Keepunumuk

Ages 3 to 7, Grades P to 2

In this Wampanoag story told in a Native tradition, two kids from the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe learn the story of Weeâchumun (corn) and the first Thanksgiving. 

The Thanksgiving story that most Americans know celebrates the Pilgrims. But without members of the Wampanoag tribe who already lived on the land where the Pilgrims settled, the Pilgrims would never have made it through their first winter. And without Weeâchumun (corn), the Native people wouldn’t have helped.

An important picture book honoring both the history and tradition that surrounds the story of the first Thanksgiving.

About the Author

•  Danielle Greendeer is a citizen of the Mashpee Wampanoag Nation and works in the areas of tribal governance, cultural perpetuation, and food sovereignty. She lives in Mashpee.

  •  Anthony Perry is a Chickasaw citizen and author of Chula the Fox, an award winning middle-grade historical-fiction book. He lives in London.

  •  Alexis Bunten, Yu’pik and Unangan, authored the award-winning nonfiction book, So How Long Have You Been Native? Life as an Alaska Native Tour Guide. She lives in Monterey.

Garry Meeches Sr. (Anishinaabe) was born on the Long Plains reserve in southern Manitoba, Canada. His style is reminiscent of the plains style of art and evokes the Eastern Woodlands tradition. He lives in Connecticut, and this is his first picture book.

Author Residence: Cape Cod, MA / Maidenhead, England (outside London) / Monterey, CA

Author Hometown: Mashpee (MA) / Ardmore, Oklahoma / Seattle & Alaska

Garry Meeches Sr. (Anishinaabe) was born on the Long Plains reserve in southern Manitoba, Canada. His style is reminiscent of the plains style of art and evokes the Eastern Woodlands tradition. He lives in Connecticut, and this is his first picture book.

Illustrator Residence: Connecticut

Illustrator Hometown: Canada