SPIRIT SHADOW

Reno and Lupton draw from their Cherokee heritage to tell the story of a young girl learning about her own Indigenous ancestry.

From the time that Willa was first born, her Spirit Shadow has been with her. This Spirit, illustrated as a brown-skinned adult with long, flowing dark hair, follows Willa everywhere as she grows, a presence that she feels but doesn’t see. One day, Willa visits Diligwa, a re-created ancient village and example of “living Cherokee history.” There, with Spirit, she learns about her ancestors, the Trail of Tears, and the story of her people’s resilience. Back at school, Willa shares what she learned with her classmates and realizes that all of them have their own Spirit Shadows standing with them, too. The story offers a powerful message about embracing one’s heritage, as well as a heartwarming takeaway about our interconnectedness and shared histories woven together through time. Lupton’s illustrations, deeply rich and full of warm browns and burgundies paired with lush greens, include swirls of movement. Intricate embroideries and patterns that sweep across the page are emblematic of Cherokee art and textiles and skillfully represent a connection between past and present. This memorable and visually dynamic narrative will also serve as a strong starting place for those eager to discover more about Cherokee history. Willa and her mother are drawn with light brown skin and dark brown hair; Willa’s classmates range in skin tone.

Strikingly illustrated and imbued with a relevant message.