November 1, 2023
Gr 1-3-A well-meaning effort to elucidate the emotional truths of being one of many in a visually specific and narratively undeveloped book about an extended Native American family. Russell lands a role in his school's play and feels overwhelmed and unseen in the mix of busy suburban family life in the West. An episodic narrative comes off as somewhat disjointed, in spite of George's digital illustrations working hard to nurture readers' capacity for viewing Russell in the context of his family's love and togetherness. The art uses hues of blue to connect the realm of the ancestors with the deep sea and the night sky as obstacle after obstacle prevents Russell from telling his family about his big moment. On the night of the show, he is alone, without anyone in the audience. Here the story shines: Russell takes decisive action to articulate his request for his family's presence for the last half of his performance. It's realistic as well as rewarding for readers, quietly making the point that discerning one's feelings and speaking up is the way to get one's needs met. Russell feels satisfied, seen, and supported as well as surrounded by love when his family shows up to cheer him on. An author's note explains Goodluck's upbringing as Mandan and Hidatsa (her mother) and Tsimshian (her father) and how important the modern extended family is. VERDICT Narrative challenges and an underdeveloped main character undercut an important showcase for a contemporary Native American protagonist struggling to be seen and heard by his large family.-Jessica Fenster-Sparber
Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
December 1, 2023
An Indigenous child's view of the chaos and joy of being part of a large family. Russell is one of nine in an intergenerational family filled with commotion. Even simple activities such as sharing a meal or watching a movie can leave Russell feeling lost in the shuffle. Upon landing a role in the school play, Russell is overjoyed--"but no one hears me" at the bustling dinner table. As the burgeoning actor rehearses, the overwhelming feeling of too much family time prompts Russell to keep opening night a secret. The first act goes off without a hitch, but Russell can't ignore the "one empty row" and the lack of "waves, whistles, or woo-hoos." Cheerful cartoony images by George (Anishinaabe) light up the moment when Russell calls the family into the theater for the second act. Afterward, as the family gathers to celebrate Russell's acting debut, the child finally has the floor and expresses gratitude for having "the best family ever." Author Goodluck (Mandan/Hidatsa/Tsimshian) concludes with backmatter describing her own intertribal family's experiences as part of units with extended and nonbiological relatives. Though the narrative sometimes feels a little disjointed, the cultural significance of large family structures in Native communities is on loving display in this picture book. A tender, slightly chaotic tribute to extended Native families. (Picture book. 5-10)
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