Description
A powerful and visually stunning anthology from some of the most groundbreaking Native artists working in North America today.
Truly universal in its themes, Dreaming In Indian will shatter commonly held stereotypes and challenge readers to rethink their own place in the world. Divided into four sections, ‘Roots,’ ‘Battles,’ ‘Medicines,’ and ‘Dreamcatchers,’ this book offers readers a unique insight into a community often misunderstood and misrepresented by the mainstream media.
Emerging and established Native artists, including acclaimed author Joseph Boyden, renowned visual artist Bunky Echo Hawk, and stand-up comedian Ryan McMahon, contribute thoughtful and heartfelt pieces on their experiences growing up Indigenous, expressing them through such mediums as art, food, the written word, sport, dance, and fashion. Renowned chef Aaron Bear Robe, for example, explains how he introduces restaurant customers to his culture by reinventing traditional dishes. And in a dramatic photo spread, model Ashley Callingbull and photographer Thosh Collins reappropriate the trend of wearing ‘Native’ clothing.
Whether addressing the effects of residential schools, calling out bullies through personal manifestos, or simply citing hopes for the future, Dreaming In Indian refuses to shy away from difficult topics. Insightful, thought-provoking, and beautifully honest, this book will to appeal to young adult readers. An innovative and captivating design enhances each contribution and makes for a truly unique reading experience.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 12 to 18
- Grade:
- 6 to 12
- Reading age:
- 12 to 18
Awards
- Winner, Wordcraft Circle Award, Editors Category
- Short-listed, First Nation Communities Read Award
- Joint winner, USBBY Outstanding International Books Honor List
- Joint winner, School Library Journal 42 Top Diverse YA books
- Joint winner, Book of the Year Award, Foreword Reviews
- Short-listed, Eric Hoffer Award
- Winner, Best Books American Indians in Children’s Literature
- Runner-up, Nautilus Award, Silver
- Joint winner, Best Books for Kids & Teens, Canadian Children’s Book Centre
- Short-listed, First Nations Communities Read
- Joint winner, Best Book Center for the Study of Multicultural Literature
- Joint winner, Kirkus Best Books
- Long-listed, Kirkus Prize
- Short-listed, da Vinci Eye Award
- Joint winner, Independent Publisher Book Awards
- Joint winner, Skipping Stones Honor Award
- Joint winner, School Library Journal Best Books
- Winner, Children’s Literature Roundtable of Canada
- Joint winner, White Ravens Collection, International Youth Library, Munich
- Winner, American Indian Library Association’s Youth Literature Award
- Commended, Information Book Award, Honor Book
Editorial Reviews
“Original and accessible, both an exuberant work of art and a uniquely valuable resource.”
— Kirkus Reviews, *starred review, 09/15/14
“Visually stunning, emotionally charged, and required reading for those working towards reconciliation.”
— Green Teacher, Summer/16
“The volume’s breadth and honesty is its strength.”
— Library Media Connection, 06/14
“[A] dizzyingly eclectic anthology.”
— Horn Book, 01/15
“A hectic, colourful, startling book . . . There is much here to celebrate, but the collection does not allow the reader the luxury of complacency.”
— Quill & Quire, 11/14
“A wide-ranging and emotionally potent collection.”
— Publishers Weekly, 10/06/14
“Effectively presents honest portrayals of strong, hopeful, and courageous indigenous youth living non-stereotypical lives. Not to be missed.”
— School Library Journal, *starred review, 11/14
“Dreaming in Indian has a vibrancy I've not seen in anything else.”
— American Indians in Children’s Literature, 09/08/14
“An exceptional anthology.”
— Indian Country Today Media Network, 12/30/15
“Belongs on the shelves of school libraries.”
— Canadian Teacher Magazine, 04/15
“An outstanding anthology sure to engage youth in discussions about 21st century Native American culture.”
— Library Thing, 10/15/14
“A rewarding book.”
— Resource Links, 02/15
“Visually stunning, emotionally charged, and required reading for those working towards reconciliation.”
— Green Teacher, Summer/16
“This is a dynamic, thoughtful design and gets my (personal) award for stunning-est book of the year.”
— School Library Journal Printzblog, 01/10/15
“A strikingly honest, thought-provoking collection.”
— Canadian Children’s Book News, 03/15
“Belongs in every middle school, high school and public library.”
— CM Reviews, 05/22/15
“A masterful anthology that begs to be read in classrooms and with families.”
— Sal’s Fiction Addiction, 01/12/15
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Annotations
Librarian review
Dreaming in Indian: Contemporary Native American Voices
Native artists and writers contribute heartfelt pieces about growing up Native.
This powerful collection allows students to read about artists who understand what it is like to grow up Native. Young adult readers will find remarkable text and images that tell stories about the dreams and challenges of Aboriginal identity. Multi-modal text features (e.g. poetry, photographs, song, art work, narratives) add to the power of this book.
Also available: Urban Tribes: Native Americans in the City @urbannativegirl
Source: Association of Canadian Publishers. Top Grade Selection 2016.
