We Are Still Here!: Native American Truths Everyone Should Know
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that We Are Still Here! Native American Truths Everyone Should Know is written by Traci Sorell and illustrated by Frané Lessac, the team behind the award-winning picture book We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga, about Cherokee gratitude practices. This new book widens the lens to Native Nations' historical and ongoing struggles and successes with the United States government covering topics like Assimilation, Relocation, Self-determination, and Language Revival. The accurate information included in this book will supplement (and sometimes correct) kids' understanding of American history. No violent or scary text or pictures, though events such as the 1890 massacre at Wounded Knee, are on the timeline in the end pages. The weighty content matter and sophisticated vocabulary may deter kids from devouring this book eagerly and on their own, but it's well worth reading. Adults are encouraged to read it to (or with) their kids, and be ready to answer questions or discuss topics further.
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What's the Story?
WE ARE STILL HERE! opens in a classroom at a fictional tribal community school (though schools like this do exist). Native American kids and their teacher are working on individual projects for Indigenous Peoples' Day. A whiteboard shows the various topics about which the students are researching and crafting presentations, such as the Indian New Deal, Termination, Relocation, and Sovereign Resurgence. The presentations of each student follow, providing readers with definitions and bullet points about the impacts of the topic on Native Nations and ending with the refrain "We are still here!" Illustrations reflect some aspect or event of each area of study (e.g. a classroom in an Indian boarding school for "Assimilation," a lake scene full of families playing on Native-governed land for "Indian Child Welfare & Education," etc.). The final spread shows all the students at the school's Indigenous Peoples' Day assembly, presenting their projects to family and community members. End pages include further notes on each presentation, a timeline, glossary, sources, and an author's note.
Is It Any Good?
This powerful book is a fact-based tour-de-force as it charts historical wrongdoings done to Native Nations and the positive impacts of Indigenous resistance, activism, and organizing. The resounding refrain that gives We Are Still Here! its title ends each student's presentation in the book. This repetition will impress upon readers not just that Native communities exist today, a fact that can get lost on kids, but also that Native Nations have survived despite the many efforts to destroy them.
Though the carefully researched history can be heavy, the topics veer toward self-determination, community strength, and happiness, leaving readers hopeful and inspired. Illustrator Lessac's spare gouache drawings represent actual practices or events, like the occupation of Alcatraz Island, and efforts to strengthen tribal languages, lending the book to extended research and learning. The end pages are really worth digging into, especially the helpful glossary and timeline. This is a fantastic introduction for kids to the deeper realities that exist beneath the surface of most elementary school history curriculums. Not to be missed!
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the laws, policies, and events captured in We Are Still Here! What new things did you learn about? How does the information in this book compare to what you've learned about Native Nations in school?
What thoughts and feelings came up for you as you read about the things that Native Nations have had to deal with? How do you or can you honor the history and cultures discussed in this book?
Talk about the illustrations. How does the art represent the words on the page? Does the art change in tone as the book progresses? If yes, how does it change?
Book Details
- Author: Traci Sorell
- Illustrator: Frané Lessac
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Activism, Great Boy Role Models, Great Girl Role Models, History, Holidays
- Book type: Non-Fiction
- Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing
- Publication date: April 20, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 7 - 10
- Number of pages: 40
- Available on: Nook, Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Award: ALA Best and Notable Books
- Last updated: January 24, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
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We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga
Warm celebration of Cherokee families' year-round gratitude.
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Indian No More
Moving story of Umpqua family relocated to L.A. in '50s.
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Hiawatha and the Peacemaker
Gorgeous picture book brings timely peace message.
For kids who love picture books and stories of Native Americans
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