Blog Takeover: An OurShelves Native Stories Diverse Book Delivery!

By Alli Harper, Founder of Ourshelves

I’m Alli, the founder and owner of OurShelves, an expert-curated diverse children’s book box service and advocacy effort. I started OurShelves because my kids have two moms, and it can be much too hard to find high-quality – including joyful and silly and fun!! – books that feature LGBTQ+ families like ours and also the many other kids and families out there who go under- and misrepresented. So our Curation Team of national experts helps us review and find all kinds of diverse stories that your kids will want to read again and again and that cultivate our values around equity, inclusion, social justice, joy, and fun! 

This month, during Native American Heritage month, we are delivering two of our favorite books to the adorable Make It Cute indoor playhouse. These books are both recommended by Dr. Debbie Reese, a Nambé Pueblo Indian woman, who founded American Indians in Children’s Literature (AICL). Check out Dr. Reese's recent interview with Amulya Hiremath of PEN America, “Native American Heritage Now: An Interview With Dr. Debbie Reese."

When looking for Native representation in your books, consider Dr. Reese's recommendations to: “Choose books that are tribally specific. Use present tense verbs to talk about Native Nations. Choose books by Native writers. Use books by Native writers all year round.”

We hope you'll enjoy these two books and many other Native books during Native American Heritage Month and year round!

• WE ARE GRATEFUL: OTSALIHELIGA, authored by Traci Sorell, an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation, and illustrated by Frané Lessac. Publisher Charlesbridge shares: "The word otsaliheliga (oh-jah-LEE-hay-le-gah) is used by members of the Cherokee Nation to express gratitude. Beginning in the fall with the new year and ending in summer, follow a full Cherokee year of celebrations and experiences." Also check out the AICL review here and Charlesbridge's Classroom Guide, coloring sheets, and poster.
• JUST LIKE GRANDMA, by author Kim Rogers, an enrolled member of the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes, and by Julie Flett, a Swampy Cree and Red River Métis illustrator. Heartdrum, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, shares: "Becca loves spending time with Grandma. Every time Becca says, 'Let me try,' Grandma shows her how to make something beautiful. Whether they are beading moccasins, dancing like the most beautiful butterflies, or practicing basketball together, Becca knows that, more than anything, she wants to be just like Grandma. And as the two share their favorite activities, Becca discovers something surprising about Grandma." This book was featured on AICL’s best books of 2023 list. Please also check out this book's Educator Guide.