For Native American Heritage Month, we’re highlighting stories told by Native voices. Who Am I? by Julie Buchholtz, a member of the Bay Mills Tribe of Chippewa Indians, is a poetic story about a young girl searching for her identity through a single but profound question she poses to her mother.

“You are the fire that burns and the eagle that soars. You are the oak tree and the wild rose,” says her mom. Written from an Indigenous perspective, this book is an “own voice” winner. Her mother responds with metaphors that ground her daughter in the natural world, showing how each element of nature holds purpose and meaning. Beyond nature, the metaphors also connect her and her daughter to their ancestry, reminding readers that identity is deeply rooted in the presence of those who came before us, and the wisdom ancestors transmit to current generations.

The book’s illustrations are filled with Native symbolism, and scenes of the natural world are realized in a rich pallet with saturated tones. The visual experience emphasizes the relationships among people, animals, and ancestors, while incorporating many scenes that hint at universal connections. This cultural approach beautifully instills a sense of belonging to Nature, and with these perspectives a child may link identity to both heritage and the natural environment.

By the end, the protagonist internalizes her mother’s guidance, moving from uncertainty to confidently presenting her identity. Buchholtz closes with a message reminding readers that our relationship with Mother Earth is reciprocal, and caring for her ensures the well-being of future generations. The book is ideal for Kindergarten through third grade readers and nurtures a sense of connection and belonging to the earth and the natural world, while encouraging a thoughtful way to mark Native American Heritage Month with self-reflection.