Minneapolis, MN — Robins Kaplan LLP and Little Free Library® today announced a partnership to expand access to culturally relevant books for Indigenous youth through Little Free Library’s Indigenous Library Program. Together, the organizations will distribute copies of Beyond the Game: Jordan Marie Brings Three White Horses Whetstone to library stewards serving Tribal communities throughout the United States and collaborate to establish a new Indigenous Library Program book-sharing box on Jordan’s home reservation of Lower Brule in South Dakota.
The book, written by acclaimed author Andrew Maraniss, illustrated by DeAndra Hodge, and published by Viking, shares Whetstone’s journey from growing up Lakota in South Dakota to becoming a Division I athlete and nationally respected advocate for Indigenous rights and representation. The title is part of the Beyond the Game early chapter book series, highlighting athletes who are driving positive change beyond sports.
“Because of the generosity of Robins Kaplan, 231 Indigenous Library Program stewards will be able to share the story of an amazing Indigenous athlete and social justice warrior, Jordan Marie Brings Three White Horses Whetstone,” said Talia Miracle, manager of Little Free Library’s Indigenous Library Program. “As the manager of the Indigenous Library Program, I am committed to providing stewards with books that uplift and inspire Indigenous youth, and Andrew's book does just that!”
The initiative reflects a shared commitment to improving book access in communities that are often underserved by traditional library systems. It also aligns with Robins Kaplan’s long history of advocating for Tribal sovereignty, public safety, and self-determination through its American Indian Law and Policy Group.
“This partnership reinforces our dedication to supporting Tribal communities and uplifting the stories that matter to them,” said Tim Purdon, Chair of Robins Kaplan’s American Indian Law and Policy Group and former United States Attorney for North Dakota. “Jordan’s story is one that will resonate deeply with young readers, and we’re proud to collaborate with Little Free Library to help share it.”
“I’m incredibly grateful that Indigenous kids across the country will learn Jordan’s courageous and inspiring story thanks to this collaboration between Robins Kaplan and Little Free Library,” said Maraniss, a New York Times bestselling author of sports and social justice nonfiction for children, teens, and adults. “Providing children access to books on Native subjects is vitally important in Tribal communities. Not only is this an important initiative to support literacy, Jordan’s story shows kids how one person can use their voice to make powerful change on behalf of Indigenous people.”
“It’s a surreal feeling and experience to have your story told, that it’s forever a book with the best illustrations that visually piece it together,” said Jordan Marie Brings Three White Horses Whetstone. “Stories like mine aren’t uncommon for Indigenous Peoples. I’m privileged and lucky to have mine be there for the world to learn from. Working with Andrew and DeAndra was an opportunity to not only braid my own personal story, but connect it with other Indigenous experiences, and elevate Indigenous stories, culture, and causes that are important to us. Running was my way to honor my family, my culture, for those no longer here, and to amplify what’s important. I wished when I was little that I had a book like this to read. And now, I get to be part of that for the next generations with these Little Free Libraries and be able to help give back in this way.”
As the initiative rolls out, Robins Kaplan will collaborate with Whetstone, Maraniss, and Little Free Library on joint media efforts to elevate awareness of the Indigenous Library Program and inspire additional Indigenous Library placements across Tribal Nations.
ABOUT LITTLE FREE LIBRARY
Little Free Library® (LFL) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that builds community, inspires readers and expands book access for all through a global network of volunteer-led Little Free Library book-sharing boxes. There are more than 200,000 registered Little Free Libraries worldwide in all 50 states, in 128 countries and on all 7 continents. LFL has received the World Literacy Award as well as honors from the Library of Congress, National Book Foundation and others. The organization grants Little Free Libraries full of books to underserved areas through its Impact Library and Indigenous Library programs and champions diverse books through its Read in Color initiative. Learn more at LittleFreeLibrary.org.
ABOUT ROBINS KAPLAN LLP
Robins Kaplan LLP is a national trial law firm with a leading American Indian Law and Policy Practice, founded and led by former United States Attorneys. The firm represents Tribal Nations in high-stakes disputes involving sovereignty, land and resource protections, federal trust responsibilities, and public safety. Driven by a commitment to justice, self-determination, and community impact, Robins Kaplan partners with Tribal clients to defend and advance their sovereign rights across the United States. Learn more at RobinsKaplan.com.
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