Parents' Guide to

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

By Mandie Caroll, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 7+

Powerful book about survival, strength of Native Nations.

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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!

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