We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga

2019 Sibert Honor Book
2019 Orbis Pictus Honor Book
NPR's Guide To 2018's Great Reads
2018 Book Launch Award (SCBWI)
Kirkus Reviews Best Books of 2018
School Library Journal Best Books of 2018

2018 JLG selection
2019 Reading the West Picture Book Award

The Cherokee community is grateful for blessings and challenges that each season brings. This is modern Native American life as told by an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation.

The word otsaliheliga (oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah) is used by members of the Cherokee Nation to express gratitude. Beginning in the fall with the new year and ending in summer, follow a full Cherokee year of celebrations and experiences. 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 syllabary, originally created by Sequoyah.

A gracious, warm, and loving celebration of community and gratitude--Kirkus Reviews STARRED REVIEW

The book underscores the importance of traditions and carrying on a Cherokee way of life--Horn Book STARRED REVIEW

This informative and authentic introduction to a thriving ancestral and ceremonial way of life is perfect for holiday and family sharing--School Library Journal STARRED REVIEW

An elegant representation--Shelf Awareness STARRED REVIEW

Author: Traci Sorell
Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing
Published: 09/04/2018
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.12lbs
Size: 10.80h x 9.90w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9781580897723
Audience: Ages 4-8

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 3
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 199588 / We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga


Award: Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award - Honor Book
Award: American Indian Youth Literature Award - Honor Book
Award: Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards - Honor Book


Review Citation(s):
School Library Journal 07/01/2018 pg. 46
Kirkus Reviews 07/15/2018 pg. 146
Kirkus Reviews Fall Preview 08/15/2018 pg. 67
Booklist 09/15/2018 pg. 61
Shelf Awareness 09/11/2018
Horn Book Magazine 11/01/2018 pg. 69
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2019 - Outstanding, Noteworthy In Style

About the Author
Traci Sorell writes fiction and nonfiction for children featuring contemporary characters and compelling biographies. She is an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation and lives in northeastern Oklahoma, where her tribe is located.

Frané Lessac is the illustrator of more than forty books for children. She has lived on the small Caribbean island of Montserrat, in London, and in Australia, and her work has taken her on many adventures in numerous countries. www.franelessac.com