Ancestor Approved

"A groundbreaking Indigenous anthology for young people . . . A joyful invitation to celebrate the circle of ancestors together." —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Edited by award–winning and bestselling author Cynthia Leitich Smith, this collection of intersecting stories by both new and veteran Native writers bursts with hope, joy, resilience, the strength of community, and Native pride.


Native families from Nations across the continent gather at the Dance for Mother Earth Powwow in Ann Arbor, Michigan.


In a high school gym full of color and song, people dance, sell beadwork and books, and celebrate friendship and heritage. Young protagonists will meet relatives from faraway, mysterious strangers, and sometimes one another (plus one scrappy rez dog).


They are the heroes of their own stories.

Featuring stories and poems by:

Joseph Bruchac


Art Coulson


Christine Day


Eric Gansworth


Carole Lindstrom


Dawn Quigley


Rebecca Roanhorse


David A. Robertson


Andrea L. Rogers


Kim Rogers


Cynthia Leitich Smith


Monique Gray Smith


Traci Sorell


Tim Tingle


Erika T. Wurth


Brian Young


In partnership with We Need Diverse Books

"This uplifting assembly affirms the vitality of Indigenous life today and offers accessible situations and characters to all young readers." —Shelf Awareness
"A thoughtful and sometimes funny celebration of a celebration, and whether kids are veteran powwow-goers or new to the experience, they'll long for the convivial warmth of the festivities." —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books