#NotYourPrincess: Voices of Native American Women

#NotYourPrincess is an anthology that collects writings, artwork, and photography from Indigenous women across North America. The contributors share stories through poetry, prose, interviews, and visual art. The book presents perspectives on identity, culture, and experiences of Native American women in contemporary society. Contributors range from teenagers to elders, representing diverse tribal affiliations and geographic locations throughout the United States and Canada. The pieces address stereotypes, traditional values, intergenerational trauma, and the ongoing impact of colonialism. Personal narratives focus on relationships with family, land, and heritage. This collection speaks to themes of resilience, reclamation of narrative power, and the complexity of Indigenous womanhood in the modern world. The format creates a mosaic of voices that challenges mainstream representations of Native American women.

Readers appreciate this anthology's diverse perspectives from Indigenous women and girls, presented through a mix of art, poetry, and personal essays. Many note the book's accessibility for both teens and adults. Positives from reviews: - Powerful combination of visual art and written pieces - Strong representation of modern Native women's experiences - Effective introduction to Indigenous feminist perspectives - Works well as a teaching resource Criticisms: - Some readers wanted longer, more in-depth pieces - A few found the format fragmented - Several mentioned wanting more historical context Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (1,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (116 ratings) Sample reader comment from Goodreads: "Each piece stands alone as powerful, but together they create an unforgettable collection that stays with you long after reading." Common feedback suggests this works best as an introduction to Indigenous women's voices rather than a comprehensive exploration of the topics covered.

If I Ever Get Out of Here by Eric Gansworth A Native American teenager navigates friendship, music, and identity in 1970s upstate New York while bridging two cultural worlds.

Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley An Ojibwe teen goes undercover in her community to investigate drug trafficking while protecting her tribal traditions and facing questions of loyalty.

Hearts Unbroken by Cynthia Leitich Smith A Native teen journalist covers her school's controversial musical production while dealing with romance and representations of her heritage.

Apple in the Middle by Dawn Quigley A biracial teen spends a summer on the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation connecting with her Native American heritage and discovering her place in both worlds.

Give Me Some Truth by Eric Gansworth Two Native American teens pursue their dreams of art and music while confronting racism and cultural appropriation in 1980s reservation life near Niagara Falls.

🪶 #NotYourPrincess was published in 2017 and won the American Indian Youth Literature Award. 📚 The book combines poetry, essays, artwork, and photography from over 50 Native American women and girls. 🎨 Lisa Charleyboy, one of the editors, is Tsilhqot'in (First Nations) and has been called "Canada's Native Cosmo Girl" for her work in Indigenous fashion and culture. ✍️ The anthology directly challenges stereotypes about Indigenous women, including the "Indian Princess" trope popularized by Disney's Pocahontas. 🗣️ Many of the contributors address intergenerational trauma from residential schools and forced assimilation, while celebrating their resilience and modern Indigenous identity.