Indigenous Ingenuity: A Celebration of Traditional North American Knowledge

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)

Gr 5 Up--Havrelock (Saddle Lake Cree Nation) and Kay present an extraordinarily comprehensive history of Indigenous peoples of North America and their important contributions to the world of STEM. Throughout the eras, Indigenous peoples have positively added to the realms of ecology, transportation, communications, agriculture, textile technology, mathematics, and more. In North America, those identifying as Indigenous number 25 million, from over 1,000 nations, each with its own culture, language, oral traditions, and traditional knowledge. Written in a conversational tone with interesting prompts and important, little-known historical facts, this book will amaze readers and teachers as it demonstrates how pervasive and crucial the history of Indigenous people is. The title is accessible, with tie-ins students can relate to, such as the dogsled teams that brought anti-diphtheria serum to remote Alaska comparing to similar extreme efforts during the COVID-19 era. Black-and-white photos, both modern and historical, are peppered throughout, as are simple yet fun experiments and activities. Readers are called upon to reciprocate and focus on a sustainable future for their generation and those yet to come. The book contains an authors' note explaining their vision to celebrate North American Indigenous innovations in STEM, along with a glossary, bibliography, notes, and an index. VERDICT 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.--Michele Shaw