Reviews

Josie Dances by Denise Lajimodiere

hereisenough's review

3.0

Josie Dances is specifically about a child's role in preparing and waiting for a summer powwow, boiling down to asking for a costume and spirit name, practicing, and ultimately dancing. I love the peek into this reality, and it seems that the audience is definitely Indigenous children, because the book is not informational, nor investing in characterization. However, I am able to learn how a powwow is absolutely a family affair, reflecting that one's identity is deeply tied to your familial elders, as well as spirituality and nature. This is emphasized in the way family contributes to her preparation with intention, prayer, and care.

afro8921's review

5.0

It takes a community to get ready to dance in the big pow-wow. One little girl practices daily and asked for the support of her community as she takes her place in the pow-wow. The illustrations are vibrantly hued and end papers feature Native American people in different regalia. I also loved the glossary of terms in the back of the book.

ljrinaldi's review

4.0

This is such a cute story of a little girl who is getting ready for her first powwow dance. But to dance, she needs to get leggings, moccasins, a shawl, and a spirit name, as well as learn her dance. She seeks the help of her mother, her aunty, her grandmother, and the tribal elder Grandma Greatwalker.

The designs of these things are so beautiful, and made with such love. It is a wonderful book, written by someone within the community, and with designs of the Ojibwe people as well. There is a glossary at the end where you can learn simple words in the language too. And while we learn how to say Yes and No, we also get to learn now to say messy hair "shakaweesh".

The author said she was inspired by her own daughter getting ready to do her first dance.

Thanks to Edelweiss to making this book available for an honest review.

little_silver's review

5.0

Gorgeous. Contains Anishinaabemowin words for mother, grandmother, daughter, niece, granddaughter, and more; along with a relatable storyline

naomiysl's review

emotional informative slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

A solid "this is how x culture does things" book, detailing an important moment in a young child's life. 

backonthealex's review

4.0

In order to dance in the next year's powwow, Josie asks the women in her Ojibwa family - mom, aunty, and Grandma Greatwalker - to help create her regalia. Over the course of the year, they work on her regalia while Josie practices her dance. There are beautiful watercolor illustrations throughout, including the end papers. I read this after reading Ancestor Approved and wanted to know more about jingle dancing. Pair it with Cynthia Leitich Smith's picture book Jingle Dancer.

afro75's review

5.0

It takes a community to get ready to dance in the big pow-wow. One little girl practices daily and asked for the support of her community as she takes her place in the pow-wow. The illustrations are vibrantly hued and end papers feature Native American people in different regalia. I also loved the glossary of terms in the back of the book.

marywahlmeierbracciano's review

hopeful informative lighthearted slow-paced

4.0

Young Josie can't wait to join in her first powwow dance, but before then, the women of her family must help her prepare for the big day.  Her relatives sew and bead her special ribbon dance outfit, and, with an offering, Josie asks an elder to dream her spirit name.  Beautiful illustrations of native plants and animals abound while Josie waits for summer to arrive.  Then, like a majestic eagle, she dances for the first time at the powwow and is introduced by her new spirit name.  A lovely addition to Indigenous children's literature.