Molly of Denali
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Based on 30 reviews
Kids say
Based on 15 reviews
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Molly of Denali
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Molly of Denali is an animated series that centers on an Alaska Native girl (voiced by Sovereign Bill) who learns about Indigenous traditions through travels around the state and encounters with its people. The show's authenticity is the result of a creative team that includes Indigenous advisors, voice actors, and production personnel, all of whom contribute to the thoughtful representation of Alaska's cultural diversity. Molly is an excellent role model for kids, an enthusiastic explorer and gatherer of knowledge who greatly respects the adults who share wisdom with her. Some matters of history may need further explanation (as when a friend of Grandpa Nat tells Molly about how they were forced to go to boarding school and forbidden from acknowledging their heritage), but the show gives kids wonderful exposure to Alaska Natives and their modern-day experiences.
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A little too cookie cutter for my kids
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What's the Story?
In MOLLY OF DENALI, 10-year-old Molly Mabray (voiced by Sovereign Bill) lets her curiosity guide her adventures in and around the small Alaskan town she calls home. As a modern girl with Alaska Native heritage, Molly often finds connections between her interests and the experiences of her ancestors, and along with her best friends, Tooey (Sequoia Janvier) and Trini (Vienna Leacock), she enjoys learning more about the culture of the Athabascans and other indigenous people of neighboring Alaskan regions. With the help of her parents (Ron Harris and Jules Koostachin), who run a local trading post, and the guidance of Grandpa Nat (Lorne Cardinal), Molly sets out to experience everything she can in present-day Alaska and to learn about her predecessors' way of life.
Is It Any Good?
As the first US kids' TV series to cast an Indigenous lead character, this thoughtful, pleasant show is a welcome anomaly in the genre. Molly is a delightful pick to guide viewers through the culturally rich history of Alaska. A "typical" modern tween, she blogs and uses the internet as a research tool, but she's also deeply connected to and respectful of the experiences of her ancestors through her grandfather and other adults in her community. As she learns about her heritage as it relates to her own interests, Molly teaches kids about Alaska both now and in the past, paying special homage to its Native people.
Molly of Denali takes great care to ensure that its content isn't trite or narrowly focused, and the result is an exceptionally endearing series with quality content throughout. Because Molly's explorations -- and her parents' work as trading post proprietors and a local pilot -- take her away from her town often, she gets to learn about other Indigenous people and local traditions directly from them. The show's content is created in partnership with Alaska Native advisors, lending significant authenticity to Molly's experiences.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what inspires Molly's adventures. What similarities exist between her modern experiences and the way her ancestors lived? Who helps her learn about her cultural heritage? What ties does your family keep to your ancestry?
Which adult role models cultivate Molly's interest in her home and its people? What adults in your life go out of their way to help and nurture you? How can you act as a role model for others in a similar way?
Kids: How do shows like Molly of Denali help encourage curiosity about other cultures? Why is it important to understand and respect other people's experiences? How does diversity strengthen our communities?
TV Details
- Premiere date: July 15, 2019
- Cast: Sovereign Bell, Lorne Cardinal, Sequoia Janvier
- Network: PBS Kids
- Genre: Kids' Animation
- Topics: Adventures, Great Girl Role Models
- Character Strengths: Compassion, Perseverance
- TV rating: NR
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: March 30, 2022
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