2024, American Indian Library Association Youth Literature Best Picture Book

2022, National Council of Teachers in English Charlotte Huck Award

2022, Junior Library Guild Selection

Forever Cousins

Illustration by Jonathan Nelson

Publisher: Charlesbridge | Published: Oct 4, 2022

Reading Age: 4–7 years | Grade Level: Preschool–2

Native creators Laurel Goodluck and Jonathan Nelson share a sweet picture book with the universal experience of family and friends moving away.

In this Native American story, Kara and Amanda are best-friend cousins. Then Kara leaves the city to move back to the Rez. Will their friendship stay the same?

Kara and Amanda hate not being together. Then it's time for the family reunion on the Rez. Each girl worries that the other hasn't missed her. But once they reconnect, they realize that they are still forever cousins. This story highlights the ongoing impact of the 1950s Indian Relocation Act on Native families, even today.

This tender story about navigating change reminds readers that the power of friendship and family can bridge any distance.