The Story of Carol Powder, Cree Drummer and Activist (A Picture Book)
August 1, 2024
Grades K-3 This picture-book biography introduces readers to Carol Powder, a Cree drummer and activist. Powder was taught to drum by Moshum, her great-grandfather, who explained that the drum is the sound of a mother's heartbeat. He made Carol's first drum and taught her that when she grew up, people would discourage women drummers. As an adult, she trained all her children and grandchildren in drumming and formed a female drumming group, Chubby Cree. Havrelock's (Saddle Lake Cree Nation) text reads smoothly, successfully conveying the feelings that drummers such as Powder experience. The inclusion of selected Cree drum lyrics complement the story's tone. Aphelandra's (Oneida) digitally enhanced pen-and-ink drawings favor purples, pinks, and yellows, resulting in a sunny, playful feel. She also incorporates the bilingual lyrics into her art, often as undulating words on a white swirl. Her style is minimalist, with straightforward lines and shading used to define objects and characters; she employs several simplified Cree designs, as well. With appended notes from the author, illustrator, and Powder, this is a welcome Indigenous biography.
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Starred review from October 15, 2024
In Carol Powder's Cree family, drumming skills are passed down through the generations. "Moshum's drumbeat went, PUH-POM, PUH-POM, PUH-POM, PUH-POM. Uncles' voices poured out, 'Hi-ya, hi-ya, way-ah, hey-ah-oh.' Kokum sang, 'We are strong...We are singing...And we will continue.'" Variations on this potent refrain are artfully threaded through Havrelock (Saddle Lake Plains Cree) and Aphelandra's (Oneida Nation of Wisconsin) biography of drummer Powder. Carol learns to drum from Moshum, her great-grandfather, who says, "Women first made the drum. It is the sound of a mother's heartbeat" and emphasizes that all people, including women and children, should drum together, "because that's the only time anyone's going to heal." He tells her that one day women will be excluded from drumming but that it's up to her to change that. After he passes, Carol continues to practice, growing up to teach her own children to drum and forming Chubby Cree, a female Indigenous drumming group. When Carol is told at a powwow that women are no longer welcome to drum, she faces her fears of speaking up (brilliantly illustrated in hues of blue) and continues to do so to this day, performing with her band, which now includes her grandson. Cree words are strung throughout the radiant illustrations, which make use of bold lines and a sunset palette. Characters are depicted in traditional Indigenous clothing, and the book has multiple gorgeous wordless spreads. Stunning and empowering. (author's and illustrator's notes, note from Carol Powder)(Picture-book biography. 4-8)
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Starred review from November 1, 2024
Gr 1-2-A beautiful and striking story about Carol Powder and the legacy of caring for the drum. Taught by her great-grandfather on the meaning of the drum and how to play, Powder developed a deep connection to the beat, her family, and beyond. The strong connection carries her, as she ages, to share the powerful origins of the drum to subsequent generations. The wondrous illustrations encapsulate the life and joy that is expressed in drumming, both to the heart and eye. The imagery is blended and pleasing, strengthening the story's emotions. VERDICT A wonderful volume that gives insight into the powerful source of joy and intention; Powder's dedication to her teachings extends into the next generations with every turn of the page.-Kaitlin Srader
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