What Kimi Discovered – Alan M Weber

This is a book for children .. and for those who teach them. It’s a sensitive, respectful alternative to the traditional Columbus Day and Thanksgiving related books and lessons that stereotype, objectify and otherwise do injustice to Indigenous Americans. It’s the story of a little girl who discovers that knowledge of self and of others is the heart of learning.

Over the course of half a century within the field of education, author Alan M. Weber noticed negative stereotypes, historical inaccuracies and holes in school curricula on the topic of America’s Indigenous people. Today, he aims to correct the misinformation through a new children’s book. In What Kimi Discovered, a young girl named Kimi embraces her Wampanoag heritage and ultimately discovers that cultural diversity is truly something to appreciate.

“Children’s books confront a lot of difficult and important issues, but one issue that has seemingly slipped through the cracks is the objectification and mistreatment of Indigenous Americans,” Weber says. “The period from Columbus Day to Thanksgiving is rife with curriculum, celebrations and books that are not only insensitive but blatant miseducation of students.” For Weber, the time has come for children to learn the truth as well as cultural sensitivity and appreciation. He says, “It is my hope to honor Indigenous America and the spirit of diversity by highlighting its richness and its responsibilities.

Reviews

bookworm

I wish this book was around when my children were younger.

July 25, 2019

Format: Paperback

Verified Purchase

Every year at least one of them did something or learned something in school that I really didn’t agree with. Then when I did student teaching I saw more things that made me want to say something. But I never knew how to approach it. I mean, Native Americans have gotten a raw enough deal without schools thoughtlessly making it worse instead of better. This book really says it perfectly, and it wouldn’t offend anyone, something I was always afraid of doing if I opened my mouth. Please get this book. Share it with your child’s teacher, or better, share it with your child. I’m really glad I was told about What Kimi Discovered and now have a copy to share.

Jennifer Turner

Best book I’ve read that had culture consideration

September 8, 2019

Format: Paperback

I am so glad to have read this book and to share it with my students. The true events that occurred on many national holidays that Americans typically celebrate are not what meets the eye. Many of the cultures that were effected by the real events still have living descendants. To mock their families pain by masking it is wrong. This book brings to light the fact that not everyone celebrates traditional American holidays and that is their right to do so. I am so happy that the teacher in this book admitted her wrongs and allowed a different perspective to be heard. I am over the moon about this book! -TKO BOOKS