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Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults

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Drawing from her experiences as an Indigenous scientist, botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer demonstrated how all living things—from strawberries and witch hazel to water lilies and lichen—provide us with gifts and lessons every day in her bestselling book Braiding Sweetgrass. Adapted for young adults by Monique Gray Smith, this new edition reinforces how wider ecological understanding stems from listening to the earth's oldest teachers: the plants around us. Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults brings Indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge, and the lessons of plant life to a new generation.

8 pages, Audible Audio

First published November 1, 2022

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Monique Gray Smith

21 books172 followers

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5 stars
1,097 (49%)
4 stars
749 (33%)
3 stars
284 (12%)
2 stars
72 (3%)
1 star
18 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 342 reviews
Profile Image for Julie G.
1,010 reviews3,922 followers
September 20, 2025
I’ve read so many rave reviews on here for the original non-fiction book; I do want to be clear that my daughter and I read this version: BRAIDING SWEETGRASS FOR YOUNG ADULTS.

This text was adapted by Monique Gray Smith, from the original, and I wish I had also read that one, so I could have a better idea of how to compare them.

This “adaptation” was just 300 pages, yet it was so dense in material and so inconsistent in tone, it took me a little over three months to read it aloud to my 15-year-old daughter. (We incorporated this book into a full unit, for her 9th grade Science).

This is how my teenager summarized the book: “sometimes it was so interesting, like that story about the Three Sisters (corn, beans and squash), and so boring, I couldn’t pay attention anymore, like when she talked about research.”

As the author herself writes, “Order and stability emerge out of chaos.”

My daughter would give this book three stars, and I think that’s important to know, as she is the target audience. Not just that; she’s probably an ideal reader for this book, as she’s an environmentalist and an avid gardener.

I’m giving it four stars. I appreciate the book’s unique contribution to our curriculum. The author, Robin Wall Kimmerer, is a professor of Environmental Biology, an enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, and a Mom (what a combo!).

Several of the stories in here will stick with me, for a long time. I’m also an avid gardener, and I’m always trying to figure out how to grow things more effectively in my yard. My brother’s influence out in my gardens has taken my “backyard variety” interest up to the beginnings of a graduate level pursuit, but I still have far to go and books like this one light up my thinking and make me want to be (a) more respectful of the land I’m working on and (b) more attentive to the fusion, the synergy, of what’s taking place in that magical soil!

The artwork, by Nicole Neidhardt, took the book to the next level (honestly, I wish all books were illustrated, at least a little), and the breakout vocabulary words, peppered throughout and highlighted, were a nice touch as well.

I feel richer for reading it, despite some of the unevenness in the Voice and the set-up, and one chapter, in particular, really got to me. It was the chapter called “Old Growth Children,” and it was about the gorgeous Cedar trees, of the Pacific Northwest region of North America. Ms. Kimmerer writes:

Traditional teachings share that the power of cedars is so great that it can flow into a worthy person who leans back into her trunk. When death came, so came the cedar coffin. The first and last embrace of a human being was in the arms of Mother Cedar.

When I read this aloud to my daughter, I started crying. It is such a Full Circle moment, to think of a baby being rocked in a Cedar cradle, and an elder being buried in a simple Cedar coffin.

I have always been mortified by how we bury our dead, here in the States. I think it is OBNOXIOUS that we strong-arm the grief-stricken and we demand that they bury their dead in coffins lined with synthetic fabrics and materials (probably still off-gassing) and tell them where they can and can not be laid to rest. I mean, honestly, is there any limit to our greed? Does EVERYTHING we do need to be based in profit??

I’m not interested in dying anytime soon, but I wanted to share that the thought of being buried in a beautiful, naturally fragrant coffin made of precious Cedar would make me feel as though my life were being truly honored.

I’ll tell you: I’d feel like a Queen Ascending to her throne, smooth sailing on a craft made of Cedar.
Profile Image for James Estrella.
10 reviews3 followers
August 4, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and the authors for an advanced copy of this young adult adaptation of Robin Wall Kimmerer’s Braiding Sweetgrass.

As a community college educator, I’m constantly looking for accessible, affordable, and challenging texts to assign in my ethnic and gender studies classes. I typically refrain from assigning young adult adaptations since I find most to be a bit too simplistic, even for young adults. However, this young readers adaptation is different. An emphasis on key passages and discussion prompts is helpful for youth and adults alike. The adaptation doesn’t include a couple essays that are in the original, but this is a plus if you’re looking for a shorter read to assign in classes with supplemental materials or if your community read is on a shorter timeline. And the art! Beautiful and worthy of dialogue on its own. I also appreciate that the art is by Indigenous creatives.

Overall, this text would work well in any introductory Indigenous Studies, Ethnic Studies, or environmental justice course. It’s also great if you’re looking for a shorter adaption that doesn’t sacrifice the original’s depth and complexity of ideas. I can’t wait to share it in class and with my local neighborhood read. A solid adaptation of an already stellar book that I can’t recommend enough.
Profile Image for ₊˚ ⁀➴ kenzie ⠀❦  jacks’ version.
232 reviews46 followers
September 2, 2025
❝ How, in our modern world, can we find our way to understand the Earth as a gift again? ❞


.𖥔 ݁ ˖ Braiding Sweetgrass 🌿

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ ∿ 4


⠀⠀⠀‧₊˚ ⚘݄ I really enjoyed the teachings and practices of Native communities discussed in Braiding Sweetgrass, especially the connection to the natural world and the Thanksgiving Address, which showed so much appreciation and observance toward all creations
⠀⠀⠀‧₊˚ ✶ the focus on giving gratitude, sharing, and being respectful and mindful of all life on Earth was such a good lesson, and I liked how the author talked about seeing the abundance of things you have, and not focusing on your own wants, while also not taking more than you need
⠀⠀⠀‧₊˚ ⚘݄ I loved the perspective of the food and resources we use being gifts, since it really showed that we have an obligation of repaying the gifts by helping the Earth, and showing respect for her and all other beings
⠀⠀⠀‧₊˚ ✶ I’m definitely inspired to find more ways I show respect for the Earth, like spending more time outside and being more mindful of resources I use.


౨ৎ ₊˚┆my recommendation

➺ ⟢ age rating: 12+
➺ ⟢ content warnings:
⠀⠀⠀— other ~ mentioned reservations, assimilation of culture, animal hunting
➺ ⟢ Best for readers who love learning more about nature and indigenous culture

𖥔 ݁ ˖ ”Take what you need and let the rest go by and the fish will last forever.”

*₊ ° .
Profile Image for Raith.
59 reviews2 followers
March 31, 2024
I read Braiding Sweetgrass 2 years ago. I learned about this version & have wanted to read it for so long! This version is an easier read, with less stories, but captures the essence of the original beautifully. There was so much intention in the creation of this version. I really enjoyed it & highly recommend even if you’ve already read Braiding Sweetgrass
Profile Image for Ben.
2,737 reviews233 followers
April 25, 2023
Excellent Read

Excellent book on Indigenous knowledge for young people.

I really liked how gentle and peaceful the writing was.

Having loved the original Braiding Sweetgrass book, this was an excellent way to introduce the teachings to younger audiences.

I found it very interesting and very well written.

Applicable for all ages!

Definitely check it out.

4.4/5
Profile Image for Ari Handy.
47 reviews1 follower
June 8, 2023
I’m excited to teach this in the classroom as it offers a lot of valuable insights but I did find the essays a little dry and hope it doesn’t detour student engagement.
Profile Image for Jana.
613 reviews8 followers
April 23, 2024
Interesting insight on nature, symbiotic relationships, and how we interact with plant life.
Profile Image for Tina.
1,095 reviews179 followers
July 6, 2023
I really enjoyed Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer adapted by Monique Gray Smith. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Monique Gray Smith and it was great! It was so interesting to learn about Indigenous culture and practices with plants. It’s important for people to have a good relationship with nature. This relationship relates to capitalism and climate change. I liked how this book showcased the importance of learning and how treating plants and animals as people and not objects improves that relationship. It was interesting to learn about specific plants like the maple tree, cedar tree and sweetgrass. I would love to check out the print version too to see the illustrations.

Thank you to Tantor Audio via NetGalley for my ALC!
49 reviews2 followers
July 7, 2024
Read a chapter every night for bedtime and my 7 yo loved it! He especially enjoyed learning about the plants, comparing indigenous wisdom to scientific knowledge (spoiler- they’re mostly the same, obtained from years and years of observation/listening to the language of earth) and I enjoyed the inquiries at the end of every chapter although he is too young to fully engage with them. Highly recommend for adults and kids alike.
Profile Image for Amy Leitch.
95 reviews
November 20, 2024
Unfortunately this was a bookclub book for my only hope at making friends in richy rich. Read for operation make friends, but this book was not it for me.
Profile Image for Bec.
715 reviews63 followers
April 1, 2024
I want to acknowledge the gifts of knowledge and the deep roots connected to the origin of each story shared within this book. There is a level of meaning and personal connection within this book that I haven't noticed in other non-fiction books that I have read.

Mixing knowledge, experiences and folk stories, this book explores the interlacing of the natural world, the Indigenous connection to that world and the difficulty that transpires when that is forcefully interlocked with a modern society. There is a complexity of issues that modern changes have impacted on a perspective that centres respect, acknowledgement and reciprocity with the natural world around us. However, there is also a stark simplicity in explaining how we as humans can live in harmony with the life around us and sustain the Earth indefinitely.

This young adult version is complete with discussion questions which would be fantastic for essay or classroom discussions. It also prompts readers to consider how natural sciences approach their teachings and how curriculums appear to remove any real connection to the world they focus on.

Overall, I feel a deeper respect and thoughtfulness in the natural world around me. This is an important book, especially in an age of climate change and a fear of irreparable damage and change.

Note: Review copy (audiobook) received from Libro.FM. This does not impact opinions within this review.

becandbooks.comthe storygraphtrigger warning databasemore links
Profile Image for Kaitlyn (ktxx22) Walker.
1,941 reviews24 followers
October 23, 2023
Such a joy to revisit this book, and try it out to see how it would fair teaching wise for a younger audience and I would say it’s a really good one especially if you’ve got a kiddo who is big into conservation and gardening. A lot of this version of this book is talking about actionable steps you can do to be a better human in this world. Give back to the planet naturally and not take more than what you can. Actually use.
Profile Image for mads ☆ミ.
498 reviews137 followers
Read
April 9, 2023
an incredibly informative and IMPORTANT read that i really appreciated!! learned so much from this truly!
Profile Image for Robyn Meredith.
182 reviews4 followers
August 2, 2023
Really enjoyed this as an audiobook! Definitely one to re-read.
Profile Image for Beth.
317 reviews5 followers
February 16, 2023
Nice book with reflective questions to get you to think about your own traditions and relationship with nature.
Profile Image for Amanda Renslow.
188 reviews2 followers
May 17, 2024
I appreciated the subject matter and perspective of this book. I could see this being a good teaching tool for small classes or homeschool co-ops. Although a YA adaptation, I do think that some of the concepts are still a little steep for young children, so I'd recommend working through the book with an adult.

Thanks to Libro.fm and their ALC program for the free audiobook.
Profile Image for Syntaxx.
237 reviews
August 20, 2022
Miigweetch NetGalley and Zest Books for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

I am Indigenous and have been hearing about the original version of this book since before it was published. “Braiding Sweetgrass” has been recommended to me numerous times by numerous sources (it was even selected for my friend’s church book club!), nevertheless, I just never quite got around to reading it. When I saw this version for young adults, I jumped at the chance to review it and I have not been disappointed.

The book is beautifully illustrated and the ideas are moving, powerful, and most importantly, accessible. The author does a fantastic job of breaking these complex concepts down into digestible bits that anyone can understand and begin to engage with. The illustrations are gorgeous and provide good context to the text.

I recommend this book to anyone seeking to understand Indigenous ways of knowing, environmentalists, and young people in general because the world they are inheriting is literally on fire and this might be the survival handbook they need to make it into the next future.
Profile Image for Samantha Parker-Zillich.
280 reviews4 followers
December 13, 2025
It was interesting to learn more about plants and the significance of the natural world for Native American people. The young adult version is shorter than the adult version but it's definitely geared for young high schoolers.
Profile Image for Zoe Elizabeth (Booksatlunch).
58 reviews25 followers
August 31, 2022
Unfortunately, this book fell pretty flat for me compared to the original. I'm so gutted about the textbookification of this edition - especially the definitions. Some of them come off as pretty condescending - even for teens. I would have rather a YA edition that didn't feel like it was for classrooms but for teens who are actually excited for learning about the intersection of Indigenous practices and modern science.

The prose is pared down and less dense, but still does a really wonderful job at showing the beauty of Kimmerer's original prose and the magic behind her works.

The illustrations are also STUNNING and add so much to the story. I would love an illustrated version of the original full text.

Overall, I'm hoping that this will get some teens interested in this book, but I think this adaptation did some disservice to itself and appealing to teens outside of a classroom.

Thanks to the publishers for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kari.
753 reviews22 followers
January 23, 2022

I received a preview of just the first chapter of this book, and I’ll say that it was enough to make me want to read the rest of it when it’s released! The adult version has been on my “to read” list for a while now, and I’m considering going straight for the the YA version upon its release! At least from what I read, this version makes the information so accessible for younger readers, and the visuals and reflection questions add greater depth to the insight that is written on its pages. This is something I’d be very interested in sharing with my students, so that they, too, can “look for relationships and understand the threads that connect the world. To join instead of divide.”

Thanks to NetGalley and the author for this advanced sample!

Profile Image for Sarah.
43 reviews1 follower
January 13, 2024
I don't feel this left out any of the critical portions of the original text. This should be required reading for all children and young adults. I read this aloud with my middle schoolers, and it sparked deep conversation and a greater appreciation for our planet. The content and reading level might have been too challenging for them on their own, but with some explanation, they were able to connect with the text on a meaningful level.
Profile Image for Arisa.
19 reviews
May 17, 2024
forced to read, born to not
Profile Image for Risa.
762 reviews31 followers
May 14, 2023
4.25 stars

This was a great book. I’ve actually already purchased a copy for my classroom and will be looking for opportunities to incorporate excepts of the text into some of my classes. The text is interesting and well-written. I haven’t read the original version and actually found myself forgetting that this was an edition of the text adapted for young adults; that was nice because, while it is definitely written in a way that is accessible to younger readers, it also didn’t feel juvenile. I appreciated the division and structure of the chapters throughout and feel like I started to learn about valuable ideas within Indigenous knowledge. I’m glad I was able to read and review a copy of this new book.

An ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kirsten.
35 reviews
December 27, 2022
"you have to be involved. You have to contribute to the well-being of the world."

This is required reading.
Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer's gift of voice and knowledge is woven throughout and not lost in this young adult adaptation. By reading, you gain an appreciation for all of Mother Earth's gifts given to sustain a good life. She evaluates our modern society and asks deep questions of how we can return to an appreciation for the land and join in the act of reciprocity. I appreciate the teachings and lessons and it makes me look at plants and the land in a new way; I want to learn more about the native plants surrounding my home.
This is a collection filled with love and hope.
I hope Dr. Kimmerer will continue to record and write, I would love to read more!
Profile Image for Megan.
817 reviews9 followers
December 23, 2022
I read this for work, as it is one of the texts we are considering adopting for summer reading. Admittedly, this is far outside my comfort zone, but I found the reading of this work to be enlightening and peaceful. This book blends indigenous culture and beliefs with botany, leading to a text that brims with gratitude for our planet and all it gives to the human race. It encourages humans to engage in a more symbiotic relationship with our world and all its plants and creatures. For our students, I think it will provide a look at climate studies that is rooted not just in science, but also in our shared humanity, and provides hopeful alternatives for communing with our planet.
Profile Image for Ellen - most.lyromance.
631 reviews18 followers
March 7, 2025
Braiding Sweetgrass is a collection of reflections of what the plant world can teach us. In addition to these reflections, numerous questions and call to actions invite us to consider our role in the world around us and how we can honour the gifts the plant world has created.

I really loved this adaptation. It was so well done, and I chose to listen to the audiobook, narrated by Monique Grey Smith, who had a great voice for narration. The lessons taught by the plants around us were so thoughtfully recapped by Robin Wall Kimmerer. I really enjoyed the stories woven amidst the teachings as well.
Profile Image for Daniel  Hardy.
220 reviews5 followers
May 15, 2023
I didn't plan to read the YA book but my library offered the audiobook YA version of Braiding Sweetgrass, which I'd been wanting to read so I jumped on it. One thing I noticed is that I didn't feel talked down to like some YA books do- this book felt comfortable to me even though I'm almost 40 with a masters. I love reading about people describe their cultural knowledge and heritage, and even more so when it describes things like wildcrafting/ natural plant techniques.
I really enjoyed this book. I plan to buy the original Braiding Sweetgrass based on this audiobook.
Profile Image for Lucy.
83 reviews4 followers
August 10, 2024
rounded down from 4.5 stars

i really really loved this book :) it was so informative and incredibly thought provoking, and gorgeously written. it was never boring which is a problem i’ve often and with nonfiction, it felt so warm and comforting and like these stories were being shared over a warm cup of coffee or whispered into my ear by a motherly voice.
it would easily be 5 stars if not for the format of this YA adaptation. i thought the little question boxes and quotes and broken up paragraphs were kind of distracting and took away from it a tiny bit. which makes me definitely want to read the original!! or maybe listen to the audiobook bc my sister recommends it <3
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