#NotYourPrincess: Voices of Native American women.

 

Bibliography

Charleyboy, L., & Leatherdale, M. B. (Eds.). (2017). #NotYourPrincess: Voices of Native American women. Annick Press.

ISBN:‎ 978-1554519576

Plot Summary

This novel is a collection of poetry, essays, artwork, photographs, and personal narratives created by Indigenous women and girls across North America. This collection addresses themes like identity, colonialism, stereotypes, violence against Indigenous women, resilience, cultural pride, and healing. The book not only has powerful words, but the artwork and photographs are visually powerful. The novel is an anthology of different works that are meant to make the reader think and hit the reader emotionally. This collection is a beautiful celebration of Indigenous voices pushing back against misrepresentation and reclaiming their stories.

Critical Analysis

#NotYourPrincess is groundbreaking work because it centers solely around Indigenous women and girls' voices that have historically been silenced or misrepresented. It challenges colonial narratives that have shaped how indigenous women are viewed, especially the princess stereotype, which reduces their identities to romanticized, fictional, and harmful tropes. When I first read this, I was not sure what that meant, so before I started this book, I did not understand the title or what it would represent. Now I know that these women are saying that they are not European princesses. Indigenous nations do not have princesses, and it is inaccurate. They are real people with a complex culture and identity, not a fantasy character. They would never turn on their own people. Disney’s Pocahontas spread the false idea that Indigenous people welcomed colonizers and that romantic relationships “fixed” all conflict.  The mix of all this against them has made it harder for real Indigenous women and girls to be seen as full, complex individuals with a strong, beautiful culture.

Many of the contributors are teens or young adults. Their perspectives, language, and experiences resonate directly with adolescent readers, and they could resonate with adults, too. Young adult literature explores themes like questioning of identity, belonging, and searching for oneself. This book confronts those themes with cultural identity, stereotypes, reclaiming heritage, and coming-of-age realities for Indigenous girls. 

Overall, it was a fantastic read; it has a format of short narratives, artwork, and poems, and it’s meant to invite teen readers in. The way this book is made is supposed to bring in the attention of digitally focused youth. The title itself is a take on social media with the use of the hashtag.

Review Excerpts

• Praise for Dreaming In Indian: Recipient of 15+ awards and nominations, including a Kirkus Prize nomination and a Youth Literature Award, American Indian Library Association “[H]onest portrayals of strong, hopeful, and courageous indigenous youth living non-stereotypical lives. Not to be missed.” ―School Library Journal, *starred review 

• “Original and accessible, both an exuberant work of art and a uniquely valuable resource.” ―Kirkus Reviews, *starred review

• “Highly Recommended . . . What you see and read in this book will linger in your head and heart.” 

- American Indians in Children’s Literature, 10/04/17

Awards and Recognitions

• Nominated, Norma Fleck Award 2018

• Short-listed, Indigenous Literature Award, First Nation Communities READ 2018

• Joint winner, Nautilus Award, Silver 2018

• Joint winner, Foreword Indies Book of the Year Award, Bronze 2018

• Joint winner, Kirkus Reviews Best Books List 2017

• Nominated, Red Maple Award 2018

• Joint winner, Best Books for Kids & Teens, *starred selection, Canadian Children’s Book Centre 2018

• Short-listed, Foreword Indies Book of the Year Award 2018

• Joint winner, Notable Books for a Global Society 2018

• Joint winner, Top Ten Best Bet, Ontario Library Association 2018

• Joint winner, Books of the Year, Quill & Quire 2017

• Short-listed, Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Award, YALSA 2017

• Joint winner, Read Indigenous List, Toronto Public Library 2018

• Short-listed, Next Generation Indie Book Award 2019

• Joint winner, Skipping Stones Honor Award 2018

• Joint winner, School Library Journal Best Books List 2017

• Joint winner, American Indians in Children’s Literature Best Books List 2017

• Joint winner, Cooperative Children’s Book Center Choices List 2018

• Joint winner, Independent Publisher Book Award 2018

• Joint winner, Texas TAYSHAS Reading List 2018

• Nominated, Lincoln Award 2021

• Nominated, Amelia Bloomer Book List, ALA 2017

Connections

• Discuss how identity is shaped by culture, language, and lived experiences.

• Compare different genres (poetry vs. narrative vs. visual art) and how they convey emotion and meaning. 

• Analyze how each contributor uses voice to tell their story.