Rep. Phyllis Smoke (D1) read Barb Blackdeer-Mackenzie’s book Fry Bread to the youth of Ho-Chunk Nation Head Start in advance of the Read Across America day on March 2nd.

From a flyer on the book:

A couple of years ago, the Black River Falls Middle School and Barb Blackdeer-Mackenzie established the Illustrator’s Guild student club. Through this club, Art • Teacher, Amy Olson and local author, Barb Blackdeer Mackenzie worked with the students to create a beautiful book celebrating an oral story from Barb’s family called Fry Bread. Barb consulted with the student group throughout the process on her vision for 1 the book.

The students went through the steps of story boarding, drafting to final illustrations. Cecil and Henning Garvin translated the book into the Ho-Chunk language, which is reflected on each page. Barb’s daughter Jo Mackenzie completed the final layout of the book. With the help of Title VI funding, we are able to gift a copy of the book to each Elementary and Middle School classroom, as well as each school library. Also, copies will be gifted to local places youth can access this book, like the Public Library, Child Care Centers, D1 Community Center, Medical facilitates, etc. Each student will also get a copy!

This is a wonderful accomplishment of collaboration and celebration of the time and talents of so many that made this possible!