Indian No More

Indian No More follows Regina Petit, a young girl from the Umpqua tribe in Oregon during the 1950s. When federal termination policies dissolve her tribe's recognition and reservation, Regina's family moves to Los Angeles for a fresh start. Regina must navigate life in urban California, where she encounters different expectations and attitudes about Native American identity. Her family works to maintain their cultural traditions while adapting to their new environment and facing discrimination. The story chronicles Regina's experiences in school, her neighborhood relationships, and her growing understanding of what it means to be Native American in a changing America. Through Regina's eyes, readers witness the impacts of federal Indian termination policies on Native families and communities. Based on real historical events, this middle-grade novel explores themes of cultural identity, belonging, and the complexities of American Indian experiences during a pivotal period of U.S. history. The narrative addresses assimilation pressures while highlighting the strength of family bonds and cultural heritage.

Readers praise the book's authentic portrayal of Native American experiences during the 1950s termination era. Teachers and parents note its accessibility for middle-grade students while tackling complex themes of identity and discrimination. Readers highlighted: - Educational value about a rarely-covered historical period - Strong family relationships and cultural traditions - Regina's relatable perspective as she navigates changes - Historical photos and documents that enhance the story Common criticisms: - Some found the pacing slow in the middle sections - A few readers wanted more depth about certain side characters Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (250+ ratings) One teacher reviewer wrote: "Perfect for teaching Indian termination policies through a child's eyes." A parent noted: "Opens important conversations about belonging and heritage." School Library Journal gave it a starred review, citing its "powerful message about identity and displacement."

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🌟 Author Traci Sorell is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and writes extensively about Indigenous history and contemporary life 📚 The book was inspired by real events from co-author Charlene Willing McManis's childhood as a member of the Umpqua tribe 🏆 "Indian No More" won the American Indian Youth Literature Award in 2020 🗺️ The story takes place in 1957, during the Indian Relocation Act period when many Native Americans were pressured to leave reservations and move to urban areas 🏛️ The termination of the Umpqua tribe depicted in the book was part of a larger federal policy that terminated over 100 tribes between 1953 and 1968, affecting thousands of Native Americans