Illinois Authors

Albert Whitman 2021

The untold story of a Native American Indian potter who changed her field. The most renowned Native American Indian potter of her time, Maria Povika Martinez learned pottery as a child under the guiding hands of her ko-ōo, her aunt. She grew up to discover a new firing technique that turned her pots black and shiny, and made them—and Maria—famous. This inspiring story of family and creativity illuminates how Maria's belief in sharing her love of clay brought success and joy from her New Mexico Pueblo to people all across the country.

Random House Books for Young Readers 2023

Find out all about Wilma Pearl Mankiller, the first woman Cherokee chief whose image appears on the U.S. quarter, in this Step 3 Biography Reader. In 1985, Wilma Pearl Mankiller became the first woman Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. She had to convince her people that the chief should be the best person for the job, man or woman. Before the English came to what is now the United States, Cherokee women and men shared the leadership of the tribe. This created balance. But the English colonists told the Native People that men should be in charge. It stayed that way for many years, until Wilma Pearl Mankiller made history. She used the concept of gaduji, of everyone helping each other, to make the Cherokee Nation strong. Step 3 Readers feature engaging characters in easy-to-follow plots and popular topics—for children who are ready to read on their own.

Abrams 2024

Author Deidre Havrelock’s and illustrator Aphelandra’s, The Heartbeat Drum, is an uplifting picture book biography of a Cree activist and musician who founded an Indigenous hand drumming group, led by women and children, that spreads joy, healing, and unity nisôhkisinân (We are strong) . . . ninikamonân (We are singing) . . . mîna nika-âhkamêyimonân (And we will continue) . . . Whenever young Carol Powder sang along to her family’s music, her heart felt light and full of joy. Learning from her grandfather, Moshum, Carol listened closely to the drums’ heartbeat until one day Moshum made her a drum of her very own. As Carol grew up, she passed down her songs to her children, grandchildren, and many women in her community, just as Moshum taught her—even as women and children became increasingly excluded from sitting at the drum. Despite those who disapproved, she formed her own drumming group called Chubby Cree. Today, Carol and her group share their music to advocate at climate events, to honor residential school survivors at special ceremonies, and to spread healing for anyone who needs it. Empowering and joyfully illustrated, The Heartbeat Drum is a radiant celebration of preserving Indigenous traditions, finding your voice, and speaking out. Includes both an author’s note and illustrator’s note, as well as a personal note from Carol Powder herself.