Author Profile
Suzanne Greenlaw
1 Books
Suzanne Greenlaw is a citizen of the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians and an Indigenous scholar dedicated to restoring Wabanaki ecological knowledge. She weaves her academic background and traditional cultural practices into her engaging writing for young readers. Her acclaimed children's book, The First Blade of Sweetgrass, co-authored with Gabriel Frey, beautifully illustrates the generational tradition of sweetgrass harvesting. Through her storytelling, Greenlaw provides an authentic look into Wabanaki culture, emphasizing the deep connections between Indigenous communities and the natural world. Her work serves as an important educational resource, celebrating Native heritage and the sustainable stewardship of the earth.
Have you ever learned a special tradition from your grandparents? Join Musquon on a beautiful summer day as she travels with her grandmother to a green salt marsh. Today is an important day because Musquon is finally old enough to help her family harvest sweetgrass.
But finding the right sweetgrass isn't as easy as it looks! At first, Musquon accidentally picks the wrong kind of grass. Her grandmother patiently teaches her how to look closer, smell the earth, and listen to the land. Musquon must use all her senses and show great patience to spot the shiny, special blades hidden among the ordinary green.
This gentle, beautifully illustrated story invites you into a real Wabanaki cultural tradition. It is a wonderful tale about honoring nature, learning from your elders, and the proud feeling of mastering a new skill. Step into the marsh and see if you can spot the sweetgrass, too!
6-8 Years
32 Pages
