All the Stars in the Sky

The Cherokee concept of gadugi—“when we work together and help each other out, our community is stronger”—serves as a gentle reframe in this values-based work that focuses on constellations over individual stars. Asking how to be picked as his school’s “star of the week,” young Clay explains to his grandmother, Elisi, that the designation would mean “I’m the most important person in the whole school.” Musingly responding that “no one person is more important,” Elisi notes how, just as she is thankful for the man who chops wood for her each winter, he is in turn grateful for the mail carrier who helps him connect with his daughters. Using straightforward language, Cherokee, English, and Dutch author Coulson (Chasing Bigfoot) expertly shows Elisi passing knowledge across generations and with love—an action that prompts a shift in the boy’s focus. Three-dimensional-feeling colored pencil and watercolor illustrations by Ojibwe artist Nelson (If You Sailed on the Titanic) intersperse warm domestic images with sweeping views of the night sky, and the addition of beaded motifs underscores the book’s message: “Each star plays its part in keeping the constellation together.” Background characters are portrayed with various abilities and skin tones. Ages 4–8. Author’s agent: Jacqui Lipton while at Raven Quill Literary. (Sept.)