School Library Journal Review
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
Publisher's Weekly Review
In this young readers adaptation of the 2013 adult bestseller of the same name by Potawatomi botanist Kimmerer, Smith (I Hope), who is Cree and Lakota, breaks down myriad Indigenous nations' relationships with nature. The creators detail how humankind's reciprocity with the earth is integral to many Native peoples' mindsets and often stems from a gifting economy, in which plants and animals make a gift of themselves and humans, in turn, care for them. This is the foundation of the Honorable Harvest, the narrative's key concept and a core Native practice that "governs our taking, shapes our relationships with the natural world, and reins in our tendency to consume." These guidelines also encourage sustainability in hunting and gathering etiquette, and in further developing clean energy procedures. Smith smartly streamlines language while staying true to the narrative's core concepts by adding brief sidebars that explain featured terminology, pose reflection questions, and highlight important passages, inviting collaborative discussion and acting as a call to action. Crisp pen and ink wash illustrations by Navajo artist Neidhardt (When We Are Kind) provide visual interest; by depicting Skywoman's creation in comics spreads, Neidhardt both complements and elevates Smith's approachable prose. Ages 12--up. (Nov.)
Kirkus Review
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) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
This unique offering from an Indigenous botanist pulls together elements of science, lore, history, and ecology. It seeks to show how humans need to be mindful of their connections to the planet. Kimmerer, of Anishinaabe heritage, crafts her musings and teachings around the life cycle of sweetgrass. This common plant is considered sacred to many Native American cultures and is used not only for braiding baskets but also for medicine and as an important element in rituals. The book evolves around six sweetgrass categories: "Meeting," "Planting," "Tending," "Picking," "Braiding," and "Burning," and each chapter evokes an aspect of modern Western society in light of how so many people have gotten so far away from the old ways of cherishing the earth. Pages are filled with legends, reminiscences, bits of history, sidebars, and drawings, as well as gentle challenges to readers that encourage them. The text is engaging and goes down easy; notes and a bibliography round things off. Truly, a lovely, calming addition for collections.
