind #NotYourPrincess.
November 4, 2017
This is one powerful book about the experience and strength of Native women. The book is a collection of art, stories, poems and interviews of and by Indigenous women. The pieces in the book explore the intersectionality of being both Indigenous and female, demonstrating with a searing cry the damage done by abuse and stereotypes. There is power in the book, strong voices that insist on being heard and no longer being invisible in our modern world.
This book fights back against the harmful boxes that our society puts Native women in, labeling them with stereotypes of drunkenness or princess. This book shows instead the wide range of Native voices with art and words that shout on the page. Both the art and textual pieces are impressive separately, but put together into a whole, the book becomes more than its pieces. The result is a brilliant collection, building piece by piece. It is not an easy read, but one that is honest and raw.
Beautiful, angry and insistent, this collection of the voices of Native women belongs on the shelves of every library serving teens. Appropriate for ages 13-17.
This book fights back against the harmful boxes that our society puts Native women in, labeling them with stereotypes of drunkenness or princess. This book shows instead the wide range of Native voices with art and words that shout on the page. Both the art and textual pieces are impressive separately, but put together into a whole, the book becomes more than its pieces. The result is a brilliant collection, building piece by piece. It is not an easy read, but one that is honest and raw.
Beautiful, angry and insistent, this collection of the voices of Native women belongs on the shelves of every library serving teens. Appropriate for ages 13-17.
March 20, 2018
I'm very glad I read this collection of drawings, poetry, and short writings by indigenous women that give a platform for broadcasting their raw anger, defiant pride, and the beauty of their families and culture that has so often been muted and ignored in the past and still today. These women are using their voices and their talents to express their pain but also trumpet their strengths. I loved hearing from so many different women and seeing their tribal affiliations listed beside their names, giving me the smallest glimpse into the many different ways they identify themselves. This was a very quick read, but the impact is lasting as I'm still thinking about the words and images these women shared. It's shameful that even now these women have to fight for acknowledgement and to have their voices and stories heard.
October 6, 2017
This Definitely needs trigger warnings, but a stunning collection. Read my full review here!
December 1, 2018
4.5/5 Stars
August 18, 2017
reviews also posted on Wordpress! spoiler-free review!
"They spent hundreds of years trying to assimilate my ancestors, trying to create Indians who could blend in like me. But now they don't want me either. I'm not Indian enough."
I received an e-ARC from Annick Press Ltd. through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
Unfortunately, this e-ARC was poorly formatted. Therefore, a lot of the art and poetry was unreadable. So please keep that in mind when you're reading reviews of #Notyourprincess. None of us can review it in its entirety, and some readers might be more critical because of that. I'm not, because I don't think it's fair to punish the authors for something that's out of their hands.
#Notyourprincess is described as "a love letter to all young Indigenous women [...] but also to help dispel stereotypes", so it's by Native American women, for Indigenous women.
I'm a white European and the only things I know about Indigenous people in the 21th century, I know thanks to the Indigenous people I follow on social media. Even as a history teacher, my knowledge of them is very, very limited. I don't know much about what has happened to the Native Americans since the European exploration and colonization, and I know even less about Indigenous people from other parts of the world. Marginalised people are under-represented in media, especially under-represented in non-harmful, accurate portrayals, but things are even worse for Indigenous people. When are they ever shown in movies and TV shows, besides the stereotypical portrayals written by white people?
That's why I would definitely recommend #Notyourprincess. I highlighted tons of great quotes and learnt a great deal in less than 200 pages. I had no idea about Native American Women being sterilized by the government, or their children taken away from them. Like I said, I don't know anything about the recent history of Indigenous people. But first and foremost, this isn't at all a history book, but a collection of poems, art, essays, etc. in which Native American Women get to voice their feelings. Trigger warning for sexual assault, rape, alcoholism etc. though!
conclusion: I definitely want to get a physical copy once it's released. Because the e-ARC was poorly formatted, a physical copy will most likely be a whole other experience! #Notyourprincess educated me, but it more importantly gave Native American Women the chance to express themselves, which was much needed.
You can also find me on Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, Pinterest and Wordpress!
"They spent hundreds of years trying to assimilate my ancestors, trying to create Indians who could blend in like me. But now they don't want me either. I'm not Indian enough."
I received an e-ARC from Annick Press Ltd. through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
Unfortunately, this e-ARC was poorly formatted. Therefore, a lot of the art and poetry was unreadable. So please keep that in mind when you're reading reviews of #Notyourprincess. None of us can review it in its entirety, and some readers might be more critical because of that. I'm not, because I don't think it's fair to punish the authors for something that's out of their hands.
#Notyourprincess is described as "a love letter to all young Indigenous women [...] but also to help dispel stereotypes", so it's by Native American women, for Indigenous women.
I'm a white European and the only things I know about Indigenous people in the 21th century, I know thanks to the Indigenous people I follow on social media. Even as a history teacher, my knowledge of them is very, very limited. I don't know much about what has happened to the Native Americans since the European exploration and colonization, and I know even less about Indigenous people from other parts of the world. Marginalised people are under-represented in media, especially under-represented in non-harmful, accurate portrayals, but things are even worse for Indigenous people. When are they ever shown in movies and TV shows, besides the stereotypical portrayals written by white people?
That's why I would definitely recommend #Notyourprincess. I highlighted tons of great quotes and learnt a great deal in less than 200 pages. I had no idea about Native American Women being sterilized by the government, or their children taken away from them. Like I said, I don't know anything about the recent history of Indigenous people. But first and foremost, this isn't at all a history book, but a collection of poems, art, essays, etc. in which Native American Women get to voice their feelings. Trigger warning for sexual assault, rape, alcoholism etc. though!
conclusion: I definitely want to get a physical copy once it's released. Because the e-ARC was poorly formatted, a physical copy will most likely be a whole other experience! #Notyourprincess educated me, but it more importantly gave Native American Women the chance to express themselves, which was much needed.
You can also find me on Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, Pinterest and Wordpress!
February 21, 2018
I really wanted to love this one, especially after hearing about it from the author/editor in a webinar. Unfortunately, I found the format off-putting and could not really connect to any message or emotion from this collection. It feels very random, poorly arranged, and incomplete to me. There's no flow between pages and submissions that makes any sort of sense to me, or conveys any sort of theme or emotion, which was disappointing.
I wanted it to feel rich, emotional, creative, and to leave me with some strong feelings and impressions about Native American Women. Instead, it fell flat for me, and I confess, I was glad when I reached the end. There's just not enough depth here, and the format/presentation definitely leaves something to be desired.
I especially hate the quotes, which are printed with small words paired with enormously fat words (randomly selected in a way that doesn't even feel meaningful), all on top of a background of more faded words. If you have any difficulty with reading or vision, that's going to be a struggle for you. To me, it was not a struggle to read the words so much as it was a huge distraction that took away from the quotes having any impact of making any impression on me. It felt like a frustration to just read through the words, so I took very little meaning from the actual quotes and just read them like it was a chore that I had to complete.
Since I'm not a Native American Women, I can't speak to how well this truly does or does not represent those voice. I can say that I'm uncertain what the messages are supposed to be, and there's just a ton of context missing for me. It's possible that without that context, I just don't understand this work, which is sad, as I was so excited to read and experience this one.
I give it 3 stars in honor of those who contributed their art, words, photographs, and experiences for this volume, but my overall interest and enjoyment level is more at two stars. And if I were pointing to Native American representation and voices, I would probably search long and hard for other/ better options before recommending this one to others.
Pages: 109
I wanted it to feel rich, emotional, creative, and to leave me with some strong feelings and impressions about Native American Women. Instead, it fell flat for me, and I confess, I was glad when I reached the end. There's just not enough depth here, and the format/presentation definitely leaves something to be desired.
I especially hate the quotes, which are printed with small words paired with enormously fat words (randomly selected in a way that doesn't even feel meaningful), all on top of a background of more faded words. If you have any difficulty with reading or vision, that's going to be a struggle for you. To me, it was not a struggle to read the words so much as it was a huge distraction that took away from the quotes having any impact of making any impression on me. It felt like a frustration to just read through the words, so I took very little meaning from the actual quotes and just read them like it was a chore that I had to complete.
Since I'm not a Native American Women, I can't speak to how well this truly does or does not represent those voice. I can say that I'm uncertain what the messages are supposed to be, and there's just a ton of context missing for me. It's possible that without that context, I just don't understand this work, which is sad, as I was so excited to read and experience this one.
I give it 3 stars in honor of those who contributed their art, words, photographs, and experiences for this volume, but my overall interest and enjoyment level is more at two stars. And if I were pointing to Native American representation and voices, I would probably search long and hard for other/ better options before recommending this one to others.
Pages: 109
January 27, 2018
This slim anthology features poetry, art, essays, quotes, etc. from indigenous women. Aimed at teen readers the book covers with many issues that women from this group face: from poverty to stereotypes to sexual assault to the lack of resources or even historical context that is taught in schools, etc. this was a book that will make you think.
I was a bit hesitant because I have never been one for poetry and this just didn't quite sound up my alley. That was true and holds for me. There will be others who will probably get a lot more out of the art, interviews, poems, etc. but for me I found it wasn't really interested. I wish there was more, which seems to be a common theme in a lot of interviews.
There are biographies of the contributors at the end but I would have loved to have read a few words from some of the artists if they had wanted to share. Some of the pieces didn't resonate with me but I suspect that this is partially because I am just not part of this group. I also wish there had been more about the contributors or additional resources: books to read, other indigenous figures that these women might recommend, even links to the PayPal or websites or blogs of these women. I could most certainly understand the argument for NOT including that information but I would have found it helpful.
I borrowed it from the library and that was right for me.
I was a bit hesitant because I have never been one for poetry and this just didn't quite sound up my alley. That was true and holds for me. There will be others who will probably get a lot more out of the art, interviews, poems, etc. but for me I found it wasn't really interested. I wish there was more, which seems to be a common theme in a lot of interviews.
There are biographies of the contributors at the end but I would have loved to have read a few words from some of the artists if they had wanted to share. Some of the pieces didn't resonate with me but I suspect that this is partially because I am just not part of this group. I also wish there had been more about the contributors or additional resources: books to read, other indigenous figures that these women might recommend, even links to the PayPal or websites or blogs of these women. I could most certainly understand the argument for NOT including that information but I would have found it helpful.
I borrowed it from the library and that was right for me.
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