Native Mascots, Myths, and Misrepresentations, by Cayla Bellanger Degroat

     I picked up this short non-fiction book at my local public library because the title caught my attention. This particular title is one in what will eventually be an 8-book series, all focusing on some aspect of Indigenous culture. In your parent's younger days, Indigenous people in the United States were often referred to as "Indians", but slowly, over time, we are learning that past words for these native people were inaccurate, sometimes hurtful, and wrong. Native Mascots, Myths, and Misrepresentations is a newer book hoping to correct those past mistakes and to educate all of us on the truths of these important and varied people and cultures.

    This particular book describes the use of native words and images in school and professional sport teams. Only a few years ago the professional baseball team called the Cleveland Indians changed their name to something less hurtful, the Cleveland Guardians. Closer to home, the professional football team in Washington, DC changed their name from the Redskins to the Commanders. But not all team names have changed, and books like these are important for all of us to understand why many people - native and non-native alike - insist that these hurtful names are removed from our everyday usage.

    This series is written for elementary students, probably upper elementary grades, according to the publisher. I think they'd be best when read alongside an adult who can help explain some of the words used and ideas being written about. But I don't think anyone is too young to begin to understand the messages in these books and to help be the change in our communities to correct past errors. An important topic and series that everyone should read! 4 paws!