Coming Home: A Hopi Resistance Story

From master Hopi woodcarver Mavasta Honyouti, the story of his grandfather’s experience at a residential boarding school and how he returned home to pass their traditions down to future generations.

The Littlest Drop

When a fire starts near their home, all of the animals from the largest elephant to the smallest ant are too scared to do anything but watch. All, that is, except for one tiny hummingbird. She knows she must do something to save her nest. She must do what she can.

Brave

Each morning, Dad brushes the knots from his son’s long hair to braid it. The boy winces at the tugging, and at school he’s teased for his braid. But he remembers the stories of how his father and grandpa were forced to cut their hair and forbidden from practicing their traditions when they were young, and how they fought to make it possible for him to wear his hair long. Although it can hurt, having long hair ultimately makes him feel brave and strong.

Shivi’s Big Leap

Shivi can’t wait to return to the activity center with his mom and dad. Today is the day, he’s finally going to reach the top of the climbing wall. But when he arrives, the climbing wall is much higher than he remembered. How will he ever reach the top? When Shivi realizes he can channel his favorite Hindu god, Hanuman, to summon the courage to scale the wall, he starts to imagine exactly how Hanuman would reach his goal. Hanuman is brave, bold, and fearless. Shivi can be all of those things too, right?

Henna Is . . .

Henna is nature seeds sprouted into shrubs, leaves kissed by tropical rain. Henna is color, the orange of juicy mangoes, sun kissed brown, or black as the feathers of crows. Henna is fragrance, earthy and nutty, lemony and clovey .The intricate patterns of flowers, feathers, vines, and other symbols painted and stained onto skin has been a tradition in cultures all around the world for thousands of years. Beautiful and eye catching, henna also carries the scents, textures, and colors of family and identity.

Tío And Tío: The Ring Bearers

Evan and Andy are excited to visit Mexico for their uncles’ wedding and their parents are excited that the boys will have a chance to experience the culture, practice their Spanish, and learn responsibility as ring bearers in the ceremony. Once they arrive, Evan and Andy just want to play soccer, swim, and eat all the great food. However, once the festivities are in full swing and the boys witness the love and happiness between their two tíos, they quickly embrace their role in their uncles’ very special day.

Mistaco

After an awful day at school, Izzy wants to be left alone. But it’s Friday, and that means making tortillas with Lito. As the mistakes pile up, they come tumbling out of Izzy and Lito surprises her by saying everyone makes mistakes, and if she makes a tortilla out of her mistakes, he will EAT it.”Mmmm. . .spicy! And boogery! With a hint of courage. My favorite taco EVER!” Suddenly, the whole family is confessing and getting mistakes off their chests with a feast of mistacos!