Over the course of half a century within the field of education, author Alan M. Weber noticed negative stereotypes, historical inaccuracies and holes in school curricula on the topic of America's Indigenous people. Today, he aims to correct the misinformation through a new children's book. In What Kimi Discovered, a young girl named Kimi embraces her Wampanoag heritage and ultimately discovers that cultural diversity is truly something to appreciate.
"Children's books confront a lot of difficult and important issues, but one issue that has seemingly slipped through the cracks is the objectification and mistreatment of Indigenous Americans," Weber says. "The period from Columbus Day to Thanksgiving is rife with curriculum, celebrations and books that are not only insensitive but blatant miseducation of students." For Weber, the time has come for children to learn the truth as well as cultural sensitivity and appreciation. He says, "It is my hope to honor Indigenous America and the spirit of diversity by highlighting its richness and its responsibilities.
