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

by Traci Sorell, Frané Lessac (Illustrator)

Twelve 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.

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, History, Indigenous, Native American, Childrens, Middle Grade

40 pages, Hardcover

First published April 20, 2021

About the author

Best-selling author and Cherokee Nation citizen Traci Sorell writes inclusive, award-winning fiction and nonfiction in a variety of formats for young people. In 2023, she shares Contenders: Two Native Baseball Players, One World Series, a Kirkus Reviews starred nonfiction picture book biography illustrated by Arigon Starr, and Mascot, a middle grade fiction novel-in-verse co-authored with Charles Waters. Traci is a two-time Sibert Medal and Orbis Pictus honoree for her nonfiction work. Her first five books have received awards from the American Indian Library Association. Learn more at www.tracisorell.com.

Reviews

[Rod Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

Vital information in a format that fails to do it justice. Presented as if it were a school project by various fictional students, each two-page spread is like a Power Point slide with an image, a short, high-level overview blurb of a concept, some supporting bullet points, and repetition of the title refrain.

I'm not entirely sure who the intended audience is. The information seems too broad and vague for an elementary student to use as a source of information for schoolwork. Meanwhile, I can't imagine younger readers doing anything except zoning out and getting restless as you read aloud to them phrases like " . . . lowered the government's financial duty to tribes nationwide . . ." and " . . . use profits to develop business and employment." The many pages of end matter seem to have the same balance of too little and too much information. The pictures are okay, but even for them you have to access the end notes to fully understand what is being depicted.

The best audience for this may actually be the adults who are reading the book to children and become curious enough to want to read more on this important subject for themselves.

[nitya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Technically this is aimed at children aged 7-10, but I wanted to read this too.

It's such a beautiful, powerful and important work. There's also a timeline at the end, which both shocked and surprised me with how much I do and DON'T know about Native history, due to whitewashing and focusing more on colonizer history (i.e. manifest destiny).

Indigenous people deserve the world. ❤️

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, the backmatter!!! This nonfiction book is beautifully done by the team from We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga! And it is full of valuable information to help kids know and understand Native history in the U.S., along with extensive backmatter that provides context for much of what is missing from the typical curriculum and history books. A must-have picture book for all elementary schools!

[Abigail · Rating 2 out of 5]

Author Traci Sorell and illustrator Frané Lessac, who previously collaborated on the bilingual picture-book We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga , turn in this present volume to the history of America's Native Nations, and their tradition of resistance to cultural, political and geographic encroachment on the part of the United States. Conceived as a series of twelve presentations given by the students at a Native community school on Indigenous People's Day, the topics explored include: Assimilation, Allotment, Indian New Deal, Termination, Relocation, Tribal Activism, Self-Determination, Indian Child Welfare & Education, Religious Freedom, Economic Development, Language Revival, and Sovereign Resurgence. The book closes with an extensive afterword including more information on each "presentation," from the facts presented to the meaning of the accompanying artwork; a timeline from the end of the Civil War to the present day; a glossary of terms; a list of sources; and an author's note.

Having greatly enjoyed this author/illustrator team's previous foray into the world of picture-books, as well as individual projects from both, I picked up We Are Still Here!: Native American Truths Everyone Should Know with great anticipation, particularly as I find the subject matter both interesting and important. Unfortunately, I found the book wanting in a few key areas, and was not favorably impressed. The paramount trouble, and it is an inescapably structural one, is that this is not really a picture-book. Or, put another way, there is great audience confusion here. Both the subject matter and the language used belong more to a middle-grade title, and I could see this making an excellent work of non-fiction for that age range, if the twelve presentations were expanded, and each made into a brief chapter. As it is, the presentations are little more than lists of points about the topic in question—they are in fact literally lists, with an ellipsis before each point—followed by the refrain "Native Nations say We are still here!" The after matter gives more details, but there is no avoiding the fact that this info-dumping structure lacks the power to engage young picture-book audiences, despite the very thin "framing" narrative of the students making their presentations. I came away with the impression that the choice of picture-book format may have been more driven by Sorell and Lessac's previous title, which was very well received, rather than by a thoughtful consideration of what would work best for different age groups. As it stands, this doesn't work as a picture-book, and is not fleshed out enough for an adequate middle-grade title. I am somewhat bemused by all of the praise the book has received in official reviewing publications. I can only conclude that these reviewers are so enthusiastic for the topic that they have suspended their critical judgement, which is no flattering reflection upon them.

Leaving that aside, the book has other, more subtle flaws. I was very disturbed to see that when unambiguously bad actions taken by the U.S. government were being discussed—Assimilation, Allotment—terms like "white men" and "white people" were used, but when more positive actions were taken–Indian New Deal, Self-Determination, Indian Child Welfare & Education—terms like "United States government," "Congress" and "non-Native families" were used. This may reflect unconscious bias on the author's part—negative actions are associated with white people as a race, while positive actions are associated with institutions, even when those institutions were (at that time) made up of people of that same race—but I think that it can be very harmful to young people to receive these kinds of subtle messages. I was also disturbed to see that, in the discussion of casinos—the Economic Development section—no mention was made of the great controversies and divisions that running casinos have brought to many Native Nations. I still recall the news about the so-called "Mohawk Civil War" that occurred in upstate New York and Canada, back in the 1990s, when I was in high school. If the author didn't wish to focus on something divisive in her main text, that's fair enough, but I find it astonishing that the indigenous community's mixed feelings about gambling and casinos was not raised anywhere in the back matter. To be clear, I am not personally opposed to casinos, and believe that they have brought benefit to various Native Nations, but the omission of any reference to the internal conflicts created by the issue feels intentional, and potentially even dishonest. Consider the language used in the timeline entry related to this specific topic: "Tribes have always had traditional games of chance, so some tribes decide to offer casino-style gaming." Is there anything in such a description that even hints that there might be more to the story?

All in all, I think this is a book that explores an important and worthy topic, and I think it had the potential to do so well, if someone in the editorial process had had the wisdom to suggest a different, expanded format, and had been alive to some of these subtler points. As it is, despite appreciating the intention of the narrative, and the beauty of the artwork, this is not one I can recommend.

[Jessie Bond · Rating 3 out of 5]

Conflicting feelings on this one. On the one hand, it seeks to fill a gap in children's history books with information about Indigenous peoples in the United States from 1871 (the date of the last treaty between Native people and the U.S. government) and the present. I do like the structure of arranging information by topic (presented as different Native children's class presentations, although I don't know how necessary that framework is) as opposed to in a linear timeline, although the linear timeline in the back matter is very helpful. I think the structure helps recognize the cyclical nature of history, with issues like religious freedom, language restoration, and Native advocacy resonating from the past through the present and the future. These are all important topics that children, Native and non-Native, should learn about. However, the mix of reading level indicators left me wondering what audience the book was aimed at. Advanced language like "federally recognized status" and "sovereign resurgence" that would be at home in a nonfiction text for middle schoolers is mixed with simple sentence structures, a picture book layout with kid-friendly artwork, and the repetition of the phrase "we are still here!", which is reminiscent of the kind of repetition well-suited to preschool story times. I want to recommend this book for the content but wouldn't honestly know who to give it to. A family read, maybe?

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This illustrated book to educate us about the sufferings of the indigenous peoples focusing on the resilience of such communities surviving throughout these years amidst unrest, fear and injustices done towards them.

The artwork and the illustrations are pretty basic.

It's a great way of introducing the concept through such a simple yet powerful storybook.

Highlights: facts and brief history on the same, and what's been done so far for this issue.

Thank you, authors and the publisher for the ARC.

[Nella ☾ of Bookland · Rating 5 out of 5]

National American Indian Heritage Month Read #8 🍁

A powerfully informative read. I wish I had read this when I was a kid.

[Natalie Tate · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately, while the topic of this book is important, the execution isn't engaging for kids. It reads like the bullet points of a company powerpoint presentation. Still, parents and teachers can use the info in this book to start conversations.

[Ms. B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though, most of the information in this book was familiar to me (I read Indian No More which is also by Traci Sorell), this will be a good book for classrooms, educators and caregivers to use as an introduction of the history of Native Americans.
Share this one with everyone; those who want to learn more about the history of our Native Nations and the United States government, those who do not and those who did know there was more to learn.

[Michele Knott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This nonfiction text needs to be in every classroom and every library. Let's start teaching truths and not the myths. No more whitewashing history, young readers need accurate information.
I love the format Sorell uses in telling these truths - through presentations at a school. So well done.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vital, vibrant, full of incredibly valuable history that underscores the book's ongoing and still-contemporary refrain in the voice of Native Americans: "We are still here!"

[Julie Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a non-native audience, the consistent use of terms like assimilation, sovereignty, congress, termination, relocation, tribal activism, etc., I'd say that this should be for Grades 5 and up. Otherwise, I don't think most American school children would understand the concepts here, at least in my region.

I do like the set up where a classroom of students each takes on a different term/concept that has threatened the existence and sovereignty of Native Nations and provides a brief presentation on it (fantasy perfect classroom), and I did learn a little and it did put different things together that I had not connected before. For example, I never realized the truth of this: on the timeline in the back, it says, "This timeline begins when that treaty making was officially ended by the US government. This is when Indigenous people generally disappear from curriculum" (34). So true, so true! The appendix is more like a Social Studies Textbook glossary and detailed timeline focused only on indigenous people, and would be perfect for a 7th grade classroom. I would argue that the rest of it is just right for that age, too, even though it sounds like it's written for younger students.

It's not the kind of a book that kids are going to check out and love; it's more an educational tool.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This accessible, inspiring companion book to We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga reuniting author Traci Sorrell and illustrator Frané Lessac offers an excellent introduction to Native American resistance to government subjugation efforts like forced assimilation, land allotment, and treaty cancellation. Despite this oppression, resiliency and organized activism resulted in recognition of civil rights and self-determination, religious freedom, economic development, cultural revival, and nationhood. Includes extensive end matter.

[Shiloah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring. No one enjoyed it for our family read aloud. This information would work better in an adult magazine article.

[Marilisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you know very little about Native American history and would like to start somewhere, I think this book is very good at explaining the main issues and steps in history. However, it stays pretty high level without really exploring each subject, so if you are pretty familiar with the topics already, it might not be for you.
Not being from the US, I did learn something new, so for me, the experience was really nice, even though I'm not sure the audiobook format is the best to render a book that is structured as PowerPoint presentations. Nevertheless, the narration with a wide cast is done really well!

I would recommend it for older kids (some terms might be difficult for young children) as an easy way to get interested in Native American history, and for adults as well, why not!

I'd like to thank the author, editor and NetGalley for giving me access to this ALC

[Hannah]

This book is FANTASTIC. Such a great frame for learning about indigenous histories for nations that exist and operate within the United States, and exceedingly clever and pointed with how the illustrations work with the topics of the children's "presentations." The back matter is fantastic, too.

[Dee Dee G · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short book full of information. The way it’s written would probably be better for kids a little older.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great teacher resource for an outline of creating an Indigenous Peoples Day project for older elementary or middle school children. As a read-aloud picture book-- it tries to explain difficult concepts with very little text, but I imagine that alone, it's hard to use to communicate what happened in history with Native Americans. This book would need to be supplemented with additional stories, documentaries, and non-fiction materials to truly understand the twelve topics raised in the books.

[Book Buying With Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an illustrated non-fiction book that discusses American First Nations history from 1870 to the present. I knew VERY LITTLE of this information, and it was very well-presented. Super important.

[Robin Coral · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a hard book to review!! I want to give it 5 stars on bite size information for children… but for what age are these children? I’m not sure… My Son who is 5.5 sat and listened and looked at the photos with interest and questions. Yet some of the vocabulary was clearly over his head and so heavy with government terms even the explanations needed explaining… which we did at time and others we left for later in life. On every page we did this.

It’s not a story time book for a group of children but a one-on-one read that can be paused and have a side conversation here and there throughout the book. This is the third book that we’ve read that talked about the removal of native children from their home and families. This age for the listener (5.5) and presentation of the topic in this book had the greatest impact on the child and we spent the most time processing this part of the book, take care with the younger children on this topic. He needed the reassurance that this would not happen to him… another opportunity to discuss privilege and history vs present time. Heavy topics in this book that need an intro into the lives of children, for that I think it does well. Ultimately it will be on the child’s care taker to help bring more awareness into these topics but the book serves as a great support.

The book does show past wrongs and the hard won efforts that made changes toward a better situation as well as current efforts and the on going issues. It’s a well done book with a wonderful time line at the end. Lots to be learned at any age and maybe parents read it alone first to better dialogue with the inevitable questions.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great way to learn the basics of how Native Peoples in the USA have had to contend with Europeans since their arrival. The timeline is also helpful starting in 1871 when the US decided to end treaty-making. The author suggested I check who used to live in the area where I live now: Cascades, Clackamas, Cowlitz and the Confederate Tribes of Grand Ronde.

[Rachel Stine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is such good information but the presentation is so meh. I don’t think any child will finish this book unless it is a homework assignment.

[Sunday]

Heads up - the audience listed for this book is grades 4-6 and when you read, you realize this is very true despite the possible visual appeal for the younger grades.

YOU MAY NEED TO PROVIDE SOME SCAFFOLDS for understanding for students to get the most out of this book. After a short introduction, each two-page spread is one Native student's "presentation" on a particular aspect of the Native Nation and U.S. government relationship. Some student readers may need support in making sense of the format. Each illustration in some way supports the text on the page, but it may not be clear how. There's a statement related to a key word (e.g., assimilation, allotment, etc.) and then a list of examples. I could not always get a sense of the timeline or period of time being addressed in each two-page spread; the statements are frequently broad or general making it hard to pin down "what exactly happened and when." (I think it's linear but...) It seems like Sorrell is trying to get across the idea that the federal gov't has made promises over time and then not followed through but the presentation of the content without specific dates and events makes it a bit confusing. On one two-page spread, yes, the gov't did this but then on the next spread, the gov't is doing something negative. Was this before or after the events on the last page? Or in response? Or on another matter altogether? In a two-page spread in the back matter "More Information," Sorrell does note "it's important to know that while some of these topics have specific historical time frames, many are ongoing and all of them still affect Native citizens and Native Nations today." Perhaps this is why she doesn't give more specifics in the main part of the book? In this back matter spread, there's a definition of each key word with a few additional details including the specific Native Nations depicted in the illustration. There's also WISH this short info had been included on each page instead of separately; as a teacher, I'd just make sure to introduce the back matter to students before they read - as a way to support them while they read. There's also a "Time line" which includes a lot of important events but which is not tightly aligned to the content of the book so the reader has to draw conclusions about which "key word" spread the event noted in the time line supports.

The content is important. I just think there may need to be some scaffolds put in place for students to get the most out of it. Perhaps it's just reminding students to "monitor for meaning" as they read, always asking, "What do I understand?" and "What do I not understand that may require further research?"

[Chris]

This book covers historical and contemporary legal battles and cultural challenges that Indigenous groups have faced and continue to deal with in the U.S. It is presented as an Indigenous People's Day at school where children give presentations on various topics. Each topic has a two-page spread. At the back is a timeline and more information.

Assimilation
Allotment
Economic Development
Indian Child Welfare and Education
The Indian New Deal
Language Revival
Religious Freedom
Relocation
Sovereign Resurgence
Self-Determination
Termination
Tribal Activism

I talked about this picture book on episode 154 of the Book Cougars https://www.bookcougars.com/blog-1/20...

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Sibert Medal Nominee is outstanding! Twelve Native American Children (all from different tribes) present a concept that is tied to a specific time period, their struggles and victories in individual presentations for Indigenous Peoples' Day, sort of like what you would find at a History or Science Fair. At the end of each presentation are the words, "We Are Still Here," which UNITES this group of people as they TEACH us the truth about Native Americans.

At the end of the book are pages on "More Information," an annotated Timeline, a Glossary of Terms, Sources, and an Author's Note

Illustrations are colorful and the font is just what you would expect from a child doing a presentation.

Well-Done!

[Janae (The Modish Geek)]

Great beginner information on Indigenous topics

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This did a good job of covering Native People’s history and basic concepts for youth. I felt that the format was a bit too tight and didn’t work on every page. “We are still here” got somewhat redundant. The back matter, especially the description of the illustrations, helped improve my opinion of the book. Excellent introduction for kids to the lives of Indigenous Peoples. Getting 4 stars more for lack of material on the subject than the quality of the book.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

First sentence: Our Native Nations have always been here. We are Indigenous to the continent now called North America. Our leaders are sovereign and have power to make rules. Our ways of life changed when white people arrived from Europe.

We Are Still Here! is a nonfiction picture book for older readers. The framework of the story is that a classroom is celebrating Indigenous Peoples' Day and presenting twelve projects. (But despite this framework the book itself is clearly nonfiction.) The twelve projects/topics are: Assimilation, Allotment, Indian New Deal, Termination, Relocation, Tribal Activisim, Self-Determination, Indian Child Welfare and Education, Religious Freedom, Economic Development, Language Revival, and Sovereign Resurgence.

The projects almost have a power-point feel to them. (Not in a bad way, the framework clearly has this being a school research project/presentation). And there's nothing wrong with bullet points after all! The illustrations hint at historical context for the given topic. But not always or exclusively. For those that are curious about the illustrations--exactly what, when, where--there is more information to be found in the back of the book.

The refrain of the book is WE ARE STILL HERE. This is repeated after every single presentation as an affirmation.

There is back matter. A LOT of back matter which is wonderful thing to see in nonfiction.

I found this to be an informative, fascinating, well-researched read. (Not that I am an expert by any stretch of the imagination. But the amount of back matter leads me to believe it is well-researched.)

[Ellon · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I think this book has such important information included, I think the format is very ill-fitting. There is just WAY too much text on each page for a picture book and the text is dry with advanced vocabulary. So while the reader will get lots of great information, I'm not sure what audience this book is trying to cater to... the text is too advanced for younger elementary students but the picture book format makes it not really appeal to middle/high school aged students (or adults).
I appreciate that Sorell is trying to get the information out there, I just wish it had been presented differently.
I did learn a lot!

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book seemed confused about its readership. The content was high enough to interest teens and adults, but it was written for a 7-10-year-old audience. The words and ideas seemed far too advanced for kids below middle-school!