Book Cover of Clack, Clack! Smack! A Cherokee Stickball Story

Clack, Clack! Smack!: A Cherokee Stickball Story

ISBN

9781623541934

Publisher & Publication Year

Charlesbridge, 2024

Publisher's Book Page

Author

Traci Sorell (Cherokee Nation)

Author's Website 

Illustrator

Joseph Erb (Cherokee Nation)

Synopsis

Summary

Vann loves his tribe’s traditional sport of stickball, but he’s not as skilled as his teammates. Vann stumbles, and he tries and fails to score. How can he help his teammates win the game?

Notable Achievements

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selection

Reviews

Publishers Weekly: "Onomatopoeic text relays the 'CLACK CLACK' of play while subtly outlining the sport, and bold-lined digital illustrations capture the fast-moving match alongside the ample community watching from the sidelines, making for a work that supplies a strong sense of camaraderie and competition-and allows for values to win the day."

Kirkus: "Writing in terse, alliterative prose—'a tackle, a twist, and a wrong turn'—Sorell skillfully builds tension as she choreographs this action-packed game. Erb’s thick-lined cartoon illustrations have a pleasing solidity; they capture the chaos and drama of the game and depict players with a range of brown skin tones... Stand and cheer for this fast-paced tale of sportsmanship and community."

School Library Journal: "This fast-paced and exciting reflective story on sportsmanship and overcoming self-doubt provides concise representation into Cherokee cultural activities while keeping the story relatable to many growing readers."

Educator Guide

Link to Guide

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