Traci

Sorell

Award Winning Children’s Author

Bestselling Indigenous Writer

Travels from: Tulsa, Oklahoma

“Traci Sorell is a treasure! Many students, many of which are Cherokee citizens, were so excited to explore the Cherokee heritage through the pages of her book. They loved hearing and reading We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga, learning the Cherokee language, and getting a glimpse into the Cherokee culture. Wado, Traci! You are welcome in our library any time!!”- Glenn C. Moore Elementary School

Best-selling author Traci Sorell writes inclusive, award-winning historical and contemporary fiction and nonfiction in a variety of formats for young people. She is a two-time Sibert Medal and Orbis Pictus honoree and award-winning audiobook narrator and producer. Her first five books have received awards from the American Indian Library Association. Other accolades include Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor, International Literacy Association’s Social Justice Literature Award Winner, Reading The West’s Picture Book Winner, and many Best-of and Notables lists. In 2023, she shares CONTENDERS: TWO NATIVE BASEBALL PLAYERS, ONE WORLD Series, a Kirkus Reviews starred nonfiction picture book biography illustrated by Arigon Starr, and MASCOT, a middle grade fiction novel-in-verse co-authored with Charles Waters.

A former federal Indigenous law attorney and policy advocate, Traci is a Cherokee Nation citizen and first-generation college graduate. She lives within her tribe’s reservation in northeastern Oklahoma.

Contenders: Two Native Baseball Players, One World Series

Kokila |

April 11, 2023

Children’s/Middle Grade

The true story of John Meyers and Charles Bender, who in 1911 became the first two Native pro baseball players to face off in a World Series. This picture book teaches important lessons about resilience, doing what you love in the face of injustice, and the fight for Native American representation in sports.

Charles Bender grew up on the White Earth Reservation in Northwestern Minnesota. John Meyers was raised on the Cahuilla reservation in Southern California. Despite their mutual respect for each other’s talents and their shared dedication to Native representation in baseball, the media was determined to pit them against each other.

However, they never gave up on their dreams of being pro baseball players and didn’t let the supposed rivalry created by the media or the racism they faced within the stadium stop them. They continued to break barriers and went on to play a combined total of nine championships.

With text by Traci Sorell and illustrations by Arigon Starr that brings these two players to life, the stories of John Meyers and Charles Bender remain an inspiration for achieving and maintaining one’s dreams in the face of prejudice.

Bestselling Authors, Bipoc Author, Female Author, Grades K-5, Kid Lit, Middle Grade, Native American & Indigenous Authors, Sports

She Persisted: Wilma Mankiller

Philomel Books |

October 4, 2022

Children’s/Middle Grade

Inspired by the #1 New York Times bestseller She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger, a chapter book series about women who spoke up and rose up against the odds–including Wilma Mankiller!

The descendant of Cherokee ancestors who had been forced to walk the Trail of Tears, Wilma Mankiller experienced her own forced removal from the land she grew up on as a child. As she got older and learned more about the injustices her people had faced, she dedicated her life to instilling pride in Native heritage and reclaiming Native rights. She went on to become the first woman Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation.

In this chapter book biography by award-winning author Traci Sorell, readers learn about the amazing life of Wilma Mankiller–and how she persisted.

Complete with an introduction from Chelsea Clinton, black-and-white illustrations throughout, and a list of ways that readers can follow in Wilma Mankiller’s footsteps and make a difference! A perfect choice for kids who love learning and teachers who want to bring inspiring women into their curriculum.

And don’t miss out on the rest of the books in the She Persisted series, featuring so many more women who persisted!

Bestselling Authors, Bipoc Author, Female Author, Grades K-5, Kid Lit, Middle Grade, Native American & Indigenous Authors

Powwow Day

Charlesbridge |

February 8, 2022

Children’s

In this uplifting, contemporary Native American story, River is recovering from illness and can’t dance at the powwow this year. Will she ever dance again?

River wants so badly to dance at powwow day as she does every year. In this uplifting and contemporary picture book perfect for beginning readers, follow River’s journey from feeling isolated after an illness to learning the healing power of community.

Additional information explains the history and functions of powwows, which are commonplace across the United States and Canada and are open to both Native Americans and non-Native visitors. Author Traci Sorell is a member of the Cherokee Nation, and illustrator Madelyn Goodnight is a member of the Chickasaw Nation.

Bestselling Authors, Bipoc Author, Female Author, Grades K-5, Kid Lit, Native American & Indigenous Authors

One Land, Many Nations: Volume 1

Reycraft Books |

August 18, 2021

Children’s

A Two books in one/Flip Book 1. Cherokee Nation by Traci Sorell and 2. Pueblo of Laguna by Lee Francis IV

The continental United States is one land, but within its borders are many nations sovereign Native American nations whose citizens have dual citizenship. In Volume 1 of this series, Native Americans Traci Sorell (Cherokee) and Lee Francis IV (Pueblo of Laguna) take readers on a contemporary tour of their nation. Readers learn the history of their people, famous citizens, traditional stories, as well as details about tribal life today including their system of government, education, and commerce.

Bestselling Authors, Bipoc Author, Female Author, Grades K-5, Kid Lit, Native American & Indigenous Authors

We Are Still Here!: Native American Truths Everyone Should Know

Charlesbridge |

April 20, 2021

Children’s/Middle Grade

Twelve Native American kids present historical and contemporary laws, policies, struggles, and victories in Native life, each with a powerful refrain: We are still here!

Too often, Native American history is treated as a finished chapter instead of relevant and ongoing. This companion book to the award-winning We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga offers readers everything they never learned in school about Native American people’s past, present, and future. Precise, lyrical writing presents topics including: forced assimilation (such as boarding schools), land allotment and Native tribal reorganization, termination (the US government not recognizing tribes as nations), Native urban relocation (from reservations), self-determination (tribal self-empowerment), Native civil rights, the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), religious freedom, economic development (including casino development), Native language revival efforts, cultural persistence, and nationhood.

Bestselling Authors, Bipoc Author, Female Author, Grades K-5, Kid Lit, Middle Grade, Native American & Indigenous Authors

Classified: The Secret Career of Mary Golda Ross, Cherokee Aerospace Engineer

Millbrook Press |

March 2, 2021

Children’s/Middle Grade

Discover the story of how a math-loving girl blazed a trail for herself and others in this American Indian Library Association Youth Literature Award Honor Picture Book, Classified: Secret Career of Mary Golda Ross, a biography for children ages 7 – 11

Mary Golda Ross designed classified airplanes and spacecraft as Lockheed Aircraft Corporation’s first female engineer. Find out how her passion for math and the Cherokee values she was raised with shaped her life and work.

Cherokee author Traci Sorell and Métis illustrator Natasha Donovan trace Ross’s journey from being the only girl in a high school math class to becoming a teacher to pursuing an engineering degree, joining the top-secret Skunk Works division of Lockheed, and being a mentor for Native Americans and young women interested in engineering. In addition, the narrative highlights Cherokee values including education, working cooperatively, remaining humble, and helping ensure equal opportunity and education for all.

Bestselling Authors, Bipoc Author, Female Author, Grades K-5, Kid Lit, Middle Grade, Native American & Indigenous Authors

At the Mountain’s Base

Kokila |

September 17, 2019

Children’s

A family, separated by duty and distance, waits for a loved one to return home in this lyrical picture book celebrating the bonds of a Cherokee family and the bravery of history-making women pilots.

At the mountain’s base sits a cabin under an old hickory tree. And in that cabin lives a family — loving, weaving, cooking, and singing. The strength in their song sustains them through trials on the ground and in the sky, as they wait for their loved one, a pilot, to return from war.

With an author’s note that pays homage to the true history of Native American U.S. service members like WWII pilot Ola Mildred “Millie” Rexroat, this is a story that reveals the roots that ground us, the dreams that help us soar, and the people and traditions that hold us up.

Bestselling Authors, Bipoc Author, Female Author, Grades K-5, Kid Lit, Native American & Indigenous Authors

Indian No More

Tu Books |

September 14, 2019

Children’s/Middle Grade

Regina Petit’s family has always been Umpqua, and living on the Grand Ronde reservation is all ten-year-old Regina has ever known. Her biggest worry is that Sasquatch may actually exist out in the forest. But when the federal government signs a bill into law that says Regina’s tribe no longer exists, Regina becomes “Indian no more” overnight–even though she was given a number by the Bureau of Indian Affairs that counted her as Indian, even though she lives with her tribe and practices tribal customs, and even though her ancestors were Indian for countless generations.

With no good jobs available in Oregon, Regina’s father signs the family up for the Indian Relocation program and moves them to Los Angeles. Regina finds a whole new world in her neighborhood on 58th Place. She’s never met kids of other races, and they’ve never met a real Indian. For the first time in her life, Regina comes face to face with the viciousness of racism, personally and toward her new friends.

Meanwhile, her father believes that if he works hard, their family will be treated just like white Americans. But it’s not that easy. It’s 1957 during the Civil Rights Era. The family struggles without their tribal community and land. At least Regina has her grandmother, Chich, and her stories. At least they are all together.

In this moving middle-grade novel drawing upon Umpqua author Charlene Willing McManis’s own tribal history, Regina must find out: Who is Regina Petit? Is she Indian? Is she American? And will she and her family ever be okay?

Bestselling Authors, Bipoc Author, Female Author, Grades K-5, Kid Lit, Middle Grade, Native American & Indigenous Authors

We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga

Charlesbridge |

September 4, 2018

Children’s/Middle Grade

The Cherokee community is grateful for blessings and challenges that each season brings. This is modern Native American life as told by an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation.

The word otsaliheliga (oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah) is used by members of the Cherokee Nation to express gratitude. Beginning in the fall with the new year and ending in summer, follow a full Cherokee year of celebrations and experiences. Written by a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, this look at one group of Native Americans is appended with a glossary and the complete Cherokee syllabary, originally created by Sequoyah.

Bestseller, Bestselling Authors, Bipoc Author, Female Author, Grades K-5, Kid Lit, Major Award Winning Authors, Middle Grade, Native American & Indigenous Authors

Understanding Contemporary Social Justice Issues and Craft Choices in Writing About Them

MASCOT, CONTENDERS, and WE ARE STILL HERE!

Traci’s recent fiction and nonfiction works link historical and contemporary social justice issues. She’ll share her process in determining how she decides the target audience, format and craft choices she makes to taise awareness and hook readers into those stories.

Crafting Compelling Nonfiction

The popularity of nonfiction in children’s literature continues to grow as more books enter the market showcasing innovative text structures, captivating art, and engaging text. Traci will share the tools she uses to research and craft compelling nonfiction books.

Contemporary Native American Representations in Children's Literature

Native people show up more often in children’s literature than they do in classroom texts and mainstream pop culture. Traci will highlight her work and those of others that provide all students of all ages with much needed books that reflect the contemporary lives of Native Nations and their citizens in the United States.

An Author's Life: Reading, Writing, Revising & Teaching

What does an author do? Traci will reveal her path to becoming a published author, including how she draws inspiration from those early visits to her school and local libraries to craft stories as well as how becoming a first generation college graduate shapes the work she does now.

“We were lucky enough to have Traci Sorell visit our K-8 Tribal School this past year. To say it was remarkable would be an understatement! She spoke to all our kids about her award-winning book and shared teachings about the beautiful Cherokee culture. She also spoke about how important representation in literature is for all students, and how under-represented our Native American students are in contemporary children’s literature. She shared excerpts from her upcoming stories with them and did writing workshop sessions with several of our classes. She even met with smaller groups of students to share her own path to becoming a published author. She helped my students to see that being a writer is a real possibility. Many students today have a hard time figuring out how to become something they cannot see, and Traci helped my students imagine themselves as future authors, showed them a pathway to get there, and provided them with the inspiration they need to share their own stories. Miigwech, wado, thank you, Traci!”
~ Susan Solomon, Gifted Education Specialist, JKL Bahweting School, Sault Ste. Marie, MI

“As a writer for young people and a lawyer and Native American policy-maker, Traci is an ideal visitor to any school setting, from elementary schools to universities. Over the course of one day, I observed Traci talk about writing and Cherokee culture with elementary students, and then converse with teachers and university professors about education, writing, Native voices in children’s literature, Cherokee history, and federal policy with equal comfort. Traci has so much to share with children, their teachers, and their parents– about the writing process, the representation of Native Americans in contemporary children’s literature, and more.”
~ Dr. Mary Ann Cappiello, Professor, Language and Literacy, Lesley University and former Chair of NCTE’s Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Young People, Cambridge, MA

“Traci Sorell is a treasure! My students, many of which are Cherokee citizens, were so excited to explore the Cherokee heritage through the pages of her book. They loved hearing and reading We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga, learning the Cherokee language, and getting a glimpse into the Cherokee culture. Wado, Traci! You are welcome in our library any time!!”
~ Christi Horner, Librarian, Glenn C. Moore Elementary School, Nowata, OK

“We appreciated the range of learning styles touched on in the course of your presentation. By incorporating movement, art, literature, emotional intelligence, and an appreciation for diversity, you invited the entire room of young readers to engage with your lovely book.”
~ Kit Ballenger, former Program Director, An Open Book Foundation, who coordinated visit to Payne Elementary School in Washington, DC

“During her visit, Traci engaged with children, teachers, teacher candidates, and university faculty in a variety of settings. Each interaction brought delight, challenge, insight, and enriched appreciation of not just Cherokee culture but also the many lovely ways of being in this world. Wado, Traci!”
~Dr. Sue Christian Parsons, Associate Professor and Jacques Munroe Professor of Reading and Literacy, Oklahoma State University

Traci’s name pronunciation link

Spotlight on Traci Sorell and her books in Ohio State University’s Mirrors and Doors Spring 2022 Newsletter

Traci’s Press Kit

Honors, Awards & Recognition

Best-selling author of WE ARE GRATEFUL OTSALIHELIGA, her debut picture book
Two time Sibert Medal and Orbis Pictus Award Honoree
American Indian Youth Literature Award – Middle Grade Winner
American Indian Youth Literature Award – Picture Book Honor for first four picture books
Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Award
Septima Clark Women in Literature Award – Honor Book
International Literacy Association’s Social Justice Literature Award – Nonfiction Winner
Reading the West Award – Picture Book Winner
Multiple titles receiving starred reviews from Kirkus, School Library Journal, Booklist, The Horn Book, and Shelf Awareness
Multiple titles selected for best books of the year by NPR, Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, and Booklist’s Editor’s Choice
Multiple titles selected for ALA Notable Children’s List, NCSS Notable Trade Books and ILA CL/R SIG’s Notable Books List
Mathical Book Prize – Honor Book
NSTA Best Stem Books for K-12
Read Across America, National Education Association, Two time Elementary Book selection for national calendar