{"id":8260915822829,"title":"Clack, Clack! Smack!","handle":"clack-clack-smack","description":"\u003ch1\u003eClack, Clack! Smack!\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eA Cherokee Stickball Story\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/traci-sorell\"\u003eTraci Sorell\u003c\/a\u003e\/ Illustrated by: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/joseph-erb\"\u003eJoseph Erb\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eVann, a struggling stickball player, competes in a game on the Cherokee Nation. Can he help his team win? Written by award-winning Cherokee author Traci Sorell.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVann loves his tribe’s traditional sport of stickball, but he’s not as skilled as his teammates. Vann stumbles, and he tries and fails to score. How can he help his teammates win the game? \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExciting and fast-paced,\u003ci\u003e Clack, Clack! Smack!\u003c\/i\u003e reminds readers that sportsmanship and being a team player is just as important as being the star. Back matter explains the Cherokee game of stickball, still played today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTune into this conversation with Traci Sorell and Joseph Erb on \"The Children's Book Podcast\" with Matthew Winner:\u003cbr\u003e\n \u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/p9nmRits3rw?si=CDlD0GsqaFeXBgfP\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e \n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these: \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/powwow-day\"\u003ePowwow Day\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/if-lin-can\"\u003eIf Lin Can\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/look-grandma-ni-elisi\"\u003eLook, Grandma! Ni, Elisi!\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/balletball\"\u003eBalletball\u003c\/a\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\/clack-clack-smack-spread.jpg?v=1698692481\" 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\/clack-clack-smack-cover.jpg?v=1698688616\" 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\/clack-clack-smack-cover-hires.zip?v=1698692705\"\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\u003eTraci Sorell, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTraci Sorell writes fiction and nonfiction for children featuring contemporary characters and compelling biographies. She is the author of \u003ci\u003ePowwow Day\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eWe Are Still Here!\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eWe Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga\u003c\/i\u003e, and coauthor of \u003ci\u003eMascot\u003c\/i\u003e. She is an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation and lives in northeastern Oklahoma, where her tribe is located.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/traci-sorell\"\u003eRead more \u003c\/a\u003eabout Traci Sorell.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJoseph Erb, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJoseph Erb is a computer animator, film producer, educator, language technologist and artist enrolled in the Cherokee Nation. He earned his MFA degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Erb created the first Cherokee animation in the Cherokee language, “The Beginning They Told.” He has spent many years working on projects that will expand the use of Cherokee language in technology and the arts. He teaches at the University of California Santa Cruz. He has spent his life in the continued dedication to continue Indigenous stories and language.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/joseph-erb\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Joseph Erb.\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 Junior Library Guild Gold Standard 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\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?4673889858015672850\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e Kirkus Reviews\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo Cherokee teams play a game of stickball in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Vann feels insecure about having missed a key shot in last week’s match. “Stickball requires speed,” after all, and his “towering body” won’t cooperate. As Vann and his team, the Eagles, take to the field against the Redhawks, they “zip,” “chase,” and “rush” for the ball, their wooden sticks clashing with a “CLACK, CLACK!” Coach gives the team a pep talk in Tsalagi, the Cherokee language. He reminds them of gadugi, the importance of working together. As the players return to the field to finish the game, Vann’s best friend, Jesse, gives him an encouraging smile. The game is now tied. Can Vann and his team win? Sorell and Erb, both members of the Cherokee Nation, deliver an uplifting story of team spirit and collaboration; the emphasis is on group triumphs rather than individual victories. Writing in terse, alliterative prose—“a tackle, a twist, and a wrong turn”—Sorell skillfully builds tension as she choreographs this action-packed game. Erb’s thick-lined cartoon illustrations have a pleasing solidity; they capture the chaos and drama of the game and depict players with a range of brown skin tones. The story features frequent Tsalagi words and phrases. Backmatter stresses the importance of keeping the Cherokee language alive and explains the significance of stickball, which traditionally was used to settle conflicts. Stand and cheer for this fast-paced tale of sportsmanship and community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?4673889858015672850\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e Publishers Weekly\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTeamwork makes the dream work in this stickball-centered picture book from Cherokee creators Sorell and Erb. Haunted by missing the final shot in the previous game, Cherokee player Vann also worries about his speed: “His towering body isn’t fast. Smaller teammates—like Vann’s best friend, Jesse—zip across the field.” In English and Tsalagi, the game progresses as the coach encourages the team to “work together—gadugi—an important Cherokee value.” Onomatopoeic text relays the “CLACK CLACK” of play while subtly outlining the sport, and bold-lined digital illustrations capture the fast-moving match alongside the ample community watching from the sidelines, making for a work that supplies a strong sense of camaraderie and competition—and allows for values to win the day. A Tsalagi glossary and notes about stickball and language conclude.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSorell’s high-energy and uplifting story proves that team spirit can make true success. Vann doubts his abilities and contributions to the team’s success as the stick game progresses. Ultimately, Vann recognizes that despite the differences among them, they all can contribute an important role, which starts with trusting in himself. Emerging readers can relate to Vann and this doubt that comes from being a part of a team and not wanting to let them down. The illustrations successfully portray the high emotions that come with an intense game. With the inclusion of Tsalagi (Cherokee) vocabulary, the surrounding context still allows non-Cherokee readers to grasp the meaning of the words in real time. There is also an included glossary of words that were in the story, including the Tsalagi syllabary, English transliteration, pronunciation, and meaning. VERDICT This fast-paced and exciting reflective story on sportsmanship and overcoming self-doubt provides concise representation into Cherokee cultural activities while keeping the story relatable to many growing readers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eChildren's Literature\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this book written and illustrated by Cherokee Nation tribal members, it’s the girls against the boys in a fast-paced game of Cherokee stickball. The boys, the Eagles, were ahead, but the girls’ team, the Redhawks, has tied the score. Can the boys score three more points to win? Athletes from other sports will empathize with Vann, an Eagle, who feels the pressure since he missed the final shot last week and his team lost. His confidence is shaken. Can he score the winning goal today or can he figure out another way to help his team win? Perhaps teamwork, an important Cherokee value, is the winning solution. Striking cartoon illustrations feature players with a range of skin tones and hairstyles, both often silhouetted and highlighted against a white background. Illustrations with varying points of view pull the reader into the game, sometimes as a player on the field, sometimes as part of a mad scramble for the ball, and sometimes in a close-up conversation between Vann and his teammate and friend Jesse. Extensive back matter provides a detailed glossary and pronunciation guide for the Cherokee words in the text and information about the Cherokee Nation’s efforts to keep the Tsalagi (Cherokee) language alive. In addition, a description of stickball rules and the historical use of the game to settle disputes between villages is illustrated by photos of stickball equipment and actual games in progress. \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:978-1-62354-193-4\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 4-7\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 32\u003cbr\u003eTRIM SIZE 8 x 10\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePublication date: August 6, 2024\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[\/TABS]\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2023-11-01T17:30:00-04:00","created_at":"2023-10-30T14:05:58-04:00","vendor":"Charlesbridge","type":"Children's Book","tags":["Browse by Age_Ages 3-6","Browse by Age_Ages 6-10","Browse by Fiction\/Nonfiction_Fiction","Browse by Format_Picture Book","Browse by Language_English","Browse by Subject_Diversity","Browse by Subject_Life Lessons \u0026 Skills","Browse by Subject_Sports","Browse by Subject_Story Time \u0026 Play"],"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":44354451996909,"title":"Hardcover","option1":"Hardcover","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"41934","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Clack, Clack! Smack! - Hardcover","public_title":"Hardcover","options":["Hardcover"],"price":1799,"weight":567,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_quantity":9,"inventory_management":"shopify","inventory_policy":"continue","barcode":"978-1-62354-193-4","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/clack-clack-smack-cover_99318e54-3ce9-49af-bab4-1175d913e320.jpg?v=1698693176"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/clack-clack-smack-cover_99318e54-3ce9-49af-bab4-1175d913e320.jpg?v=1698693176","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":31756241076461,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.806,"height":248,"width":200,"src":"\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/clack-clack-smack-cover_99318e54-3ce9-49af-bab4-1175d913e320.jpg?v=1698693176"},"aspect_ratio":0.806,"height":248,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/clack-clack-smack-cover_99318e54-3ce9-49af-bab4-1175d913e320.jpg?v=1698693176","width":200}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003ch1\u003eClack, Clack! Smack!\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eA Cherokee Stickball Story\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/traci-sorell\"\u003eTraci Sorell\u003c\/a\u003e\/ Illustrated by: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/joseph-erb\"\u003eJoseph Erb\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eVann, a struggling stickball player, competes in a game on the Cherokee Nation. Can he help his team win? Written by award-winning Cherokee author Traci Sorell.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVann loves his tribe’s traditional sport of stickball, but he’s not as skilled as his teammates. Vann stumbles, and he tries and fails to score. How can he help his teammates win the game? \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExciting and fast-paced,\u003ci\u003e Clack, Clack! Smack!\u003c\/i\u003e reminds readers that sportsmanship and being a team player is just as important as being the star. Back matter explains the Cherokee game of stickball, still played today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTune into this conversation with Traci Sorell and Joseph Erb on \"The Children's Book Podcast\" with Matthew Winner:\u003cbr\u003e\n \u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/p9nmRits3rw?si=CDlD0GsqaFeXBgfP\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e \n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these: \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/powwow-day\"\u003ePowwow Day\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/if-lin-can\"\u003eIf Lin Can\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/look-grandma-ni-elisi\"\u003eLook, Grandma! Ni, Elisi!\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/balletball\"\u003eBalletball\u003c\/a\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\/clack-clack-smack-spread.jpg?v=1698692481\" 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\/clack-clack-smack-cover.jpg?v=1698688616\" 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\/clack-clack-smack-cover-hires.zip?v=1698692705\"\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\u003eTraci Sorell, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTraci Sorell writes fiction and nonfiction for children featuring contemporary characters and compelling biographies. She is the author of \u003ci\u003ePowwow Day\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eWe Are Still Here!\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eWe Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga\u003c\/i\u003e, and coauthor of \u003ci\u003eMascot\u003c\/i\u003e. She is an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation and lives in northeastern Oklahoma, where her tribe is located.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/traci-sorell\"\u003eRead more \u003c\/a\u003eabout Traci Sorell.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJoseph Erb, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJoseph Erb is a computer animator, film producer, educator, language technologist and artist enrolled in the Cherokee Nation. He earned his MFA degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Erb created the first Cherokee animation in the Cherokee language, “The Beginning They Told.” He has spent many years working on projects that will expand the use of Cherokee language in technology and the arts. He teaches at the University of California Santa Cruz. He has spent his life in the continued dedication to continue Indigenous stories and language.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/joseph-erb\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Joseph Erb.\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 Junior Library Guild Gold Standard 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\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?4673889858015672850\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e Kirkus Reviews\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo Cherokee teams play a game of stickball in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Vann feels insecure about having missed a key shot in last week’s match. “Stickball requires speed,” after all, and his “towering body” won’t cooperate. As Vann and his team, the Eagles, take to the field against the Redhawks, they “zip,” “chase,” and “rush” for the ball, their wooden sticks clashing with a “CLACK, CLACK!” Coach gives the team a pep talk in Tsalagi, the Cherokee language. He reminds them of gadugi, the importance of working together. As the players return to the field to finish the game, Vann’s best friend, Jesse, gives him an encouraging smile. The game is now tied. Can Vann and his team win? Sorell and Erb, both members of the Cherokee Nation, deliver an uplifting story of team spirit and collaboration; the emphasis is on group triumphs rather than individual victories. Writing in terse, alliterative prose—“a tackle, a twist, and a wrong turn”—Sorell skillfully builds tension as she choreographs this action-packed game. Erb’s thick-lined cartoon illustrations have a pleasing solidity; they capture the chaos and drama of the game and depict players with a range of brown skin tones. The story features frequent Tsalagi words and phrases. Backmatter stresses the importance of keeping the Cherokee language alive and explains the significance of stickball, which traditionally was used to settle conflicts. Stand and cheer for this fast-paced tale of sportsmanship and community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?4673889858015672850\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e Publishers Weekly\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTeamwork makes the dream work in this stickball-centered picture book from Cherokee creators Sorell and Erb. Haunted by missing the final shot in the previous game, Cherokee player Vann also worries about his speed: “His towering body isn’t fast. Smaller teammates—like Vann’s best friend, Jesse—zip across the field.” In English and Tsalagi, the game progresses as the coach encourages the team to “work together—gadugi—an important Cherokee value.” Onomatopoeic text relays the “CLACK CLACK” of play while subtly outlining the sport, and bold-lined digital illustrations capture the fast-moving match alongside the ample community watching from the sidelines, making for a work that supplies a strong sense of camaraderie and competition—and allows for values to win the day. A Tsalagi glossary and notes about stickball and language conclude.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSorell’s high-energy and uplifting story proves that team spirit can make true success. Vann doubts his abilities and contributions to the team’s success as the stick game progresses. Ultimately, Vann recognizes that despite the differences among them, they all can contribute an important role, which starts with trusting in himself. Emerging readers can relate to Vann and this doubt that comes from being a part of a team and not wanting to let them down. The illustrations successfully portray the high emotions that come with an intense game. With the inclusion of Tsalagi (Cherokee) vocabulary, the surrounding context still allows non-Cherokee readers to grasp the meaning of the words in real time. There is also an included glossary of words that were in the story, including the Tsalagi syllabary, English transliteration, pronunciation, and meaning. VERDICT This fast-paced and exciting reflective story on sportsmanship and overcoming self-doubt provides concise representation into Cherokee cultural activities while keeping the story relatable to many growing readers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eChildren's Literature\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this book written and illustrated by Cherokee Nation tribal members, it’s the girls against the boys in a fast-paced game of Cherokee stickball. The boys, the Eagles, were ahead, but the girls’ team, the Redhawks, has tied the score. Can the boys score three more points to win? Athletes from other sports will empathize with Vann, an Eagle, who feels the pressure since he missed the final shot last week and his team lost. His confidence is shaken. Can he score the winning goal today or can he figure out another way to help his team win? Perhaps teamwork, an important Cherokee value, is the winning solution. Striking cartoon illustrations feature players with a range of skin tones and hairstyles, both often silhouetted and highlighted against a white background. Illustrations with varying points of view pull the reader into the game, sometimes as a player on the field, sometimes as part of a mad scramble for the ball, and sometimes in a close-up conversation between Vann and his teammate and friend Jesse. Extensive back matter provides a detailed glossary and pronunciation guide for the Cherokee words in the text and information about the Cherokee Nation’s efforts to keep the Tsalagi (Cherokee) language alive. In addition, a description of stickball rules and the historical use of the game to settle disputes between villages is illustrated by photos of stickball equipment and actual games in progress. \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:978-1-62354-193-4\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 4-7\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 32\u003cbr\u003eTRIM SIZE 8 x 10\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePublication date: August 6, 2024\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[\/TABS]\u003c\/p\u003e"}