“Sorell’s lyrical, alliterative verse positively sings . . . Goade’s breathtaking mixed-media artwork layers in emotion . . . An evocative, heartwarming testament to the power of home and community.”

— Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“In sensory-focused lines, Sorell . . . creates a resonant, hopeful tale about the healing power of community and tradition, deftly capturing the powwow’s essence. Textural digital illustrations by Goodnight . . . focus on the event’s sights and its participants’ fluid movements, effectively conveying River’s sideline perspective and desire to dance with her community once again.”

— Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Underscores the importance of traditions…while simultaneously…challenging dated media images of Indigenous people.”

— The Horn Book, starred review

“Contenders conveys the excitement of a sports story, the narrative style of a biography, and the difficult truths about the discrimination and mistreatment of Native people in the United States both past and present.”

— Cathy Potter, librarian and reviewer for The Nonfiction Detectives

“Regina’s character is thoughtful and hesitant as her father encourages their family to embrace their ‘Americanness’…While Regina struggles to make sense of her Indianness in LA, her grandmother grounds her in Umpqua folklore and history, helping her to understand the strength and resilience of her people.”

— Booklist, starred review