Finally, a nonfiction book about Cherokee people that is straightforward and details celebrations, traditions, and ways of being in addition to historical information. The comprehensive text covers geographical locations where Cherokees have lived, the three tribal governments (Cherokee Nation, Eastern Band, and United Keetoowah Band), and the causes of westward movement--from colonizer encroachment to the U.S. government forcing removal along the Trail of Tears. While historical context is given its due, Barnes (Cherokee Nation) offers insight into contemporary Cherokee people, celebrations, traditions, and cultural activities with equitable depth. Information is presented in an accessible and approachable manner. Contemporary photographs reside alongside maps, historical documents, portraits, and black-and-white drawings. This artistic arrangement reinforces that the Cherokee people are a present-day community with an active role in history as well. Readers will conclude this text, part of the Indigenous Peoples series (6 titles), with a fuller understanding of Cherokee history and their contemporary existence. A traditional recipe, a craft tutorial, and a language lesson offer fun active-learning activities, while a time line, a glossary, and additional resources provide ample back matter for educators.--Christine Hartman Derr "Booklist"

A few days ago on social media, I saw Daniel Heath Justice's post about The Cherokee: People, Culture, and History by Twila M. Barnes. Daniel is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and a scholar and professor who has written several terrific books. If you don't have Why Indigenous Literatures Matter, order it today. You can definitely use it to become more adept at evaluating information about Native peoples. And if you work in a library, you can draw from it to update your collection development policy. In his post about The Cherokee: People, Culture, and History he said it is "Authentic, well-sourced, and accurate" and that he couldn't be more excited to see it is finally out. Daniel and Twila are citizens of the Cherokee Nation. Twila's book is non-fiction, meant for young readers. Here's the cover: Regular readers of AICL will know why that cover is important: it features a Native--in this case Cherokee--child of the present day. Think back to most books you've seen (or do a Google search) that feature Native people. The covers usually show Native adults in a past tense setting, or in tribal regalia (clothing). Rarely do we see present-day Native children on book covers, wearing something they wear every day. Of course, I love the cover! I've been reading Twila's blog, Thoughts from Polly's Granddaughter: A Little Cherokee History and Genealogy Mixed in with a Whole Lot of Truth, for years. I've learned a lot from her careful studies there and am delighted that Capstone asked her to write this book. I was also happy to see the interview of her in the Cherokee Nation's newspaper, Cherokee Phoenix. Regular readers of AICL will also know that I recommend books by Native writers because they bring their lived experience to their writing. They have knowledge that they gained first-hand rather than from resources by outsiders that are too-often flawed, biased, incomplete, or just plain wrong! So, what will you find once you open her book? I see present tense verbs in sentences like "What is a sovereign tribal government?" and "Where are the Cherokee tribal governments located?" They're a textual echo of the cover. Using present tense verbs tells readers that we are still here. And I see the word "nation" several times, in vibrant bold text! What else do I see.... hey -- earlier in this post I mentioned the Cherokee Phoenix and right there on page 10 is a photo of the very first issue, which came out in 1828! There's a timeline that has key moments including familiar events like the Trail of Tears, and lesser known ones whose presence invites teachers to look for more information than could be included in a picture book for young readers. I like the page about Cherokee language, and that Barnes did not shy away from saying that the US government and its boarding schools played a large part in loss of language. I'll stop there and ask you to get a copy for your classroom, or school or public library if you work in one, and if you're a parent, get a copy for your home. Next time you're at the library, ask them to get it, too. In short, The Cherokee: People, Culture, and History by Twila M. Barnes is highly recommended.--Dr. Debbie Reese "American Indians in Children's Literature"

@pollys_granddaughter's [Twila M. Barnes'] new book for young readers is finally out, and I couldn't be more excited! Authentic, well-sourced, and accurate information about Cherokees, and it includes all three of our federally recognized Tribes! Great for younger readers, but honestly, a lot of adults could benefit from the accurate information here too! 😉 Every Cherokee family of whatever composition should have a copy, as should anyone interested in a great nonfiction work by a Cherokee citizen writer that stands proudly alongside the excellent work of @tracisorellauthor, Andrea Rogers, and others. Highly recommended!-- "Daniel Heath Justice, Canada Research Chair, University of British Columbia"

Publisher: Capstone Press

Pub date: 2025-08-01

Length: 32 pages