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mamaty's review against another edition
4.0
What a touching story. Connecting the traditions to the emotions and real life challenges. Beautiful!
msghani's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
raspberryjam's review against another edition
4.0
Gorgeously illustrated story of a young girl finding hope and connection at a community powwow.
I can't give it the full five stars, though, as it all feels a little... vague! Perhaps this was intentional for the audience, but I think that would've work better for me if it weren't also a specific protagonist whose point of view we're following.
I can't give it the full five stars, though, as it all feels a little... vague! Perhaps this was intentional for the audience, but I think that would've work better for me if it weren't also a specific protagonist whose point of view we're following.
librarybonanza's review against another edition
4.0
Age: Preschool-1st grade
Identity: possibly Anishinabe/Ojibwe
Identity, author: Cherokee Nation
Identity, illustrator: Chickasaw Nation
Sport: Dance
An illness keeps River from dancing at their tribal powwow, but finds inspiration and healing from her family and friends as they perform the jingle dress dance. Although the illness is never identified by the author, it allows it to be more relatable as many children have experienced disappointment from sickness themselves.
The supplemental information is extremely interesting, especially the origins of the jingle dress healing ceremony during the 1918 flu epidemic and how jingle dress dancers shared videos online during COVID-19 to help heal people worldwide.
Identity: possibly Anishinabe/Ojibwe
Identity, author: Cherokee Nation
Identity, illustrator: Chickasaw Nation
Sport: Dance
An illness keeps River from dancing at their tribal powwow, but finds inspiration and healing from her family and friends as they perform the jingle dress dance. Although the illness is never identified by the author, it allows it to be more relatable as many children have experienced disappointment from sickness themselves.
The supplemental information is extremely interesting, especially the origins of the jingle dress healing ceremony during the 1918 flu epidemic and how jingle dress dancers shared videos online during COVID-19 to help heal people worldwide.
shgmclicious's review against another edition
This is just beautiful, from start to finish, in text and in illustration, just....everything.
anniedeereads's review against another edition
5.0
Powwow Day is another powerful picture book from author Traci Sorell, a member of the Cherokee Nation.
River is in the process of recovering from a recent illness, and as Powwow Day approaches she is worried that she won't feel well enough to participate. Through River's eyes as she watches her friends and family prepare, the reader is taken through each Powwow event. They are explained both in text, and in the glorious illustrations of Madelyn Goodnight.
Although written as a fictional tale, this book is full of information that would interest many children. I recommend for students in Grades K - 4.
Thank you to the author, illustrator and Penguin Random House for providing me with an early copy to review. I'm happy to say I now have purchased another copy for my classroom!
River is in the process of recovering from a recent illness, and as Powwow Day approaches she is worried that she won't feel well enough to participate. Through River's eyes as she watches her friends and family prepare, the reader is taken through each Powwow event. They are explained both in text, and in the glorious illustrations of Madelyn Goodnight.
Although written as a fictional tale, this book is full of information that would interest many children. I recommend for students in Grades K - 4.
Thank you to the author, illustrator and Penguin Random House for providing me with an early copy to review. I'm happy to say I now have purchased another copy for my classroom!
bookishrealm's review against another edition
4.0
Powwow Day is a picture book that I received for review, but all thoughts are my own.
Powwow Day focuses on 8 year old River as she recovers from an illness that prevents her from being able to dance at the Powwow. Because of this, readers see the the powwow through her perspective. Rich with color and beautiful illustrations, River teaches readers so much about powwows and the importance of community. While she isn't able to join in on the celebration, her family and friends dance for her healing. This is, once again, a great example of the importance of "windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors" where children are able to learn more about someone else's cultural practices. The information in the back of the book is also rewarding and provides readers with insight to the structure of a powwow and the participants. This is definitely a book that I would my daughter to reader when she get's older.
Powwow Day focuses on 8 year old River as she recovers from an illness that prevents her from being able to dance at the Powwow. Because of this, readers see the the powwow through her perspective. Rich with color and beautiful illustrations, River teaches readers so much about powwows and the importance of community. While she isn't able to join in on the celebration, her family and friends dance for her healing. This is, once again, a great example of the importance of "windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors" where children are able to learn more about someone else's cultural practices. The information in the back of the book is also rewarding and provides readers with insight to the structure of a powwow and the participants. This is definitely a book that I would my daughter to reader when she get's older.
cocoawithbooks's review against another edition
5.0
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a digital review copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Powwow Day by Traci Sorell is a beautiful book about a little girl who is suffering from an illness and is disappointed that she can’t dance at her tribal powwow. Whether you have attended powwows before or have never heard of one, you will love and learn from this book. The Indigenous representation of tribal powwows, family and community is powerful. I would definitely incorporate it into an elementary or homeschool curriculum and I wouldn’t relegate it to just November. It addresses themes of childhood illness, disappointment, family and community support through an Indigenous lens.
Childhood Illness
On the day of the powwow, River wakes up to the reminder that she won’t be able to dance in the jingle dress competition. River, understands that she doesn’t have the energy to participate in the dances. But her family and friends support her as she copes with being on the sidelines. At one point, she thinks that she can participate in the opening dance, but is disappointed again when she doesn’t have the energy to do so. It’s an important point to discuss with children reading the book regarding empathy and how to show a sick friend support.
Family Support
River belongs to a strong family unit. They support and encourage her as she gets ready to attend her first powwow since becoming sick. Her sister is by her side making sure she is okay. Her mother is close by to offer a supportive hand when she feels her energy waning.
Illustrations
This book has beautiful, brightly colored illustrations. The colors of the girls and womens dresses set a gorgeous contrast to the green grass. I love that River is dressed in a brightly dress of orange and yellows. It seems like a decision her family would make to keep her spirits up.
History Of The Jingle Dress
I definitely recommend reading the last pages of Powwow Day by Traci Sorell that provide more information about the various aspects of powwow traditions. What I found especially interesting was the history of the jingle dress and it’s connection to the World War I flu pandemic. Dancers perform it in connection with both spiritual and physical healing.
Powwow Day by Traci Sorell is a beautiful book about a little girl who is suffering from an illness and is disappointed that she can’t dance at her tribal powwow. Whether you have attended powwows before or have never heard of one, you will love and learn from this book. The Indigenous representation of tribal powwows, family and community is powerful. I would definitely incorporate it into an elementary or homeschool curriculum and I wouldn’t relegate it to just November. It addresses themes of childhood illness, disappointment, family and community support through an Indigenous lens.
Childhood Illness
On the day of the powwow, River wakes up to the reminder that she won’t be able to dance in the jingle dress competition. River, understands that she doesn’t have the energy to participate in the dances. But her family and friends support her as she copes with being on the sidelines. At one point, she thinks that she can participate in the opening dance, but is disappointed again when she doesn’t have the energy to do so. It’s an important point to discuss with children reading the book regarding empathy and how to show a sick friend support.
Family Support
River belongs to a strong family unit. They support and encourage her as she gets ready to attend her first powwow since becoming sick. Her sister is by her side making sure she is okay. Her mother is close by to offer a supportive hand when she feels her energy waning.
Illustrations
This book has beautiful, brightly colored illustrations. The colors of the girls and womens dresses set a gorgeous contrast to the green grass. I love that River is dressed in a brightly dress of orange and yellows. It seems like a decision her family would make to keep her spirits up.
History Of The Jingle Dress
I definitely recommend reading the last pages of Powwow Day by Traci Sorell that provide more information about the various aspects of powwow traditions. What I found especially interesting was the history of the jingle dress and it’s connection to the World War I flu pandemic. Dancers perform it in connection with both spiritual and physical healing.