Chickasaw Press has released five new books in the fall of 2025. These include “Chickasaw Basic Language: Workbook III,” “Where Birds Land,” “Undrowned,” “Chikasha, Nannikbi Anoli: Chickasaw Creation Story” and “Totally Possum.”
“Chickasaw Basic Language: Workbook III” by Michelle Cooke, Brandon White Eagle, Sheina Wind and the Chickasaw Language Committee.
“Chickasaw Basic Language: Workbook III” is the newest addition to the series. It provides students with easy-to-read lessons, vocabulary lists, quizzes, tests and a comprehensive answer key through five chapters of study.
“Where Birds Land” by Mary Ruth Barnes
“Where Birds Land” begins at the dawn of the 20th century with Chickasaw woman Ella McSwain navigating the fate of her family against the turbulence of Indian Territory and its imminent establishment as Oklahoma. Just as Ella’s mother, Esther McLish, fought for her son’s recognition as a Chickasaw citizen on the Dawes Rolls, Ella McSwain must now fight to receive her allotted land from the Dawes Commission.
But the road is not easy, as Ella encounters crooked businessmen, land grifters and even the Supreme Court along the way. Will the family have land to call home by the end of her battle against injustice?
Based on the true family histories of author Mary Ruth Barnes, “Where Birds Land” is the gripping continuation of her debut title “Little Bird,” noted as “an immersive and affecting work about life in Indian Territory,” by Kirkus Reviews.
“Undrowned” by G.M. DiDesidero
“Undrowned” describes how the Ancient Ones journeyed from the Underworld to fill the whole earth, and the Patrons gifted the five clans with cannys — skills ranging from healing to flight. Centuries later, mischievous teen Jasper Lindstedt finds himself in more trouble than he bargained for after freeing a dying shapeshifter from captivity.
When Jasper is framed for murder and Harissa uncovers a dark secret, they must work together to stay alive as the truth begins to unfold about their world, themselves and life as they know it.
“Chikasha Nannikbi Anoli (Chickasaw Creation Story)” illustrated by Lauren John
“Chikasha Nannikbi Anoli (Chickasaw Creation Story),” illustrated by Lauren John, is based on a traditional oral story from the late Chickasaw elder and native speaker Pauline Brown. This colorfully illustrated book shares the Chickasaw account of how the crawfish shaped our world. Readers can scan a QR code to hear the story in Chikashshanompa' (the Chickasaw language).
This is the latest addition to “The Nannanoli' (Story) Series,” a line of titles that combine the Chickasaw traditions of language and storytelling.
“Totally Possum,” by Trey Hays and illustrated by Eli Corbin
“Totally Possum,” by Trey Hays and illustrated by Eli Corbin, tells Possum’s story. Possum just wants to dance, and she is prepared to dazzle! After an embarrassing moment shatters her dream of performing in the school talent show, she decides to run away deep into the woods Will she ever dance again?
An early reader chapter book, “Totally Possum” introduces children to the world of independent reading, while addressing the prevalent emotions of adolescence. Additionally, glossaries are provided to help readers grow their understanding of performance terminology and connect to Chikashshanompa' (the Chickasaw language).
For more information, visit ChickasawPress.com.