Sweetgrass Basket

Reach for this book when your child is beginning to ask difficult questions about American history, justice, or the experiences of Indigenous peoples. It is a vital resource for navigating conversations about systemic unfairness and the resilience of the human spirit when faced with the loss of home. Through the alternating voices of two Mohawk sisters, Mattie and Sarah, the story explores the trauma of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School while highlighting the unbreakable bond of family. While the themes of abuse and forced assimilation are heavy, the verse novel format provides enough white space for middle school readers to process the emotional gravity at their own pace. It is a somber but necessary read that honors the strength of those who fought to keep their culture alive. Use this book to foster deep empathy and a more complete understanding of our shared past.