Powwow Day (Cherokee edition)

Illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight
Ebook (EPUB FXL CPB)
On sale Aug 25, 2026 | 32 Pages | 9781645375265
Age 4-8 years | Preschool - 3

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Now in paperback! In this uplifting, contemporary Native American story, River is recovering from illness and can't dance at the powwow this year. Will she ever dance again?

A heartwarming and hopeful picture book for ages 4-8-year-olds, about traditions, community, and healing.


It's powwow day, and River wants so badly to dance as she does every year. But River can't dance this year as she deals with a serious illness.

In this modern and inspiring Native picture book that's perfect for beginning readers, follow River's journey from feeling isolated after an illness to learning the healing power of community.

Additional information explains the history and functions of powwows, which are commonplace across the United States and Canada and are open to both Native Americans and non-Native visitors. Author Traci Sorell is a member of the Cherokee Nation, and illustrator Madelyn Goodnight is a member of the Chickasaw Nation.
  • NOMINEE | 2023
    Wyoming Buckaroo Award
  • AWARD | 2023
    ALA Notable Children's Book
  • RECOMMENDED | 2023
    Charlotte Zolotow Award
  • AWARD | 2023
    Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices
  • SELECTION | 2022
    Junior Library Guild Selection
  • AWARD | 2022
    Bookstagang Best of
  • AWARD | 2022
    CSMCL Best Books
  • AWARD | 2022
    Chicago Public Library Best Books
  • AWARD | 2022
    Kirkus Reviews Best Children's Books
  • AWARD | 2022
    Read Across America
  • AWARD | 2022
    School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
  • AWARD | 2022
    Shelf Awareness - Best Children’s & Teen Books of the Year
Traci Sorell writes fiction and nonfiction for children featuring contemporary characters and compelling biographies. She is an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation and lives in northeastern Oklahoma, where her tribe is located.

Madelyn Goodnight is a member of the Chickasaw Nation. Her work reflects her love of childhood. She holds a degree from Rhode Island School of design and lives in Brooklyn. She is the illustrator of The Pear Tree and Look, Grandma!/Ni, Elisi! www.madelyngoodnight.com

Educator Guide for Powwow Day (Cherokee edition)

Classroom-based guides appropriate for schools and colleges provide pre-reading and classroom activities, discussion questions connected to the curriculum, further reading, and resources.

(Please note: the guide displayed here is the most recently uploaded version; while unlikely, any page citation discrepancies between the guide and book is likely due to pagination differences between a book’s different formats.)

About

Now in paperback! In this uplifting, contemporary Native American story, River is recovering from illness and can't dance at the powwow this year. Will she ever dance again?

A heartwarming and hopeful picture book for ages 4-8-year-olds, about traditions, community, and healing.


It's powwow day, and River wants so badly to dance as she does every year. But River can't dance this year as she deals with a serious illness.

In this modern and inspiring Native picture book that's perfect for beginning readers, follow River's journey from feeling isolated after an illness to learning the healing power of community.

Additional information explains the history and functions of powwows, which are commonplace across the United States and Canada and are open to both Native Americans and non-Native visitors. Author Traci Sorell is a member of the Cherokee Nation, and illustrator Madelyn Goodnight is a member of the Chickasaw Nation.

Awards

  • NOMINEE | 2023
    Wyoming Buckaroo Award
  • AWARD | 2023
    ALA Notable Children's Book
  • RECOMMENDED | 2023
    Charlotte Zolotow Award
  • AWARD | 2023
    Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices
  • SELECTION | 2022
    Junior Library Guild Selection
  • AWARD | 2022
    Bookstagang Best of
  • AWARD | 2022
    CSMCL Best Books
  • AWARD | 2022
    Chicago Public Library Best Books
  • AWARD | 2022
    Kirkus Reviews Best Children's Books
  • AWARD | 2022
    Read Across America
  • AWARD | 2022
    School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
  • AWARD | 2022
    Shelf Awareness - Best Children’s & Teen Books of the Year

Author

Traci Sorell writes fiction and nonfiction for children featuring contemporary characters and compelling biographies. She is an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation and lives in northeastern Oklahoma, where her tribe is located.

Madelyn Goodnight is a member of the Chickasaw Nation. Her work reflects her love of childhood. She holds a degree from Rhode Island School of design and lives in Brooklyn. She is the illustrator of The Pear Tree and Look, Grandma!/Ni, Elisi! www.madelyngoodnight.com

Guides

Educator Guide for Powwow Day (Cherokee edition)

Classroom-based guides appropriate for schools and colleges provide pre-reading and classroom activities, discussion questions connected to the curriculum, further reading, and resources.

(Please note: the guide displayed here is the most recently uploaded version; while unlikely, any page citation discrepancies between the guide and book is likely due to pagination differences between a book’s different formats.)

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