From Powells.com
A selection of pivotal works by Indigenous authors.
Synopses & Reviews
2019 Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) Notable
Chulyen the trickster raven loses his nose one day, but he vows to get it back. Luckily he has some special powers to help him!
How Raven Got His Crooked Nose is a modern retelling of a traditional Native American fable. Part picture book and part graphic novel, this beautifully illustrated story teaches an important lesson to children through Dena'ina mythology and includes a glossary of Dena'ina words to learn.
Review
"Sprightly comic-style art and the inclusion of Dena'ina words make this an engaging retelling from southern Alaska." Hornbook Guide to Children
Review
"A fine addition to nonfiction collections to highlight Dena'ina culture and traditional stories." School Library Journal
Review
"Both entertaining and instructive, a refreshing breath of air from the far north." Kirkus Reviews
About the Author
Barbara Jacko Atwater is a retired teacher, village administrator, and author of Walter's Story, about her great uncle Walter Johnson who was a respected Dena'ina elder. Before passing away at the age of ninety-three, her uncle left Barbara and her son, Ethan, fables and folklore of their Native American ancestors, including the story of Chulyen the raven. She hopes to carry forward the traditional stories of the Dena' ina people and share their history just as her great uncle did for their family. Barbara currently lives in Soldotna, Alaska.
Growing up in Alaska, Ethan Jacko Atwater engaged with his community at an early age and worked as a camp counselor and interned with the Cook Inlet Tribal Council. He is currently attending college and is passionate about educating children on Dena'ina folklore.
Mindy Dwyer is a prolific children's book author and illustrator, with over a dozen books published in print. She is the recipient of "Not Just For Kids Anymore Award" from the Children's Book Council, a National Parenting Publication Award, and a Young Readers Choice Award. She loves the magic and make-believe places that fairy tales offer, that they "give us permission to hold onto a childhood promise that 'anything is possible and we were put on this earth to take part in adventure.'" She now lives in the Pacific Northwest, where she continues to dream big and wonderful stories.