Josie Dances
“Josie Dances” by Denise K. Lajimodiere is a bilingual children’s book published by Minnesota Historical Society Press in 2021. This 32-page story follows Josie, an Ojibwe girl, as she prepares for her debut at a summer powwow. With the help of her family, she gathers the essential items needed for her performance, including a dress, shawl, and her spirit name, while practicing her dance steps and embracing her cultural heritage.
Readers will find a heartfelt narrative that emphasizes the importance of family and community support in Josie’s coming-of-age journey. The story beautifully illustrates the preparations for the powwow, showcasing the skills of her mother, aunty, kookum, and Grandma Greatwalker. Through elegant artwork by Angela Erdrich, the book captures not only Josie’s experience but also the connection to nature and traditions that bind her to her ancestors. Themes of diversity and multiculturalism are woven throughout, making this a meaningful addition to juvenile fiction.
Official synopsis Publisher
Josie dreams of dancing at next summer’s powwow. But first she needs many special things: a dress, a shawl, a cape, leggings, moccasins, and, perhaps most important of all, her spirit name. To gather all these essential pieces, she calls on her mom, her aunty, her kookum, and Grandma Greatwalker. They have the skills to prepare Josie for her powwow debut.
As the months go by, Josie practices her dance steps while Mom stitches, Aunty and Kookum bead, and Grandma Greatwalker dreams Josie’s spirit name. Josie is nervous about her performance in the arena and about all the pieces falling into place, but she knows her family is there to support her.
The powwow circle is a welcoming space, and dancers and spectators alike celebrate Josie’s first dance. When she receives her name, she knows it’s just right. Wrapped in the love of her community, Josie dances to honor her ancestors.
In this Ojibwe girl’s coming-of-age story, Denise Lajimodiere highlights her own daughter’s experience at powwow. Elegant artwork by Angela Erdrich features not only Josie and her family but also the animals and seasons and heartbeat of Aki, Mother Earth, and the traditions that link Josie to generations past and yet to come.
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