Home › Books for Ages 4–8 › We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga
  • We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell book cover
  • We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell book cover
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We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga

by Traci Sorell

A year of Cherokee life and gratitude

Critically Recognized
$18.12 USD
$30.21 USD $18.12 USD
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Awards & Recognition

  • Award recognition

    2019 Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Honor Book

    Listed as an Honor Book for 2019.

  • Editorial selection

    Kirkus Reviews Best Books of 2018

    Selected for Kirkus Reviews' Best Books of 2018.

  • Critical praise

    Horn Book Magazine starred review

    Positive review praise; the review is marked starred.

AlbakiReads Editorial

A year of Cherokee life and gratitude

Organized across the seasons, this picture book presents a year in the Cherokee community, from fall through summer, including celebrations and everyday experiences. The Cherokee word *otsaliheliga* expresses gratitude, a theme the book connects with both the blessings and challenges of each season. A glossary and the complete Cherokee syllabary extend the book’s introduction to Cherokee language and community life, giving the seasonal account a useful reference element as well.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Children interested in contemporary Indigenous stories and Cherokee community life.
  • Families and educators seeking a seasonal picture book with language and cultural context.
  • Young readers who may enjoy a glossary and an introduction to the Cherokee syllabary.

Themes

GratitudeSeasonal changeCherokee community and traditionsLanguage and cultural life

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

The Cherokee community is grateful for the blessings and challenges that each season brings. This is modern Native American life as told by best-selling Cherokee author Traci Sorell.

This award-winning seasonal picture book is for 3-7-year-olds interested in contemporary Indigenous stories that are both accessible and universal for all kid readers.

The word otsaliheliga (oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah) is used by members of the Cherokee Nation to express gratitude. Beginning in the fall with the new year and ending in summer, follow a full Cherokee year of celebrations and experiences.

Written by best-selling and award-winning Cherokee author Traci Sorell, this look into the Cherokee community is appended with a glossary and the complete Cherokee syllabary, originally created by Sequoyah.

2020 American Indian Youth Literature Award Honor Book
2019 Sibert Honor Book
2019 Orbis Pictus Honor Book
2019 Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Honor Book
2019 Reading the West Picture Book Award
NPR's Guide To 2018's Great Reads
2018 Book Launch Award (SCBWI)
Kirkus Reviews Best Books of 2018
School Library Journal Best Books of 2018
2018 JLG selection

"A gracious, warm, and loving celebration of community and gratitude"--Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

"The book underscores the importance of traditions and carrying on a Cherokee way of life"--Horn Book Magazine, STARRED REVIEW

"This informative and authentic introduction to a thriving ancestral and ceremonial way of life is perfect for holiday and family sharing"--School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

"An elegant representation"--Shelf Awareness, STARRED REVIEW
Shipping & returnsShipping options, delivery timing, and our return policy.

In-stock items normally dispatch within 1–2 business days. The ZIP-code estimator on this page is informational only; the final shipping method, price, and availability are confirmed at checkout for your full order.

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Eligible items can be returned within 30 days in accordance with our return policy.

Customer reviews

M
AlbakiReads
Malaika Taylor

I highly recommend to for anyone looking for inner clarity

T
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Thomas DiMassa

Great service and fast service

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AlbakiReads
Ella

Great shopping experience! The book arrived quickly, was well packaged, and matched the description perfectly. I would definitely shop with you again

O
AlbakiReads
Olivia

Smooth.