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Books

A Letter for Bob cover.jpg

Heartdrum/HarperCollins. Coming September 19, 2023!

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Ever since the day Mom and Dad brought Bob home from the car dealership, Bob has been a part of Katie’s family.

 

Bob has taken them all over, from powwows to vacations to time spent with faraway family. Bob has been there in sad and scary times and for some of the family’s most treasured memories.

 

But after many miles, it’s time for the family to say goodbye to Bob…

This humorous and tender story about a beloved family car—and all the stories and love carried along for the ride—will appeal to every kid whose family has owned a special car!

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Reviews

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★ Kirkus Reviews (starred): “For its tender vignettes of modern Indigenous life, this tale will make a glowing addition to any…library.”

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★ Booklist: (starred): “Imaginative children from many backgrounds will empathize with Katie’s feelings and her reluctance to say goodbye. An engaging, emotionally resonant picture book.”

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School Library Journal: “The outings are common enough to help readers make connections to Katie as well as the family trips and gatherings, but specific enough so that modern ­Indigenous culture is allowed to shine through.”

 

American Indians in Children’s Literature: “Highly recommended! I adore this book with a completeness I didn’t anticipate. I’ll be sharing it at every workshop I do, with librarians, educators, teacher-educators… everyone.”

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To order, click here: A Letter for Bob.

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Educator Guide here.

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Just Like Grandma cover.jpg

Heartdrum/HarperCollins.

 

Becca loves spending time with Grandma. Every time Becca says, “Let me try,” Grandma shows her how to make something beautiful. Whether they are beading moccasins, dancing like the most beautiful butterflies, or practicing basketball together, Becca knows that, more than anything, she wants to be just like Grandma. And as the two share their favorite activities, Becca discovers something surprising about Grandma too. 

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Reviews

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★ Booklist (starred): “A tender and touching tribute to the loving, reciprocal bonds of intergenerational relationships.”

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★ Publishers Weekly (starred): “…emphasizes a love of family and sense of tradition that anchor this subtly told story’s world.”

 

The Horn Book: “Handsome book design, eloquent text, and an authentic portrayal of its subject make this a welcome addition to collections.”

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Kirkus Reviews: “A sweet celebration of family, intergenerational bonds, and traditions.”

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Bulletin of the Center of Children’s Books: “The reverence and respect Grandma, Becca, and Grandpa have for each other is evident in Flett’s mixed media illustrations; an earth-toned color palette conveys comfort and familiarity, while expansive bleeds signify the freedom and openness Becca and her family find in their life together.”

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Shelf Awareness: “The characters radiate joy in their activities and companionship. This affirming, sunlit story is equally accessible to families with grandparents as primary or secondary caregivers and celebrates the richness of Indigenous life.”

 

Cover release reveal from We Need Diverse books. Read exclusive author and imprint co-founder letters here.

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To order, click here: Just Like Grandma.

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Educator Guide here. 

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ancestor_approved_high_res_nicole_niedha

Heartdrum/HarperCollins.

 

Edited by award-winning and bestselling author Cynthia Leitich Smith, this collection of intersecting stories by both new and veteran Native writers bursts with hope, joy, resilience, the strength of community, and Native pride.

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Native families from Nations across the continent gather at the Dance for Mother Earth Powwow in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

 

In a high school gym full of color and song, people dance, sell beadwork and books, and celebrate friendship and heritage. Young protagonists will meet relatives from faraway, mysterious strangers, and sometimes one another (plus one scrappy rez dog).

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This groundbreaking anthology is edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith and illustrated by Nicole Neidhardt. The cover draws its inspiration from Jessie, the protagonist of Kim Rogers's short story, '"Flying Together". Also included is her poem, "What is a Powwow?". 

 

To order, click here: Ancestor Approved: Intertribal Stories for Kids

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Awards & Honors

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Reviews

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★ Booklist (starred): “With exceptionally strong writing throughout, and appended with glossary, author notes, and acknowledgements, this makes an appealing choice for those just learning about contemporary Indigenous life as well as readers well-versed with the powwow circuit.”

 

★ Kirkus Reviews (starred): “A groundbreaking Indigenous anthology for young people. Readers can join the fun in this collection of 18 contemporary stories and poems about loving families from various parts of the U.S. and Canada who travel to meet, dance, sing, socialize, and honor Native traditions at an intertribal powwow.”

 

★ Publishers Weekly (starred): “…a wonderful introduction to the included authors’ work and a persuasive encouragement to seek out more Indigenous stories.”

 

★ Shelf Awareness (starred): “…this uplifting assembly affirms the vitality of Indigenous life today and offers accessible situations and characters to all young readers.”

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Forthcoming
 

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Rosemary Brosnan and Cynthia Leitich Smith at Heartdrum have acquired world rights to I Am Osage by Kim Rogers (Wichita) (l.), illustrated by Bobby Von Martin (Choctaw). This nonfiction picture book biography focuses on Osage military hero Clarence Tinker. Publication is planned for winter 2024; Tricia Lawrence at Erin Murphy Literary represented the author, and the illustrator represented himself.

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More to come. Stay tuned!

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