Member Reviews

I like the idea of this book as it is informative. I agree with other reviewers that it is overly simplified for the audience described. I do think lessons like what this book is teaching should be in our schools and libraries so I do suggest them stocking it.

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This is a beautifully simple picture book from both an Indigenous writer and illustrator that highlights some of the Indigenous nations within the United States. It teaches children to learn about and acknowledge whose land we are on. This would be a great addition to any home or classroom with children around 4-10. Thank you to NetGalley and Capstone for this arc.

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I love the art style of the illustrations! Loses a star because the map at the very back doesn't include state lines, so I don't have great reference for where the tribal lands are located.

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This could have gone two ways – it could have named specific places that once had an Indigenous population prevalent there, to remind us that anywhere from Alaska to Florida and on out to the Caribbean was probably something long before we thought to call it by its common current name. The first entry here – a Rainbow Bridge Trail, in Arizona – does that. But mostly the piece shows non-specific areas of the continent instead – a place to walk amongst wildflowers, a beach to listen to the surf, a region to see the wild strawberries, or the fireflies or sea turtles.

This, clearly, is the more gentle way of doing things – it is not a "get off my land!" cry of anger, and it avoids the issue of using or not using the Indigenous name for anywhere. Instead it much more softly reminds you that anywhere, whatever you're doing, has a chance of being on Indigenous land. So we see a water park – that might be anywhere, but in fact where it is is Ho-Chunk land. It's just a nudge to make you aware of that fact, a slight reminder that there's a shadow over the place of those who were there first. This is no age-inappropriate complaint about appropriated land and stolen fishing rights, it's the quietly-delivered fact and nothing else. Bright, simplistic artwork, showing the texture of the canvas or board beneath, by someone who shares Ojibwe heritage with the author, and very simple, repeating text convey the lesson, and for those who need this book to exist, they will be both very happy it does and in how it does what it was intended to do.

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This book is a beautiful way to introduce a child to learning about indigenous culture. I’ll update when I read it to my six year old with his reactions, he’s at school right now. The artwork is beautiful, the way the information was given was well done, and I loved getting to the end and being given more context!!! I was a little concerned that all it was was going to be the art and statements that you are on (insert tribe)’s land, so having more context and a map at the end really sealed the deal for me!!!

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I do think the message of this book is very important, however the writing style and message is not enough to get this book popularized with institutions. I wish it had a little more to the story. I do understand that each page is to be a reminder of the various environments and landscapes of the world go back to the millenia of influences Native's had in America.

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A gorgeous, simple way to show very young children the original inhabitants of the land. I will not be using it as its focussed on North America but definitely useful for those in that country.

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This is a great picture book for discussing Indigenous lands with young children. I like that the last page invites readers to reflect on where they live. This book could also be used as an introduction to unit studies for older children. I appreciated the additional information and map provided at the end of the book as a starting point for more in depth learning opportunities. I recommend this book to public libraries, schools, and home book collections.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the ARC.

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While many times children may hear about the people who have traditionally lived on the land, often there is a lack of context and understanding. This book does an excellent job of making it simple. The simple illustrations and text still hold great meaning within the context.

This book is a great addition to school and public libraries and a wonderful addition to a home collection for children. The map at the end is very helpful and provides additional context.

Thank you to Capstone and Net Galley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

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I actually really liked this book, mainly because of the artwork. Each page was paint on a canvas, and I thought that this was a really smart idea! As a non-painter, I found it *very* impressive how the illustrator was able to include a good amount of detail on each page without it being overwhelming. Additionally, the illustrator managed to capture the natural beauty of each place mentioned, and it pushes the general message/idea even further for the reader. Speaking of, the writing was similar. It was similar because it was simple yet still packed a punch. Each page had the same structure/format, but by the end of the book the message is blatantly clear: we can appreciate the natural world around us, but we still always need to acknowledge that we are on Indigenous land. I am so glad that someone decided to make a kids' book with this message, because kids need to learn about this as well! Major kudos to the creators of this book - bravo!

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This story so beautifully informs and encourages readers of what tribal lands they enjoy. I live in Florida, and loved teaching my children about how, when we also have enjoyed the Everglades National Park (like in the story) we were on Seminole tribal lands. This then allowed an opening to teach them what tribal lands we currently live on and why many people don't even know this. The illustrations and words compliment each other to allow for an enriching and sincere moment of education and joy.

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Thanks to netgalley & publisher for this arc!

This was a great informative quick lovely children's book that all American child should read to learn about some of the native tribes names & locations. The illustrations were colorful and cute, I liked how faces weren't drawn in some.

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The history of indigenous peoples in North America has been glossed over or in some cases vanished from history books. This gently illustrated picture book reveals the pride that Indigenous people have in their history and the lands that they once called home; before the coming of the colonists. The language of this book is lyrical pulling the reader from shore to shore across North America. Naming the tribes and the beauty of what was their historical birthplace. Young readers will be drawn in by the illustrations and gentle language.

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In simple lilting statements on basic colorful illustrations we are introduced to twelve indigenous tribe of those who came before all over the USA and parts of the Caribbean. They are named with the illustrations and identified by location and current memorable aspects at the end of the drawings.
Great fun learning!
Well suited for reading WITH someone of ANY age (not only 5 to 8) including ESL, and great for gifting to everyone, but especially to a school or your local public library!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected proof copy provided by Capstone via NetGalley. Thank you!
#IAmOnIndigenousLand by Katrina M. Phillips and illustrator Sam Zimmerman @CapstonePub Avail Jan 1,2025
#NetGalley #Ojibwe @CBCBook
@StarTribune

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Simple illustrations, without too much noise to take away from the message. The writing itself is easy to follow and the pages in the back with a little further information and a map of the locations mentioned add a lovely bonus to the book

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A simple book with vibrant images that describes Indigenous lands you might be on based on features or common scenery. In the back of the book there are longer descriptions about the land and the geographic area, accompanied by a map to give readers a visual ideas of what land they are on. A good book to read before researching with a child or children about what land they are on and the treaties of that land.

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This book has unique illustrations that punctuate the text beautifully. This book will fit perfectly into my collection on Indigenous stories and will become a read aloud for Indigenous People’s Day so students can see where different groups settled. It would be a great book to do a mapping activity with as well.

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Such a great book for the anticipated age range (5-8). Children are becoming so much more aware of the world around them and so why not plant the seed of curiosity and acknowledgment. The artwork is vibrant and eye catching.

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This book says a lot in very few words. The theme being that American soil once belonged to the indigenous people who were here before us. I homeschool 2 of my children for kindergarten and 2nd grade and I think they would both benefit from reading this book. The simple illustrations are beautiful and the glossary at the end is helpful for further research and discussion. Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this lovely title.

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Cute informative book for younger children, with simple but very effective illustrations.
Short,sweet and eyecatching - will appeal to younger readers

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