For families seeking to understand the diverse, rich realities of contemporary Native American life, this book offers an engaging and respectful introduction.
A parent might reach for this book when their child asks questions about Native Americans or repeats a stereotype they've heard. This book provides a much-needed, contemporary look at the lives of Indigenous children and families on reservations in the United States today. Moving beyond historical depictions, it uses vibrant photography and clear text to explore modern homes, schools, sports, and traditions. It touches on themes of cultural identity, family, and the ongoing fight for justice, making it an excellent tool for building empathy and correcting misconceptions. For ages 8 to 12, it's a respectful and engaging window into the diverse, resilient, and thriving Native communities of the present day.
Introduces concepts like tribal sovereignty that may require discussion for non-Native readers.
Sensitive Topics
The book directly addresses historical trauma, stereotypes, and systemic injustices like poverty and resource struggles. The approach is direct but age-appropriate, framing these issues within a larger context of strength and survival. The resolution is realistic and hopeful, acknowledging ongoing challenges while celebrating the vibrancy and self-determination of modern Native nations. It is a secular approach focused on culture and social justice.
Ideal Reader
A curious 9 to 11-year-old who wants to understand the real lives of Native Americans beyond what they see in movies. It is also perfect for a Native child seeking positive, contemporary representation of their own experiences, or for a non-Native child who is beginning to ask questions about history, culture, and fairness.
Parent Prep
A parent should preview the sections that discuss historical injustices (like boarding schools, mentioned briefly) and tribal sovereignty. These concepts may be new to the child and may lead to deeper questions about American history. The book serves as a good starting point, but parents should be ready to talk more about these topics. A parent hears their child ask, "Do Indigenous people still exist?" or repeat a harmful stereotype they learned at school or from media. This book is the perfect tool to gently correct that and open a conversation about modern Indigenous life.
Age Experience
A younger reader (8-9) will connect most with the photographs and the descriptions of daily life, family, and celebrations. They will take away a sense of shared humanity and cultural diversity. An older reader (10-12) will be able to more fully engage with the concepts of sovereignty, activism, and the social and historical context provided in the book.
What Makes It Special
Its primary differentiator is its firm focus on the "Today" of the title. Unlike many resources for children that relegate Native American life to the historical past, this book actively dispels the myth of the "vanishing Indian." It presents Indigenous peoples as modern, dynamic, and diverse. The high-quality DK photography gives it an immediacy that is highly engaging for young readers.
Read plot summary
This nonfiction book uses the classic DK layout of high-quality photographs and accessible text blocks to present a portrait of contemporary life on Native American reservations. It covers various aspects of life including family and home, school, community celebrations like powwows, traditional foods, language preservation, sports, and the role of elders. It also introduces more complex concepts like tribal sovereignty and discusses the challenges communities face, while consistently emphasizing resilience, cultural pride, and adaptation.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
The book shows kids doing things like skateboarding and participating in traditional ceremonies. What does this tell you about how modern life and ancient traditions can exist together?
2
Before you read this book, what did you imagine life on a reservation was like? What was the most surprising or interesting thing you learned?
3
On several pages, the book talks about the importance of elders in the community. Who are the elders in your life (like grandparents or other older adults), and what important things have you learned from them?
4
The book explains the concept of tribal sovereignty, which means Native nations have the right to govern themselves. Why do you think this is so important for the communities described in the book?
