In this episode, we welcome a power couple in the Native publishing space: Thomas (Tom) Peacock and Elizabeth (Betsy) Albert-Peacock. Tom and Betsy are educators, academics, authors and publishers focused on uplifting Native stories. They also both have new books out that are appropriate for students: Tom’s novel, set at a Native boarding school, is called “In Whispers: Simon and Carolina,” and Betsy’s picture book about an Ojibwe bear cub and its mother is called “Makoons.”

Allison and Odia interview Tom and Betsy about their new books, backgrounds in writing and education, and tips for how educators can select the best books on Native experiences for the classroom.

What if a school’s mascot is seen as insensitive or even racist by some, but not by everyone? In this episode, Odia interviews best-selling author and Cherokee Nation citizen Traci Sorell about her compelling middle-grade novel “Mascots,” in which she tackles the hot-button issue of using Native American mascots in schools with fellow BIPOC author, Charles Waters. Traci also shares more about her other inclusive, award-winning fiction and nonfiction books for young people and resources for using them in the classroom.

James Vukelich Kaagegaabaw is a renowned speaker, digital creator and advocate for Native language and culture. He has written two books: “The Seven Generations and The Seven Grandfather Teachings,” about Indigenous wisdom, and his forthcoming children’s book, “Wisdom Weavers: Explore the Ojibwe Language and the Meaning of Dream Catchers.” In this episode, Odia and Allison sit down with James to discuss his work and opportunities for teachers to bring his books into the classroom, plus his thoughts on living a life of “mino-bimaadiziwin,” or the good life.

Indian or Native American? Ojibwe or Chippewa? Dakota or Sioux? Many educators feel unsure about which terms they should use in reference to Native people. In this episode of Books are Good Medicine, hosts Allison Waukau and Odia Wood-Krueger discuss the appropriateness of commonly used terms and phrases. They also recommend which ones you should use in the classroom and which to avoid and recommend resources on this topic.

There are many books about the Native American experience. What are the best ones for young children? In this episode of Books are Good Medicine, hosts Allison Waukau and Odia Wood-Krueger share their picks for the top books about Native Americans that every elementary school library should have.

Dr. Anton Treuer is a professor of Ojibwe at Bemidji State University and celebrated author of many books, including “Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask” and “The Language Warrior’s Manifesto.” In this episode, Anton discusses his recently released debut novel, “Where Wolves Don’t Die.” He also explains how he aims to reach young people through his “Ojibwe Word of the Day” series and his role in other important Ojibwe language revitalization efforts.

Among the most memorialized women in American history, Sacajewea served as interpreter and guide for Lewis and Clark’s Corps of Discovery. In this episode, award-winning author Debra Magpie Earling (Bitterroot Salish) discusses her latest novel, The Lost Journals of Sacajewea, which re-centers Sacajewea as the arbiter of her own history. Debra shares what she thinks everyone should know about the real Sacajewea and how she envisions this book being used in classrooms.

Content warning: This book contains violence and other mature content.

Welcome to Books are Good Medicine, a new podcast exploring books and other K-12 teaching resources on the Native American experience. For many Indigenous communities, storytelling has been and is a critical component of cultural identity and healing for generations. Meet hosts Allison Waukau and Odia Wood-Krueger, who share how reading offers a form of good medicine, as books have the power to inspire, inform and empower students as they discover the world around them. They also share resources for educators who are looking to incorporate reliable information on Native topics into their curriculum. This podcast is sponsored by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community and produced by Goff Public. Our theme music is “Stomp Dance”by Bluedog.