Rock Your Mocs

Reviewed by Debbie Reese

Review Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature
Book Author: Laurel Goodluck

Several years ago on Native social media, I saw people talking about plans to wear their moccasins for “Rock Your Mocs” day. On that day, we took photos of our mocs and shared them joyously in a way that radiated an Indigenous solidarity vibe (I’m borrowing that phrase from page 12 of Cynthia Leitich Smith’s new book, Harvest House). I felt a tremendous lift, scrolling through my timelines and looking at the many different kinds of moccasins people were wearing. If you want to see what I mean, search #RockYourMocs on social media.

A couple of years ago, when I saw that Laurel Goodluck and Madelyn Goodnight were doing a picture book about Rock Your Mocs day, I was absolutely delighted! Turning that day into a picture book is brilliant! It is one way to show readers that Native peoples are people of tribal nations located across the continent, and that our names, languages, histories, stories, songs homes — and clothing — are unique. Continue reading on American Indians in Children’s Literature.

---

Rock Your Mocs by Laurel Goodluck
Published by HarperCollins Publishers on October 10, 2023
Genres: American Indians First Nations Metis Inuit
Pages: 32
Reading Level: Early Childhood, Grade K
ISBN: 9780063099890
Review Source: American Indians in Children's Literature
Also by this author: Forever Cousins

Publisher's Synopsis: In this happy, vibrant tribute to Rock Your Mocs Day, observed yearly on November 15, author Laurel Goodluck (Mandan, Hidatsa, and Tsimshian) and artist Madelyn Goodnight (Chickasaw) celebrate the joy and power of wearing moccasins — and the Native pride that comes with them. A perfect book for Native American Heritage Month, and all year round!

We're stepping out
and kicking it up.
Wearing beauty on their feet —
as art, as tradition,
with style, with pride —
kids from different Native Nations know
every day is a day to ROCK YOUR MOCS!

This book contains an author's note with additional information about moccasins and Rock Your Mocs day, for readers curious to learn more about intertribal pride and the joy found in different Native identities! Rock Your Mocs Day has now been extended to a week in November, and during that week, kids from all over the United States join together to show pride in their heritage.