hldillon's review against another edition
5.0
Great multicultural story about a little girl who wants to make her family members proud of her when she dances in the big pow-wow. She borrow jingles from people she cares about so they can be apart of the dance.
a_manning11's review against another edition
4.0
This is a picture book that can be used as an introduction into Native American traditions for young children. The watercolor illustrations are beautiful. And even though the book describes the tradition of 'jingle dancing' and its importance, there is no stereotyping in this story. Native American women here live in houses with regular kitchens, and lead busy lives, working as lawyers. I really liked that it is a contemporary story.
The story text has repetitive elements that communicate importance, and make the story memorable.
The story text has repetitive elements that communicate importance, and make the story memorable.
amwright's review against another edition
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
iffer's review against another edition
3.0
Overall, I enjoyed this. I like that the book shows the importance of different female family members/community members in the main characters' life, as well as the fact that it follows the cardinal directions and incorporates the meaning of four. It also has a poignant meaning that resonated with me about how we dance (more generally live) not only for ourselves, but for, and empowered by our family, friends, community and ancestors.
sometimes_samantha_reads's review
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
I bought this for Thanksgiving in my 5th grade class but to also add to my "own voices" collection of representstive literature in the room. It was a good choice! I like the connection between cultural traditions and moderns times. I think a lot of the time when we talk about the lives of Indigenous people or Black people in schools we put distance to the stories. With the injustices, things like traditions are stories aren't passed down and aren't valued (or known about) by others in the modern day. I think this will be a great model to my students and some of my students might make connections to their own lives as some of my girls do traditional dance in their cultures.
jnmfly's review against another edition
5.0
I am always searching for good literature that supports our curriculum mandate to incorporate First Nations teachings. This book is an amazing book. The story is great on so many levels. It teaches about Powwows and the Jingle Dress dance. It alludes to some traditional games and stories that can be researched further. The illustrations are beautiful. The language used is just stunning. The story is touching too. I just really loved this book.
afilmfatale's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
Lovely picture book, clear story, good representation. Would be good for cultural, identity, passion projects.
david_reads_books's review against another edition
5.0
What a beautiful and inspiring book. Kids want to imitate adults, so when Jenna sees Grandma Wolfe jingle dancing, she want to be a part of it. She learns all the steps by watching a video of her Grandma. But needing four rows of jingles, she is motivated to ask relatives nearby for just one row of their jingles. Thus the lender's dress can still sing. Of course each relative gladly relinquishes a row and asks Jenna to dance for them, since they will miss the pow wow.
The water color illustrations rival Caldecott books! My skin tingled a little more each page as I saw Jenna's motivation receive its rewards.
The water color illustrations rival Caldecott books! My skin tingled a little more each page as I saw Jenna's motivation receive its rewards.
finkaaa's review against another edition
5.0
I really love this book! My mom read this to me when I was little. We are Native Americans and it gave me joy. Now I read this to my little cousins. I would totally recommend this book to anyone!