Charlene Willing Mcmanis

About the Author

Charlene Willing McManis is a celebrated author whose work shines a vital light on Native American experiences and resilience. Drawing from her own heritage as a citizen of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan, she crafts narratives that blend historical accuracy with emotional depth, making complex cultural stories accessible to young readers. Her debut novel, Indian No More, published under Tu Books, draws on her family's real-life journey during the Great Depression, when they left their tribal lands in Oregon for urban survival in Los Angeles. Through her writing, McManis honors the often-overlooked histories of Indigenous peoples, fostering empathy and understanding in a new generation of readers. With a background in education and advocacy, she continues to champion diverse voices in children's literature.