by Alexis Bunten (Author) Nicole Neidhardt (Illustrator)
A contemporary Indigenous picture book that offers both an homage to Secretary Deb Haaland's achievements, and a celebration of urban Indigenous community through the eyes of a little girl.
Pia rushes over to the Indigenous community center after school. It's where she goes every day to play outside with friends and work on her homework. But today--March 18, 2021--is special: Auntie Autumn gathers all the children around their television to witness Secretary Deb Haaland in her ribbon skirt at the White House as she becomes the first Native American to serve as a cabinet secretary. Pia and the other kids behold her Native pride on an international stage.
Together with their parents and Elders, the children explore the values woven into their own regalia, land, community, and traditions, making precious memories on this day they won't soon forget.
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A community event encompasses a celebration of tradition in this conversational picture book by Bunten, who is Aleut/Yup'ik. At the Native American Center where Pia does homework after school, "today is special"--the organization is throwing a party to celebrate the swearing-in ceremony of Deb Haaland (b. 1960) as secretary of the interior, the first Indigenous person to serve in this capacity. Community members, portrayed with various abilities and skin tones, soon show up with dried buffalo, fry bread, and smoked salmon, as anticipatory prose describes food that "smells so good, it's hard for Pia to wait." Following the meal, the party's attendees next craft regalia to honor Auntie Deb--notably ribbon skirts like the one Haaland wore to the ceremony. As kids and elders discuss ribbon shirts and skirts ("When you wear your regalia, you shine with all the strength of our mothers and grandmothers since time immemorial"), the back-and-forth answers Pia's questions and results in a welcoming gift to a newcomer. Digital images from Diné illustrator Neidhardt weave portraiture and pattern. Back matter includes an author's note. Ages 4-8. (July)
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