We Are Still Here!
Traci Sorell
We Are Still Here!
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Native American Truths Everyone Should Know
by Traci Sorell
The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Twelve kids stand strong, sharing stories that echo through time. Each voice chants, “We are still here!” but what truths will they reveal next?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early-reader nonfiction picture book introduces young children to the ongoing history, challenges, and triumphs of Native American communities through the perspectives of twelve Native children. Written by Cherokee author Traci Sorell, it explores complex topics like assimilation, language revival, and sovereign resurgence in an age-appropriate way for readers aged 5 to 8. The book balances historical facts with hopeful refrains, making it an inspiring educational resource without graphic or intense content.
Why we rated We Are Still Here! 7LE
We Are Still Here! is written at a Level 2 reading level across 43 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, We Are Still Here! works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate We Are Still Here! as 7LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, We Are Still Here! explores multicultural, social justice, history, and coming of age — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about multicultural, social justice, history.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781632899736
- Pages
- 43
- Publisher
- Charlesbridge Publishing
- Published
- 2021-04-20
- Type
- Fiction