{"id":540133163018,"title":"We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga","handle":"we-are-grateful-otsaliheliga","description":"\u003ch6\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/traci-sorell\" title=\"Author Traci Sorell\"\u003eTraci Sorell\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/frane-lessac\" title=\"Illustrator Frané Lessac\"\u003eFrané Lessac\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eA look at modern Native American life as told by a citizen of the Cherokee Nation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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. Appended with a glossary and the complete Cherokee syllabary, originally created by Sequoyah.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere is how to pronounce the Cherokee words that appear in the book. Click on each to hear the official pronunciation from Emilee Chavez, a Cherokee Nation citizen and language speaker:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/WAG-we-are-grateful.mp3?9074468045167122758\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eotsaliheliga\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e(oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah) \"we are grateful\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/WAG-autumn.mp3?9074468045167122758\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003euligohvsdi\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e (oo-lee-GO-huhs-dee) \"fall\/autumn\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/WAG-grandmother.mp3?9074468045167122758\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eelisi\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e (eh-LEE-see) \"grandma\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/WAG-winter.mp3?9074468045167122758\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003egola\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e (GO-lah) \"winter\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/WAG-cherokee.mp3?9074468045167122758\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003etsalagi\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e (JAH-lah-geeh) \"Cherokee\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/WAG_spring.mp3?9074468045167122758\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003egogeyi\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e (go-GEH-yee) \"spring\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/WAG-strawberries.mp3?9074468045167122758\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eani\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e (AH-nee) \"strawberries\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/WAG-summer.mp3?9074468045167122758\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003egogi\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e (go-GEEH) \"summer\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/WAG-history.mp3?9074468045167122758\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003enulistanidolv\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e (new-lees-tah-NEE-doe-luh) \"history\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/WAG-the-one-who-provides-all.mp3?9074468045167122758\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eunelanvhi\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e (oo-NEH-la-nuh-hee) \"the one who provides all\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/traci-meet-frane-ala-19.mp3?584\"\u003eListen\u003c\/a\u003e to Traci Sorell and Frané Lessac interview each other from the exhibit floor at ALA 2019\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/charlesbridge.blogspot.com\/2018\/09\/charlesbridge-unplugged-11-traci-sorell.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eListen\u003c\/a\u003e to Traci talk about \u003cem\u003eWe Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga\u003c\/em\u003e on Charlesbridge Unplugged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teachingbooks.net\/qlr5f95\"\u003eListen\u003c\/a\u003e to author Traci Sorell discuss the book on TeachingBooks.net.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teachingbooks.net\/qlajtjm\"\u003eListen\u003c\/a\u003e to illustrator Frané Lessac discuss the book on TeachingBooks.net.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWatch the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/kidlit.tv\/2019\/11\/storymakers-with-traci-sorell\/?utm_content=buffer31602\u0026amp;utm_medium=social\u0026amp;utm_source=twitter.com\u0026amp;utm_campaign=buffer\"\u003eKidLitTV\u003c\/a\u003e episode!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these:\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/charlesbridge.com\/products\/itse-selu-cherokee-harvest-festival\" title=\"Itse Selu\"\u003eItse Selu: Cherokee Harvest Festival\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/charlesbridge.com\/products\/first-laugh-welcome-baby\" title=\"First Laugh — Welcome, Baby!\"\u003eFirst Laugh—Welcome, Baby!\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/we-are-still-here\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-href=\"\/products\/we-are-still-here\"\u003eWe Are Still Here! Native American Truths Everyone Should Know\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/powwow-day\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-href=\"\/products\/powwow-day\"\u003ePowwow Day\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/charlesbridge.com\/products\/whale-snow\" title=\"Whale Snow\"\u003eWhale Snow\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[TABS]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eWatch the Trailer\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/18reQ6cHfSQ\" type=\"text\/html\" class=\"youtube-player\" title=\"YouTube video player\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch6 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eWatch the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/kidlit.tv\/2019\/11\/storymakers-with-traci-sorell\/?utm_content=buffer31602\u0026amp;utm_medium=social\u0026amp;utm_source=twitter.com\u0026amp;utm_campaign=buffer\"\u003eKidLitTV\u003c\/a\u003e episode!\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/qsIxsPDOVoA\" type=\"text\/html\" class=\"youtube-player\" title=\"YouTube video player\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER SPREAD BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/we-are-grateful-spread.jpg?5738896330586709772\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" class=\"cvr-border-gray\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e \u003cscript src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-shape=\"round\" defer async=\"\" type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTraci Sorell, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTraci Sorell began writing for young people when she noticed a lack of children's books featuring Native Americans to share with her son. This is her first picture book. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/traci-sorell\" title=\"Author Traci Sorell\"\u003eLearn more\u003c\/a\u003e about Traci here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teachingbooks.net\/qlgamo5\"\u003eCheck out\u003c\/a\u003e Traci Sorell's name pronunciation at TeachingBooks.net.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrané Lessac, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrané Lessac is the illustrator of more than forty books for children including \u003ci\u003eCaribbean Canvas\u003c\/i\u003e (Boyds Mills), \u003ci\u003eDrummer Boy of John John\u003c\/i\u003e (Lee \u0026amp; Low), and \u003ci\u003eA is for Australia\u003c\/i\u003e (Walker Books). She lives in West Australia. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/frane-lessac\" title=\"Illustrator Frané Lessac\"\u003eLearn more\u003c\/a\u003e about Frané here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2020 Odyssey Honor (recognizing excellence in audiobooks)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2020 American Indian Youth Literature Award Honor Book\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2019 Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards Honor Book\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2019 Sibert Honor Book\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2019 Orbis Pictus Honor Book\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2019 Notable Books for a Global Society\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNPR's Guide To 2018’s Great Reads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eKirkus Reviews \u003c\/em\u003eBest Books of 2018\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eSchool Library Journal \u003c\/em\u003eBest Books of 2018\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2018 Book Launch Award (SCBWI)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2018 JLG selection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReading the West Book Award Winner\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCCBC Choices 2019\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNautilus Gold Award - Children's Illustrated Nonfiction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA Margaret Wise Brown Best Board Book of 2023\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?4673889858015672850\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccording to storyteller Sorell, the Cherokee people always express gratitude for the little things they are given by saying the phrase, \"Otsaliheliga,\" or \"we are grateful.\" Raised in the Cherokee Nation, Sorell intentionally crafts a narrative that simultaneously embraces modernity and a traditional presentation of Cherokee community and way of life. Throughout, the measured text reminds readers that in all things \"we say otsaliheliga.\" Colorful, folk art-style illustrations show Cherokee people during ceremonies, in family gatherings large and small, and outdoors enjoying each of the four seasons, always expressing gratitude. The scenes are contemporary; one shows a father taking care of his children, engaging in a positive parenting role, while another depicts a family seeing off a relative who is leaving for deployment in the military, underscoring that Cherokee people serve their country. Children participate in rites and in family outings with adults, and they also play traditional games such as stickball and plant strawberries, a practice that reminds their people to embrace peace with one another. The variety of skin tones represented in the illustrations likewise depicts a present-day reflection of the diversity that exists within the Cherokee people. Occasional Cherokee words are written in Romanized form, phonetically, in Cherokee characters, and in English—a lovely grace note. A gracious, warm, and loving celebration of community and gratitude.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?4673889858015672850\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eHorn Book\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCherokee people say otsaliheliga to express gratitude. It is a reminder to celebrate our blessings and reflect on struggles — daily, throughout the year, and across the seasons.” An extended family engages with activities and traditions that express gratitude and carry on Cherokee history and culture, such as stomp dancing at the Great New Moon Ceremony, basket weaving, making corn-husk dolls, and playing stickball. The book underscores the importance of traditions and carrying on a Cherokee way of life while simultaneously incorporating modernity and challenging dated media images of Indigenous people. Here, a father sporting an earring and a topknot minds the children; a family bids goodbye to a clan relative who deploys with the U.S. military. Skin colors range from light to dark, visually underscoring the book’s message of diversity and inclusion. Staying firmly upbeat and idyllic, the cheerful, richly detailed gouache illustrations in bright, saturated colors cycle through the seasons, beginning with the Cherokee New Year in autumn. The text includes several Cherokee words; a line of text in a smaller font along the bottom of the page provides each word as written in the English alphabet, its phonetic pronunciation, the word as written in the Cherokee alphabet, and its definition. A glossary, an author’s note on Cherokee culture, and a complete Cherokee syllabary conclude this attractive and informative book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?4673889858015672850\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSorell, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, offers readers a look at contemporary Cherokee life as she follows a family through the seasons of the year as they take part in ceremonies and festivals. The book opens, “Cherokee people say otsaliheliga to express gratitude. It is a reminder to celebrate our blessings and reflect on struggles—daily, throughout the year….” Beginning in the fall (uligohvsdi) with the Cherokee New Year, a variety of rituals and cultural symbols are introduced, all in spare, lyrical, accessible language. Traditional foods, crafts, and songs are part of the engaging narrative, as is the refrain, “we say otsaliheliga.” Once through the calendar, Sorell circles back to the Cherokee National Holiday (Labor Day weekend), “when we recall the ancestors’ sacrifices to preserve our way of life…. to celebrate nulistanidolv, history, and listen to our tribal leaders speak.” Cherokee words are presented both phonetically and written in the Cherokee syllabary. Lessac’s lovely gouache folk-art style paintings bring the scenes to life. Back matter includes a description of the various ceremonies, notes, and a page devoted to the Cherokee ­syllabary. \u003cb\u003eVERDICT\u003c\/b\u003e This informative and authentic introduction to a thriving ancestral and ceremonial way of life is perfect for holiday and family sharing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?4673889858015672850\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eShelf Awareness\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCherokee poet Traci Sorell makes her picture book debut with \u003cem\u003eWe Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga\u003c\/em\u003e, illustrated by the prolific Frané Lessac. \"Cherokee people say otsaliheliga to express gratitude. It is a reminder to celebrate our blessings and reflect on struggles--daily, throughout the year, and across the seasons.\" With seasonal chapter headings in both English and Tsalagi, Cherokee, Sorell takes the reader through a year in the life of contemporary citizens of the Cherokee Nation. Using the refrain \"we say otsaliheliga\" (pronounced oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah), each season is given special joys, sorrows and celebrations both specific and generic, personal and communal. In autumn (uligohvsdi), gratitude is voiced as shell shakers dance around the fire during the Great New Moon Ceremony; it is expressed as citizens of the Cherokee Nation clean their homes, don new clothes and feast to welcome the Cherokee New Year; it is communicated through acts of remembrance for \"ancestors who suffered hardship and loss on the Trail of Tears.\" In winter (gola), \"[a]s bears sleep deep and snow blankets the ground,\" the large, tightly knit community is thankful for the stories of elders and for traditional lullabies. Lessac's folk art-style gouache illustrations depict the diversity of contemporary life experiences described in Sorell's text. On one spread, the family hugs a \"clan relative\" dressed in fatigues as he heads off \"to serve our country\"; on another, children play in a cornfield as \"the crops mature and the sun scorches.\" In Sorell's author note, she says \"Cherokee culture places a strong emphasis on expressing gratitude to \u003cem\u003eunelanvhi\u003c\/em\u003e... literally 'the one who provides all,' \" as well as for \"one another.\" An elegant representation of this concept, We Are Grateful has the ability to resonate with any reader: \"Otsaliheliga for all who came before us, those here now, and those yet to come.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBooklist\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Cherokee culture, Sorell shares, the expression of gratitude is part of daily life and extends from elaborate celebrations to struggles to ordinary life moments. She organizes her debut picture book by seasons, beginning with the fall, which is a time for collecting foliage for basket making and remembering those who suffered on the Trail of Tears. It also contains the Cherokee New Year and the Great New Moon Ceremony, a celebration of renewal and coming together. Each season section starts with the name of the season in Cherokee, an expression of gratitude for the change in nature, and subsequent pages describing community activities pertinent to that season. Lessac's folkloric illustration in bright gouache colors stands in pleasing contrast to the book’s contemporary feel and setting. The text reads like poetry but has a gentle instructional dimension to it. On many pages, Cherokee words are accompanied by English translations, pronunciation guides, and Cherokee syllabary. Back matter contains relevant explanations and provides good context, and the author's note sets past misrepresentations right.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eBrightly\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe word otsaliheliga (oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah) is used by members of the Cherokee Nation to express gratitude. This is an amazing story that describes a journey through the seasons with a modern-day Cherokee family. Readers learn about Cherokee culture, celebrations, and language. Cherokee history and traditions are also seamlessly woven into the story in a very kid-friendly way. I love that this is an #OwnVoices picture book that helps expose children to Native American perspectives and culture. The back matter includes pronunciations for Cherokee words, a glossary, a Cherokee syllabary, and a personal author's note.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/we-are-grateful-cover.jpg?v=1674060161\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/we-are-grateful-cover-hires.jpg.zip?v=1674060160\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/we-are-grateful-otsaliheliga-activity-kit-2024.pdf?v=1718976038\"\u003eDownload the Teacher's Guide\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/we-are-grateful-coloring-sheet.pdf?12689823538651272397\"\u003eDownload Coloring Sheets\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/WeAreGrateful-Poster.pdf?5413150523704531653\"\u003eDownload the Poster\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-58089-772-3\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpanish Hardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-429-4\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBoard\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-299-3\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eE-book\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-63289-633-9 EPUB\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-63289-634-6 PDF\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 3-7\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 32\u003cbr\u003e9 \u003csup\u003e1\u003c\/sup\u003e\/\u003csub\u003e2\u003c\/sub\u003e x 10 \u003csup\u003e1\u003c\/sup\u003e\/\u003csub\u003e2\u003c\/sub\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCorrelated to Common Core State Standards:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEnglish Language Arts-Literacy. Reading Literature. Grade 1. Standards 1-4, 6-8, 10\u003cbr\u003eEnglish Language Arts-Literacy. Reading Literature. Grade 2. Standards 1, 3, 4, 6-8, 10\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[\/TABS]\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2018-03-23T10:47:33-04:00","created_at":"2018-03-22T16:48:02-04:00","vendor":"Charlesbridge","type":"Children's Book","tags":["Browse by Age_Ages 3-6","Browse by Fiction\/Nonfiction_Nonfiction","Browse by Format_Picture Book","Browse by Language_English","Browse by Subject_Diversity","fall","family"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":1799,"available":true,"price_varies":true,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":2773681537034,"title":"Hardcover","option1":"Hardcover","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"97723","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":38455186948333,"product_id":540133163018,"position":1,"created_at":"2023-01-18T11:42:50-05:00","updated_at":"2023-01-18T11:42:55-05:00","alt":null,"width":600,"height":663,"src":"\/\/imaginebooks.net\/cdn\/shop\/products\/we-are-grateful-cover.jpg?v=1674060175","variant_ids":[2773681537034]},"available":true,"name":"We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga - Hardcover","public_title":"Hardcover","options":["Hardcover"],"price":1799,"weight":539,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_quantity":98,"inventory_management":"shopify","inventory_policy":"continue","barcode":"978-1-58089-772-3","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":31045094998253,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.905,"height":663,"width":600,"src":"\/\/imaginebooks.net\/cdn\/shop\/products\/we-are-grateful-cover.jpg?v=1674060175"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":39367081394255,"title":"Board Book","option1":"Board Book","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"42993","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":28156285190223,"product_id":540133163018,"position":2,"created_at":"2021-05-13T16:04:27-04:00","updated_at":"2023-01-18T11:42:55-05:00","alt":null,"width":600,"height":646,"src":"\/\/imaginebooks.net\/cdn\/shop\/products\/we-are-grateful-otsaliheliga-board-cover.jpg?v=1674060175","variant_ids":[39367081394255]},"available":true,"name":"We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga - Board Book","public_title":"Board Book","options":["Board Book"],"price":899,"weight":539,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_quantity":100,"inventory_management":"shopify","inventory_policy":"continue","barcode":"9781623542993","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":20542190518351,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.929,"height":646,"width":600,"src":"\/\/imaginebooks.net\/cdn\/shop\/products\/we-are-grateful-otsaliheliga-board-cover.jpg?v=1674060175"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":44044149784813,"title":"Spanish Hardcover","option1":"Spanish Hardcover","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"44294","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":38671375859949,"product_id":540133163018,"position":3,"created_at":"2023-04-03T11:47:08-04:00","updated_at":"2023-04-03T11:47:09-04:00","alt":null,"width":600,"height":662,"src":"\/\/imaginebooks.net\/cdn\/shop\/products\/we-are-grateful-otsaliheliga-SPAN-cover.jpg?v=1680536829","variant_ids":[44044149784813]},"available":true,"name":"We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga - Spanish Hardcover","public_title":"Spanish Hardcover","options":["Spanish Hardcover"],"price":1799,"weight":567,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_quantity":99,"inventory_management":"shopify","inventory_policy":"continue","barcode":"9781623544294","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":31266615525613,"position":3,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.906,"height":662,"width":600,"src":"\/\/imaginebooks.net\/cdn\/shop\/products\/we-are-grateful-otsaliheliga-SPAN-cover.jpg?v=1680536829"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/imaginebooks.net\/cdn\/shop\/products\/we-are-grateful-cover.jpg?v=1674060175","\/\/imaginebooks.net\/cdn\/shop\/products\/we-are-grateful-otsaliheliga-board-cover.jpg?v=1674060175","\/\/imaginebooks.net\/cdn\/shop\/products\/we-are-grateful-otsaliheliga-SPAN-cover.jpg?v=1680536829"],"featured_image":"\/\/imaginebooks.net\/cdn\/shop\/products\/we-are-grateful-cover.jpg?v=1674060175","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":31045094998253,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.905,"height":663,"width":600,"src":"\/\/imaginebooks.net\/cdn\/shop\/products\/we-are-grateful-cover.jpg?v=1674060175"},"aspect_ratio":0.905,"height":663,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/imaginebooks.net\/cdn\/shop\/products\/we-are-grateful-cover.jpg?v=1674060175","width":600},{"alt":null,"id":20542190518351,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.929,"height":646,"width":600,"src":"\/\/imaginebooks.net\/cdn\/shop\/products\/we-are-grateful-otsaliheliga-board-cover.jpg?v=1674060175"},"aspect_ratio":0.929,"height":646,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/imaginebooks.net\/cdn\/shop\/products\/we-are-grateful-otsaliheliga-board-cover.jpg?v=1674060175","width":600},{"alt":null,"id":31266615525613,"position":3,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.906,"height":662,"width":600,"src":"\/\/imaginebooks.net\/cdn\/shop\/products\/we-are-grateful-otsaliheliga-SPAN-cover.jpg?v=1680536829"},"aspect_ratio":0.906,"height":662,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/imaginebooks.net\/cdn\/shop\/products\/we-are-grateful-otsaliheliga-SPAN-cover.jpg?v=1680536829","width":600}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003ch6\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/traci-sorell\" title=\"Author Traci Sorell\"\u003eTraci Sorell\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/frane-lessac\" title=\"Illustrator Frané Lessac\"\u003eFrané Lessac\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eA look at modern Native American life as told by a citizen of the Cherokee Nation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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. Appended with a glossary and the complete Cherokee syllabary, originally created by Sequoyah.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere is how to pronounce the Cherokee words that appear in the book. Click on each to hear the official pronunciation from Emilee Chavez, a Cherokee Nation citizen and language speaker:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/WAG-we-are-grateful.mp3?9074468045167122758\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eotsaliheliga\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e(oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah) \"we are grateful\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/WAG-autumn.mp3?9074468045167122758\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003euligohvsdi\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e (oo-lee-GO-huhs-dee) \"fall\/autumn\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/WAG-grandmother.mp3?9074468045167122758\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eelisi\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e (eh-LEE-see) \"grandma\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/WAG-winter.mp3?9074468045167122758\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003egola\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e (GO-lah) \"winter\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/WAG-cherokee.mp3?9074468045167122758\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003etsalagi\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e (JAH-lah-geeh) \"Cherokee\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/WAG_spring.mp3?9074468045167122758\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003egogeyi\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e (go-GEH-yee) \"spring\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/WAG-strawberries.mp3?9074468045167122758\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eani\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e (AH-nee) \"strawberries\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/WAG-summer.mp3?9074468045167122758\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003egogi\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e (go-GEEH) \"summer\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/WAG-history.mp3?9074468045167122758\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003enulistanidolv\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e (new-lees-tah-NEE-doe-luh) \"history\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/WAG-the-one-who-provides-all.mp3?9074468045167122758\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eunelanvhi\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e (oo-NEH-la-nuh-hee) \"the one who provides all\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/traci-meet-frane-ala-19.mp3?584\"\u003eListen\u003c\/a\u003e to Traci Sorell and Frané Lessac interview each other from the exhibit floor at ALA 2019\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/charlesbridge.blogspot.com\/2018\/09\/charlesbridge-unplugged-11-traci-sorell.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eListen\u003c\/a\u003e to Traci talk about \u003cem\u003eWe Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga\u003c\/em\u003e on Charlesbridge Unplugged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teachingbooks.net\/qlr5f95\"\u003eListen\u003c\/a\u003e to author Traci Sorell discuss the book on TeachingBooks.net.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teachingbooks.net\/qlajtjm\"\u003eListen\u003c\/a\u003e to illustrator Frané Lessac discuss the book on TeachingBooks.net.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWatch the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/kidlit.tv\/2019\/11\/storymakers-with-traci-sorell\/?utm_content=buffer31602\u0026amp;utm_medium=social\u0026amp;utm_source=twitter.com\u0026amp;utm_campaign=buffer\"\u003eKidLitTV\u003c\/a\u003e episode!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these:\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/charlesbridge.com\/products\/itse-selu-cherokee-harvest-festival\" title=\"Itse Selu\"\u003eItse Selu: Cherokee Harvest Festival\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/charlesbridge.com\/products\/first-laugh-welcome-baby\" title=\"First Laugh — Welcome, Baby!\"\u003eFirst Laugh—Welcome, Baby!\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/we-are-still-here\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-href=\"\/products\/we-are-still-here\"\u003eWe Are Still Here! Native American Truths Everyone Should Know\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/powwow-day\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-href=\"\/products\/powwow-day\"\u003ePowwow Day\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/charlesbridge.com\/products\/whale-snow\" title=\"Whale Snow\"\u003eWhale Snow\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[TABS]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eWatch the Trailer\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/18reQ6cHfSQ\" type=\"text\/html\" class=\"youtube-player\" title=\"YouTube video player\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch6 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eWatch the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/kidlit.tv\/2019\/11\/storymakers-with-traci-sorell\/?utm_content=buffer31602\u0026amp;utm_medium=social\u0026amp;utm_source=twitter.com\u0026amp;utm_campaign=buffer\"\u003eKidLitTV\u003c\/a\u003e episode!\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/qsIxsPDOVoA\" type=\"text\/html\" class=\"youtube-player\" title=\"YouTube video player\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER SPREAD BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/we-are-grateful-spread.jpg?5738896330586709772\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" class=\"cvr-border-gray\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e \u003cscript src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-shape=\"round\" defer async=\"\" type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTraci Sorell, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTraci Sorell began writing for young people when she noticed a lack of children's books featuring Native Americans to share with her son. This is her first picture book. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/traci-sorell\" title=\"Author Traci Sorell\"\u003eLearn more\u003c\/a\u003e about Traci here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teachingbooks.net\/qlgamo5\"\u003eCheck out\u003c\/a\u003e Traci Sorell's name pronunciation at TeachingBooks.net.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrané Lessac, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrané Lessac is the illustrator of more than forty books for children including \u003ci\u003eCaribbean Canvas\u003c\/i\u003e (Boyds Mills), \u003ci\u003eDrummer Boy of John John\u003c\/i\u003e (Lee \u0026amp; Low), and \u003ci\u003eA is for Australia\u003c\/i\u003e (Walker Books). She lives in West Australia. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/frane-lessac\" title=\"Illustrator Frané Lessac\"\u003eLearn more\u003c\/a\u003e about Frané here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2020 Odyssey Honor (recognizing excellence in audiobooks)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2020 American Indian Youth Literature Award Honor Book\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2019 Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards Honor Book\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2019 Sibert Honor Book\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2019 Orbis Pictus Honor Book\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2019 Notable Books for a Global Society\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNPR's Guide To 2018’s Great Reads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eKirkus Reviews \u003c\/em\u003eBest Books of 2018\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eSchool Library Journal \u003c\/em\u003eBest Books of 2018\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2018 Book Launch Award (SCBWI)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2018 JLG selection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReading the West Book Award Winner\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCCBC Choices 2019\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNautilus Gold Award - Children's Illustrated Nonfiction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA Margaret Wise Brown Best Board Book of 2023\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?4673889858015672850\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccording to storyteller Sorell, the Cherokee people always express gratitude for the little things they are given by saying the phrase, \"Otsaliheliga,\" or \"we are grateful.\" Raised in the Cherokee Nation, Sorell intentionally crafts a narrative that simultaneously embraces modernity and a traditional presentation of Cherokee community and way of life. Throughout, the measured text reminds readers that in all things \"we say otsaliheliga.\" Colorful, folk art-style illustrations show Cherokee people during ceremonies, in family gatherings large and small, and outdoors enjoying each of the four seasons, always expressing gratitude. The scenes are contemporary; one shows a father taking care of his children, engaging in a positive parenting role, while another depicts a family seeing off a relative who is leaving for deployment in the military, underscoring that Cherokee people serve their country. Children participate in rites and in family outings with adults, and they also play traditional games such as stickball and plant strawberries, a practice that reminds their people to embrace peace with one another. The variety of skin tones represented in the illustrations likewise depicts a present-day reflection of the diversity that exists within the Cherokee people. Occasional Cherokee words are written in Romanized form, phonetically, in Cherokee characters, and in English—a lovely grace note. A gracious, warm, and loving celebration of community and gratitude.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?4673889858015672850\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eHorn Book\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCherokee people say otsaliheliga to express gratitude. It is a reminder to celebrate our blessings and reflect on struggles — daily, throughout the year, and across the seasons.” An extended family engages with activities and traditions that express gratitude and carry on Cherokee history and culture, such as stomp dancing at the Great New Moon Ceremony, basket weaving, making corn-husk dolls, and playing stickball. The book underscores the importance of traditions and carrying on a Cherokee way of life while simultaneously incorporating modernity and challenging dated media images of Indigenous people. Here, a father sporting an earring and a topknot minds the children; a family bids goodbye to a clan relative who deploys with the U.S. military. Skin colors range from light to dark, visually underscoring the book’s message of diversity and inclusion. Staying firmly upbeat and idyllic, the cheerful, richly detailed gouache illustrations in bright, saturated colors cycle through the seasons, beginning with the Cherokee New Year in autumn. The text includes several Cherokee words; a line of text in a smaller font along the bottom of the page provides each word as written in the English alphabet, its phonetic pronunciation, the word as written in the Cherokee alphabet, and its definition. A glossary, an author’s note on Cherokee culture, and a complete Cherokee syllabary conclude this attractive and informative book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?4673889858015672850\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSorell, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, offers readers a look at contemporary Cherokee life as she follows a family through the seasons of the year as they take part in ceremonies and festivals. The book opens, “Cherokee people say otsaliheliga to express gratitude. It is a reminder to celebrate our blessings and reflect on struggles—daily, throughout the year….” Beginning in the fall (uligohvsdi) with the Cherokee New Year, a variety of rituals and cultural symbols are introduced, all in spare, lyrical, accessible language. Traditional foods, crafts, and songs are part of the engaging narrative, as is the refrain, “we say otsaliheliga.” Once through the calendar, Sorell circles back to the Cherokee National Holiday (Labor Day weekend), “when we recall the ancestors’ sacrifices to preserve our way of life…. to celebrate nulistanidolv, history, and listen to our tribal leaders speak.” Cherokee words are presented both phonetically and written in the Cherokee syllabary. Lessac’s lovely gouache folk-art style paintings bring the scenes to life. Back matter includes a description of the various ceremonies, notes, and a page devoted to the Cherokee ­syllabary. \u003cb\u003eVERDICT\u003c\/b\u003e This informative and authentic introduction to a thriving ancestral and ceremonial way of life is perfect for holiday and family sharing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?4673889858015672850\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eShelf Awareness\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCherokee poet Traci Sorell makes her picture book debut with \u003cem\u003eWe Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga\u003c\/em\u003e, illustrated by the prolific Frané Lessac. \"Cherokee people say otsaliheliga to express gratitude. It is a reminder to celebrate our blessings and reflect on struggles--daily, throughout the year, and across the seasons.\" With seasonal chapter headings in both English and Tsalagi, Cherokee, Sorell takes the reader through a year in the life of contemporary citizens of the Cherokee Nation. Using the refrain \"we say otsaliheliga\" (pronounced oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah), each season is given special joys, sorrows and celebrations both specific and generic, personal and communal. In autumn (uligohvsdi), gratitude is voiced as shell shakers dance around the fire during the Great New Moon Ceremony; it is expressed as citizens of the Cherokee Nation clean their homes, don new clothes and feast to welcome the Cherokee New Year; it is communicated through acts of remembrance for \"ancestors who suffered hardship and loss on the Trail of Tears.\" In winter (gola), \"[a]s bears sleep deep and snow blankets the ground,\" the large, tightly knit community is thankful for the stories of elders and for traditional lullabies. Lessac's folk art-style gouache illustrations depict the diversity of contemporary life experiences described in Sorell's text. On one spread, the family hugs a \"clan relative\" dressed in fatigues as he heads off \"to serve our country\"; on another, children play in a cornfield as \"the crops mature and the sun scorches.\" In Sorell's author note, she says \"Cherokee culture places a strong emphasis on expressing gratitude to \u003cem\u003eunelanvhi\u003c\/em\u003e... literally 'the one who provides all,' \" as well as for \"one another.\" An elegant representation of this concept, We Are Grateful has the ability to resonate with any reader: \"Otsaliheliga for all who came before us, those here now, and those yet to come.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBooklist\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Cherokee culture, Sorell shares, the expression of gratitude is part of daily life and extends from elaborate celebrations to struggles to ordinary life moments. She organizes her debut picture book by seasons, beginning with the fall, which is a time for collecting foliage for basket making and remembering those who suffered on the Trail of Tears. It also contains the Cherokee New Year and the Great New Moon Ceremony, a celebration of renewal and coming together. Each season section starts with the name of the season in Cherokee, an expression of gratitude for the change in nature, and subsequent pages describing community activities pertinent to that season. Lessac's folkloric illustration in bright gouache colors stands in pleasing contrast to the book’s contemporary feel and setting. The text reads like poetry but has a gentle instructional dimension to it. On many pages, Cherokee words are accompanied by English translations, pronunciation guides, and Cherokee syllabary. Back matter contains relevant explanations and provides good context, and the author's note sets past misrepresentations right.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eBrightly\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe word otsaliheliga (oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah) is used by members of the Cherokee Nation to express gratitude. This is an amazing story that describes a journey through the seasons with a modern-day Cherokee family. Readers learn about Cherokee culture, celebrations, and language. Cherokee history and traditions are also seamlessly woven into the story in a very kid-friendly way. I love that this is an #OwnVoices picture book that helps expose children to Native American perspectives and culture. The back matter includes pronunciations for Cherokee words, a glossary, a Cherokee syllabary, and a personal author's note.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/we-are-grateful-cover.jpg?v=1674060161\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/we-are-grateful-cover-hires.jpg.zip?v=1674060160\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/we-are-grateful-otsaliheliga-activity-kit-2024.pdf?v=1718976038\"\u003eDownload the Teacher's Guide\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/we-are-grateful-coloring-sheet.pdf?12689823538651272397\"\u003eDownload Coloring Sheets\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/WeAreGrateful-Poster.pdf?5413150523704531653\"\u003eDownload the Poster\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-58089-772-3\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpanish Hardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-429-4\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBoard\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-299-3\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eE-book\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-63289-633-9 EPUB\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-63289-634-6 PDF\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 3-7\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 32\u003cbr\u003e9 \u003csup\u003e1\u003c\/sup\u003e\/\u003csub\u003e2\u003c\/sub\u003e x 10 \u003csup\u003e1\u003c\/sup\u003e\/\u003csub\u003e2\u003c\/sub\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCorrelated to Common Core State Standards:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEnglish Language Arts-Literacy. Reading Literature. Grade 1. Standards 1-4, 6-8, 10\u003cbr\u003eEnglish Language Arts-Literacy. Reading Literature. Grade 2. Standards 1, 3, 4, 6-8, 10\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[\/TABS]\u003c\/p\u003e"}