Ancestor Approved: a Native Voices anthology

 

Ancestor Approved, a middle grades anthology of short stories and poems edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith is a book that presents a wide range of Native people's experiences attending a big pow wow in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  Each story takes on a unique point of view, even a rez dog!  What stands out is the variety of what it means to be Indian for each individual person.  Traditions are universally respected, but each character's background results in a plethora of feelings to be explored:  from apprehension about dancing, meeting family for the first time, to not feeling Native enough because of being so far from a rez and being adopted by White parents, jealousy even, from not being good at beadwork, and of course, the pride of being part of a large community.

As a parent, educator, and librarian, I think this book would be perfect for a community common read.  The writers in the anthology are incredibly detailed in their storytelling and are all authentic in their depiction of characters.  Every reader can find so much to discuss in each story and poem.  The best parts are the extensions that result from the references made in each story.  If a reader is interested in the mythology, they can do more readings upon that topic.  Or if someone is more into the music and dance side, they attend a pow wow and see firsthand what it is like.  The cuisine is also deliciously described. Readers can try fry bread, Navajo tacos, and other tasty treats from the book.  I also like how there is a critical view of stereotypes of how Native people are portrayed in the media and books.  Readers can find more examples of this and learn about ways to curb those images.  Finally, I especially appreciated the way some of the authors included how schools often make Native students feel as the other, tease and bully them.  Each of these instances is an opportunity to discuss with students if they have ever faced those moments and how to help one another because words and actions have life-long effects that can harm people.  

At the end of the anthology there is a glossary for correct pronunciation of words used and each author shares a bit about why they chose the topic they did.  This is the perfect chance for readers to read other works by the authors included in the anthology.