Sorell has spent her life with her family living on the Cherokee Nation tribe's reservation in northeastern Oklahoma by Fort Gibson Lake.
[1] During her time at Berkeley, Sorell lived in Madrid and taught English and Spanish to children and adults.
[1] Sorell began her career by helping Native Nations and their citizens by writing "legal codes, testimony for Congressional hearings, federal budget requests, grants and reports.
"[2] Since beginning her writing career, Sorell has continued to focus on incorporating culturally accurate books about Cherokee and other Indigenous people for children and young adults.
[1] Four of Sorell's books are Junior Library Guild selections: Powwow Day,[4] We Are Still Here!,[5] We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga,[6] and Classified.