February 1, 2024
Grades K-3 As the title suggests, there's often history behind tradition. Here, readers are invited to share in the story of the Jingle Dress dance of the Anishinaabe people through this gentle, touching narrative. Two cousins are in the throes of preparation. Their dresses, one traditional, one contemporary, require some repair and organization, and everyone in the family is involved. Missing pieces must be replaced, buckles and cones must be polished, hair braided, makeup applied, steps practiced, tummy butterflies quelled. There's fun with friends at the powwow before the dance begins. When it is time to dance, the girls are reminded to keep the reason in mind: to honor those who can't. The subtlety of the text is beautifully complemented with watercolor illustrations that depict a close, strong, intergenerational community steeped in the importance of valuing tradition even while tradition evolves with time. The author's and illustrator's notes describe the history and significance of the Jingle Dress dance with some historical and contemporary context. Why We Dance should be part of all readers' repertoires.
COPYRIGHT(2024) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
March 1, 2024
A young girl and her family eagerly prepare for and take part in the Jingle Dress dance, an Anishinaabe tradition established during the 1918-1919 influenza pandemic. Havrelock's (Saddle Lake Cree Nation) straightforward text incorporates vivid sensory imagery ("buckles shine, beads glimmer"; "Mom's warm fingers slide through my hair") and realistic details ("Everyone gets a big shot of hair spray!"), and evokes both the contemporary and the traditional while capturing the narrator's excitement. McKnight's (Shoshone-Bannock) colorful watercolor and graphite illustrations focus on the family and the regalia, and include such details as the different colors of black in a girl's braids; the variety of Indigenous people's hair colors and textures; the jingles on dresses that sway so convincingly you can almost hear them; and a red handprint covering the mouth of a woman watching the dance, signifying her solidarity with Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People. Back matter gives more information about this century-old ritual of healing and thanks, including its significance in the wake of COVID-19 with its devastating effect on Native communities. A moving portrayal of how Jingle Dress dancers "dance for those who can't." Lara K. Aase
(Copyright 2024 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)
Starred review from February 15, 2024
A Native child takes part in the Jingle Dress dance. Preparing for a powwow is a family affair: Regalia is mended, hair is braided, and bannock sandwiches are packed for lunch in anticipation of breaking the fast. In this spirited ode to Jingle Dress dancing, Havrelock (Saddle Lake Cree Nation) follows one girl's journey as she takes part in this Anishinaabe ceremonial dance with her community. Evocative watercolors by McKnight (Shoshone-Bannock) bring these healing, ceremonial garments to life, from their rainbow of colors to the tin cones that produce the iconic "TINK-TINK-TINK-TINK" sounds of the dance. Helpful backmatter notes that though there are many stories about the origins of the Jingle Dress dance, all of them describe it as a response to the influenza pandemic of 1918-19 that "resulted in the healing of a sick child." Indeed, the young narrator states that "we dance for those who can't." With its moving illustrations, this reverent celebration of an important Indigenous ritual stands out. Young readers will be drawn in by the mesmerizing art and the narrator's courage to dance despite all "the butterflies in my stomach." Several performers and spectators have visible disabilities. A powerful story that will have hearts beating in time with the pounding drums and dancers' bounce-steps. (author's and artist's notes, about the Jingle Dress dance) (Picture book. 5-10)
COPYRIGHT(2024) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
November 2, 2024
PreS-Gr 3-Warm watercolor images help tell this lovely story. Two Indigenous girls are excited to get the opportunity to do the Jingle Dress Dance with their community in a celebration of hope and healing. The book details the process of getting ready, from the clothing that they wear and how other dancers' clothes might be different, to their jewelry and accessories. The girls are eager to see their friends and relatives who are also gathering. They are reminded that they dance not only for their own joy, but also for the healing and happiness of others, even those who are not there. The dance originated for a young girl who was sick. Gorgeous artwork shows not only the beauty of this coming together but the joy of the girls that radiates as they dance. VERDICT An excellent story about Indigenous culture, and how communities can support each other when things are tough. A strong choice for any elementary library.-Debbie Tanner
Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
January 1, 2024
A young girl and her family eagerly prepare for and take part in the Jingle Dress dance, an Anishinaabe tradition established during the 1918 1919 influenza pandemic. Havrelock's (Saddle Lake Cree Nation) straightforward text incorporates vivid sensory imagery ("buckles shine, beads glimmer"; "Mom's warm fingers slide through my hair") and realistic details ("Everyone gets a big shot of hair spray!"), and evokes both the contemporary and the traditional while capturing the narrator's excitement. McKnight's (Shoshone-Bannock) colorful watercolor and graphite illustrations focus on the family and the regalia, and include such details as the different colors of black in a girl's braids; the variety of Indigenous people's hair colors and textures; the jingles on dresses that sway so convincingly you can almost hear them; and a red handprint covering the mouth of a woman watching the dance, signifying her solidarity with Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People. Back matter gives more information about this century-old ritual of healing and thanks, including its significance in the wake of COVID-19 with its devastating effect on Native communities. A moving portrayal of how Jingle Dress dancers "dance for those who can't."
(Copyright 2024 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)