This marvelous book uses photographs and text to depict the life of a 13-year-old Ojibway girl, Shannon Anderson, who lives with her grandmother, sisters and cousins in Minneapolis. Shannon's life is firmly rooted in her cultural heritage. A fancy dancer belonging to two drum and dance groups, Shannon goes through detailed preparations to get her intricate costumes ready for performances, but she is proud of her skills in the traditional ways of her people. "It's a good thing I'm Indian," she says to her grandmother, and her grandmother replies, "...always remember to be glad. Remember that wherever you go, all that you are goes with you." (Ages 7-11)

This is an exemplary respectful description of an urban native American teenager and her family. School, homework, and preparation for a performance make up her busy days.