For the child grappling with big feelings of loss or change, this book tenderly explores how community and tradition can guide us toward hope and healing.
A parent might reach for this book when their child is navigating the deep sadness that comes with losing a loved one. 'Why We Dance' tells the story of a young boy named Kelan who is grieving the loss of his mother. He feels lost and alone until his Kokum (grandmother) gently reintroduces him to their family's powwow traditions, explaining how dance can be a powerful way to process sorrow and feel connected to those we have lost. Through beautiful storytelling and vibrant illustrations, the book explores themes of grief, resilience, and the healing strength of family and cultural identity. It is an excellent choice for families seeking a gentle, hopeful way to talk about loss and the enduring power of community.
The book deals directly with the death of a parent. The approach is gentle and framed within a specific Indigenous cultural context (Cree), offering traditions as a secular, spiritual path for healing. It does not involve religious concepts like an afterlife. The resolution is entirely hopeful, showing the child re-engaging with family and finding joy again.
Ideal Reader
An elementary-aged child (6-9) who has recently experienced the death of a close loved one, particularly a parent. It is also perfect for a child feeling disconnected from their cultural heritage, or any child needing to see a model for processing big, sad feelings in a healthy, active way. It is an essential read for Indigenous children seeking representation of their powwow traditions as a source of strength.
Parent Prep
Parents should be aware that the mother's death is stated directly on the first page. It's not metaphorical. Reading the Author's Note at the back of the book beforehand is highly recommended. It provides important context about the specific dances and the author's personal connection to the story, which can enrich the conversation with a child. A parent has noticed their child has become withdrawn, quiet, or is struggling to articulate their sadness after a loss. The child might say things like, "I'll never be happy again," or "I miss her so much." The parent is looking for a gentle, hopeful story to open a conversation about grief and memory.
Age Experience
A younger child (6-7) will connect with the basic emotional arc of feeling sad and then feeling better through the beautiful dancing and family love. An older child (8-9) will better understand the deeper themes of cultural identity, honoring ancestors, and tradition as a powerful tool for emotional well-being. They may be more curious about the specific history of the dances.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many books on grief that focus on talking or memory boxes, this book uniquely centers an embodied, cultural practice: powwow dancing. It powerfully illustrates how physical movement, community, and tradition can be active agents of healing. The focus on a specific Indigenous tradition as a source of resilience and hope is a vital and beautiful form of representation.
Read plot summary
A young Indigenous boy named Kelan is consumed by grief after the death of his mother, seeing his world in shades of gray. His Kokum (grandmother) takes him to a powwow, where she shares the stories and meanings behind different traditional dances. She explains how the Grass Dance, the Jingle Dress Dance, and others are ways to heal, remember ancestors, and celebrate life. By connecting with his family and cultural traditions, Kelan begins to find color, joy, and a path toward healing.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
At the beginning of the story, Kelan’s world looks gray. How do the colors in the pictures change as he learns about dancing at the powwow? What do you think the colors show us about his feelings?
2
Kelan’s Kokum tells him, 'We dance to remember.' Who are some of the people Kelan’s family dances to remember? Who are some important people in our family that we like to remember?
3
The Jingle Dress dancer's dress makes a sound like 'healing rain.' If you could create a special outfit for expressing your feelings, what would it look like and what sound might it make?
4
Kelan was nervous to dance at first, but his family encouraged him. Have you ever felt nervous to try something new? What helped you feel brave?
