We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga
September 2018
by Traci Sorell and Frané Lessac
Charlesbridge Publishers
Kirkus *starred review “A gracious, warm, and loving celebration of community and gratitude” Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books of 2018
SLJ *starred review “Perfect for holiday and family sharing” School Library Journal’s Best Books of 2018
Shelf Awareness *starred review “We Are Grateful has the ability to resonate with any reader.”
Horn Book *starred review “Underscores the importance of traditions and carrying on a Cherokee way of life while simultaneously incorporating modernity and challenging dated media images of Indigenous people”
2019 Orbis Pictus Honor Book NCTE National Council of Teachers of English
Best Books of 2018 CSMCL Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature
Best Books of 2018 AICL American Indians in Children’s Literature
Junior Library Guild Selection
Chicago Public Library Best Informational Books for Young Readers of 2018
A look at modern Native American life as told by a citizen of the Cherokee Nation. The word otsaliheliga (oh-jah-LEE-hay-le-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. Appended with a glossary and the complete Cherokee syllabary, originally created by Sequoyah.
