FIERCE AUNTIES!

An ode to the women who celebrate and care for their people.

As Goodluck (Mandan/Hidatsa/Tsimshian) makes clear, these honored relatives extend far beyond biological family. “They can be a family member or a favorite teacher, coach, or friend in the community. Fierce Aunties are women who you look up to and admire.” They support the young Native narrator through everyday life, whether the child is learning to ride a bike or attending a social justice rally. Their encouragement takes many forms: “When they tease and joke, you know how much they care. When they give you a pep talk, you sit up straighter, realizing they believe in you.” The author emphasizes Indigenous aunties, whose wisdom, love, and advocacy demonstrate the depth of their ferocity. The aunties in this story vary in skin tone and age, but all “are a force of nature” who show up for the protagonist in big and small ways. Littlebird’s (Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde) digital illustrations lend the narrative a comic book–style exuberance, underscoring the joyful love between the main character and the aunties. Backmatter includes an author’s note praising the aunties in Goodluck’s life. Aunties fill so many important roles, though their contributions aren’t always acknowledged; this sunny homage acknowledges crucial figures in many children’s kindred networks.

The magic and power of aunties are on affectionate display in this tender tale.