{"id":6596020797519,"title":"Powwow Day","handle":"powwow-day","description":"\u003ch6\u003eBoard book edition coming September 3, 2024. Pre-order today!\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?4673889858015672850\"\u003e \"A heartwarming picture book about the roles of courage, culture, and community in the journey of personal healing.\" \u003ci\u003e—Kirkus Reviews\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?4673889858015672850\"\u003e \"A resonant, hopeful tale about the healing power of community and tradition.\" \u003ci\u003e—Publishers Weekly\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?4673889858015672850\"\u003e \"A tender and inspiring view of Indigenous traditions and how ­celebrating them can lead to healing and redemption.\" \u003ci\u003e—School Library Journal\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/traci-sorell\"\u003eTraci Sorell\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/madelyn-goodnight\"\u003eMadelyn Goodnight\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMy feet stay still. I can't feel the drum's heartbeat.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's powwow day—but eight-year-old River can't dance this year. She's been very sick for a very long time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis uplifting contemporary picture book by award-winning author and Cherokee citizen Traci Sorell follows River as she struggles with the isolation of a serious illness and the frustration of her physical limits—and as she finds solace in the healing power of community. Back matter explains the history and functions of powwows, which are held across the United States and Canada and are open to both Native Americans and non-Native visitors.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these: \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/we-are-grateful-otsaliheliga\"\u003eWe Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/we-are-still-here\"\u003eWe Are Still Here! Native American Truths Everyone Should Know\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/look-grandma-ni-elisi\"\u003eLook, Grandma! Ni, Elisi!\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e [TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/powwow-day-spread.jpg?v=1627409149\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" class=\"cvr-border-gray\" data-mce-style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e \u003cscript type=\"text\/javascript\" async=\"\" defer data-pin-shape=\"round\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"medium-cover\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/powwow-day-cover.jpg?v=1627409149\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/powwow-day-cover-hires.jpg.zip?v=1627409149\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/powwow-day-activity-guide.pdf?v=1646931623\"\u003eDownload the Activity Kit\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTraci Sorell, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBest-selling author and Cherokee Nation citizen Traci Sorell writes inclusive, award-winning fiction and nonfiction in a variety of formats for young people. She is a two-time Sibert Medal and Orbis Pictus honoree for her nonfiction work. Her first five books have received awards from the American Indian Library Association. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/traci-sorell\"\u003eRead more \u003c\/a\u003eabout Traci.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMadelyn Goodnight, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMadelyn Goodnight is a member of the Chickasaw Nation. Her work reflects her love of childhood. She holds a degree from Rhode Island School of Design and lives in Brooklyn. She is the illustrator of \u003cem\u003eThe Pear Tree \u003c\/em\u003eand\u003cem\u003e Look, Grandma!\/Ni, Elisi!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/madelyn-goodnight\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Madelyn. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA \u003cem\u003eKirkus Reviews \u003c\/em\u003eBest Book of 2022\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA \u003cem\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/em\u003e Best Book of 2022\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA \u003cem\u003eShelf Awareness\u003c\/em\u003e Best Book of 2022\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature Best Multicultural Children's Book of 2022\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA Bookstagang Picture Book Guild Best Bookshelf Building Picture Book of 2022\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2022\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA 2023 Charlotte Zolotow Highly Commended Book\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA 2023 ILA Notable Book for a Global Society\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA 2023 Texas Library Association 2x2 Reading List selection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?4673889858015672850\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this contemporary story, an Indigenous tradition inspires hope in a young girl. Powwow Day, a traditional Native American ceremony, arrives, but River is still recovering from an unnamed illness and feels too weak to dance. Dressed in her jingle dress and matching moccasins, she longs to join her family and friends in the Grand Entry procession. She hears the drums—“BAM. BAM. BAM. BAM”—and watches the elders enter the circle with flags and feathers. The fancy dancers “twirl and ribbons whirl,” while the “grass dancers sway and weave themselves around the circle,” but River can’t “feel the drum’s heartbeat,” and her “feet stay still.” The emcee calls for the jingle dress dancers to enter the arena. Although River needs the ceremonial healing dance, she can’t do it. Thankfully, River’s friend says she will dance for her. The rows of shiny cones on the dresses make music as the jingle dancers move: “clink, clink, clink.” The girls “dance for the Creator, the ancestors, their families, and everyone’s health.” Watching her sister, cousins, and friend dance, River’s heart begins to open and conviction enters her soul. She finally feels the drumbeat fully, but is it her time to dance? Goodnight’s vibrant, energetic digital illustrations capture the beauty and intricacy of powwow regalia as well as the unique atmosphere of a powwow gathering. Together, the artwork and text sensitively portray and celebrate a powerful ritual that upholds the culture, healing traditions, and creative spirit of Native American communities. No specific tribe is mentioned in the story, though the backmatter mentions the Ponca and Omaha tribes. A heartwarming picture book about the roles of courage, culture, and community in the journey of personal healing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?4673889858015672850\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ePublishers Weekly\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen River first wakes up on tribal powwow day, she feels a surge of excitement before remembering that there will be “no dancing.\/ No jingle dress competition for me.\/... I can’t dance like I could before I got sick.” Attending the powwow with family, River, portrayed with light brown skin and short hair in a marigold jingle dress, hopes to dance Grand Entry and the intertribal dance, but is fatigued, unfocused, and “can’t feel the drum’s heartbeat.” Yet, watching from a nearby seat as the dancers connect to “the drum,\/ Mother Earth,\/ and one another,” and witnessing family and friends participating in the girls’ jingle dance, she realizes: “They dance for\/ the Creator,\/ the ancestors,\/ their families,\/ and everyone’s health...\/ including mine.” In sensory-focused lines, Sorell (We Are Still Here!), who is Cherokee, creates a resonant, hopeful tale about the healing power of community and tradition, deftly capturing the powwow’s essence. Textural digital illustrations by Goodnight (Look, Grandma! Ni, Elisi!), who is Chickasaw, focus on the event’s sights and its participants’ fluid movements, effectively conveying River’s sideline perspective and desire to dance with her community once again. Back matter offers more information about powwows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?4673889858015672850\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\nPowwow Day has arrived but ­River is recovering from an illness and unable to participate in the pageantry and tradition of the day. Little River is aching to join her family and community in the dances but is unable to “feel” the drums and becomes discouraged at having to remain on the sidelines. Her family and friends help River reach the realization that they are dancing for their community, traditions, healing, and most importantly, for her. The author develops the plot by creating text that is rooted in feeling and emotional connection. As a Cherokee Nation member, Sorell infuses the story with information about various traditions and experiences. Chickasaw Nation member Goodnight provides exquisitely detailed illustrations that exemplify the meaning and importance of Powwow Day. VERDICT A tender and inspiring view of Indigenous traditions and how celebrating them can lead to healing and redemption.\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eForeword Reviews\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA girl recovering from illness longs to participate in her tribal powwow in this vibrant picture book about acceptance and hope. Delicate feathers and fringe adorn brilliant gold, pink, and turquoise ensembles as River’s friends and family take part in various dances and competitions, but River is still not well enough to don her jingle dress and join them. As she watches, though, she is reminded that the music still lives in her heart, and that she will dance again someday.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eShelf Awareness\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the lyrical Powwow Day, readers are welcomed into an uplifting \"celebration of dance, song, culture, and community.\" River wakes on powwow day full of excitement--until she remembers that, because she's been ill, there will be no dancing and no jingle dress competition for her today. Still, she hopes at least to join in for Grand Entry at the start of the ceremony. She waits with the other girls as warriors enter the arena carrying flags, followed by elders heading up the long line of dancers. But her own feet are still. River watches \"through wet eyes\" as the dancers move \"around the circle, all connected to the drum, Mother Earth, and one another.\" It seems that River is the only one who \"can't feel the drum's heartbeat.\" An elder prays to the Creator that their \"culture and language will stay strong, and that healing will come to those who need it\"--like River. She tries to dance again but isn't able to take part in the intertribal dance, either. The competitions begin and \"fancy dancers twirl and ribbons whirl.\/ Graceful grass dancers sway and weave.\" Finally, River feels the drum beat inside her. She watches as her sister, cousin and friends step and turn with feathery fans and clinking cones. She sits tall as they \"dance for the Creator, the ancestors, their families, and everyone's health... including mine.\" River, who can \"feel the drum fully now,\" stands and opens her heart--she knows she will dance again at the next powwow. Traci Sorrell (At the Mountain's Base; We Are Still Here), member of the Cherokee Nation, enhances her graceful text with back matter about powwows. Through River, the author neatly conveys the magic and allure of the dances themselves, along with the all-important sense of community and healing fostered by the celebratory event. Madelyn Goodnight (illustrator of Look Grandma! Ni, Elisi!), member of the Chickasaw Nation, uses dynamic layouts and a variety of viewpoints in her colorful digital illustrations to portray the vibrancy of the powwow. Expressive characters in their detailed dancing dresses are full of life and movement. Readers will likely find it easy to empathize with River's sorrow as well as her hope for strength, for healing and to dance again. --Lynn Becker, reviewer, blogger and children's book author Shelf Talker: Though River won't be dancing in the powwow, she recognizes the healing power of her community in this lyrical and uplifting story.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: \u003cspan data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":1,\"3\":{\"1\":0}}' data-sheets-value='{\"1\":3,\"3\":9781580899482}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e978-1-58089-948-2\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":1,\"3\":{\"1\":0}}' data-sheets-value='{\"1\":3,\"3\":9781580899482}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBoard Book\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-576-5\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eE-book\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e978-1-63289-815-9\u003c\/span\u003e EPUB\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 4-8\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 32\u003cbr\u003e9 x 9\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]","published_at":"2021-07-28T11:08:21-04:00","created_at":"2021-07-27T17:26:40-04:00","vendor":"Charlesbridge","type":"Children's Book","tags":["Browse by Age_Ages 3-6","Browse by Age_Ages 6-10","Browse by Fiction\/Nonfiction_Fiction","Browse by Format_Picture Book","Browse by Language_English","Browse by Subject_Diversity","Browse by Subject_Health \u0026 Beauty","Browse by Subject_Life Lessons \u0026 Skills","Browse by Subject_Social Studies\/Cultures"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":1799,"available":true,"price_varies":true,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":39509979234383,"title":"Hardcover","option1":"Hardcover","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"99482","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":28499886112847,"product_id":6596020797519,"position":1,"created_at":"2021-07-27T17:28:25-04:00","updated_at":"2021-07-27T17:28:25-04:00","alt":null,"width":600,"height":600,"src":"\/\/charlesbridgeteen.com\/cdn\/shop\/products\/powwow-day-cover.jpg?v=1627421305","variant_ids":[39509979234383]},"available":true,"name":"Powwow Day - Hardcover","public_title":"Hardcover","options":["Hardcover"],"price":1799,"weight":369,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_quantity":0,"inventory_management":"shopify","inventory_policy":"continue","barcode":"978-1-58089-948-2","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":20888828706895,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":600,"width":600,"src":"\/\/charlesbridgeteen.com\/cdn\/shop\/products\/powwow-day-cover.jpg?v=1627421305"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":45426531500269,"title":"Board Book","option1":"Board Book","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"45765","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":39987242828013,"product_id":6596020797519,"position":2,"created_at":"2024-03-14T13:14:59-04:00","updated_at":"2024-03-14T13:15:00-04:00","alt":null,"width":600,"height":600,"src":"\/\/charlesbridgeteen.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/on-powwow-day-board-cover_d30f9823-352f-4ce8-b57c-e4d8b65e5b25.jpg?v=1710436500","variant_ids":[45426531500269]},"available":true,"name":"Powwow Day - Board Book","public_title":"Board Book","options":["Board Book"],"price":899,"weight":142,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_quantity":10,"inventory_management":"shopify","inventory_policy":"continue","barcode":"9781623545765","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":32634388119789,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":600,"width":600,"src":"\/\/charlesbridgeteen.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/on-powwow-day-board-cover_d30f9823-352f-4ce8-b57c-e4d8b65e5b25.jpg?v=1710436500"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/charlesbridgeteen.com\/cdn\/shop\/products\/powwow-day-cover.jpg?v=1627421305","\/\/charlesbridgeteen.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/on-powwow-day-board-cover_d30f9823-352f-4ce8-b57c-e4d8b65e5b25.jpg?v=1710436500"],"featured_image":"\/\/charlesbridgeteen.com\/cdn\/shop\/products\/powwow-day-cover.jpg?v=1627421305","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":20888828706895,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":600,"width":600,"src":"\/\/charlesbridgeteen.com\/cdn\/shop\/products\/powwow-day-cover.jpg?v=1627421305"},"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":600,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/charlesbridgeteen.com\/cdn\/shop\/products\/powwow-day-cover.jpg?v=1627421305","width":600},{"alt":null,"id":32634388119789,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":600,"width":600,"src":"\/\/charlesbridgeteen.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/on-powwow-day-board-cover_d30f9823-352f-4ce8-b57c-e4d8b65e5b25.jpg?v=1710436500"},"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":600,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/charlesbridgeteen.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/on-powwow-day-board-cover_d30f9823-352f-4ce8-b57c-e4d8b65e5b25.jpg?v=1710436500","width":600}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003ch6\u003eBoard book edition coming September 3, 2024. Pre-order today!\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?4673889858015672850\"\u003e \"A heartwarming picture book about the roles of courage, culture, and community in the journey of personal healing.\" \u003ci\u003e—Kirkus Reviews\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?4673889858015672850\"\u003e \"A resonant, hopeful tale about the healing power of community and tradition.\" \u003ci\u003e—Publishers Weekly\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?4673889858015672850\"\u003e \"A tender and inspiring view of Indigenous traditions and how ­celebrating them can lead to healing and redemption.\" \u003ci\u003e—School Library Journal\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/traci-sorell\"\u003eTraci Sorell\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/madelyn-goodnight\"\u003eMadelyn Goodnight\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMy feet stay still. I can't feel the drum's heartbeat.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's powwow day—but eight-year-old River can't dance this year. She's been very sick for a very long time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis uplifting contemporary picture book by award-winning author and Cherokee citizen Traci Sorell follows River as she struggles with the isolation of a serious illness and the frustration of her physical limits—and as she finds solace in the healing power of community. Back matter explains the history and functions of powwows, which are held across the United States and Canada and are open to both Native Americans and non-Native visitors.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these: \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/we-are-grateful-otsaliheliga\"\u003eWe Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/we-are-still-here\"\u003eWe Are Still Here! Native American Truths Everyone Should Know\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/look-grandma-ni-elisi\"\u003eLook, Grandma! Ni, Elisi!\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e [TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/powwow-day-spread.jpg?v=1627409149\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" class=\"cvr-border-gray\" data-mce-style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e \u003cscript type=\"text\/javascript\" async=\"\" defer data-pin-shape=\"round\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"medium-cover\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/powwow-day-cover.jpg?v=1627409149\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/powwow-day-cover-hires.jpg.zip?v=1627409149\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/powwow-day-activity-guide.pdf?v=1646931623\"\u003eDownload the Activity Kit\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTraci Sorell, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBest-selling author and Cherokee Nation citizen Traci Sorell writes inclusive, award-winning fiction and nonfiction in a variety of formats for young people. She is a two-time Sibert Medal and Orbis Pictus honoree for her nonfiction work. Her first five books have received awards from the American Indian Library Association. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/traci-sorell\"\u003eRead more \u003c\/a\u003eabout Traci.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMadelyn Goodnight, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMadelyn Goodnight is a member of the Chickasaw Nation. Her work reflects her love of childhood. She holds a degree from Rhode Island School of Design and lives in Brooklyn. She is the illustrator of \u003cem\u003eThe Pear Tree \u003c\/em\u003eand\u003cem\u003e Look, Grandma!\/Ni, Elisi!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/madelyn-goodnight\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Madelyn. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA \u003cem\u003eKirkus Reviews \u003c\/em\u003eBest Book of 2022\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA \u003cem\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/em\u003e Best Book of 2022\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA \u003cem\u003eShelf Awareness\u003c\/em\u003e Best Book of 2022\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature Best Multicultural Children's Book of 2022\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA Bookstagang Picture Book Guild Best Bookshelf Building Picture Book of 2022\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2022\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA 2023 Charlotte Zolotow Highly Commended Book\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA 2023 ILA Notable Book for a Global Society\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA 2023 Texas Library Association 2x2 Reading List selection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?4673889858015672850\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this contemporary story, an Indigenous tradition inspires hope in a young girl. Powwow Day, a traditional Native American ceremony, arrives, but River is still recovering from an unnamed illness and feels too weak to dance. Dressed in her jingle dress and matching moccasins, she longs to join her family and friends in the Grand Entry procession. She hears the drums—“BAM. BAM. BAM. BAM”—and watches the elders enter the circle with flags and feathers. The fancy dancers “twirl and ribbons whirl,” while the “grass dancers sway and weave themselves around the circle,” but River can’t “feel the drum’s heartbeat,” and her “feet stay still.” The emcee calls for the jingle dress dancers to enter the arena. Although River needs the ceremonial healing dance, she can’t do it. Thankfully, River’s friend says she will dance for her. The rows of shiny cones on the dresses make music as the jingle dancers move: “clink, clink, clink.” The girls “dance for the Creator, the ancestors, their families, and everyone’s health.” Watching her sister, cousins, and friend dance, River’s heart begins to open and conviction enters her soul. She finally feels the drumbeat fully, but is it her time to dance? Goodnight’s vibrant, energetic digital illustrations capture the beauty and intricacy of powwow regalia as well as the unique atmosphere of a powwow gathering. Together, the artwork and text sensitively portray and celebrate a powerful ritual that upholds the culture, healing traditions, and creative spirit of Native American communities. No specific tribe is mentioned in the story, though the backmatter mentions the Ponca and Omaha tribes. A heartwarming picture book about the roles of courage, culture, and community in the journey of personal healing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?4673889858015672850\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ePublishers Weekly\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen River first wakes up on tribal powwow day, she feels a surge of excitement before remembering that there will be “no dancing.\/ No jingle dress competition for me.\/... I can’t dance like I could before I got sick.” Attending the powwow with family, River, portrayed with light brown skin and short hair in a marigold jingle dress, hopes to dance Grand Entry and the intertribal dance, but is fatigued, unfocused, and “can’t feel the drum’s heartbeat.” Yet, watching from a nearby seat as the dancers connect to “the drum,\/ Mother Earth,\/ and one another,” and witnessing family and friends participating in the girls’ jingle dance, she realizes: “They dance for\/ the Creator,\/ the ancestors,\/ their families,\/ and everyone’s health...\/ including mine.” In sensory-focused lines, Sorell (We Are Still Here!), who is Cherokee, creates a resonant, hopeful tale about the healing power of community and tradition, deftly capturing the powwow’s essence. Textural digital illustrations by Goodnight (Look, Grandma! Ni, Elisi!), who is Chickasaw, focus on the event’s sights and its participants’ fluid movements, effectively conveying River’s sideline perspective and desire to dance with her community once again. Back matter offers more information about powwows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?4673889858015672850\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\nPowwow Day has arrived but ­River is recovering from an illness and unable to participate in the pageantry and tradition of the day. Little River is aching to join her family and community in the dances but is unable to “feel” the drums and becomes discouraged at having to remain on the sidelines. Her family and friends help River reach the realization that they are dancing for their community, traditions, healing, and most importantly, for her. The author develops the plot by creating text that is rooted in feeling and emotional connection. As a Cherokee Nation member, Sorell infuses the story with information about various traditions and experiences. Chickasaw Nation member Goodnight provides exquisitely detailed illustrations that exemplify the meaning and importance of Powwow Day. VERDICT A tender and inspiring view of Indigenous traditions and how celebrating them can lead to healing and redemption.\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eForeword Reviews\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA girl recovering from illness longs to participate in her tribal powwow in this vibrant picture book about acceptance and hope. Delicate feathers and fringe adorn brilliant gold, pink, and turquoise ensembles as River’s friends and family take part in various dances and competitions, but River is still not well enough to don her jingle dress and join them. As she watches, though, she is reminded that the music still lives in her heart, and that she will dance again someday.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eShelf Awareness\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the lyrical Powwow Day, readers are welcomed into an uplifting \"celebration of dance, song, culture, and community.\" River wakes on powwow day full of excitement--until she remembers that, because she's been ill, there will be no dancing and no jingle dress competition for her today. Still, she hopes at least to join in for Grand Entry at the start of the ceremony. She waits with the other girls as warriors enter the arena carrying flags, followed by elders heading up the long line of dancers. But her own feet are still. River watches \"through wet eyes\" as the dancers move \"around the circle, all connected to the drum, Mother Earth, and one another.\" It seems that River is the only one who \"can't feel the drum's heartbeat.\" An elder prays to the Creator that their \"culture and language will stay strong, and that healing will come to those who need it\"--like River. She tries to dance again but isn't able to take part in the intertribal dance, either. The competitions begin and \"fancy dancers twirl and ribbons whirl.\/ Graceful grass dancers sway and weave.\" Finally, River feels the drum beat inside her. She watches as her sister, cousin and friends step and turn with feathery fans and clinking cones. She sits tall as they \"dance for the Creator, the ancestors, their families, and everyone's health... including mine.\" River, who can \"feel the drum fully now,\" stands and opens her heart--she knows she will dance again at the next powwow. Traci Sorrell (At the Mountain's Base; We Are Still Here), member of the Cherokee Nation, enhances her graceful text with back matter about powwows. Through River, the author neatly conveys the magic and allure of the dances themselves, along with the all-important sense of community and healing fostered by the celebratory event. Madelyn Goodnight (illustrator of Look Grandma! Ni, Elisi!), member of the Chickasaw Nation, uses dynamic layouts and a variety of viewpoints in her colorful digital illustrations to portray the vibrancy of the powwow. Expressive characters in their detailed dancing dresses are full of life and movement. Readers will likely find it easy to empathize with River's sorrow as well as her hope for strength, for healing and to dance again. --Lynn Becker, reviewer, blogger and children's book author Shelf Talker: Though River won't be dancing in the powwow, she recognizes the healing power of her community in this lyrical and uplifting story.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: \u003cspan data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":1,\"3\":{\"1\":0}}' data-sheets-value='{\"1\":3,\"3\":9781580899482}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e978-1-58089-948-2\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":1,\"3\":{\"1\":0}}' data-sheets-value='{\"1\":3,\"3\":9781580899482}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBoard Book\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-576-5\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eE-book\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e978-1-63289-815-9\u003c\/span\u003e EPUB\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 4-8\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 32\u003cbr\u003e9 x 9\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]"}

Powwow Day

Board book edition coming September 3, 2024. Pre-order today!

"A heartwarming picture book about the roles of courage, culture, and community in the journey of personal healing." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"A resonant, hopeful tale about the healing power of community and tradition." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

"A tender and inspiring view of Indigenous traditions and how ­celebrating them can lead to healing and redemption." —School Library Journal, starred review

By: Traci Sorell / Illustrated by: Madelyn Goodnight

My feet stay still. I can't feel the drum's heartbeat.

It's powwow day—but eight-year-old River can't dance this year. She's been very sick for a very long time.

This uplifting contemporary picture book by award-winning author and Cherokee citizen Traci Sorell follows River as she struggles with the isolation of a serious illness and the frustration of her physical limits—and as she finds solace in the healing power of community. Back matter explains the history and functions of powwows, which are held across the United States and Canada and are open to both Native Americans and non-Native visitors.

Maximum quantity available reached.

Traci Sorell, author

Best-selling author and Cherokee Nation citizen Traci Sorell writes inclusive, award-winning fiction and nonfiction in a variety of formats for young people. She is a two-time Sibert Medal and Orbis Pictus honoree for her nonfiction work. Her first five books have received awards from the American Indian Library Association.

Read more about Traci.


Madelyn Goodnight, illustrator

Madelyn Goodnight is a member of the Chickasaw Nation. Her work reflects her love of childhood. She holds a degree from Rhode Island School of Design and lives in Brooklyn. She is the illustrator of The Pear Tree and Look, Grandma!/Ni, Elisi!

Read more about Madelyn. 

  • Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2022
  • School Library Journal Best Book of 2022
  • Shelf Awareness Best Book of 2022
  • A Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature Best Multicultural Children's Book of 2022
  • A Bookstagang Picture Book Guild Best Bookshelf Building Picture Book of 2022
  • A Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2022
  • A 2023 Charlotte Zolotow Highly Commended Book
  • A 2023 ILA Notable Book for a Global Society
  • A 2023 Texas Library Association 2x2 Reading List selection

Kirkus Reviews, starred review

In this contemporary story, an Indigenous tradition inspires hope in a young girl. Powwow Day, a traditional Native American ceremony, arrives, but River is still recovering from an unnamed illness and feels too weak to dance. Dressed in her jingle dress and matching moccasins, she longs to join her family and friends in the Grand Entry procession. She hears the drums—“BAM. BAM. BAM. BAM”—and watches the elders enter the circle with flags and feathers. The fancy dancers “twirl and ribbons whirl,” while the “grass dancers sway and weave themselves around the circle,” but River can’t “feel the drum’s heartbeat,” and her “feet stay still.” The emcee calls for the jingle dress dancers to enter the arena. Although River needs the ceremonial healing dance, she can’t do it. Thankfully, River’s friend says she will dance for her. The rows of shiny cones on the dresses make music as the jingle dancers move: “clink, clink, clink.” The girls “dance for the Creator, the ancestors, their families, and everyone’s health.” Watching her sister, cousins, and friend dance, River’s heart begins to open and conviction enters her soul. She finally feels the drumbeat fully, but is it her time to dance? Goodnight’s vibrant, energetic digital illustrations capture the beauty and intricacy of powwow regalia as well as the unique atmosphere of a powwow gathering. Together, the artwork and text sensitively portray and celebrate a powerful ritual that upholds the culture, healing traditions, and creative spirit of Native American communities. No specific tribe is mentioned in the story, though the backmatter mentions the Ponca and Omaha tribes. A heartwarming picture book about the roles of courage, culture, and community in the journey of personal healing.

Publishers Weekly, starred review

When River first wakes up on tribal powwow day, she feels a surge of excitement before remembering that there will be “no dancing./ No jingle dress competition for me./... I can’t dance like I could before I got sick.” Attending the powwow with family, River, portrayed with light brown skin and short hair in a marigold jingle dress, hopes to dance Grand Entry and the intertribal dance, but is fatigued, unfocused, and “can’t feel the drum’s heartbeat.” Yet, watching from a nearby seat as the dancers connect to “the drum,/ Mother Earth,/ and one another,” and witnessing family and friends participating in the girls’ jingle dance, she realizes: “They dance for/ the Creator,/ the ancestors,/ their families,/ and everyone’s health.../ including mine.” In sensory-focused lines, Sorell (We Are Still Here!), who is Cherokee, creates a resonant, hopeful tale about the healing power of community and tradition, deftly capturing the powwow’s essence. Textural digital illustrations by Goodnight (Look, Grandma! Ni, Elisi!), who is Chickasaw, focus on the event’s sights and its participants’ fluid movements, effectively conveying River’s sideline perspective and desire to dance with her community once again. Back matter offers more information about powwows.

School Library Journal, starred review

Powwow Day has arrived but ­River is recovering from an illness and unable to participate in the pageantry and tradition of the day. Little River is aching to join her family and community in the dances but is unable to “feel” the drums and becomes discouraged at having to remain on the sidelines. Her family and friends help River reach the realization that they are dancing for their community, traditions, healing, and most importantly, for her. The author develops the plot by creating text that is rooted in feeling and emotional connection. As a Cherokee Nation member, Sorell infuses the story with information about various traditions and experiences. Chickasaw Nation member Goodnight provides exquisitely detailed illustrations that exemplify the meaning and importance of Powwow Day. VERDICT A tender and inspiring view of Indigenous traditions and how celebrating them can lead to healing and redemption.

Foreword Reviews

A girl recovering from illness longs to participate in her tribal powwow in this vibrant picture book about acceptance and hope. Delicate feathers and fringe adorn brilliant gold, pink, and turquoise ensembles as River’s friends and family take part in various dances and competitions, but River is still not well enough to don her jingle dress and join them. As she watches, though, she is reminded that the music still lives in her heart, and that she will dance again someday.

Shelf Awareness

In the lyrical Powwow Day, readers are welcomed into an uplifting "celebration of dance, song, culture, and community." River wakes on powwow day full of excitement--until she remembers that, because she's been ill, there will be no dancing and no jingle dress competition for her today. Still, she hopes at least to join in for Grand Entry at the start of the ceremony. She waits with the other girls as warriors enter the arena carrying flags, followed by elders heading up the long line of dancers. But her own feet are still. River watches "through wet eyes" as the dancers move "around the circle, all connected to the drum, Mother Earth, and one another." It seems that River is the only one who "can't feel the drum's heartbeat." An elder prays to the Creator that their "culture and language will stay strong, and that healing will come to those who need it"--like River. She tries to dance again but isn't able to take part in the intertribal dance, either. The competitions begin and "fancy dancers twirl and ribbons whirl./ Graceful grass dancers sway and weave." Finally, River feels the drum beat inside her. She watches as her sister, cousin and friends step and turn with feathery fans and clinking cones. She sits tall as they "dance for the Creator, the ancestors, their families, and everyone's health... including mine." River, who can "feel the drum fully now," stands and opens her heart--she knows she will dance again at the next powwow. Traci Sorrell (At the Mountain's Base; We Are Still Here), member of the Cherokee Nation, enhances her graceful text with back matter about powwows. Through River, the author neatly conveys the magic and allure of the dances themselves, along with the all-important sense of community and healing fostered by the celebratory event. Madelyn Goodnight (illustrator of Look Grandma! Ni, Elisi!), member of the Chickasaw Nation, uses dynamic layouts and a variety of viewpoints in her colorful digital illustrations to portray the vibrancy of the powwow. Expressive characters in their detailed dancing dresses are full of life and movement. Readers will likely find it easy to empathize with River's sorrow as well as her hope for strength, for healing and to dance again. --Lynn Becker, reviewer, blogger and children's book author Shelf Talker: Though River won't be dancing in the powwow, she recognizes the healing power of her community in this lyrical and uplifting story.

Hardcover
ISBN: 978-1-58089-948-2

Board Book
ISBN: 978-1-62354-576-5

E-book
ISBN: 978-1-63289-815-9 EPUB

Ages: 4-8
Page count: 32
9 x 9