Award-winning Native American children's author Laurel Goodluck has collaborated with the New Mexico Library for the Blind and Print Disabled to make her storytelling accessible to visually impaired readers. As an enrolled member of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nations, and an Alaska Native Citizen of the Tsimshian Tribe, Goodluck has recorded four books for the National Library Service's audio collection. These books aim to reach more people with visual impairments.
Goodluck worked alongside Yavar Moradi, a library technician at the New Mexico Library for the Blind and Print Disabled, to create new culturally informed image descriptions for two of her books. These descriptions are designed to accurately reflect Native American heritage and experiences. Moradi noted that this is the first instance where an author has participated in creating original image narration for illustrations.
The newly recorded audiobooks include "Rock Your Mocs," "Too Much," "Fierce Aunties!," and "Yáadilá! Good Grief!" Jennifer McGill, Outreach Librarian for the New Mexico State Library, expressed gratitude for Goodluck's contributions: "We are immeasurably grateful for the time that Goodluck has given to make these books accessible to patrons of the National Library Service."
These new audiobooks will be featured by the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled at the Library of Congress along with two previously recorded titles by Goodluck. Earlier this year, her book "She Persisted: Deb Haaland" was selected as one of 2025's New Mexico Great Reads by the New Mexico Center for the Book. This recognition highlights its significance in representing New Mexico's literary landscape at the National Book Festival.
The New Mexico Library for the Blind and Print Disabled is part of a network under the National Library Service that provides resources like audiobooks, magazines, and braille items to individuals with low vision or print disabilities. More information about their services can be found on their website or by calling 505-476-9770.
The New Mexico State Library operates under the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs. It supports public libraries and offers direct services to rural populations, state agencies, visually impaired individuals, physically disabled persons, students, and citizens conducting research.
For further details about their offerings visit nmstatelibrary.org.
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