© Common Sense Media. FREE Shipping on orders over $25.00. Parents need to know that We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga is a book about gratitude as practiced by the Cherokee people, written by Traci Sorell, an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation who lives in northeastern Oklahoma, where the tribe's based. A modern Cherokee family in the USA moves through the seasons informed by their own cultural background: words, language, rituals are introduced to the young reader as a natural part of their world. In winter, elders share stories as families eat bean bread and hominy soup, and older kids teach younger ones to make cornhusk dolls and play cane flutes. Trail of Tears. Download for offline reading, highlight, bookmark or take notes while you read We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga. We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga The Cherokee community is grateful for blessings and challenges that each season brings. The illustrations are vibrant and warm. Following one family throughout the year, readers learn that each season is greeted by saying otsaliheliga (we are grateful), followed by descriptions of the celebrations and rituals which are observed as the seasons change. And the style of the illustrations serves to keep it light and accessible, too. In Stock. Certainly this isn't the first or only book to point this out, but it does so very well. The complete Cherokee syllabary, originally created by Sequoyah, is included. One way is by embracing Traci Sorell and Frané Lessac’s wonderful picture book, We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga. Text in English and some in Cherokee. Otsaliheliga is the Cherokee word for “we are grateful,” which the tribe says throughout the year as a way of giving thanks for their blessings, while … Each season has wonderful drawings that show the beauty of that time of year, while the text tells of the activities and traditions that the Cherokee participate in that demonstrate their gratitude, and help grow their tribal identity. Written by a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, this look at one group of Native Americans is appended with a glossary and the complete Cherokee … This picture book looks at modern life in the Cherokee Nation. If you chose to provide an email address, it will only be used to contact you about your comment. Reviewed by Debbie Reese. For too long, Native Americans have been cast out of lessons, but through this book their culture and legacy is able to live on. Sticking a note on this to pull it back out in November for storytime and the display. In fact, the year closes with summer, a time for the first harvest and for recalling their ancestors' sacrifices and to celebrate their history at Cherokee National Holiday. Gorgeous, joyous book about immigrant mom and child. We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell and Frané Lessac Throughout the year Cherokee people express their gratitude with the word “otsaliheliga”... read more 51 Total Resources 13 Awards View Text Complexity Discover Like Books In summer, families catch crawdads and gather for the Green Corn Ceremony and the Cherokee National Holiday. It is a reminder to celebrate our blessings and reflect onstruggles--daily, throughout the year, and across the seasons." Browse titles with similar subject matter. As a child, I would have loved learning the Cherokee words and traditions. We display the minimum age for which content is developmentally appropriate. The word otsaliheliga means “we are grateful” in the Cherokee language. "Cherokee people say otsaliheliga to express gratitude. The illustrations were amazing and I loved seeing the diversity within the group, as well. Each spread introduces the Cherokee names, spelling, and pronunciation. Add to Wish List. Williamsburg. Due to COVID-19 emergency closures we may experience delays in processing and shipping your items. The art, by Frené Lessac, is brightly colored and appealing, and the book's message -- that it's important to give thanks, "to celebrate our blessings and reflect on struggles" -- is universal. Find out more about Traci and her work at, American Indian Youth Literature Award Nominee (2020), Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Nominee for Picture Book (2019). An elegant representation of this concept, We Are Grateful has the ability to resonate with any reader: "Otsaliheliga for all who came before us, those here now, and those yet to come." Refresh and try again. We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga (Hardcover) By Traci Sorell, Frane Lessac (Illustrator) $17.99 . There are no discussion topics on this book yet. more. There are seven tribal clans. This would make for a great read aloud in grades k-2 with a big question in mind like, "What are we grateful for in our lives (at different times of the year)?" This is modern Native American life as told by an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation. This book is an excellent social studies text for elementary school. It is also a very important and needed look at modern Cherokee culture. A look at modern Native American life as told by a citizen of the Cherokee Nation. Nonfiction picture book depicting modern life for the Cherokee people, written by a member of the Cherokee Nation. Characters work with natural materials to make things -- clay for pots, buckbrush and honeysuckle for baskets, corn-husks for dolls, cane for flutes. This would make for a great read aloud in grades k-2 with a big question in mind like, "What are we grateful for in our lives (at different times of the year)?" Native American boy wants his own name in big-hearted story. Sorrell is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, includes an author's note, a glossary, and the complete Cherokee syllabary, originally created by Sequoyah. Relative in military uniform heads off for service to country. Books not only please, but teach us. Families can talk about the gratitude practiced in We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga. How Technology Is Reshaping Democracy and Our Lives, Celebrate the history and culture of the African diaspora and the achievements of people with African roots on Wide Open School, Online Playdates, Game Nights, and Other Ways to Socialize at a Distance, Keeping Kids Motivated for Online Learning. A glossary and note on the Cherokee syllabary and language follow. This is modern Native American life as told by an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation. However, I was also interested in the topic because teaching about the culture of Indigenous people is very important and is a lesson that students should know. I thought the illustrations were too simplistic personally, but appreciated they were colorful. We are grateful.". Traci Sorell writes award-winning poems as well as fiction and nonfiction works for children and teens. A lovely picture book about a Cherokee community celebrating a year's worth of traditions, festivals, and every day activities. The core Cherokee value -- the daily expression of gratitude -- is accessible and helpful for all. 32 pages. Recommended for ages 3–7. There aren't any reviews yet. The author, Sorrell, describes what members of the Cherokee Nation are grateful for in each season. Stickball played for sport and before tribal ceremonies. What are you thankful for? I chose We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga because I liked how it was different from the previous books we have read in class. The Cherokee community is grateful for blessings and challenges that each season brings. Includes pronunciations for Cherokee words, a glossary, a Cherokee syllabary, and a personal author's note. ... We are grateful : otsaliheliga / Traci Sorell ; illustrated by Frané Lessac. Readers Looking for Picture-Books About Gratitude and/or Contemporary Native People, First-time author Traci Sorrell, a member of the Cherokee Nation, presents a picture-book tribute to the seasons, and to the Cherokee practice of gratitude in. Otsaliheliga (oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah) is a word that Cherokee people use to express gratitude. To see what your friends thought of this book, Otsaliheliga is the Cherokee word for “we are grateful,” which the tribe says throughout the year as a way of giving thanks for their blessings, while not ignoring the many struggles they have been through. Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by … I wanted to like it so badly, but I can't quite see it as a read-aloud. This book is definitely a current favorite! After reading We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga, head outside with students to choose and identify a deciduous tree in your community as your gratitude tree. The book's been widely praised for its realistic depiction of present-day Cherokee families and their contemporary culture and celebrations. Join now. Indigenous dad pictured cuddling baby and singing traditional lullabies, wearing apron and cooking. This is modern Native American life as told by an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation. We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga (Hardcover) By Traci Sorell, Frane Lessac (Illustrator) $17.99 . Description. , and a page of "Definitions" that explain some concepts, such as the Trial of Tears, more fully. This picture book looks at modern life in the Cherokee Nation. What to Watch, Read, and Play While Your Kids Are Stuck Indoors, Common Sense Selections for family entertainment, Check out new Common Sense Selections for games, Teachers: Find the best edtech tools for your classroom with in-depth expert reviews, Cómo hablar con los niños sobre la violencia en el Capitolio de los Estados Unidos, Actividades de bienestar para el invierno, Which Side of History? * Cherokee poet Traci Sorell makes her picture book debut with We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga, illustrated by theprolific Frané Lessac. Each narrator lends a unique voice to the story, complementing the diverse contemporary Cherokee families who are depicted celebrating every season. A beautiful celebration of gratefulness as expressed by Cherokee people throughout the seasons and a wonderful book to explore thankfulness on different occasions and during different activities. However, I was also interested in the topic because teaching about the culture of Indigenous people is very important and is a lesson that students should know. Details. It is authentic and amazing and beautiful. Do you and your family have ways to regularly express gratitude? Otsaliheliga is a Cherokee word that is used to express gratitude. Wow! For too long, Native Americans have been cast out of le. An elegant representation of this concept, We Are Grateful has the ability to resonate with any reader: Otsaliheliga for all who came before us, those here now, and those yet to come. Throughout, the measured text reminds readers that in all things “we say otsaliheliga.” Colorful, folk art–style illustrations show Cherokee people during ceremonies, in family gatherings large and small, and outdoors enjoying each of the four seasons, always expressing gratitude. Live Oak Media’s production of We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Frané Lessac, exudes the celebratory joy and beauty of this readalong picture book following a contemporary Cherokee family throughout the year, expressing gratitude with each season with their community.. Certainly this isn't the first or only book to point this out, but it does so very well. The idea to constantly cultivate gratitude as a part of life, though days and seasons, is so powerful and so necessary. Many layers with this one, allowing the parent/teacher to go to deeper levels with older children who are ready for more. Cherokee people originally came from southeastern United States but now majority live in Oklahoma. Christina/ The Blog for Teachers, Readers, & Life! By Traci Sorell, illustrated by Frané Lessac. The Cherokee community is grateful for blessings and challenges that each season brings. At an impressive size of 9.8 x 10.8 inches, its large, wide spreads showcase Lessac’s folk-esque art. Some foods: bean bread, hominy soup, wild onions with hen's eggs, crawdads. It's about thankfulness, and joy, and looking to the future. Cherokee syllabary. Cherokee words and pronunciations. $17.99/hardcover; $9.99/eBook. In what ways are they similar? Sorell, who is a member of the Cherokee Nation, h, This is a lovely duel language, English and Cherokee, book about the different ways the Cherokee people express gratitude "throughout the year and across the seasons" as a reminder of both their blessings and their struggles. Read this Book on Epic! There is also a clear connection with Cherokee history from the Trail of Tears to family members who have passed on to. The star rating reflects overall quality. The word otsaliheliga (oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah) is used by members of the Cherokee Nation to express gratitude. In the text and illustrations children will no doubt find connections to their own lives as well as differences. The author, Sorrell, describes what members of the Cherokee Nation are grateful for in each season. Beginning in the fall with the new year and ending in summer, follow a full Cherokee year of celebrations and experiences. Making pucker-toe moccasins and coiled clay pots. Majority of the books have been chapter books and as someone who wants to teach younger grades, I figured it would be smart to analyze and review a picture book. Appended with a glossary and the complete Cherokee syllabary, originally created by Sequoyah. Welcome back. We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga. We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga is an unexpectedly deep and moving book for young children, one that explains and demonstrates the core value of gratitude (otsaliheliga) in Cherokee culture and applies it through the seasons to traditional … — Shelf Awareness STARRED REVIEW This is modern Native American life as told by an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. * Cherokee poet Traci Sorell makes her picture book debut with We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga, illustrated by theprolific Frané Lessac. However, the illustrations weren't quite my aesthetic and there wasn't really a plot. And I was happy to see Frané Lessac's illustrations--I remember her style so vividly from. In the fall, Cherokee New Year, they gather for the Great Moon Ceremony, dance with shell shakers, remember "our ancestors who suffered hardship and loss on the Trail of Tears," and collect brush for weaving baskets. Well worth five stars, because it's not only universally important, but it's universally appealing. Your privacy is important to us. Along the way, various Cherokee words are shared with the reader both in English lettering and also in Cherokee syllabary. Create an Epic account to start reading! Start by marking “We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga” as Want to Read: Error rating book. Common Sense Media, a nonprofit organization, earns a small affiliate fee from Amazon or iTunes when you use our links to make a purchase. Children's picture book - ages 3 - 10. See our. Beginning in the fall with the new year and ending in summer, follow a full Cherokee year of celebrations and experiences. 2019 Sibert Honor Book 2019 Orbis Pictus Honor Book NPR's Guide To 2018’s Great Reads 2018 Book Launch Award (SCBWI) Journey through the year with a Cherokee family and their tribal nation as they express thanks for celebrations big and small. Author - Traci Sorell, Illustrator - Frané Lessac. Read this book using Google Play Books app on your PC, android, iOS devices. The book ends with a two page spread in a collage of illustrations from the past year, and a reminder that "Every day, every season Otsaliheliga. 1 on hand, as of Sep 9 5:15am (ADDED BY … The hardcover* of this is stunning. Love, love, love this. See something that needs to be addressed? The word otsaliheliga (oh-jah-LEE-hay-le-gah) is used by members of the Cherokee Nation to express gratitude. Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read. Along the way, various Cherokee words are shared with the reader both in English lettering and also in Cherokee syllabary. Check out the cover of Traci Sorell’s We Are Grateful/Otsaliheliga.What you see on that cover is the words “We Are Grateful” in English, and then in Cherokee, and also in the Cherokee syllabary. * Cherokee poet Traci Sorell makes her picture book debut with We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga, illustrated by theprolific Frané Lessac. With full-color folk art illustrations, it's a pleasure to read and enjoy these traditions. While some things are unique to the tribe's culture or celebrations (e.g., shell shakers dancing during the Great New Moon Ceremony), some are universal (e.g., "have hope as our elisi, Grandma, cradles the newest member of the family"). The word otsaliheliga (oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah) is used by members of the Cherokee Nation to express gratitude. All through the seasons, including planting strawberries, "an ancestral story's sweet reminder not to argue with each other", the harvest that includes the "Green Corn Ceremony" and saying goodbye to a clan relative "heading off to serve. The word otsaliheliga is used by members of the Cherokee Nation to express gratitude. It’s a great book to inspire conversation and let us all stop and consider what we are be grateful for. On Our Shelves Now. 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