Thanku: Poems of Gratitude

Reviewed by Debbie Reese

Review Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature
Book Author: Miranda Paul

I haven’t studied book covers for edited books of poems before. This observation, therefore, might not hold water. Here’s the cover for Thanku: Poems of Gratitude.

As you see, Thanku: Poems of Gratitude is illustrated by Marlena Myles (Myles is Spirit Lake Dakota/Mohegan/Muscokee Creek) and edited by Miranda Paul.

First, what I want you to notice is the order of the names of the people who illustrated and edited the book. Myles’s name is shown first. I don’t think I’ve seen that before . . .  and I like it! I might look for information about that arrangement. It is unusual but elevates art and artists. In recent months I’ve seen many people ask us not to ignore the illustrator’s name. There is a lot to notice, and praise, in Thanku! Teachers, especially, will find Miranda Paul’s work (as the editor) exceptionally helpful. Unobtrusively on each page, there’s a note about the kind of poem each one is, and the back matter includes definitions. Continue reading on American Indians in Children’s Literature.

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Thanku by Miranda Paul
Published by Lerner Publishing Group on November 14, 2023
Genres: American Indians First Nations Metis Inuit
Pages: 40
Reading Level: Grades 1-2
ISBN: 9781541523630
Review Source: American Indians in Children's Literature

Publisher's Synopsis:

This poetry anthology, edited by Miranda Paul, explores a wide range of ways to be grateful (from gratitude for a puppy to gratitude for family to gratitude for the sky) with poems by a diverse group of contributors, including Joseph Bruchac, Margarita Engle, Cynthia Leitich Smith, Naomi Shihab Nye, Charles Waters, and Jane Yolen.