Picture Books: Leaders and Other Role Models
Young Indigenous readers need to find positive role models that they can look up to and who can inspire them to dream. Native role models may include tribal leaders, scientists, athletes, elders, military members, and others in local communities. Many Indigenous role models have impressive, yet untold, life stories and have contributed to society in important ways.
At The Mountain’s Base
Author
Traci Sorell (Cherokee Nation)
Illustrator
Weshoyot Alvitre (Tongva/Scots-Gaelic)
Summary
Inspired by the true story of Ola Mildred “Millie” Rexroat, a WWII Native woman pilot, this is the tale of a family, separated by duty and distance, waiting in their home at the base of a mountain for their loved one to return from war. We see both the family at home, comforting each other, and the pilot in her plane, hoping for peace and to be reunited with her family. The threads of the grandmother’s weaving link the family together in Alvitre’s illustrations.
In circular prose, the story shows the bonds between family members and the support they offer one another, and also celebrates the traditions (such as weaving and cooking) that sustain the family as they wait.
Classified
Author
Traci Sorell (Cherokee Nation)
Illustrator
Natasha Donovan (Métis)
Summary
Mary Golda Ross designed classified airplanes and spacecraft as Lockheed Aircraft Corporation’s first female engineer. In this book, readers will learn how her passion for math and the Cherokee values she was raised with shaped her life and work. Learning about this dedicated and impressive math and science role model can help children imagine a dream of becoming an engineer.
Finding My Dance
Author
Ria Thundercloud (Ho-Chunk/Sandia Pueblo)
Illustrator
Kalila J. Fuller
Summary
Professional Indigenous dancer Ria Thundercloud tells the true story of her path to dance and how it helped her take pride in her Native American heritage. This autobiography demonstrates the journey Ria took to become an International Dancer and Cultural Ambassador in life. In her author’s bio, she explains that “her art is influenced by the women who came before her, reclaiming stories of matriarchs that highlight the resilience and knowledge of Indigenous women.” Readers learn through the text that there are many paths to a professional life, including becoming a dancer.
You Hold Me Up
Author
Monique Gray Smith (Cree, Lakota, and Scottish)
Illustrator
Danielle Daniel (Algonquin)
Summary
This story prompts a dialogue among young people, their care providers, and educators about reconciliation and the importance of the connections children make with others. The text shows how family members and friends can support and encourage each other. Relatives can be positive role models in showing children how to respect, have compassion, show encouragement, and have fun with one another.
Conclusion
Role models lead the way, showing others that using your talents to contribute to your community is important. Some Indigenous leaders and role models have led intriguing lives. Reading about these people, and how they relied on their Indigenous values to succeed in life, will inspire many young people today.
About the Author
Andrea M. Page
Andrea M. Page (Hunkpapa Lakota) is a children’s author, educator and speaker. Her published book, Sioux Code Talkers of World War II (Pelican Publishing 2017) tells the story of seven Native American Code Talkers’ military service in the Pacific Theater. She also writes educator guides for publishers and works on projects for We Need Diverse Books.
Andrea serves as a Board member of the Children’s Literature Assembly (CLA) of the NCTE. She is a citizen of the Standing Rock Nation, and lives in Rochester, NY with her husband. Please visit www.WriterAndreaPage.com.
