Publishers Weekly
05/08/2023
In this approachable work, Saddle Lake Cree Nation author Havrelock (Buffalo Wild!) and Kay (the Gross Science series) focus on “precontact North American Indigenous STEM. That is, the traditional knowledge that Indigenous people were already using before 1492.” Via authoritative, meticulously researched prose, the creators detail Native peoples’ significant strides in scientific pursuits. Outlining ongoing advancements and detailing informational STEM practices, chapters cover sustainable land management and ecology, communications technology, transportation, health sciences, architecture and civil engineering, and more. In a chapter highlighting agriculture and food technology, the authors note how, 9,000 years ago, Mesoamerican Indigenous farmers genetically engineered select grass seeds to create corn as it is known today. By connecting Indigenous peoples’ overlooked endeavors to the concepts’ modern-day counterparts—for example, coats made of animal intestines, which the Inuit called annuraaq, were eventually adopted by British colonizers, who called them anoraks—Havrelock and Kay showcase Native tribes’ continual and enduring impact. Photographs, as well as interactive activities detailing recipes and science experiments, feature throughout, lending a hands-on approach to this clear and concise work. Back matter includes tribal territories, a glossary, a list of Indigenous science organizations, and more. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 8–12. Agent: Amy Tompkins, Transatlantic Literary. (May)
From the Publisher
Praise for Indigenous Ingenuity:An NCTE Orbis Pictus Honor Book An American Association of Geography Recommended Book A National Education Society Read Across America Selection Winner of the Nerdy Book Club Award for Best Longform Nonfiction A Canadian Children’s Book Centre Best Books for Kids & TeensA School Library Journal Best Book of the Year A Shelf Awareness Gift Guide SelectionA Junior Library Guild SelectionRecommended Reading on Indigenous Rights by The American Society of International Law "An astonishing, exuberant treasure trove of history, science and hands-on activities that repeatedly begs the question: "Why didn't I know this?" Essential for kids and adults. We need this book." —Candace Fleming, award-winning author of The Rise and Fall of Charles Lindbergh and The Family Romanov
"This book will amaze readers and teachers as it demonstrates how pervasive and critical the history of Indigenous people is. A completely unique and important narrative not to be missed; readers and teachers will come away with a new appreciation for the myriad contributions Indigenous people have made."—SLJ, starred review
"A conversational tone invites readers to engage with this monumental collection . . . Curious readers will learn facts unique to individual tribal groups while gaining knowledge of STEM/STEAM concepts. An ambitious, appealing, and accessible work documenting and protecting valuable knowledge."—Kirkus Reviews
"Engaging and informative, this will be welcomed by both STEM and social studies curricula to help to correct prevailing narratives about Indigenous technology." —Booklist, starred review
"Via authoritative, meticulously researched prose, the creators detail Native peoples’ significant strides in scientific pursuits . . . [and] showcase Native tribes’ continual and enduring impact. Photographs, as well as interactive activities detailing recipes and science experiments, feature throughout, lending a hands-on approach to this clear and concise work."—Publishers Weekly
"This book is a valuable contribution to efforts to decolonize learning and introduce readers to the breadth of indigenous knowledge as practiced in widely disparate geographic zones."—Canadian Review of Materials
"An engaging and cleverly compiled guide to North American and Mesoamerican Indigenous innovation. STEM topics (housing, medicine, clothing, agriculture, and hunting among them) are compellingly and conversationally discussed."—Shelf Awareness
Kirkus Reviews
2023-02-25
A comprehensive unveiling of the “rich scientific legacy” of Indigenous Peoples.
Havrelock (Saddle Lake Cree Nation) and Kay address misunderstandings about Indigenous Peoples and their ways of knowing. They reveal significant Indigenous contributions in the areas of ecology and sustainability, transportation, health sciences, mathematics, and more. Readers are called to action “to come together and build a mutually respectful and healthier future.” A conversational tone invites readers to engage with this monumental collection and explore the forward thinking of numerous Indigenous nations, each credited for their ideas by name. Curious readers will learn facts unique to individual tribal groups while gaining knowledge of STEM/STEAM concepts such as friction, biochemistry, papermaking, musical instruments, and more. Each chapter highlights how Indigenous inventions have long-lasting legacies. For example, the authors explore how Indigenous designers created the continent’s first metal fishhooks along with the precursors to anoraks and crampons, to name a few. Modern and historical photographs adorn the text seamlessly, enhancing the reading experience. An ancient counting system is hidden in plain sight throughout, which observant readers discover in a later chapter. Minibiographies of contemporary Indigenous role models shine in sidebars, including artists, scientists, and other innovators. Young readers will delight in simple science experiments sprinkled throughout. Final art not seen.
An ambitious, appealing, and accessible work documenting and protecting valuable knowledge. (cultural areas and peoples referenced, glossary, Indigenous science organizations, bibliography, source notes, index) (Nonfiction. 9-16)
