Book cover of The Heartbeat Drum: The Story of Carol Powder, Cree Drummer and Activist

The Heartbeat Drum: The Story of Carol Powder, Cree Drummer and Activist

ISBN

9781419756689

Publisher & Publication Year

Abrams BYR, 2024

Publisher's Book Page

Author

Deidre Havrelock (Saddle Lake Cree Nation)

Author's Website 

Illustrator

Aphelandra (Oneida/Filipino)

Synopsis

Summary

Whenever young Carol Powder sang along to her family’s music, her heart felt light and full of joy. Learning from her grandfather, Moshum, Carol listened closely to the drums’ heartbeat until one day Moshum made her a drum of her very own. As Carol grew up, she passed down her songs to her children, grandchildren, and many women in her community, just as Moshum taught her—even as women and children became increasingly excluded from sitting at the drum. Despite those who disapproved, she formed her own drumming group called Chubby Cree.

Notable Achievements

Reviews

Kirkus: "Stunning and empowering."

Educator Guide

Link to Guide

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