Spirit Shadow

An Indigenous child discovers her heritage in this story about the power of our ancestors and the way they guide and shapes us, even when we don't know it yet.

Willa has always had two shadows. One at her feet and another that's been quietly beside her since the night of her birth. Always just out of reach.

Until Mom and Willa take a trip to Diligwa, a replica of an ancient Cherokee village. And it's here among wattle and daub houses and brown hands crafting, Willa realizes that Spirit is her ancestors, beckoning her to claim her Cherokee heritage. For Willa to join a Nation over 400,000 strong.

Beautifully told, Spirit Shadow is a powerful tale about reclaiming culture and finding your way home. Lovingly illustrated by debut illustrator Mary Lupton, each spread is a feast for the eyes. Filled with nods to Cherokee beadwork and weaving as well as Cherokee syllabary, Willa's story is suffused with love and tenderness. The book ends with a moving conclusion for children everywhere to embrace their own ancestors.

Back matter includes a note about Diligwa and the Cherokee Nation.

Ginger Reno has always been a writer—it just took a while for her to figure that out. (Her first clue should’ve been her family always calling her “the wordy one”). An enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation, her desire to learn about Cherokee history and culture has naturally spilled over into her writing. Ginger lives in northeast Oklahoma, within the Cherokee Nation, and spends a lot of lakefront porch time with her two favorite people—her husband and their German shepherd.

Mary Lupton is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation from Oklahoma City. Mary pursued her passion for art after completing her multidisciplinary studies degree and a minor in electrical engineering at the University of Oklahoma. Mary’s art has garnered such honors as the People's Choice Award (Painting Category) at the 52nd Trail of Tears Art Show and 1st Place (Painting Category) at the 71st Cherokee National Holiday Art Show. She lives in Oklahoma.