markwillnevercry's review
2.5
I understand that River is very upset about not being able to dance at the powwow, but it felt just a bit underdone? I wish there was a bit more attention given to her illness, but all we got is that her hair is shorter than her sister's and mother's (so it is not as if someone died recently) and that something is wrong with her legs. I do appreciate the way powwow was depicted and how River is sure by the end that she will be able to dance next year, but it could have been so much better if there was more care in refining who River was.
calistareads's review
3.0
This book came off the 2023 mock caldecott list. There are some great colors and artwork in here, and it didn't really knock my socks off. It was nice artwork.
I also didn't find much story. The story was a family and a sick girl are going to their community powwow. The girl wants to dance and she can't move much. We never know why she is sick and the story doesn't really deal with it much accept the girl longs to dance with the other girls. The book shows us a typical powwow. I don't feel the book has an ending.
The ceremony look beautiful. I haven't been to a powwow, I've only been to a Sundance and I know that's different.
Great book for people curious what goes on at these events.
I also didn't find much story. The story was a family and a sick girl are going to their community powwow. The girl wants to dance and she can't move much. We never know why she is sick and the story doesn't really deal with it much accept the girl longs to dance with the other girls. The book shows us a typical powwow. I don't feel the book has an ending.
The ceremony look beautiful. I haven't been to a powwow, I've only been to a Sundance and I know that's different.
Great book for people curious what goes on at these events.
adelaideofthehollow's review
5.0
A very cute book with a very good message and great information. This book is going to mean a lot to some small child who's not feeling well and can't do everything they used to
smilagros's review
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
circleofreadersdruid's review
5.0
Beautiful, every single bit of it. The story, the colors, the art, the community, the prayers, the history, the powwow. I’m recommending this to everyone.
sunflowerjess's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This gorgeously illustrated, full-hearted book follows a young girl who desperately wants to dance with her family and friends at the Powwow but cannot because she has been sick and is still gaining her strength back. Although she cannot dance, she finds a way to connect with her community. I have loved everything I've read by Traci Sorell, and Madelyn Goodnight is now one of my new favorite illustrators.
kalifer's review
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0