#NotYourPrincess: Voices of Native American Women, Edited by Lisa Charleyboy and Mary Beth Leatherdale

 

- from https://americanindiansinchildrensliterature.blogspot.com/2017/10/highly-recommended-notyourprincess.html

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Charleyboy, Lisa, & Leatherdale, Mary Beth. (Eds.) 2017. #NOTYOURPRINCESS: VOICES OF NATIVE AMERICAN WOMEN. Toronto: Annick Press. ISBN 978-1-55451-958-3.

2. PLOT SUMMARY

This book is a beautiful, eclectic mix of art, poetry, photographs, stories, and powerful quotations.  Some are celebrations of culture and identity, while others are lamentations of loss and abuse. There are many different tribes represented, Navajo, Cherokee, Cree, Lakota, and so many more. 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

There are many artistic expressions within this book.  Whether it is a poem, a graphic story, or a short quotation, the words all seem to hold a lot of emotion. The most dominant mood of the book is solemn and melancholy. Many of the articulations refer to the tragic history of the American tribes. In spite of those references, the overall theme is strength. Themes are the way the work is organized, like “the ties that bind us,” “pathfinders,” “it could have been me,” etc. 

These reflections and expressions are personal, so the authenticity and accuracy are inherent. Although they are personal- a photo or a poem or a memoir- they are also communal. They aren’t just a declaration of personal identity or worth, they are messages to communicate worth to others. 

4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

American Indian Youth Literature Award, 2018

Booklist, September 2017

Kirkus Reviews starred, July 2017: “The vital message that it offers is that Indigenous women continue to shatter stereotypes through their personal successes and creative expression. Both testament to the complexity of Indigenous women’s identities and ferocious statement that these women fully inhabit the modern world.”

Publishers Weekly, August 2017

School Library Journal starred, September 2017: “ A stunning anthology of creative writing and art-a love letter, indeed. All YA collections will want this.”

Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) starred, February 2018

YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults-Nominees, 2018

5. CONNECTIONS
*This insightful book belongs in a study or unit on American Indigenous people. There are some other YA books that could accompany this one, like Notable native people : 50 indigenous leaders, dreamers, and changemakers from past and present by Adrienne Keene, Everything you wanted to know about Indians but were afraid to ask by Anton Treuer, and An indigenous peoples' history of the United States for young people (Revisioning History for Young People) by Debbie Reese.