Sorell, Traci. Clack, Clack! SMACK! A Cherokee Stickball Story. Joseph Erb, Illus. Charlesbridge, 08/2024. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 978-1-6235-4193-4. GRADES Kindergarten–3. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
In this picture book about sports and teamwork, the Eagles (boys) and Redhawks (girls) are playing a game of stickball. Vann, who is bigger and slower than his teammates, is feeling insecure as the Redhawks are making points and tying the game. But after a few false starts, Vann works with his teammates to score a perfect hit and win the match. Dialogue between characters in the story is all in Tsalagi (Cherokee, in English). A glossary with Tsalagi syllabary, English transliteration, pronunciation, and meaning is included in the back matter along with a note about preserving the language. There is also a description of stickball and its history as well as some photos from a tournament game. The digital artwork depicts the Cherokee players as tan- and brown-skinned with a variety of hair colors, styles, and lengths. Spectators appear diverse in age and gender. The author and illustrator are both members of the Cherokee Nation.
Rachael Reiley—Hillcrest Elementary K–8 / Oakland Unified School District