In Stock. The star rating reflects overall quality. Sorell, who is a member of the Cherokee Nation, has smoothly woven into the story the different traditional and modern customs and cultural activities, including special foods, crafts, songs, and dancing that are very much a part of the Cherokee year, as well as some of the more salient events in their history. A beautifully illustrated book about a Cherokee family and the traditions they celebrate. See something that needs to be addressed? At an impressive size of 9.8 x 10.8 inches, its large, wide spreads showcase Lessac’s folk-esque art. Indigenous dad pictured cuddling baby and singing traditional lullabies, wearing apron and cooking. Common Sense Media, a nonprofit organization, earns a small affiliate fee from Amazon or iTunes when you use our links to make a purchase. Reviewed by Debbie Reese. Recommended for ages 3–7. Traci Sorell, a member of the Cherokee nation, creates a dual language picture book—Cherokee and English-- about the different ways the Cherokee people express gratitude "throughout the year and across the seasons.” The art from Frané Lessac. It's important to practice gratitude all year long. 4-1/2 stars – ½ star off because there is no story that flows and I would have enjoyed the book more had there been one. A sweet celebration of the best thing life has to offer. The sounds of crickets, a crackling campfire, and music greet listeners as five narrators share the meaning of the term "otsaliheliga," a Cherokee word meaning "We are grateful." Traci Sorell writes award-winning poems as well as fiction and nonfiction works for children and teens. However, I was also interested in the topic because teaching about the culture of Indigenous people is very important and is a lesson that students should know. Love, love, love this. by Charlesbridge Publishing. In winter, elders share stories as families eat bean bread and hominy soup, and older kids teach younger ones to make cornhusk dolls and play cane flutes. All through the seasons, including planting strawberries, "an ancestral story's sweet reminder not to argue with each other", the harvest that includes the "Green Corn Ceremony" and saying goodbye to a clan relative "heading off to serve. 2019 Sibert Honor Book 2019 Orbis Pictus Honor Book NPR's Guide To 2018’s Great Reads 2018 Book Launch Award (SCBWI) It is a beautiful, deeply meaningful book that is important for anyone, at any time of the year. Using gigs to catch crawdads. Contemporary Cherokees practice gratitude throughout the year. We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga ISBN-: 8-882 3 Pre-Reading Discussion Consider the cover of the book: • The word grateful is defined as being appreciative and thankful. An elegant representation of this concept, We Are Grateful has the ability to resonate with any reader: Otsaliheliga for all who came before us, those here now, and those yet to come. The book ends with a two page spread in a collage of illustrations from the past year, and a reminder that "Every day, every season Otsaliheliga. Usually Ships in 2-7 Days. And the style of the illustrations serves to keep it light and accessible, too. See our. The word otsaliheliga means “we are grateful” in the Cherokee language. Beginning in the fall with the new year and ending in summer, follow a full Cherokee year of celebrations and experiences. This is modern Native American life as told by an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation. The idea to constantly cultivate gratitude as a part of life, though days and seasons, is so powerful and so necessary. Ripe Corn Festival. The art, by Frené Lessac, is brightly colored and appealing, and the book's message -- that it's important to give thanks, "to celebrate our blessings and reflect on struggles" -- is universal. The word otsaliheliga (oh-jah-LEE-hay-le-gah) is used by members of the Cherokee Nation to express gratitude. There are seven tribal clans. * Cherokee poet Traci Sorell makes her picture book debut with We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga, illustrated by theprolific Frané Lessac. We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga book. We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell and Frané Lessac Throughout the year Cherokee people express their gratitude with the word “otsaliheliga”... read more 51 Total Resources 13 Awards View Text Complexity Discover Like Books What to Watch, Read, and Play While Your Kids Are Stuck Indoors, Common Sense Selections for family entertainment, Check out new Common Sense Selections for games, Teachers: Find the best edtech tools for your classroom with in-depth expert reviews, Cómo hablar con los niños sobre la violencia en el Capitolio de los Estados Unidos, Actividades de bienestar para el invierno, Which Side of History? This would make for a great read aloud in grades k-2 with a big question in mind like, "What are we grateful for in our lives (at different times of the year)?" This is a lovely duel language, English and Cherokee, book about the different ways the Cherokee people express gratitude "throughout the year and across the seasons" as a reminder of both their blessings and their struggles. Throughout the book, a strong connection with nature is shared with buckbrush, cane flutes, wild onions, and large gardens. With full-color folk art illustrations, it's a pleasure to read and enjoy these traditions. A lovely picture book about a Cherokee community celebrating a year's worth of traditions, festivals, and every day activities. I am grateful for any book that builds knowledge and understanding of a culture. Some foods: bean bread, hominy soup, wild onions with hen's eggs, crawdads. Christina/ The Blog for Teachers, Readers, & Life! The illustrations are vibrant and warm. Nonfiction picture book depicting modern life for the Cherokee people, written by a member of the Cherokee Nation. Did your ancestors have hardship and make sacrifices that you honor today? Expect this one on awards lists, for sure! Along the way, various Cherokee words are shared with the reader both in English lettering and also in Cherokee syllabary. Book Details. Many layers with this one, allowing the parent/teacher to go to deeper levels with older children who are ready for more. A look at modern Native American life as told by a citizen of the Cherokee Nation. The author, Sorrell, describes what members of the Cherokee Nation are grateful for in each season. Gorgeous, joyous book about immigrant mom and child. This groundbreaking book is highly regarded and honored for its … If books for kids about Native Americans have been predominantly historical, set pre-1900, We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga provides a welcome current representation. Traditional Cherokee culture is mother centered. This item: We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell Paperback $14.99. Bright, colorful, modern looking illustrations. Do you and your family celebrate any holidays that are specific to your community? Ancestral story of "First Strawberries." Cherokee Green Corn Ceremony for season's first corn harvest. This beautifully written and illustrated book goes through each of the four seasons, and tells of things the Cherokee people are grateful for. Stickball played for sport and before tribal ceremonies. , and a page of "Definitions" that explain some concepts, such as the Trial of Tears, more fully. Cherokee words and pronunciations. All rights reserved. As the author points out, so many books about Native Americans either look at historical times/figures or misinterpret important points about the culture. Great Books to Give the Kids This Holiday. We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga. Read this book using Google Play Books app on your PC, android, iOS devices. While some things are bigger (like an annual celebration), some things are smaller (like savoring a good meal). In WE ARE GRATEFUL: OSTALIHELIGA, Cherokee people say "Ostaliheliga," to express gratitude daily and throughout the four seasons. more. This is a book about community that celebrates the earth, survival, and family. The Cherokee words are written and presented phonetically. This picture book looks at modern life in the Cherokee Nation. The New Year provides the opportunity to forget old quarrels. Searching for streaming and purchasing options ... Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Loved sharing this book with my students and was incredibly happy to have the pronunciations online. 1 on hand, as of Sep 9 5:15am (ADDED BY … We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga The Cherokee community is grateful for blessings and challenges that each season brings. In what ways are they similar? Stomp dances and shell shakers. The Cherokee community is grateful for blessings and challenges that each season brings. I love how this teaches appreciation and words in Cherokee! Tami Charles is a former teacher and the author of picture books, middle grade and young adult novels, and nonfiction. Parents need to know that We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga is a book about gratitude as practiced by the Cherokee people, written by Traci Sorell, an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation who lives in northeastern Oklahoma, where the tribe's based. Cherokee people originally came from southeastern United States but now majority live in Oklahoma. There is also a clear connection with Cherokee history from the Trail of Tears to family members who have passed on to. This is modern Native American life as told by an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation. Beginning in the fall with the Cherokee New Year and ending in summer, follow a full Cherokee year of celebrations and experiences. I chose We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga because I liked how it was different from the previous books we have read in class. $17.99/hardcover; $9.99/eBook. Relative in military uniform heads off for service to country. I chose We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga because I liked how it was different from the previous books we have read in class. Written by a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, this look at one group of Native Americans is appended with a glossary and the complete Cherokee … The core Cherokee value -- the daily expression of gratitude -- is accessible and helpful for all. Get full reviews, ratings, and advice delivered weekly to your inbox. Wow! A 2019 Robert F. Sibert Informational Award Honor Book. In fact, the year closes with summer, a time for the first harvest and for recalling their ancestors' sacrifices and to celebrate their history at Cherokee National Holiday. Quite lovely. Can you make your own list that goes through the seasons? I am grateful to Traci Sorell for this beautiful book, telling of the Cherokee tradition of expressing gratitude. Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners. Be the first to review this title. This is modern Native American life as told by an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation. Books not only please, but teach us. FREE Shipping on orders over $25.00. This is unique! Majority of the books have been chapter books and as someone who wants to teach younger grades, I figured it would be smart to analyze and review a picture book. Now a board book! A modern Cherokee family in the USA moves through the seasons informed by their own cultural background: words, language, rituals are introduced to the young reader as a natural part of their world. We won't share this comment without your permission. Otsaliheliga is the Cherokee word for “we are grateful,” which the tribe says throughout the year as a way of giving thanks for their blessings, while … There are no discussion topics on this book yet. A great book to read to little ones (and adults) on Thanksgiving, in honor of the people whose land we reside on! If you chose to provide an email address, it will only be used to contact you about your comment. Your privacy is important to us. The idea to constantly cultivate gratitude as a part of life, though days and seasons, is so powerful and so necessary. This is certainly one to treasure. It's important to commemorate those who have passed on, and remember the sacrifices Native ancestors made "to preserve our way of life." As a teacher, she made... A look at modern Native American life as told by a citizen of the Cherokee Nation. Young students will easily connect to Sorrell's descriptions and to Lessac's illustrations. Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by … A wonderful entry point for young readers (and adults) into the Cherokee culture. After reading We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga, head outside with students to choose and identify a deciduous tree in your community as your gratitude tree. An excellent opportunity to learn about the Cherokee Nation and to make connections to our own lives--including stopping to really reflect on that bigger question. Throughout, the measured text reminds readers that in all things “we say otsaliheliga.” Colorful, folk art–style illustrations show Cherokee people during ceremonies, in family gatherings large and small, and outdoors enjoying each of the four seasons, always expressing gratitude. The mesh of educational information with everyday detail is an easy weave, and the book includes Cherokee words, and a friendly pronunciation guide, as well as a Cherokee syllabary, and a page of "Definitions" that explain some concepts, such as the Trial of Tears, more fully. This is modern Native American life as told by an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation. 1 on hand, as of Sep 9 1:01pm (C-SOCIAL STUDIES) City Point. The word otsaliheliga (oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah) is used by members of the Cherokee Nation to express gratitude. Corn-husk dolls, cane flutes. The complete Cherokee syllabary, originally created by Sequoyah, is included. I think I might have enjoyed it more if it was a more cohesive "story" but I still think it's very effective. There is also a clear connection with Cherokee history from the Trail of Tears to family members who have passed on to festivals and memorials. A celebration of contemporary Cherokee culture, it is one of the finest picture books this year. Parents need to know that We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga is a book about gratitude as practiced by the Cherokee people, written by Traci Sorell, an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation who lives in northeastern Oklahoma, where the tribe's based. An elegant representation of this concept, We Are Grateful has the ability to resonate with any reader: "Otsaliheliga for all who came before us, those here now, and those yet to come." Along the way, various Cherokee words are shared with the reader both in English lettering and also in Cherokee syllabary. Sorrell is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, includes an author's note, a glossary, and the complete Cherokee syllabary, originally created by Sequoyah. Definitely a book to share. Beginning in the fall with the new year and ending in summer, follow a full Cherokee year of celebrations and experiences. The word otsaliheliga (oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah) is used by members of the Cherokee Nation to express gratitude. All through the seasons, including planting strawberries, "an ancestral story's sweet reminder not to argue with each other", the harvest that includes the "Green Corn Ceremony" and saying goodbye to a clan relative "heading off to serve our country", the moments show warm feelings of saying thanks to life itself. We are grateful.". We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga (Hardcover) By Traci Sorell, Frane Lessac (Illustrator) $17.99 . I don't think I've ever read a children's book that so succinctly describes modern Cherokee family and traditions, and introduces kids to the language, as well. Be the first to ask a question about We Are Grateful. Author - Traci Sorell, Illustrator - Frané Lessac. This would make for a great read aloud in grades k-2 with a big question in mind like, "What are we grateful for in our lives (at different times of the year)?" Includes pronunciations for Cherokee words, a glossary, a Cherokee syllabary, and a personal author's note. Review Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature Book Author: Traci Sorell. Do you and your family have ways to regularly express gratitude? I loved this idea, because Native language revitalization is a passion of mine. The word otsaliheliga (oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah) is used by members of the Cherokee Nation to express gratitude. Add to Wish List. In spring, men sing to ask for protection for the crops, and kids plant strawberries, gather wild onions, and make moccasins and clay pots. Common Sense is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of all kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century. All the stars. 32 pages. The word otsaliheliga is used by members of the Cherokee Nation to express gratitude. Due to COVID-19 emergency closures we may experience delays in processing and shipping your items. Trail of Tears. This book is definitely a current favorite! Throughout the book, a strong connection with nature is shared with buckbrush, cane flutes, wild onions, and large gardens. Otsaliheliga (oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah) is a word that Cherokee people use to express gratitude. Nice illustrations. Download this free four-seasons drawing activity sheet, created in collaboration with Adrienne Smith of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, to encourage your students to celebrate their family traditions—just like Traci Sorell does in We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga. Browse titles with similar subject matter. Sticking a note on this to pull it back out in November for storytime and the display. On Our Shelves Now. For too long, Native Americans have been cast out of lessons, but through this book their culture and legacy is able to live on. Traci Sorell takes us inside the Cherokee community sharing celebrations, crafts, history, family traditions, food, games, language, and customs through the four seasons. * Cherokee poet Traci Sorell makes her picture book debut with We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga, illustrated by theprolific Frané Lessac. Thank you for your support. To see what your friends thought of this book, Otsaliheliga is the Cherokee word for “we are grateful,” which the tribe says throughout the year as a way of giving thanks for their blessings, while not ignoring the many struggles they have been through. The word otsaliheliga (oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah) is used by members of the Cherokee Nation to express gratitude. Appended with a glossary and the complete Cherokee syllabary, originally created by Sequoyah. This is modern Native American life as told by an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation. Live Oak Media’s production of We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Frané Lessac, exudes the celebratory joy and beauty of this readalong picture book following a contemporary Cherokee family throughout the year, expressing gratitude with each season with their community.. Certainly this isn't the first or only book to point this out, but it does so very well. Did you know about the Trail of Tears? I wanted to like it so badly, but I can't quite see it as a read-aloud. Native American boy wants his own name in big-hearted story. I thought the illustrations were too simplistic personally, but appreciated they were colorful. Families and communities come together to celebrate holidays and shared history. Wh. Sold by Learning with Books and ships from Amazon Fulfillment. Charlesbridge, 2018. The text, complete with Cherokee words, language, and pronunciation guide on each page, and the seasonal themes are beautiful. Great New Moon Ceremony. What are you thankful for? The Cherokee community is grateful for blessings and challenges that each season brings. Each spread introduces the Cherokee names, spelling, and pronunciation. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. Sorell, who is a member of the Cherokee Nation, h, This is a lovely duel language, English and Cherokee, book about the different ways the Cherokee people express gratitude "throughout the year and across the seasons" as a reminder of both their blessings and their struggles. Start by marking “We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga” as Want to Read: Error rating book. Following one family throughout the year, readers learn that each season is greeted by saying otsaliheliga (we are grateful), followed by descriptions of the celebrations and rituals which are observed as the seasons change. As a child, I would have loved learning the Cherokee words and traditions. The illustrations were amazing and I loved seeing the diversity within the group, as well. Characters work with natural materials to make things -- clay for pots, buckbrush and honeysuckle for baskets, corn-husks for dolls, cane for flutes. Books not only please, but teach us. In the text and illustrations children will no doubt find connections to their own lives as well as differences.