Thank you to NetGalley, Lerner Publishing Group, and the authors for an advanced copy of this book. 

I’ve been intrigued with Braiding Sweetgrassfor some time, so when I heard about the YA adaptation I jumped on the opportunity to read it. Robin Wall Kimmerer uses personal experiences, anecdotes, and gathered knowledge to weave together lessons about ecology. The book covers an array of topics including understanding sustainability and reciprocity, gratitude, our relationship with nature, and reclamation. 

 

Throughout the book, I enjoyed the push to reconnect with history and reclaim culture. I also deeply appreciate and respect the frequent reminders that readers should find ways to learn from this information without appropriating Indigenous culture and practices. 

 

I honestly think the YA adaptation of Braiding Sweetgrass is a perfect gift to younger readers. The entire time I was reading, I kept thinking about how I would have benefitted from having this book at a young age. The information is presented in an accessible language without degrading the message or making the reader feel like they are being spoken down to. The illustrations and photographs add to the book's character. I found the sidebar definitions fit in well, and the guided questions kept me engaged with the overall message. 

 

This should be a staple that is reread periodically to fully digest the message. I’ll be recommending this to everyone I can.