Book Review: One Lil Indian

One Lil Indian (The Adventure of Oli – Book One). Debra ʻKeshinowahkiew’ Campbell (Author) and Sean Ramirez (Illustrator). Self-Published, October 25, 2019, Trade Paperback and E-book, 98 pages.

Reviewed by Roger Prosise.

One Lil Indian is the story of a nine-year-old Native American girl, Oli, who dreams of going on a family vacation. In her dreams, Oli flies around the world, and at times finds herself among wild animals, thriving in nature as she walks and talks with them. 

Oli's parents are aware of Oli's special gift—one that she could use to help save the environment—but neglect to tell her. This creates tension throughout the story, as the reader learns of Oli’s mission and her inherent struggles.

When Oli connects with the Great Spirit, she demonstrates her belief in the existence of a Greater Power or God and how the Great Spirit was there to help her. 

When Oli’s parents give gifts to the many people who helped raise her, the reader learns more about Native American culture, the sweat lodge ceremony, and how prayer is used to help the sick. 

As Oli gets ready for her trip, she packs a medicine wheel, which is a part of the Menominee culture. When Oli spotted a hawk near her Uncle Bob's house, who she thought to be Bob, the bird wished her well and left her with the message: take care of Mother Nature and Mother Nature has a way of taking care of you. 

Does Oli overcome her fears, and is the Great Spirit there to help her? What does Oli find on her mission to China, and how does she get there? These are questions that carry the reader through the story to a final resolution.

The fact that the protagonist of the story is a little girl is a wonderful example for other girls. Oli has dreams, is brave, but still struggles with fears. The story is suspenseful, moves at a good pace, and is filled with authentic dialogue and beautiful illustrations.  

One Lil Indian, the first book of a series, is one that will capture the imagination of, and appeal to, young children with its talking animals (anthropomorphism) and the rescuing of a little girl. It's a chapter book that would work well for a read-aloud in elementary school classrooms, and the themes—save the environment and diversity—are timely messages for young people.