I Sang You Down From the Stars

Written by Tasha Spillett-Sumner; illustrated by Michaela Goade

(Little, Brown; 32 pages; $18.99; ages 4-8)

In Inniniwak tradition, a mother-to-be prepares a “sacred medicine bundle” that, after giving birth, she explains to her own “baby bundle.” The blanket is for closeness, the plume for beauty, the cedar and sage for strong spirit, and the river stone to remember “you belong to this place.” Therein lies the essence of this gentle picture book. It reads like a lullaby and looks like a dream. Created by the 2021 Caldecott medalist, softly luminescent watercolors focus on the wooded landscape, starlit sky and mother-child bond. According to the author’s note, her tender story is based on the traditional understanding of many Indigenous peoples that babies choose their parents. Thus, from a CreeTrinidadian author and Tlingit-Haida illustrator emerges a particular expression of universal experience: the anticipation and celebration of new life within a cherished heritage.

“Everyone’s path has obstacles — some more than others. … Let me tell you a little bit about mine.” Thus begins this engaging autobiography about one of the first Native American women in Congress and the first lesbian representative from Kansas. Culturally authentic art from an Ojibwe illustrator amplifies Davids’ conversational style. Daughter of a single mom and raised as an Army brat, she talks too much in school, practices martial arts, works her way through college and beyond, becomes a lawyer, connects with her roots, and serves as a White House fellow. Speaking to kids, she also offers advice: Accept challenges, work hard, listen to people and use your voice to fight for your beliefs. As the title suggests, in Congress and in this spirited telling, Davids fully embraces a personal interpretation of her Ho-Chunk Nation’s name — People of the Big Voice.

It’s Indigenous People’s Day with families flocking to celebrate at Native Nations Community School. That upbeat scene opens this thoughtprovoking, thematic survey of Native American experiences from the late 19th century to today. Students have researched 12 consequential topics ranging from relocation to self-determination, forced assimilation to language revival, economic development to religious freedom. Supported by flat, folkloric art, their displayed poster board reports include an intro, bullet points and the refrain “We are still here.” That is, of course, the point of this illuminating informational book about how Native Americans and their cultures have endured despite U.S. governmental deceit and discrimination. Author Traci Sorrell of the Cherokee Nation adds an essential dimension to our understanding of America — past, present and future.