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Books

I AM OSAGE cover.webp

Heartdrum/HarperCollins. 

 

 

This informative and inspiring picture book by acclaimed author Kim Rogers (Wichita), with striking artwork by debut illustrator Bobby Von Martin (Choctaw), celebrates the achievements of Clarence Tinker, a member of the Osage Nation who became the first Native American major general.

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Clarence Tinker always knew that he wanted to do something extraordinary. Something adventurous. Something that made a difference in the world.

 

But as a member of the Osage Nation at the turn of the twentieth century, there were a lot of obstacles that he had to face to achieve his dreams. When he was a child, Clarence was taken away from his family and community. He was forced to attend a prisonlike boarding school, like many other Native children of his generation. There, he wasn’t able to speak his language or practice his Osage customs.

 

Still, Clarence kept his dream close to his heart and joined the US Army with the goal of becoming an officer. Though he was treading an unfamiliar path, he worked hard and never forgot his Osage values and traditions that, ultimately, paved his way to success.

 

I Am Osage, the first nonfiction project from the Heartdrum imprint, combines gorgeous, vibrant artwork with a stirring text that celebrates an unsung hero while also shedding light on significant American history.

 

Features an author’s note and timeline.

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Cover reveal and from the author information here.

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To order, click here.

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Author's Sources, click here. 

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Awards & Honors

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  • 2025 Notable Trade Books in Social Studies for Young Readers

  • Reading the West Book Awards Longlist

  • American Indians in Children's Literature (AICL) Best Books of 2024​

 

Reviews

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★ School Library Journal (starred): "Tinker’s life unfolds and is not separate from the struggles of Indigenous people in North America, as colonial entities unlawfully or immorally controlled and restricted their freedom to pursue dreams. Von Martin’s illustration glow with the radiance of oil paintings, drawing the eye to key moments in Tinker’s life and highlighting aspects of Osage culture. VERDICT An excellent addition to nonfiction collections for young readers."

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Kirkus Reviews: “Von Martin’s bold, photorealistic images complement the text; lighter, superimposed images of his ancestors make it clear that Tinker’s Osage identity was a constant source of strength. Rogers’ storytelling brings to life a kindhearted, resilient historical figure who was devoted to his community.”

 

Booklist: “With the refrain, ‘I am Osage. I am Osage,’ pounding like a drumbeat throughout her account, Rogers celebrates the way he held onto his Indigenous roots through Indian boarding school, military academy training, and afterward, before closing with a note explaining his importance to her as a role model on her personal journey toward acceptance of her Native American heritage.”

 

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A Letter for Bob cover.jpg

Heartdrum/HarperCollins. 

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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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Awards & Honors

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  • American Indian Youth Literature Award Picture Book Winner 2024

  • Charlotte Zolotow Highly Commended List 2024

  • CCBC Choices 2024

  • 2023 Teaching for Change: Social Justice Books Selection

  • Kirkus Best Picture Books of 2023 About Families

  • Kirkus Reviews Notable Fall Releases

  • Kirkus Reviews Podcast Editors' Picks

  • American Indians in Children's Literature (AICL) Best Books of 2023

  • Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature (CSMCL) Best Mulitcultural Children's Books of 2023

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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.”

 

★ 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.”

 

★ Publishers Weekly (starred): “Easy prose and crisply drawn digital illustrations give equal weight to each member of family caring for its members through life’s seasons.”

 

The Horn Book: “The engaging illustrations show Bob as a standard car without eyes, mouth, or other human features, and yet Katie’s heartfelt narrative enables readers to imagine Bob as an actual family member.”

 

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 awards 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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Awards & Honors

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  • Charlotte Zolotow Award Winner 2024

  • Ezra Jack Keats Award Honor Writer 2024

  • Bank Street Best Books of the Year 2024

  • Reading the West Award Longlist

  • CCBC Choices 2024

  • 2023 Teaching for Change: Social Justice Books Selection

  • Chicago Library Best Board & Picture Books of 2023

  • New York Public Library Best Books for Kids 2023

  • Booklist Editors' Choice for Youth 2023

  • American Indians in Children's Literature (AICL) Best books of 2023

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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.”

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★ School Library Journal (starred): “…highly recommended for its heartwarming portrayal of intergenerational relationships and cultural heritage.”

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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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All website content © Kim Rogers 2019-2025. All rights reserved. 

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