{"id":8291223077101,"title":"Kindred Spirits: Shilombish Ittibachvffa","handle":"kindred-spirits-shilombish-ittibachvffa","description":"\u003ch6\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/leslie-stall-widener\"\u003eLeslie Stall Widener\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/johnson-yazzie\"\u003eJohnson Yazzie\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eThose who feel the same are kindred spirits. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1845. The Potato Famine devastated Ireland. An ocean away, Choctaw people heard and were moved by the similarities to the injustice they had suffered on the Trail of Tears. Though they had little, they gathered money to donate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2017. Irish people built a statue to remember their connection to the Choctaw Nation—twenty-foot high feathers in the shape of a bowl.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2020. COVID-19 disproportionately ravaged the Navajo Nation and the Hopi Tribe. Irish people remembered the Choctaws' kindness and paid it forward by donating millions of dollars to support water access and basic services.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA nonfiction picture book about the inspiring true pay-it-forward story that bridges two continents, 175 years, and two events in history—connecting Ireland, Choctaw Nation, Navajo Nation, and the Hopi Tribe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these: \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/we-are-still-here\"\u003eWe Are Still Here!\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/powwow-day\"\u003ePowwow Day\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/yossels-journey\"\u003eYossel's Journey\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[TABS]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/kindred-spirits-spread.jpg?v=1700081748\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" class=\"cvr-border-gray\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e \u003cscript src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-shape=\"round\" defer async=\"\" type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"medium-cover\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/kindred-spirits-cover.jpg?v=1700081759\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/kindred-spirits-cover-hires.jpg.zip?v=1700081789\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLeslie Stall Widener, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeslie Stall Widener is a citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. She has illustrated six Choctaw-related picture books:\u003cem\u003e Chukfi Rabbit’s Big, Bad Bellyache; The Turkey Who Liked to Show Off; Why the Turtle Has Cracks on His Back; The Story of Tanchi; Why the Possum Has No Hair on His Tail; \u003c\/em\u003eand\u003cem\u003e Why Rabbit Has a Short Tail.\u003c\/em\u003e Leslie lives in McKinney, Texas, with her artist husband, Terry Widener.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/leslie-stall-widener\"\u003eRead more \u003c\/a\u003eabout Leslie.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohnson Yazzie, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBorn on the Navajo Nation in Pinon, Arizona, Johnson Yazzie's interest in creation began in childhood and led to a lifelong career in fine art as a painter, bronze sculptor, and illustrator. Johnson illustrated \u003cem\u003eYossel's Journey\u003c\/em\u003e by Kathryn Lasky. The Navajo word hózhó means balance, harmony, beauty. It is the word by which he lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/johnson-yazzie\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Johnson.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA 2024 Junior Library Guild selection!\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?4673889858015672850\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eA single act of kindness has a ripple effect over generations. \u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1845, a young Irish girl pulls a rotting potato from the ground: “It is the beginning of the great hunger that changed Ireland.” This devastating news travels across the Atlantic Ocean. In 1847, the Choctaw people connect the dire situation in Ireland to their own plight during the Trail of Tears and decide to help by sending money. The Irish people don’t forget their generosity; in 2017, they honor the special friendship with a sculpture titled Kindred Spirits, created by Alex Pentek. During the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, the Irish reciprocate by collecting donations to aid the Choctaw, Navajo, and Hopi Nations. Widener (Choctaw Nation) vividly sets the stage with lyrical writing that appeals to the senses. Choctaw phrases such as “shilombish ittibachvffa” (“kindred spirits”) are sprinkled throughout. The author breaks up the narrative with illuminating sidebars that offer additional information about each crisis. Yazzie’s (Navajo Nation) folk art–esque illustrations pop with emotion and come alive from his vibrant use of color. No matter their historical background, readers will come away with a strong understanding of these topics—and deeply moved by the compassion demonstrated by the Irish and Choctaw communities. Backmatter, including a timeline, provides more historical context.\u003cbr\u003e \nA richly detailed, phenomenally told true story about paying it forward through history. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?4673889858015672850\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eShelf Awareness\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeslie Stall Widener has numerous works to her credit as an illustrator, including \u003ci\u003eChukfi Rabbit's Big, Bad Bellyache\u003c\/i\u003e; she makes her debut as an author with this uplifting picture book about the power of empathy. Throughout this moving work of nonfiction, acts of compassion crisscross the ocean when people recognize their common humanity in each other's struggles. Kindred Spirits is a compelling reminder of people's potential to make a difference, regardless of how much or how little they have. Complementing Widener's text is the enchanting acrylic paint artwork of Navajo painter, bronze sculptor, and illustrator Johnson Yazzie (\u003ci\u003eYossel's Journey\u003c\/i\u003e).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWidener here tells a true, pay-it-forward tale through poetry accompanied by sidebars with background details. Starting in Ireland in 1847, she recounts the famine that took the lives of more than a million people: \"Farmers can't explain why\/ fields of healthy-looking plants\/ changed overnight.\/ It is the beginning of the great hunger\/ that changed Ireland.\" Four thousand miles away, the people of the Choctaw Nation learn of the Irish tragedy: \"Wrapped in the warmth of family,\/ each Choctaw man, woman, and child listens.\/ They feel the pain of the Irish people.\" Despite their own troubles, the Choctaw people donate a substantial sum of money to help the Irish farmers \"in honor of the injustice\/ suffered by both Nations.\/ Shilombish ittibachvffa.\/ Those who feel the same.\/ Kindred spirits.\" Widener then brings her readers to the 21st century, as the Covid-19 pandemic ravages the Navajo and Hopi Nations. This time the people of Ireland reach out: \"More than twenty-six thousand Irish people\/ donate--many citing the Choctaw-Irish connection,\/ honoring their ancestors\/ and showing how one act of kindness can grow.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA citizen of the Choctaw Nation herself, Widener relates this inspiring saga with reverence and beauty, constructing an accessible history for young readers that highlights the spectacular results of empathy and compassion. Yazzie's art features striking, sometimes near-fluorescent colors and a multitude of textures. His figures are contained within a thick, black line often outlined by another, lighter color--white, orange, yellow--this acts to bring people forward in each illustration, focusing the eye on the humans.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book offers additional information in the backmatter, including facts about the Trail of Tears and the Irish Potato Famine, as well as a timeline of events. While Kindred Spirits is intended for young readers, it is a gift for audiences of all ages and should be a staple in anyone's library.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eShelf Talker:\u003c\/b\u003e A member of the Choctaw Nation and a member of the Navajo Nation join forces in a stunning picture book that shares the uplifting story of how tragedy connected people from across an ocean.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-396-9\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 5-8\u003cbr\u003ecount: 32\u003cbr\u003e11 x 9\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePublication date: July 9, 2024\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[\/TABS]\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2023-12-08T14:22:09-05:00","created_at":"2023-11-17T13:34:32-05:00","vendor":"Charlesbridge","type":"Children's Book","tags":["Browse by Fiction\/Nonfiction_Nonfiction","Browse by Format_Picture Book","Browse by Language_English","Browse by Subject_Diversity","Browse by Subject_History \u0026 Biography","Browse by Subject_Life Lessons \u0026 Skills","Browse by Subject_Social Studies\/Cultures"],"price":1799,"price_min":1799,"price_max":1799,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":44444521791725,"title":"Hardcover","option1":"Hardcover","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"43969","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":39221765669101,"product_id":8291223077101,"position":1,"created_at":"2023-11-17T13:44:41-05:00","updated_at":"2023-11-17T13:44:42-05:00","alt":null,"width":600,"height":491,"src":"\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/kindred-spirits-cover_8dbf2957-ddc0-4553-9731-cc66e9925e51.jpg?v=1700246682","variant_ids":[44444521791725]},"available":true,"name":"Kindred Spirits: Shilombish Ittibachvffa - Hardcover","public_title":"Hardcover","options":["Hardcover"],"price":1799,"weight":493,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_quantity":2,"inventory_management":"shopify","inventory_policy":"continue","barcode":"9781623543969","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":31835158085869,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.222,"height":491,"width":600,"src":"\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/kindred-spirits-cover_8dbf2957-ddc0-4553-9731-cc66e9925e51.jpg?v=1700246682"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/kindred-spirits-cover_8dbf2957-ddc0-4553-9731-cc66e9925e51.jpg?v=1700246682"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/kindred-spirits-cover_8dbf2957-ddc0-4553-9731-cc66e9925e51.jpg?v=1700246682","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":31835158085869,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.222,"height":491,"width":600,"src":"\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/kindred-spirits-cover_8dbf2957-ddc0-4553-9731-cc66e9925e51.jpg?v=1700246682"},"aspect_ratio":1.222,"height":491,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/kindred-spirits-cover_8dbf2957-ddc0-4553-9731-cc66e9925e51.jpg?v=1700246682","width":600}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003ch6\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/leslie-stall-widener\"\u003eLeslie Stall Widener\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/johnson-yazzie\"\u003eJohnson Yazzie\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eThose who feel the same are kindred spirits. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1845. The Potato Famine devastated Ireland. An ocean away, Choctaw people heard and were moved by the similarities to the injustice they had suffered on the Trail of Tears. Though they had little, they gathered money to donate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2017. Irish people built a statue to remember their connection to the Choctaw Nation—twenty-foot high feathers in the shape of a bowl.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2020. COVID-19 disproportionately ravaged the Navajo Nation and the Hopi Tribe. Irish people remembered the Choctaws' kindness and paid it forward by donating millions of dollars to support water access and basic services.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA nonfiction picture book about the inspiring true pay-it-forward story that bridges two continents, 175 years, and two events in history—connecting Ireland, Choctaw Nation, Navajo Nation, and the Hopi Tribe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these: \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/we-are-still-here\"\u003eWe Are Still Here!\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/powwow-day\"\u003ePowwow Day\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/yossels-journey\"\u003eYossel's Journey\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[TABS]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/kindred-spirits-spread.jpg?v=1700081748\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" class=\"cvr-border-gray\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e \u003cscript src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-shape=\"round\" defer async=\"\" type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"medium-cover\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/kindred-spirits-cover.jpg?v=1700081759\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/kindred-spirits-cover-hires.jpg.zip?v=1700081789\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLeslie Stall Widener, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeslie Stall Widener is a citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. She has illustrated six Choctaw-related picture books:\u003cem\u003e Chukfi Rabbit’s Big, Bad Bellyache; The Turkey Who Liked to Show Off; Why the Turtle Has Cracks on His Back; The Story of Tanchi; Why the Possum Has No Hair on His Tail; \u003c\/em\u003eand\u003cem\u003e Why Rabbit Has a Short Tail.\u003c\/em\u003e Leslie lives in McKinney, Texas, with her artist husband, Terry Widener.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/leslie-stall-widener\"\u003eRead more \u003c\/a\u003eabout Leslie.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohnson Yazzie, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBorn on the Navajo Nation in Pinon, Arizona, Johnson Yazzie's interest in creation began in childhood and led to a lifelong career in fine art as a painter, bronze sculptor, and illustrator. Johnson illustrated \u003cem\u003eYossel's Journey\u003c\/em\u003e by Kathryn Lasky. The Navajo word hózhó means balance, harmony, beauty. It is the word by which he lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/johnson-yazzie\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Johnson.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA 2024 Junior Library Guild selection!\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?4673889858015672850\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eA single act of kindness has a ripple effect over generations. \u003cbr\u003e\nIn 1845, a young Irish girl pulls a rotting potato from the ground: “It is the beginning of the great hunger that changed Ireland.” This devastating news travels across the Atlantic Ocean. In 1847, the Choctaw people connect the dire situation in Ireland to their own plight during the Trail of Tears and decide to help by sending money. The Irish people don’t forget their generosity; in 2017, they honor the special friendship with a sculpture titled Kindred Spirits, created by Alex Pentek. During the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, the Irish reciprocate by collecting donations to aid the Choctaw, Navajo, and Hopi Nations. Widener (Choctaw Nation) vividly sets the stage with lyrical writing that appeals to the senses. Choctaw phrases such as “shilombish ittibachvffa” (“kindred spirits”) are sprinkled throughout. The author breaks up the narrative with illuminating sidebars that offer additional information about each crisis. Yazzie’s (Navajo Nation) folk art–esque illustrations pop with emotion and come alive from his vibrant use of color. No matter their historical background, readers will come away with a strong understanding of these topics—and deeply moved by the compassion demonstrated by the Irish and Choctaw communities. Backmatter, including a timeline, provides more historical context.\u003cbr\u003e \nA richly detailed, phenomenally told true story about paying it forward through history. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?4673889858015672850\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eShelf Awareness\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeslie Stall Widener has numerous works to her credit as an illustrator, including \u003ci\u003eChukfi Rabbit's Big, Bad Bellyache\u003c\/i\u003e; she makes her debut as an author with this uplifting picture book about the power of empathy. Throughout this moving work of nonfiction, acts of compassion crisscross the ocean when people recognize their common humanity in each other's struggles. Kindred Spirits is a compelling reminder of people's potential to make a difference, regardless of how much or how little they have. Complementing Widener's text is the enchanting acrylic paint artwork of Navajo painter, bronze sculptor, and illustrator Johnson Yazzie (\u003ci\u003eYossel's Journey\u003c\/i\u003e).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWidener here tells a true, pay-it-forward tale through poetry accompanied by sidebars with background details. Starting in Ireland in 1847, she recounts the famine that took the lives of more than a million people: \"Farmers can't explain why\/ fields of healthy-looking plants\/ changed overnight.\/ It is the beginning of the great hunger\/ that changed Ireland.\" Four thousand miles away, the people of the Choctaw Nation learn of the Irish tragedy: \"Wrapped in the warmth of family,\/ each Choctaw man, woman, and child listens.\/ They feel the pain of the Irish people.\" Despite their own troubles, the Choctaw people donate a substantial sum of money to help the Irish farmers \"in honor of the injustice\/ suffered by both Nations.\/ Shilombish ittibachvffa.\/ Those who feel the same.\/ Kindred spirits.\" Widener then brings her readers to the 21st century, as the Covid-19 pandemic ravages the Navajo and Hopi Nations. This time the people of Ireland reach out: \"More than twenty-six thousand Irish people\/ donate--many citing the Choctaw-Irish connection,\/ honoring their ancestors\/ and showing how one act of kindness can grow.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA citizen of the Choctaw Nation herself, Widener relates this inspiring saga with reverence and beauty, constructing an accessible history for young readers that highlights the spectacular results of empathy and compassion. Yazzie's art features striking, sometimes near-fluorescent colors and a multitude of textures. His figures are contained within a thick, black line often outlined by another, lighter color--white, orange, yellow--this acts to bring people forward in each illustration, focusing the eye on the humans.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book offers additional information in the backmatter, including facts about the Trail of Tears and the Irish Potato Famine, as well as a timeline of events. While Kindred Spirits is intended for young readers, it is a gift for audiences of all ages and should be a staple in anyone's library.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eShelf Talker:\u003c\/b\u003e A member of the Choctaw Nation and a member of the Navajo Nation join forces in a stunning picture book that shares the uplifting story of how tragedy connected people from across an ocean.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-396-9\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 5-8\u003cbr\u003ecount: 32\u003cbr\u003e11 x 9\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePublication date: July 9, 2024\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[\/TABS]\u003c\/p\u003e"}