We Are Still Here!: Native American Truths Everyone Should Know
illustrations by
on Goodreads (1,256)
What’s inside...
We Are Still Here!: Native American Truths Everyone Should Know by Traci Sorell is a non-fiction book that explores the history and experiences of Native American communities, highlighting the struggles they have faced and the strength and resilience they have shown in the face of adversity. The book is written for young readers and aims to educate them about the rich cultural heritage and contributions of Native Americans, as well as the ongoing struggles they face today. Twelve Native American kids present historical and contemporary laws, policies, struggles, and victories in Native life, each with a powerful refrain: We are still here! Too often, Native American history is treated as a finished chapter instead of relevant and ongoing. This companion book to the award-winning We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga offers readers everything they never learned in school about Native American people's past, present, and future. Precise, lyrical writing presents topics including: forced assimilation (such as boarding schools), land allotment and Native tribal reorganization, termination (the US government not recognizing tribes as nations), Native urban relocation (from reservations), self-determination (tribal self-empowerment), Native civil rights, the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), religious freedom, economic development (including casino development), Native language revival efforts, cultural persistence, and nationhood.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think it's important to learn about Native American history and cultures?
What are some strengths and values you noticed that Native American communities have?
How do the events described in the book make you feel, and why?
Can you think of ways we can honor and respect the contributions of Native American peoples today?
What did you learn from this book that you didn't know before?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage active listening by pausing at key moments in the book to ask your child how they feel about the information being presented.
Connect themes from the book to current events or your child’s experiences to make the content more relatable.
Ask your child to draw or write about one aspect of Native American culture they found interesting after reading the book.
Encourage your child to think critically by discussing how the history and struggles of Native American peoples might influence their present-day lives and communities.
Share your own reflections on the book to model thoughtful engagement and show that learning is a lifelong process.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and respecting diverse cultures
Explanation: The book highlights various aspects of Native American history and culture, showing children how these communities have contributed to and shaped the world.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect diversity in their classrooms and communities, fostering inclusivity and empathy.
Example Lesson: The importance of resilience
Explanation: Through stories of Native Americans' struggles and perseverance, the book teaches children about the power of resilience in the face of adversity.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children develop a resilient mindset, enabling them to overcome challenges in their own lives with strength and determination.
Example Lesson: Awareness of historical impacts
Explanation: The book educates children on the historical events that have impacted Native American communities and how these events are still relevant today.
Real-World Application: This can encourage critical thinking about history and its ongoing effects, helping children to become more thoughtful and informed citizens.
Example Lesson: Advocacy for justice and equality
Explanation: By sharing stories of Native American activism and resistance, the book inspires children to understand and support justice and equality.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize injustices and consider ways they can help advocate for fairness in their own spheres of influence, starting with fair treatment of all classmates.
Example Lesson: Preservation and sharing of traditions
Explanation: The book showcases various Native American traditions and their significance, emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to learn about and preserve their own cultural traditions and share them with others to enrich their communities.