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I Am Not a Costume Reading and Reception

ISM-Springfield
Cover of the book I Am Not a Costume with a portrait of the author beside it.
Saturday, November 21, 2026
01:00 PM to 03:00 PM CST
Illinois State Museum
  • 502 S Spring Street
  • Springfield, Illinois 62703

The ISM invites you to join us for a special reading of I Am Not a Costume by the author Maria DesJarlait.

 

I Am Not a Costume follows Ayasha, a 5-year-old Native America child who attends a costume event at school only to find that her classmates are dressed up in fake Indigenous regalia. Ayasha works with her family and community to organize a special school assembly where they share their real stories, explain their traditions, and teach her classmates about her culture.

 

The book is now an exhibit in the ISM’s lower-level Prairie Gallery! To celebrate the opening of this exhibit, we are hosting a special reading by the author followed by a reception including light refreshments.

 

This is a family friendly event where guests will be able to hear the story and learn about what motivated the author to share this message with a younger audience.