From the Publisher
"A book that is entirely in a class of its own, this belongs in every collection for teens."—starred, School Library Journal
School Library Journal
★ 12/01/2022
Gr 6 Up—This adaptation of Kimmerer's (Potawatomi) adult book by the same name is filled with nuggets of wisdom, a wealth of information about plants, and a call to embrace the kinship between plants and humans. In her exploration of the properties of sweetgrass, the botanist discusses the plant through the lens of the scientific method, with terms like germinate and xylem, and Indigenous traditions. She admits the sometimes conflicting perspectives of these methods. However, she succeeds in creating a cohesive whole within this wondrous work, while also giving context to the many struggles that Native Americans have faced. Smith's (Cree and Lakota) adaptation doesn't talk down to teens but honors them as people who might remember the connection between plants and humans more than their adult counterparts. Sweetgrass, or Wiingaashk, is one of the first plants to grow on the Earth, according to Potawatomi tradition, and is held sacred by them and many other Native American nations. The design elements enhance the narrative, making the whole volume accessible and distinctive. This meditative work also features illustrations by Neidhardt (Diné) that are both delicate and powerful and range from spot art to full spreads. Green and white callouts define unfamiliar terms and present discussion questions. These elements combine to emphasize the importance and need to protect the environment and take care of our kin. VERDICT A book that is entirely in a class of its own, this belongs in every collection for teens.—Shelley M. Diaz
DECEMBER 2023 - AudioFile
In calm, reflective tones, Monique Gray Smith shares botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer's insights as an Indigenous scientist, highlighting how all living things--from strawberries to witch hazel to lichen--offer everyday gifts and lessons and connections. This adaptation for young adults of Kimmerer's bestselling book illuminates how deep ecological understanding can arise from acknowledging and absorbing the wisdom of the plants around us. The pace and gentle presentation of this production allow listeners to engage with the material, including absorbing informative asides and thoughtful questions. The audiobook invites younger listeners to contemplate a wider definition of family that includes the natural world, and to find kinship and connection within it. J.C.G. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine
Kirkus Reviews
★ 2022-08-03
An Indigenous botanist offers powerful guidance and inspiration for a sustainable—and sustaining—future in this young readers’ adaptation of her 2015 adult bestseller.
Sweetgrass—its planting, tending, picking, braiding, and burning—forms the organizing structure for this work in which scientific discovery and traditional wisdom form a harmonious, interconnected whole. Sweetgrass is important to many Indigenous nations as well as a potent example of the limitations of traditional Western notions of people existing in opposition to the natural world, as evidenced by the fascinating results of the graduate research project Kimmerer (Potawatomi) oversaw. Rather than humans’ presence inherently threatening nonhuman living beings, the Indigenous worldview persuasively and vividly offered is one in which we live by the guiding principles of the Honorable Harvest, enumerated here as: never take the first, ask permission, listen for the answer, take only what you need, minimize harm, use everything you take, share, be grateful, and reciprocate the gift. Smith (Cree, Lakota) skillfully adapts the original, including text boxes with definitions, thoughtful prompts for reflection and discussion, and pithy quotes featured within exquisite images of a circle of braided sweetgrass by illustrator Neidhardt (Diné). Additional art beautifully enhances teachings and tales from many nations, personal reminiscences, fascinating natural history, and other enriching content. Readers will feel as if they are in conversation with a caring, respected expert guide who offers a hopeful, nourishing vision.
Both an urgent, essential call to action and an uplifting love letter. (author’s note, notes, bibliography, index, photo credits) (Nonfiction. 12-18)
