Mascot, written by Charles Waters and Traci Sorrell, published by Charlesbridge Press.

Mascot, written by Charles Waters and Traci Sorrell, is a novel in verse told from alternating perspectives of six eighth-graders and their English teacher at a suburban school outside of Washington, D.C. It’s hard enough being the new kid in school, but for Callie, speaking up against its mascot – a caricature of Native Americans – is more important than fitting in. When Ms. Williams assigns it as a project, the entire class gets involved in the debate of whether the mascot is racist, and if its prominent use in the town’s highly popular football games is unifying or damaging. Students of various backgrounds present arguments with which they don’t necessarily agree. Through research, dialogue, shifting friendships, and plenty of good (and bad) advice from adults, the students learn what can be gained by working together to change harmful systems, and how letting go of the status quo might be what is truly brave. Drawing clear parallels with how real-life institutions have dealt with this exact topic, Mascot provides insight not only into questions around Native sovereignty and humanity, but also the emotional hurdles fueling the backlash against change. The characters’ journeys offer a blueprint for any community trying to do better to create spaces of justice and belonging.

Authors: Charles Waters and Traci Sorrell
Award: 2024 Honor Chapter Book Category

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