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A review by erine
Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving by Laurie Halse Anderson
3.0
This book surprised me when I saw it on a website of ‘bad’ books about Native Americans. That was some time ago, and I can no longer find that website, but I thought I’d look at this book anyway. As I read it, I was increasingly surprised because the final illustration of Thanksgiving is incredibly diverse. I could spot a wide variety of colors and cultures, genders and clothing. It looked as though the illustrator was trying to be as inclusive and representative as possible.
It is the very first illustration that caused the stir on the Native American website. This one depicts the Native people showing up at the Pilgrims’ door with turkey and veggies in hand. I believe the objection was that the Natives appeared servile and naïve, and there may have been inaccuracies in the way the Natives are dressed as well. I was able to find an article in School Library Journal that discusses the general inaccuracy of this depiction of the first Thanksgiving. Knowing that often the author doesn’t have a say about who illustrates the book or how, it makes me think about who is ultimately responsible for screening books like this.
I found this story interesting and the illustrations engaging, but realized that I’m going to have to have a better eye out for stereotypes, because it didn’t really register with me when I first read through this book.
It is the very first illustration that caused the stir on the Native American website. This one depicts the Native people showing up at the Pilgrims’ door with turkey and veggies in hand. I believe the objection was that the Natives appeared servile and naïve, and there may have been inaccuracies in the way the Natives are dressed as well. I was able to find an article in School Library Journal that discusses the general inaccuracy of this depiction of the first Thanksgiving. Knowing that often the author doesn’t have a say about who illustrates the book or how, it makes me think about who is ultimately responsible for screening books like this.
I found this story interesting and the illustrations engaging, but realized that I’m going to have to have a better eye out for stereotypes, because it didn’t really register with me when I first read through this book.