Two 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. (Tsalagi glossary, photographs) (Picture book. 4-8)

Two 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. (Tsalagi glossary, photographs) (Picture book. 4-8)

K-Gr 2— Sorell'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.— Kaitlin Srader