Native American Heritage and Alaska Native Month
What began at the turn of the century as an effort to gain a day of recognition for the significant contributions the First Americans made to the establishment and growth of the United States has resulted in the month of November being designated for that purpose. In 1990 President George Bush approved a joint resolution designating November 1990 as "National American Indian Heritage Month." Similar proclamations have been issued each year since 1994. National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month is celebrated to recognize the intertribal cultures and to educate the public about the heritage, history, art, and traditions of the American Indian and Alaska Native people. Source: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs, visit their site at: http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/Heritage/Heritage_History.cfm The National Park Service site http://www.cr.nps.gov/nr/feature/indian/ has lots of useful information and a great many links to other appropriate and useful sites.
Contributor: Sheilah Egan
The following books are just some of the vast array of titles available on Native Americans and Alaska Natives:
Reviews
The Algonquin
Natalie M. Rosinsky
Part of the series "Native Americans," this title begins by explaining who the Algonquin people actually are. The name Algonquin means "at the place of spearing fishes and eels" and waterways are traditionally important to these people. The father's family was most important and the right to hunt in a certain territory was handed down to sons upon the death of the father. Stories were very important to the Algonquin people and the reader learns about the creation of the world through the eyes of the Algonquin-- and how smoking a pipe was part of their time of prayer. Today the Algonquin hold on to their traditions as they work through modern problems. In their schools, children learn their native language along with French or English. A proud people, they have hopes of overcoming years of mistreatment and broken promises because they are growing in numbers. As in other books in this series, the author is careful to use both visuals and writing to show the similarities and differences between the Native Americans. Even though each tribe has its own story of the creation of the world, the use of story telling and approach to surviving adversities, the author has shown the thread of pride, perseverance, and wisdom that is evident in each group. Important vocabulary words are in bold throughout the book, which includes a glossary, timeline, additional resources list, and a brief section of additional interesting facts. This is an excellent book for classroom use as it is full of information, yet is very easy to read with its short chapters and photographs that accompany the text. 2005, Compass Point Books, $22.60. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Kathie M. Josephs (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7565-0642-5
American Indian
Ellyn Sanna, Compiler
Recipes contributed by Alfred Herron
If American Indian cookery is what you want--this is the book for you. As you look at these recipes you may see the influence that Indian food traditions have had. Food experts indicate that 60 percent of modern foods around the world came from Native people of the Americas. To start, "Special American Indian Flavors" are listed. Each recipe is laid out in a simple but attractive format on the page under "Ingredients and Directions." In a small insert, the "Cooking Utensils You'll Need" are listed and on the opposite page is a beautiful picture of the finished product. The size of the book is nice for laying on a counter or for propping up. Some of the really unique recipes include Salmon Soup (Pacific Northwest), Sunflower Seed Soup (Northeast), Fried Squash Blossoms (Southwest), Steamed Fiddleheads (Northeast) plus others. There are some all will recognize, like Indian Pudding, Maple Popcorn Balls, and Blackberry Cobbler. The color and design of the whole book is magnificent. The front of the book contains an "Introduction"; "American Indian Culture, History, and Traditions"; "Before You Cook" with safety tips; a "Metric Conversion Table"; "Pan Sizes"; "Useful Tools, Utensils"; and a "Cooking Glossary." At the back are further reading and information sources, an index, and credits for the author, recipe tester/food preparer, consultant, and recipe contributor and picture credits, This book is part of the "American Regional Cooking Library: Culture, Tradition, and History" series. The series' consultant is The Culinary Institute of America. 2005, Mason Crest Publishers, $19.95. Ages 12 to 18. Reviewer: Naomi Butler (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-59084-611-7
American Indian Mythology
Evelyn Wolfson
Wolfson's collection is prefaced by introductory material explaining the author's approach to it. Each story is also accompanied by an introduction, questions and a summary of selected expert opinion. The stories range from raven tales from the Northwest to Glooscap from the Micmac tradition. A pictorial map shows tribal homelands. The tales themselves are retold simply and clearly, in a compelling and straightforward narrative voice. The decision to speak of some extant Native American peoples in the past tense is a curious one. Still, on the whole, this is a thoughtful collection. Chapter notes, a reading list, related Internet sites and an index are included. 2001, Enslow, $20.95. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Uma Krishnaswami (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7660-1411-8
The Anasazi
William W. Lace
This title is part of the publisher's "Lost Civilizations" series, which also includes titles about the Ancient Greeks and the Minoans. Present-day tribes of the Rio Grande Valley of New Mexico are understandably less than pleased to have their ancestors thus lumped into the Victorian-era concept of ancient "lost" cultures. Nonetheless, this is a handsome book, and to be fair, the author does a creditable job of referencing the connections between tribes such as the Hopi, Zuni, and others to these southwestern sites. "It is no mystery to us," he cites a Cochiti tribal member as saying of the romantic notion of "empty" or "abandoned" sites. Elsewhere in the book, numerous photographs and sidebars document further connections between present-day Pueblo cultural practices and artifacts found in so-called "Anasazi" sites. Chapters in the book cover evolving theories of the migration of the first peoples to the North American continent, evidence of early habitation, archeological classifications of the people who predated the ancestral Pueblo, and the flowering of the culture that led to the massive structures of Chaco Canyon and Mesa Verde, and the lesser-known Kayenta site. Other material addressed includes rituals and religion, the Chacoan roads, evidence of everyday life, what might have led to the original users leaving the sites, and the legacy they have left to Native America and, in particular, the tribes of the southwest. Newer research findings are highlighted and current controversies in archeology are explained. Back matter includes text notes; a reading list; a bibliography of works consulted, including Internet sources; an index, and photo credits. 2005, Thomson Gale, $28.70. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Uma Krishnaswami (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-590-18563-3
The Apache
Carolyn Casey
Part of the "First Americans" series, this title introduces young readers to the Apache, or Ndee, of Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Mexico, and Colorado. Four chapters cover: geography and history, lifeways, beliefs and ceremonies, and present day issues. The lifeways chapter includes information on traditional dwellings, food, clothing, and child-rearing. The chapter on beliefs describes the girl's coming-of-age ceremony and customs relating to healing, marriage, and death. Modern-day jobs and businesses are described in the last chapter. Intriguing inserts appearing throughout the book present a brief biography of Geronimo, instructions for making fry bread and a pretend Medicine Shield, a creation story, and a few common Apache words with their English translations. The use of larger than average print, interspersed with many attractive color photos, helps make this book appealing and appropriate for a fairly young audience. An index, a map, time line, glossary, bibliography, and web sites list are included. This title should be useful for elementary students' reports and browsing. 2006, Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark, $18.95. Ages 8 to 11. Reviewer: Gisela Jernigan, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7614-1894-6
Arctic Son
Jean Craighead George
Paintings by Wendell Minor
Love of place is the focus of Jean Craighead George's Arctic Son. Born in the Arctic, baby Luke receives an Eskimo name, Kupaaq, as well as an English one and is introduced to the beauties of his stark home by Eskimo friends. Through the engaging narrative, which emphasizes respect for the natural world, young readers can learn about the northern lights, fishing traditions, snow caves and the ancient song that welcomes the sun after the dark winter. Wendell Minor's paintings capture the subtle color and details of this landscape where "things are very different." 1997, Hyperion, $14.95. Ages All. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum (Children's Literature).
Children will be surprised by some of the points of view in this picture book. It's based on the author's grandson, Luke, who lives in an Inupiat village in Alaska. Luke, who is given the Eskimo name Kupaaq, experiences harsh conditions as a way of life. He learns that a snow cave is a "cozy and warm" place to nap, that 24-hour sunshine means you can play as long as you like, and that whales offer sustenance to the Inupiat people. George stretches things a bit when she says the sun doesn't rise in the winter or set in the summer; it does both those things, eventually, in each season. Illustrator Minor's watercolors capture both traditional and modern ways of life: dogsleds and school buses, trick-or-treating and the whaling festival. The author and illustrator have created a respectful portrayal of Alaska Native life. 1997, Hyperion Books for Children, $14.95. Ages 3 to 5. Reviewer: Donna Freedman (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K--Grade 6, 12th Edition, 1999; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 1998; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Kaleidoscope, A Multicultural Booklist for Grades K-8, Third Edition, 2001; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Seal of Approval Winner Holiday 1997 Children's Books United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Texas Reading Club, 2005; Texas
ISBN: 0-7868-0315-0
ISBN: 0-7868-2255-4
Bear Dancer: the Story of a Ute Girl
Thelma Hatch Wyss
Elk Girl, sister of Ouray, grew up as a traditional Ute in the Rocky Mountains but was captured by the Cheyenne when she was a young girl. She became a slave to Quill Woman who collected, sorted, and sewed quills into buffalo skins, until she ran away. She was caught and sold to the Arapahos where she tanned buffalo skin and made clothing. When the white soldiers came they took Elk Girl and treated her with respect. Mary Carroll befriended her, called her Susan, made her dresses, and taught her English. When they deemed it safe, two white men escorted Elk Girl through Arapaho country to her Ute home. Later she repaid the generosity of the white men by saving the lives of three women and two children who were captured by the Ute in the Meeker Massacre of 1879. Although this is a fictional account of Elk Girl, Ute life in the later half of the nineteenth century is depicted accurately. Historical notes at the end of the book clarify actual events. 2005, Margaret K. McElderry Books/Simon & Schuster, $15.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Janet L. Rose (Children's Literature).
Prepare yourself for a beautifully-crafted story, strong language, and an engaging character who tells an unfamiliar story. Elk Girl lives in the Rocky Mountains during 1860 with her Ute tribe. She celebrates her tribe's customs and learns to shoot a deer with a bow and arrow. Elk Girl listens to the tale of Skunk Eyes, and attends the horse races. However, her life is shattered when Cheyenne Warriors capture Elk Girl. During her capture, Elk Girl's only friend is a yellow dog, who meets with a terrible fate. Eventually, the feared white men rescue Elk Girl. Elk Girl's notions about the white man change as Susan makes her a dress, and Elk Girl realizes that she is not the white man's slave. Elk Girl makes her way back home. However, upon returning home she finds that the white man has built their fences in the Shining Mountains and a treaty must be negotiated. This book is a must-have for librarians, educators, and young readers. A well-crafted story with beautiful language, and a spark of the unusual, makes this author one to look for in the future. 2005, Margaret K. McElderry Books, $15.95. Ages 11 to 14. Reviewer: Mindy Hardwick (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Books 2005: One Hundred Titles for Reading and Sharing, 2005; New York Public Library; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Mountains and Plains Booksellers Association Awards Winner 2006 Young Adult United States
ISBN: 1-4169-0285-6
Beaver Steals Fire: A Salish Coyote Story
Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes
Illustrated by Sam Sandoval
This story is part of a fire education project. It tells of the value of fire among the Indian people and the part it plays in our ecology and fire management. In Salish tradition fire is a gift from our creator that can nurture and take care of the earth. According to the oral history of the people of Montana, fire at one time belonged only to animals above, guarded by Curlew, and available to humans below on earth. Coyote devises a plan to steal fire aided by his friends, Beaver, Eagle, Wren, Grizzly Bear, Snake, and Frog. Steeped in the tradition of the tribe, this book teaches the value of fire and respect for its capabilities. The illustrations created by the tribal artist Sam Sandoval are actually breathtaking. You expect the characters to reach out, touch you, and speak. This is a beautiful way to introduce children to an aspect of the culture and traditions of Indians in the United States. It points out our need to respect our land and how fire can assist in that endeavor. 2005, University of Nebraska Press, $14.95. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Leila Toledo (Children's Literature).
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
American Indian Youth Literature Award Winner 2006 Picture Book United States
ISBN: 0-8032-4323-5
ISBN: 978-0-8032-4323-1
The Birchbark House
Louise Erdrich
Illustrations by the author
Tender pencil illustrations by the author and a story of how traditional Ojibway life might have been for a little girl in 1847 on an island in Lake Superior give this book a "Little House in the Big Woods" feeling. While subjects include seasonal activities, a trickster pet crow, and children's games, Erdrich also includes smallpox and the undercurrent of white intentions upon the Native American community, as well. 1999, Hyperion, $14.99. Ages 7 to 11. Reviewer: Susan Hepler, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
Omakayas, a young girl of seven winters, was impatient for her front teeth to grow, longed to be as perfect as her older sister Angeline, disliked her brother Little Pinch, but loved the baby Neewo. She did not look forward to the difficult task of tanning a moose hide, although she knew it had to be done. As we follow her through the year, we discover along with her how simple life was that spring. Lack of food during the winter, devastation by smallpox, and the westward movement of the white folk were spelling impending doom to their lifestyle. Finally she would hear a fantastic story of her survival at age two from Old Tallow, a strange woman who treated her in a special way. The reader is immersed in the life of the Ojibwa in the mid-nineteenth century Lake Superior region: their lifestyle, survival techniques, and the changes occurring with the arrival of the white man. The characters and their relationships are well drawn. According to the author's note in the front, this is the first of several books that will trace her family history. I eagerly await the next one. 1999, Hyperion, $14.99 and $3.98. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
50 Multicultural Books Every Child Should Read, 2006; Cooperative Children's Book Center; United States
Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K-Grade 6 13th Edition, 2002; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2000; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Books to Read Aloud to Children of All Ages, 2003; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Capitol Choices, 1999; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
The Children's Literature Choice List, 2000; Children's Literature; United States
Editors' Choice: Books for Youth, 1999; American Library Association-Booklist; United States
Fanfare Honor List, 1999; Horn Book; United States
Kaleidoscope, A Multicultural Booklist for Grades K-8, Fourth Edition, 2003;
National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Lasting Connections, 1999; American Library Association; United States
Los Angeles' 100 Best Books, 1999; IRA Children's Literature and Reading SIG and the Los Angeles Unified School District; United States
Middle And Junior High School Library Catalog, Eighth Edition, 2000; H.W. Wilson; United States
Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Ninth Edition, 2005; H.W. Wilson; United States
Not Just for Children Anymore!, 2001; Children's Book Council; United States
Notable Books for a Global Society, 2000; Special Interest Group of the International Reading Association; United States
Notable Books for Children, 2000; American Library Association-ALSC; United States
Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts, 2000; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2000; National Council for the Social Studies NCSS; United States
Parent's Guide to Children's Media, 1999; Parent's Guide to Children's Media, Inc.; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, May 1999; Cahners; United States
Recommended Literature: Kindergarten through Grade Twelve, 2002; California Department of Education; California
Serving Native American/First Nation Youth Populations, 2003; ALSC American Library Association; United States
Teachers' Choices, 2000; International Reading Association; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
ABC Children's Booksellers Choices Award Winner 2000 Middle Grade Readers United States
American Indian Youth Literature Award Winner 2006 Picture Book United States
Jane Addams Children's Book Award Honor Book 2000 Longer Book United States
Jefferson Cup Award Honor Book 2000 United States
Western Heritage Awards Winner 2000 United States
Wordcraft Circle of Native Writers & Storytellers Award Winner 2000 United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Cochecho Readers' Award, 2000-2001; Nominee; Dover, New Hampshire
Delaware Diamonds, 2002-2003; Nominee; Grades 3-5; Delaware
Maine Student Book Award, 2000-2001; Nominee; Maine
Maud Hart Lovelace Book Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; Grades 3-5; Minnesota
Michigan Reader's Choice Award, 2002; Nominee; Grades 6-8; Michigan
Rhode Island Children's Book Award, 2001; Nominee; Rhode Island
Volunteer State Book Award, 2001-2002; Nominee; Intermediate; Tennessee
William Allen White Children's Book Award, 2001-2002; Nominee; Grades 6-8; Kansas
Wisconsin Battle of the Books, 2006; Booklist; Elementary Division Grades 4-6; Wisconsin
Young Reader's Choice Award, 2002; Nominee; Junior Division-Grades 4th-6th; Pacific Northwest
ISBN: 0-7868-0300-2
ISBN: 0-7868-2241-4
ISBN: 0641723091
Blackfoot
Mary Stout
Part of the "Native American Peoples" series, this title teaches about the origins of the Blackfoot people--both their traditional belief and the scientific theory. The author also explains the history of the people and tells how the Blackfoot people were influenced by contact with the European-Americans. The extra tidbits of information located in fact boxes throughout the book give the reader a better insight to the Blackfoot people. For example, one box contains words in the Blackfoot language with a pronunciation guide and the English equivalent. Other boxes contain quotes from Blackfoot people to give a sense of their perspective on various issues. Along with a good layout, the well-chosen pictures (many of which are in color) will help readers identify the Blackfoot people. For those doing school reports or projects, the timeline, glossary, further resources, and suggested activities will help. The book concludes with an explanation of the current state of the Blackfoot people. This is a good resource for those interested in learning more about the Blackfoot people. 2005, Gareth Stevens Publishing, $26.00. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Joella Peterson (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-8368-4216-2
A Braid of Lives: Native American Childhood
Neil Philip, Editor
This fascinating book contains narratives of Native Americans, sharing their stories about growing up in traditional Indian communities. These compelling first-person accounts celebrate all aspects of childhood--from games and pranks to dreams and visions--as well as the individuality and variety of the Native American experience. Gathered from many sources, these stories provide insight into more than twenty Indian nations including--Apache, Chippewa, Crow, Hopi, Menomini, Navajo, Sioux, and Zuñi. This companion book to Philip's In a Sacred Manner I Live (1997) offers honest, passionate descriptions of life in mid-to-late-nineteenth century America. In addition to touching stories, this resource also contains black-and-white photographs, an index of speakers/writers and Indian nations, suggestions for further reading, and sources. This is a wonderful volume for students who are interested in learning more about the childhood experiences of Native Americans. 2000, Clarion Books, $20.00. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Debra Briatico (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2001; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2002; H.W. Wilson; United States
The Children's Literature Choice List, 2001; Children's Literature; United States
Kaleidoscope, A Multicultural Booklist for Grades K-8, Fourth Edition, 2003; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Serving Native American/First Nation Youth Populations, 2003; ALSC American Library Association; United States
ISBN: 0-395-64528-X
A Broken Flute: The Native Experience in Books for Children
Doris Seale and Beverly Slapin, Editors
This title critically reviews and assesses the cultural authenticity and historical accuracy of hundreds of well-known (and elsewhere highly-regarded) children's titles of the past ten years with a particular scrutiny for the taint of misinformation, cultural theft, and lack of balance. Reviews and articles from 60 contributors--including Michael LaCapa, Cynthia Leitich Smith, and Joseph Bruchac--defend great books and lambaste poor ones for their indefensible colonialism, white entitlement, approbation of cultural genocide, and whitewashing of the Indian holocaust. Chapters with reviews are thematically arranged into helpful clusters: books about California Missions, Navajo Long Walk, Indian Residential Schools, poetry, art, writing by children, and arts and crafts. The issues addressed include: who owns the stories? and what do you do about untruths told in books? In the introduction, the editors remind the reader that publication of Indian literature, lives, history, has become big business. They win awards. They make publishers and non-Indian authors tons of money. "They are nearly invariably well-received, praised for their beauty and sensitivity...for their ecological messages by reviewers who do not know enough to know that the works in question are inaccurate, inauthentic, patronizing, full of lies, and altogether a huge insult to the people out of whose lives so much money is being made." Doris Seale is the co-founder and president of the board of Oyate, an educator, activist and long-time children's librarian, as well as co-editor of Through Indian Eyes (1998); Beverley Slapin, co-founder and executive director of Oyate, co-editor of Through Indian Eyes and How to Tell the Difference: A Guide to Evaluating Children's Books for Anti-Indian Bias, is also the author of the Basic Skills Caucasian Americans Workbook and 10 Little Whitepeople. Highly Recommended. 2005, Altamira Press/Rowman & Littlefield, $90.00 and $40.00. Ages adult. Reviewer: Gwynne Spencer (Children's Literature).
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Skipping Stones Honor Awards Winner 2006 Teaching Resources United States
ISBN: 0-7591-0778-5
The Buffalo and the Indians: A Shared Destiny
Dorothy Hinshaw Patent
Photos by William Muñoz
This truly beautiful book should be a definite first purchase for all libraries. Patent's account of the unique and special relationship between Native Americans and the buffalo/bison is both eloquent and informative. It spans the ages from the arrival of the native people to our continent to the birth, in 1994, of a sacred white buffalo calf. Each chapter begins with a tribal myth concerning the buffalo and its intrinsic importance to the lives of all members of the tribe. Buffalo were not only a source for food, clothing, and tools but also woven into their spiritual lives. The outstanding photographs and famed artwork of Catlin and Bodmer are a perfect accompaniment to the text. Paired with Buffalo Hunt by Russell Freedman, children everywhere will gain appreciation for a vanishing species and an understanding of the importance of conservation efforts for both the buffalo and its habitat. 2006, Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin, $18.00. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Sylvia Firth (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Booklist Book Review Stars, Jun. 1, 2006; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, August 2006; Cahners; United States
ISBN: 0-618-48570-8
ISBN: 978-0-618-48570-3
The Cherokee and Their History
Mary Englar
This title retells the story of the Cherokee Indians and their removal from their home in the southern Appalachian Mountains. In the spring of 1838, 7,000 United States soldiers forced about 15,000 Cherokees to move to Indian Territory, to what is now Oklahoma. Many Cherokees died during this journey, but somehow, they were able to hold on to their culture and determination to remain a strong Native American tribe. This nine-chapter, forty-eight-page book recounts their struggle to build a new life in a hostile environment. Their home in the Appalachian Mountains was filled with wildlife, running brooks, and massive forests. The place they were driven to was hot and dusty, flat and alien to them. Yet, the Cherokees were progressive people and they tried to make the best of their new situation. A new town called Tahlequah became the capital of their new home. Chief Ross and other Cherokee leaders drew up a new constitution. In 1846, the United States government recognized the Western Cherokee as the owners of their land in Indian Territory. Today the Oklahoma Cherokees are a strong, united, and self-supporting tribe. Black-and-white and color photographs are included, as well as a glossary, time line, further reading, and internet sites. 2006, Compass Point Books, $23.93. Ages 8 to 10. Reviewer: Della A. Yannuzzi (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7565-1273-5
Chief Joseph: Guardian of the People
Candy Moulton
"My son, my body is returning to my mother earth" whispered old Joseph to his eldest boy. After his father's death, 31-year-old Joseph became Chief Joseph, leader of the Nez Percé Band. As his father warned, Chief Joseph faced intruders settling on his homeland--Wallowa Valley, Oregon. Joseph and other Indian band leaders refused to sign the Treaty of 1863, also known as the thief treaty, because it stipulated that Indian tribes relinquish their land to the white man and relocate to reservations. For years, Joseph unsuccessfully attempted to peacefully resolve the growing problem of land ownership, which resulted in war between the U. S. Army and the Indians. This is the true story of Chief Joseph's determination to lead his people on a 4-month, 1,500 mile journey to safety and freedom in Canada. The Nez Percé leader spends the rest of his life making equal rights for Native Americans his priority. You may find yourself incensed by the injustices suffered by the Native American Indian at the hands of the white man. A great choice for history buffs and American history classes. 2005, Tom Doherty Associates LLC, $19.95. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Mary Jo Edwards (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7653-1063-5
The Choctaw: Stickball Players of the South
Rachel A. Koestler-Grack
The American Indians remain among our country's most forgotten peoples. Although they are true Native Americans, living here when European settlers first arrived, most of us know little about their history, customs and traditions. This book, one of the publisher's ten title series about Indians called "America's First Peoples," is an admirable attempt to address this knowledge gap. The book details the Choctaw Indians, who today live primarily in Oklahoma and Mississippi. The author's primary focus is on the Choctaw's wonderful tradition of stickball playing instead of warfare to settle differences. Instead of fighting an enemy in battle, the Choctaw challenged them to play stickball, which they called appropriately "Toli," or "Little Brother of War." Their games were intense affairs, often lasting all day. The victors took home horses, food and other prizes from the losers. There is much here to interest young readers--eye-catching graphics and sidebars, a recipe for Choctaw Carrot Bread, and directions for making a Choctaw Combed Design Pot from a tennis ball. There is also an informative, short discussion of the 19th century's Trail of Tears (similar to that experienced by the Cherokee), when the U.S. Army forced the Choctaw to walk hundreds of miles in winter to their newly created reservation in Oklahoma. Mention is also made of World War I Choctaw soldiers who used their native language to create an unbreakable code that German soldiers could not decipher. With obvious care for her subject, the author has crafted an excellent book that will be an ideal addition to any library. 2004, Blue Earth Books/Capstone Press, $23.93. Ages 6 to 10. Reviewer: Bruce Adelson, J.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7368-2170-8
Code Talker: A Novel about the Navajo Marines of World War Two
Joseph Bruchac
When Kii Yázhí is sent away to the Navaho mission school, he quickly learns what it is to be a Navaho in a white man's world. At the mission school, he is given a white man's name, Ned Begay, and he is forbidden to speak his Navaho language. In order to receive an education, Ned must leave his Navaho language behind. Although determined to excel in the white man's school, Ned is also determined never to forget his Navaho language and culture. When World War II breaks out, Ned suddenly finds that his language is of value beyond the reservation: Prized for its complexity and obscurity, the Marines use the Navaho language to develop a secret military code, recruiting Ned and other Navahos as top-secret code talkers. It is in war that Ned comes of age, as he learns about life and death, friendship, race relations, and the pride to be found in one's language and culture. Though far from home, Ned is able to sustain and renew his faith and pride in his Navaho language, culture, and beliefs. A first-person fictional account of the Navaho code talkers in World War II, Bruchac presents a detailed look at the history and culture of the Navaho people. Although at times his main character seems to serve more as a vessel for history than to tell his own story (often at the expense of the emotional impact of personal events), the book presents an interesting and important multicultural perspective on American history. 2005, Dial Books/Penguin Group, $16.99. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Meredith Ackroyd (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Books for Young Adults, 2006; American Library Association-YALSA-Adult Books for Young Adults Task Force; United States
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2005; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Booklist Book Review Stars, Feb. 15, 2005; United States
Choices, 2006; Cooperative Children's Book Center; United States
Kirkus Book Review Stars, January 15, 2005; United States
Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Ninth Edition, 2005; H.W. Wilson; United States
Notable Children's Books, 2006; American Library Association-ALSC; United States
Teen Read Week: Get Active, 2006; American Library Association-Booklist; United States
Top 10 Historical Fiction for Youth, 2005; Booklist; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Black-Eyed Susan Book Award, 2006-2007; Book List; Grades 6-9; Maryland
Book of the Season Summer 2005, 2005; Nominee; Young Adult; New York
Maine Student Book Award, 2006-2007; Nominee; United States
Pennsylvania Young Readers' Choice Award, 2006-2007; Nominee; Young Adult; United States
ISBN: 0-8037-2921-9
Counting Coup: Becoming a Crow Chief on the Reservation and Beyond
Joseph Medicine Crow, with Herman Viola
In the old tribal days, a Crow warrior had to perform four different kinds of difficult war deeds, or "coups," in order to become a chief. In this lively memoir, Joseph Medicine Crow, official tribal historian and last traditional Crow chief, recounts his life from his birth in 1913 to his return from World War II in 1946, when he was honored as a chief for the four brave deeds, or coups, that he performed while fighting in Germany. Using touches of both humor and poignancy, the author describes his connections to his large and varied extended family that lived on the Crow Reservation in Montana. The scope of his memoir is especially wide and rich. Through his re-telling of some of his elder's stories, the reader vicariously experiences a good deal of Crow and Plains Indian history and culture. Stories about Crow's great-uncle, White Man Runs Him (the longest lived of the Crow scouts at the Battle of the Little Bighorn), were especially popular among both Crow Indians and other ethnic groups. Some of the other topics presented in this sixteen chapter memoir include adapting to both local elementary school, as well as boarding school at the high school and college level; his childish fear of Sioux Indians and white men; horseracing; stories and beliefs about legendary little people; and his time in the army during World War II. This well-written and inspiring memoir can be enjoyed by a wide audience. It would make a good read-aloud, as well as an appealing and useful book for Native American units and individual browsing. An introduction on the warrior tradition is included. 2006, National Geographic, $23.90. Ages 9 up. Reviewer: Gisela Jernigan, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
When Joseph Medicine Crow was born on October 13, 1913, there were no doctors, nurses, or other medical staff around. No, Joseph was born on the Crow Indian Reservation in Montana, under the supervision of a medicine woman who specialized in childbirth. With the smell of burning cedar in the air, Joseph began his eventful life among his people. Over the years Joseph Medicine Crow experienced the joys and pains of living among the Crow Indians in the American West. A proud people with a noble warrior tradition, the Crow Indians occupied land that had once been a part of their much larger ancestral holdings. Life on the reservation was both uplifting and painful for Joseph. His experiences in white schools were laced with prejudice and violence. Ultimately, Joseph Medicine Crow became the first Crow Indian man to graduate from college. Joseph went on to fight in World War II in Europe. There, Joseph "counted coup" through brave hearted service and returned to Montana as a Crow war chief. This story of life on the plains makes up this episodic recollection and autobiography. In this title Joseph Medicine Crow shares insights not only into his own life but also the culture of his people. Besides personal anecdotes, the author also relates elements of mythology, Native American lore, and history that are enlightening. This is a touching book about a man whose life and times were unique. Readers with any interest in Native American studies will thoroughly enjoy the author's story. 2006, National Geographic, $15.95. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7922-5392-2
ISBN: 0-7922-5391-4
Crazy Horse: Sioux warrior
Brenda Haugen
Crazy horse was a respected leader of the Sioux who fought to protect their lands from homesteaders. The late 1700s and early 1800s was a time of change for Native American tribes. The United States was becoming a country of people who wanted to live on land American Indian tribes thought belonged to them. When the United States Government sent soldiers to remove them from their lands and place them on reservations, wars broke out. Crazy horse was one of the bravest and fiercest warriors. This title relates the story of Crazy Horse in ten short chapters. Chapter one describes who Crazy Horse was and why he was so important to his tribe. Chapter two goes into his early childhood growing up in the Oglala Sioux tribe in South Dakota; his name as a child was Curly because he had wavy, brown hair. Crazy Horse grew up with the knowledge that white settlers were coming onto their lands with the help of the government. Eventually, trouble began between the settlers, soldiers, and the Sioux. Misunderstandings, explosive events, and the struggle for control of the land by all parties caused many battles. When a beloved Chief named Conquering Bear was killed by soldiers, the Sioux retaliated. A US Lieutenant Grattan was shot and many soldiers killed. The Grattan Massacre marked the start of the Sioux Wars. Crazy Horse became a leader in these wars. Fighting became his life, leaving very little time for a wife and a family. Eventually he did marry and had a child who died at a young age. Crazy Horse fought in the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876, but a year later he surrendered at Fort Robinson, Nebraska. He died there on September 6th. He was only about thirty-seven years old. The text has interesting sidebars as well as color and black-and-white photographs. Back matter includes a time line, further reading, web sites, and a glossary. 2006, Compass Point Books, $30.60. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Della A. Yannuzzi (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7565-0999-8
Creek
Amy M. Stone
Part of the "Native American Peoples" series, this title tells about the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. The author begins by explaining the legend of where the Muscogee came from, and then continues to describe the history of the people through the Trail of Tears to where and how many of the Creek people live today. In fact, she even introduces readers to famous Creek people such as artists and writers. There are a multitude of pictures, captions, and fact boxes that provide further insight to the Creek people. The text explains why there are Upper Creek and Lower Creek people and the author describes the similarities and the differences between the traditions of the two cultures and regions where they live. The text is easy to comprehend and additional features such as an index, a glossary, a timeline, a list of further resources, and a list of suggested projects and activities will help readers who are particularly interested in the subject or are doing a research project. 2005, Gareth Stevens Publishing, $26.00. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Joella Peterson (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-8368-4217-0
Crooked River
Shelley Pearsall
In 1812 Ohio, tensions between white settlers and native Ojibwe peoples are running high. Thirteen-year-old Rebecca Carver and her older sister, Laura, are initially terrified when their abusive father agrees to hold a captive Ojibwe in their loft while he awaits trial for murdering a white trapper. As they come to know the man known as "Indian John," though, they begin to acknowledge his humanity. During and after his contentious trial, Rebecca grows more and more loyal to the man, risking her own safety in the process. Traditional narrative chapters, written from Rebecca's point of view and utilizing folksy dialogue, alternate with poetry written from the perspective of Indian John, whose real name is Amik. Brutal language about native peoples (included to add to the historical accuracy) can make the novel painful to read; the trial section that comprises much of the novel's middle also may lose some readers. An author's note indicates that the novel was inspired by actual events, although they have been heavily fictionalized. The author also includes a list of sources for further research. 2005, Knopf, $15.95. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Norah Piehl (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2005; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Children's Books 2005: One Hundred Titles for Reading and Sharing, 2005; New York Public Library; United States
Kirkus Book Review Stars, July 15, 2005; United States
Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog 2006 Supplement to the Ninth Edition, 2006; H.W Wilson Company; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, October 2005; Cahners; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Great Stone Face Award, 2006-2007; Nominee; New Hampshire
Maine Student Book Award, 2006-2007; Nominee; United States
ISBN: 0-375-82389-1
ISBN: 0-375-92389-6
Dancing at the Odinochka
Kirkpatrick Hill
This book is the story of Erinia Pavaloff and her life at a Russian trading post--odinochka. Set around 1855, this novel provides young readers a glimpse into a child's life in Alaska before Alaska was ceded to the United States. Erinia's father is half-Russian and half Indian, while her mother is full-blood Athabascan. Living with her parents, brothers, and friends at the Nulato odinochka, Erinia's life is full of meeting new people, learning new skills, and finding out about the history of her family and the cultures that influence her life. Adventure enters Erinia's life when four members of the American Western Union Telegraph company arrive and use the odinochka as a base for their work to set up the telegraph. But their work comes to naught when Russian America (Alaska) is sold to the United States, and Erinia and her family face an uncertain future as their trading post becomes the property of the Alaska Commercial company. The final chapters of the book deal with a murder and a cultural response to that killing. In reading the postscript, the reader finds out that it is this story--provided as a five page manuscript from Erinia herself--that guides this book. I had mixed feelings about this story. The history of Alaska told through the eyes of a child is very compelling, although there is not a great deal of tension throughout most of the book. The tension erupts in the final chapters and becomes less Erinia's story than her friend's. In that sense this title comes off as two stories. 2005, Margaret McElderry Books/Simon & Schuster, $15.95. Ages 9 to 14. Reviewer: Jean Boreen, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2005; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Society of School Librarians International Book Awards Honor Book 2005 Language Arts-Grades 7-12 Novels United States
ISBN: 0-689-87388-3
Dancing Teepees: Poems of American Indian Youth
Selected by Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve
Art by Stephen Gammell
Sneve blends poems remembered by generations of peoples with those of contemporary tribal poets in Dancing Teepees. Spare and at the same time image-laden, the vitality sparked by her choices is no accident. The poems she remembers and the ones she writes are breathtakingly evocative and demonstrate her appreciation of the miracles of everyday life. 1989, Holiday House, $16.95, $6.95. Ages 9 up. Reviewer: Susie Wilde (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
Middle And Junior High School Library Catalog, Eighth Edition, 2000; H.W. Wilson; United States
Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Ninth Edition, 2005; H.W. Wilson; United States
Notable Books for Children, 1990; American Library Association-ALSC; United States
ISBN: 0-8234-0724-1
The First Americans: The Story of Where They Came from and Who They Became
Anthony Aveni
Illustrations by S.D. Nelson
Any classroom with students learning about the earliest Americans must have this book. As the book progresses, it takes a journey across continents and readers learn what happened over the past 20,000 years. The people of North America are covered from many angles. Everything from their games, to their ceremonies, their dwellings, and their legacies is examined. Great attention to detail and historical accuracy is evident. The book is didactic, but it has great appeal because of its storytelling essence. The author seems to speak directly to the reader. The layout allows mystery and history to come together and produce an all-encompassing product. Chapters include information on the Taino, Moundbuilders, Woodland People, the Anasazi, Cahokia, natives of the Northwest coast and the Timucua. The last chapter covers archeologists, linguists, and forensic experts. The illustrations are done in a variety of soothing earth tones and many pages have Native American art borders on top and bottom. In addition, the many photographs showcase artifacts, dwellings, and archeological digs. 2005, Scholastic, $18.99. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Nancy Garhan Attebury (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Teachers' Choices, 2006; International Reading Association; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Silver Spur Award Winner 2006 Juvenile Nonfiction United States
ISBN: 0-439-55144-7\
The First Strawberries: A Cherokee Story
Retold by Joseph Bruchac
Pictures by Anna Vojtech
The sun's gift of strawberries brings a husband and wife back together in this Cherokee creation myth. First man and first woman quarrel, and she leaves him. The sun decides to help first man win her back by placing ripened berries in her path. When she reaches the strawberries, the beauty of the fruit is so tempting that first woman slows down to sample them. Thus first man is able to catch up with her and ask for forgiveness. Complemented by Vojtech's luminous watercolors, this is a wonderful tale of friendship and respect. 1993, Dial, $13.99 and $5.99. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
This captivating Cherokee tale explains the creation of strawberries. The Creator makes a man and woman who marry and live together for a long time. One day they quarrel and the woman leaves the man in anger and haste. Feeling sorry for the husband, the Sun sends raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries in an attempt to stop the woman's retreat. Finally, when the Sun sends strawberries, the woman stops to taste and collect the delicious fruit and her apologetic husband catches up with her. After a pleasant conversation, they reunite and return home. To this day, Cherokee people believe that strawberries are a reminder that "friendship and respect are as sweet as the taste of ripe, red berries." Luminous watercolor illustrations capture the beauty of this timeless read-aloud story. 1993, Dial Books, $13.99 and $5.99. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Debra Briatico (Children's Literature).
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Texas Reading Club, 2002; Texas
ISBN: 0-140-56409-8
Geronimo
Joseph Bruchac
When Geronimo was taken into custody in 1886 after years of eluding federal troops, he became the most famous Native American prisoner, a sought-after celebrity during his lifetime, and subject for popular culture after his death. Through the eyes of a created character, a fostered grandson, Bruchac has retold the events of Geronimo's life. This fiction novel is based on extensive research. Each chapter opens with a relevant historical quotation. Framed around a visit from the grown-up Little Foot in Fort Sill shortly before Geronimo's death in 1909, the first-person narrative is told as a series of memories within memories, starting with Geronimo's assistance at the boy's birth in 1873, and going on through the Chiricahua Apache deportation from their homeland in Arizona, incarceration in various camps in the southeast, and return to Fort Sill. This complicated structure means that much of Geronimo's own history is told in flashbacks, which some may find confusing. The story is full of convincing detail about Apache life and their gradual adoption of the white man's ways. It rewards the patient reader with a very human picture of this notorious fighter. Middle school readers will be amused by Geronimo's interest in "good opportunity," and distressed by the conditions of their captivity. Fortunately, there were also sympathizers among the White Eyes, and Little Foot is clear about their efforts to help his people. This is a valuable addition to the small body of work that looks at U.S. history through Native American eyes. 2006, Scholastic Press, $16.99. Ages 12 to 16. Reviewer: Kathleen Isaacs (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-439-35360-2
The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses
Paul Goble
Illustrations by Paul Goble
In this Caldecott Medal book, Goble tells the story of how a girl so loved horses that, according to this Native American legend, she eventually became one. Beautiful, bright color illustrations on every spread expand upon the spare, but effective text. A true delight for those who love folklore and horses. The text closes with two Native American songs celebrating horses. 1993 (orig. 1978), Aladdin, $16.00 and $5.99. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Randolph Caldecott Medal Winner 1979 United States
ISBN: 0-689-71696-6
Ghost Canoe
Will Hobbs
Nathan MacAllister, son of a lighthouse keeper on the wild, storm-pounded northwest coast of the 1870s, finds himself caught up in a world in turmoil. Worry for his sick mother; concern for the tides of change sweeping the lifestyle of the seafaring Makah people, their neighbors; and the immediacy of a murderer in their midst, form the layers of plot in this adventure story. Hobbs is a hit with boys, fifth grade and up, who read him for his twists and turns of story, unconsciously absorbing, in the process, the book's minute details of setting and background. Reading it brings close to hand the moist coastal air, the moss on the forest floor, the slap of whale flukes on water. 1997, Morrow, $15.00. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Uma Krishnaswami (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K--Grade 6, 12th Edition, 1999;
National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Books for You: An Annotated Booklist for Senior High, Fourteenth Edition, 2001;
National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Middle And Junior High School Library Catalog, Eighth Edition, 2000; H.W. Wilson; United States
Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Ninth Edition, 2005; H.W. Wilson; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Colorado Book Awards Winner 1998 Young Adult Colorado
Edgar Allan Poe Awards Winner 1998 Best Young Adult Novel United States
Land of Enchantment Book Award Winner 2002 Young Adult New Mexico
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Golden Sower Award, 2000; Nominee; Young Adult; Nebraska
Indian Paintbrush Book Award, 2000; Nominee; Wyoming
Prairie Pasque Award, 2000; Nominee; South Dakota
ISBN: 0-688-14193-5
The Great Basin Indians: Daily Life in the 1700s
Karen Bush Gibson
Consultant Troy Rollen Johnson
Did you know that it takes at least 100 rabbit skins to make a cape that was worn by the Native Americans in cold weather? This is just one of the interesting facts the reader will learn when reading about the Basin Indians. The format of the book is perfect for new or struggling readers for a variety of reasons. The vocabulary is controlled and the information given is direct and to the point. Simple sentences of varied length are used. The photographs match the text and each chapter is composed of two pages--one for the text and one for the photograph. The photographs provide extra help for better comprehension. All vocabulary words are printed in bold and can be found in the "Glossary" at the end of the book. The reader is also given an "Index," "Internet Site," and a "Read More" section that gives titles of books to read for more information about the Basin Indians. Each chapter deals with only one topic, thereby making it an excellent resource for children to use when they need to write a book report or summary. The chapters provide an excellent resource for classroom teachers to reinforce finding the main ideas in paragraphs. This book is part of the "Native American Life" series. I highly recommend this book for teachers, libraries, and parents who home-school. 2006, Capstone Press, $21.26. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Kathie M. Josephs (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7368-4318-3
The Great Plains Indians: Daily Life in the 1700s
Mary Englar
Consultant Troy Rollen Johnson
To learn verified facts about Native Americans, read Mary Englar's interesting books set in the 1700s primarily. There are five books in the "Native American Life" series. Each book presents Indian tribes in their particular environment. Englar packs a great deal of factual information into 24 pages, including an index, glossary, suggested readings and internet sites. In this title, the author discusses nine significant areas in the lives of plains Indians. Children in multicultural schools will learn about another culture in an interesting manner. The chapter on "Passing on Tradition" is informative, and even modern families could benefit from these ideas handed down for generations. The chapter on "Food" is especially timely since it gives a clear picture of what plains Indians ate and how they survived during the winter months. Kelly Garvin's illustrations add greatly to this book. Credited photographers and editorial resources contribute to the authenticity of this charmingly presented book. 2006, Bridgestone Books/Capstone Press, $21.26. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Jennie DeGenaro (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7368-4315-9
Hopi
Mary Stout
Part of the "Native American Peoples" series, this title explains the beliefs and the origins of the Hopi people. While teaching readers that the Hopi people are defined as the "peaceful," "righteous," or "virtuous" people, the author also describes the history of the Hopi and how they came to live on a reservation completely surrounded by the Navajo Reservation. Insights to the Hopi are provided in information boxes and photo captions throughout the text. It is in one of these captions that a reader will learn of the important part the Hopi people played in the use of their language as a U.S. Army code in World War II. A plethora of selected quotes are also scattered throughout the text to help readers get to know the Hopi people. For young readers who are doing school reports, the book contains an index, a glossary, a timeline, a list of further resources, and a list of suggested activities and thought-provoking projects. This is a good resource for those looking to understand this unique culture. 2005, Gareth Stevens Publishing, $26.00. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Joella Peterson (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-8368-4218-9
Igloos
June Preszler
This informative volume uses vivid, close-up photos and well-written passages to introduce readers to igloos, one of the world's most intriguing traditional Native American structures. The author provides fascinating facts about the native Inuits who built these unique snow dwellings, as well as the materials and construction methods they used to create these one-of-a-kind buildings. This title briefly discusses why igloos were used in the Arctic (central Alaska to northern Canada), how the Inuits gathered materials and prepared the igloo sites, how they built an igloo from bottom to top, what they did inside these buildings, why they created igloo villages and special igloos, and how they stayed warm in these snow structures. This interesting introduction to igloos also contains a glossary, a list of books for further reading, an Internet resource, and an index. This captivating book makes a wonderful reference book for beginning readers and young researchers. This title is part of the "Native American Life" series. 2005, Bridgestone Books/Capstone Press, $21.26. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Debra Briatico (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7368-3723-X
Indian Shoes
Cynthia Leitich Smith
Illustrated by Jim Madsen
In this collection of six short interrelated stories, Ray Halfmoon and his Grandfather are a part of many communities. At the local antique store, Ray trades his genuine "Indian shoes," running shoes with neon laces, to a teacher with a sense of humor in exchange for her recent purchase of some old moccasins. In their Chicago neighborhood, they save pets, whose owners are away for the Christmas holidays, when a snowstorm causes power and heat outages. Then Ray is the ring bearer at a friend's wedding but the rented tuxedo doesn't come with pants and so his grandfather lends his own. There are Cherokee-Seminole relatives back in Oklahoma whom they visit in summer. The heartwarming and humorous stories show a modern Native American boy, whose parents have died in a tornado, straddling two cultures successfully. The stories are marred by overwriting: "...sinking sun swelled pumpkin orange and sweet violet," and "Glittering snowflakes smacked wet against Ray's cheeks and clouded the mourning midday sky" are two examples. Even the comparisons are less than apt: Grandpa "snoring like a rusty hymn," a snow-covered VW Bug looking like a "triceratops embedded in a rock," or sleep knitting someone 's eyelids. Children may wonder, too, if Ray goes to school and what Grandfather does to support the two in their seemingly middle-class dwelling. However, the gentle stories depict a boy and his grandfather making it successfully in the city. The chapters are short, easy to read, and Jim Madsen's appealing soft pencil illustrations are inviting. Easy chapter books about contemporary Native Americans are hard enough to find that readers may forgive the storyteller's overblown language as poetic license and enjoy the theme that it is the small things in life and the friendly connections with those you love that matter most. 2002, HarperCollins, $15.95. Ages 7 to 11. Reviewer: Susan Hepler, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2003; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2003; H.W. Wilson; United States
Choices, 2003; Cooperative Children's Book Center; United States
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2003; National Council for the Social Studies NCSS; United States
Serving Native American/First Nation Youth Populations, 2003; ALSC American Library Association; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Children's Crown Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; Grades 3-6; United States
Prairie Bud Award, 2005-2006; Nominee; South Dakota
Prairie Pasque Award, 2005-2006; Nominee; South Dakota
ISBN: 0-06-029531-7
ISBN: 0-06-029532-5
The Inuit
Natalie M. Rosinsky
Part of the series "Native Americans," this title begins by explaining who the Inuit people actually are. Most individuals think of the many people who live in the far artic as Eskimos, but today they prefer to be called by their own name, Inuit. The Inuit people in different countries are called by different names and only in Canada, do the Inuit people call themselves the Inuit and have one main language. The Inuit are skilled fishermen and travel to find food. Because of the harsh living conditions, the author includes several chapters explaining the survival methods used by the Inuit. In 1950 the way of life the Inuit people had known changed radically and unfortunately it was the beginning of the demise of their culture, and language, and forced these independent people to live in towns far away from good hunting and fishing places. In 1999, an independent area was carved out of Canada for them and today the Inuit control this region while reporting to the government on what they are doing in the towns. This book sends a sobering message to the reader that it is truly possible lose who you are. Important vocabulary words are in bold throughout the book, which includes a glossary, timeline, additional resources list, and a brief section of additional interesting facts. This is an excellent book for classroom use as it is full of information, yet is very easy to read with its short chapters and photographs that accompany the text. 2005, Compass Point Books, $22.60. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Kathie M. Josephs (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7565-0640-9
The Inuit: a Proud People
Deborah Kent
Part of the "American Indians" series, this volume introduces young readers to the Inuit people of the Far North of Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and Siberia. In a brief introduction, the author explains why the name "Inuit" is preferred over the name "Eskimo" by the Inuit themselves. Thirteen short chapters present information on the land, history, homes, clothing, food, family life, everyday life, religion and medicine, arts and music, sports, a peaceful people, heroes, and government. Chapters range in length from two to four pages and are attractively laid out with many color photos and bright geometric border designs. An especially successful device is the way that each chapter first discusses traditional Inuit culture under the subheading "The Inuit Then," but ends with a brief comparison to modern Inuit life under the subheading "The Inuit Today." As a result the reader is constantly reminded that the Inuit are still a living, vital people. While very simplified and general, most of the information presented seems balanced and accurate. The book's simplified scope makes it hard to differentiate between the several Inuit groups. It could be useful for reports and browsing for young readers. An index, glossary, maps, timeline, bibliography, and Internet sites list are included. 2005, Enslow Publishing, $23.93. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Gisela Jernigan, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7660-2451-2
The Legend of the White Buffalo Woman
Paul Goble
The Lakota (Sioux) people had struggled and suffered for many years when the Great Spirit, Wakan Tanka, took pity on them and sent a holy being, the beautiful, mysterious White Buffalo Woman, to bring the peace pipe, and to teach them about its power and uses. Striking, color paintings add to the appeal and value of this picture book, which would be appropriate for an older audience than the average picture book. The author/illustrator imparts an even greater understanding and knowledge of Lakota culture by integrating traditional prayers and songs into the story. He also adds a map, author's note, a detailed labeled drawing of a peace pipe, a list of some meanings related to the pipe and information on the National Monument, Pipestone Quarry. 1998, National Geographic Society, $16.95. Ages 8 up. Reviewer: Gisela Jernigan, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
Kirkus Book Review Stars, 1998; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, April 1998; Cahners; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Aesop Prize Accolade 1998 United States
ISBN: 0-7922-7074-6
Life of the Powhatan
Rebecca Sjonger and Bobbie Kalman
Part of the "Native Nations of North America" series, this volume introduces young readers to the culture and history of the Powhatan people of the tidewater region of present-day Virginia. The authors briefly describe how Wahunsonacock took the name of Powhatan as his personal title and how the nations under the power of his chiefdom became known as the Powhatan people. A map shows the names and locations of many of the native nations living in the tidewater region around the year 1600. Fourteen very brief chapters present information on: the people of the tidewater, government, family, trade, farming, homes, villages, fishing and hunting, clothing, arts, children's daily lives, Pocahontas, the end of the chiefdom, and modern life. All chapters, with the exception of the last, deal with traditional Powhatan culture. Each chapter consists of a two-page spread enlivened by many color drawings, a few color photos, and sidebars of related information. The chapter on Pocahontas would probably be especially interesting to many readers and the book would make a worthwhile addition to other collections and text sets about Pocahontas. Unfortunately there is no bibliography, although a brief Internet site list is included. There are also maps, an index, and a glossary. 2005, Crabtree Publishing, $22.60 and $8.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Gisela Jernigan, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7787-0380-0
ISBN: 0-7787-0472-6
Longhouses
Karen Bush Gibson
Colorful photographs and illustrations perfectly complement the interesting facts presented in this well-written book about Native American longhouses. Primarily built by the Iroquois Indians in northeastern United States and southern Canada, these traditional dwellings served not only as homes for families and clans, but they also operated as locations for special ceremonies and meetings, as well as storage facilities. The author describes how Native Americans used wood, bark and other materials to create these amazing structures, how these natural materials were gathered and prepared, how the longhouses were constructed, how families organized their living spaces inside these long structures, and why the Iroquois created longhouse villages. This informative title also contains a glossary, a list of books for further reading, an Internet resource, and an index. Beginning readers and young researchers will enjoy this fascinating nonfiction resource. A good choice for any library. This book is part of the "Native American Life" series. 2005, Bridgestone Books/Capstone Press, $21.26. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Debra Briatico (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7368-3724-8
Malian's Song
Marge Bruchac
Illustrated by William Maughan
An Abenaki legend is based on an actual raid on their community by British Major Robert Rogers in 1759. Rogers' journal records the story quite differently. Bruchac retells the tale from the point of view of young Malian. Her village is preparing for a big feast. But during the night, as the dancing in the Council House has begun, Malian awakes to the smell of smoke. Her father tells her to run. When she joins the others, she finds that an attack has been planned on the village. Warned, the people have left the Council House. They watch as the houses and even the church are set on fire. People have died, their food for the winter is gone, and so is her father. Malian vows to remember and pass the story on to her children. Maughan paints his full-page scenes like stage sets for the most dramatic moments of this history, from Malian's life before the tragedy, to her father running off to fight with musket in hand, to the women and children watching the fires in the night. The characters are all individuals who seem to possess the inner strength we associate with Native Americans. An extensive note fills in the factual details and brings the story up to date, with a bibliography. A fascinating contrast between the native legend and the more familiar history. 2006, Vermont Folklife Center, $16.95. Ages 6 to 10. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-91671-826-3
Meet Kaya: an American Girl
Janet Shaw
Illustrations by Bill Farnsworth
Vignettes by Susan McAliley
Kaya, a Nez Perce girl living in 1764, is the newest in the "American Girl" historical fiction series from the Pleasant Company. There are 8 girls altogether, each living through a different period in American history, from 1764 to 1944. There are six short novels featuring each girl and each includes several pages of documents, illustrations or photos and information about the period. Meet Kaya, is devoted to the Nez Perce lifestyle and culture, their homeland in what is now Oregon, Washington and Idaho, and their encounter with the Lewis and Clark expedition and later white settlers. There is a short glossary of Nez Perce words that are used throughout the book. Kaya is an adventurous nine-year-old who is very proud of her horse, Steps High. She creates problem for herself and her peers when she becomes boastful and irresponsible, but she later earns back the respect of her family and even the feisty young boy Fox Tail when she saves the life of a young blind girl. The story has more dramatic moments and suspense than some of the previous American girl books and it shows young readers the life of Native Americans when it was full, proud and nearly untouched by Europeans. Only Kaya's grandmother remembers that her pockmarked face is due to the smallpox brought by early white traders. There is enough excitement in the book to hold the interest of diverse readers, boys and girls alike, with special appeal for young horse lovers. There are also numerous opportunities to generate thoughtful discussion about respect for elders, the individual's role in the community, and the historical interactions between Native Americans and whites. 2002, Pleasant Company, $5.95. Ages 7 to 14. Reviewer: Karen Leggett (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Serving Native American/First Nation Youth Populations, 2003; ALSC American Library Association; United States
ISBN: 1-58485-424-3
ISBN: 1-58485-423-5
Moccasin Thunder: American Indian Stories for Today
Lori Marie Carlson, Editor
A superb book compiled of ten unique American Indian stories. The authors of these stories are excellent writers and are able to draw on their inner most emotions to share with the reader how the different characters confront and deal with reality. I do not know what I expected when I first picked the book up, but while reading it, I found myself reflecting on and rereading specific sections. The choice of vocabulary and figurative language made a deep impression on me. Sentences like: "I was conceived during one of those drunken nights, half of me formed by my father's whiskey sperm, the other half formed by my mother's vodka egg." "Grandma is on one of her lectures about how people are just like blackbirds...Money is turning everybody to white, all Indians are going white." "My name is Jasmine, but I'm no sweet-smelling flower" "Dancing was like painting, like flying. Through rhythm I could travel toward the stars." The stories talk about human innocence, give words of wisdom, describe pain and hatred while at the same time beauty and happiness. I cannot say enough good things about this book, and highly recommend it. Rarely have I read a book that has touched me so much. 2005, HarperCollins Publishers, $15.99. Ages 14 up. Reviewer: Kathie M. Josephs (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog 2006 Supplement to the Ninth Edition, 2006; H.W Wilson Company; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, December 2005; Cahners; United States
ISBN: 0-06-623957-5
ISBN: 0-06-623959-1
Mystic Horse
Paul Goble
Caldecott Medal winner Paul Goble has earned a stellar reputation for his genuine depiction of Native American culture, both in words and illustrations. This book can only add to that reputation. Hanging on the fringes of a Pawnee tribe are a poor woman and her grandson. They sustain themselves on the discarded food and shelter of the other villagers, walking when the people move to other camping places because they have no horse. One day, the boy comes upon a sickly, skinny horse on the trail. Though the other tribe members ridicule the boy and his horse, he is, nevertheless, determined to take care of the poor creature. When the tribe is threatened by an enemy, both boy and horse prove themselves to be among the bravest of all. The boy earns the name Piraski Resaru, or Boy Chief. But because the boy disobeyed the mystical horse's instructions, the horse is struck down in the battle. Overwhelmed with grief, Boy Chief goes into the mountains by himself. Boy Chief's good heart is rewarded by Tirawhat, Our Father Above. An entire herd of horses appears for him to share with the village. A fine retelling of a wonderful Native American legend. 2003, HarperCollins, $16.99. Ages All. Reviewer: Christopher Moning (Children's Literature).
In this traditional Pawnee tale, a poor old woman and her grandson travel with the hunters. Although mocked by the others, the boy finds and cares for an old, sick horse. One day, to his surprise, the horse tells the boy to cover him with mud, then ride against the enemy. The rejuvenated horse carries him to victory along with the other warriors. But when the boy tries to ride the horse more than the four times he was instructed to, the horse dies. As the boy mourns his loss, the horse returns, bringing with him a herd, so that the boy and his grandmother "need never walk again." Goble's distinctive style, done in pen and ink, watercolor and gouache, uses white outlines and opaque hues to present a spirited visual tale filled with animated horses and war-painted fighters in scenes of fields of wild flowers and canopies of tree branches. The pages also include designs adapted from artifacts in museum collections. The end-papers vividly depict the mystic rising of spirit horses from the waters of a sacred lake described in an introductory note. References and added notes are also included. 2003, HarperCollins Publishers, $16.99. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2004; H.W. Wilson
Children's Choices, 2004; International Reading Association; United States
Kirkus Book Review Stars, March 1, 2003; United States
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2004; National Council for the Social Studies; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Arkansas Diamond Primary Book Award, 2005-2006; Nominee; Grades K-3; Arkansas
Georgia Children's Book Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; Picture Storybook; Georgia
Georgia Children's Picture Story Book Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; Georgia
Prairie Bud Award, 2005-2006; Nominee; South Dakota
Prarie Pasque Award, 2005-2006; Nominee; South Dakota
ISBN: 0-06-029813-8
ISBN: 0-06-029814-6
Nations of the Southeast
Molly Aloian and Bobbie Kalman
This is an excellent pictorial book about the nations of the Southeast. It is part of the "Indians of North America" series--a Bobbie Kalman Book. It is a succinct history with lots of pictures to make it appealing and there is just enough text to give the basic facts, plus some. Therefore, the interest rate for the assignment-browser or the interest-in-Indians reader goes way up. For everyone else it is a likely prospect for browsing or for quick reading. Sometimes the factual books on a particular subject can be overwhelming, and/or the child has not yet learned research skills, so that is why this one is so good. The progression of the subject matter chapters is good and ends with the nations today. There is a glossary and an index. Some readers will be interested in having a copy of their own. Check the back cover for all of the other titles in the "Native Nations of North America" series. 2006, Crabtree Publishing Company, $23.92 and $8.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Naomi Butler (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7787-0385-1
ISBN: 978-0-7787-0385-3
ISBN: 0-778-70477-7
ISBN: 978-0-7787-0477-5
Native North American Wisdom and Gifts
Niki Walker and Bobbie Kalman
Native Americans have made numerous contributions to the world. Many (if not most) of these contributions go unrecognized as coming from the peoples who have lived in North America for thousands of years. Most kids will be familiar with the tribes who helped European colonists survive; they will know about popcorn and Thanksgiving. But do they know that hockey was first played by Native Americans? Or that Native American code talkers helped the United States and its allies win both the first and second world wars? Or that early champions of women's rights were inspired by native tribes' views of the status of woman? Colorful drawings and photographs, most with detailed captions, and informative sidebars highlight the text. This title from the "Native Nations of North America" series gives readers a good introduction to the contributions of Native Americans and may motivate kids to read more. At the end of the book, readers will find a brief glossary and an index. 2006, Crabtree Publishing Company, $8.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Anita Barnes Lowen (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7787-0384-3
ISBN: 978-0778-70384-6
ISBN: 0-77870476-9
ISBN: 978-0-7787-0476-8
The Navajo
David C. King
Part of the "First Americans" series, this title introduces young readers to the Navajo, or Diné, of Arizona, Utah and New Mexico. Four chapters cover: geography and history, lifeways, beliefs and ceremonies, and present and future issues. The lifeways chapter includes a section describing the Navajo arts of weaving and jewelry-making. An insert presenting a few short but lively Navajo sentences with their English translations is especially intriguing. The chapter on beliefs discusses sand paintings and their relation to healing ceremonies, such as the Blessingway, and also includes a brief version of the Navajo creation story. The chapter on modern issues briefly offers two opposing points of view on the value of assimilation with mainstream US culture. The use of larger than average print, interspersed with many attractive color photos, helps make this book appealing and appropriate for a fairly young audience. An index, a map, time line, glossary, bibliography, and web sites list are included. This title would be useful for elementary students' reports and for browsing. 2006, Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark, $18.95. Ages 8 to 11. Reviewer: Gisela Jernigan, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7614-1897-0
Oneida
Amy M. Stone
Part of the "Native American Peoples" series, this title explains the origins of the Oneida people, how they became part of the Iroquois Confederacy, and what traditions the Oneida people have. The text is clear and easy to understand. Also, most pages have pictures and extra information that will help the reader understand the Oneida Nation. The multiple fact boxes scattered throughout the text bring further insight to this particular culture. For example, two fact boxes explain how Polly Cooper helped George Washington and how Mary Cornelius Winder persisted in petitioning the government to honor its treaties with the Oneida Nation. The author also includes a timeline, a glossary, a list of more resources, an index, and a list of "things to think about and do." These extra features will help readers who are doing school reports or research on the Oneida people. This is a good book for readers who need information on this specific topic. 2005, Gareth Stevens Publishing, $26.00. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Joella Peterson (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-8368-4220-0
The Pueblo
Marian Broida
Part of the "First Americans" series, this title introduces young readers to the Pueblo Indians of New Mexico and Arizona. Four chapters cover geography and history, lifeways, beliefs and ceremonies, and current issues. The lifeways chapter discusses traditional homes, foods, clothing, and pottery-making. The chapter on beliefs touches on corn-related rituals and the importance of scared kivas. The chapter on modern issues describes Pueblo languages and includes a few common Pueblo words and their English equivalents. Inserts present a brief creation story, a recipe for Pueblo Bread Pudding, and a short biography of the famous San Ildefonsan potter, Maria Martinez. The use of larger than average print, interspersed with many attractive color photos and drawings, helps make this book appealing and appropriate for a fairly young audience. An index, a map, time line, glossary, bibliography, and web site list are included. This title would be useful for elementary students' reports and browsing. 2006, Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark, $18.95. Ages 8 to 11. Reviewer: Gisela Jernigan, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7614-1898-9
Rabbit Plants the Forest
Deborah Duvall and Murv Jacob
In this story, which has as its basis an old Cherokee tale, Rabbit (Ji-Stu) is pleased and proud when Squirrel (Sa-lo-li) invites him to help her plant the forest with hickory nuts, pecans, acorns, and walnuts. Why is Rabbit so delighted? Because Squirrel has always kept her planting secrets to herself, along with her methods of making sure the seeds sprout and how to find them again, even in the deepest snow. As Rabbit and Squirrel work their way toward the river, they meet an ancient squirrel sage named White Oak who warns them about the dreaded Wampus Cat. The Wampus Cat is just an old story, the two friends tell themselves. Or is it? There is a wonderful adventure in store for them, and the reader, when they find out. This story is a rare combination of Native American myth and scientific fact: readers will learn how and why squirrels bury nuts in the fall as they enjoy the folk tale. The language is appropriately respectful of its cultural origins. The artwork is rich, vivid, and textural in much the way a tapestry or other woven artwork might be. The illustrations are filled with plants and animals that are native to the territory in which the tale takes place. The back of the book features an index of the plants and animals organized by the page upon which they appear. Both author and illustrator have been honored by Wordcraft Circle of Native Writers and other organizations, and this volume lives up to these high standards. 2006, University of New Mexico Press, $18.95. Ages 6 to 10. Reviewer: Dianne Ochiltree (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-8263-3691-4
ISBN: 978-0-8263-3691-0
The Rough-Face Girl
Rafe Martin
Illustrated by David Shannon
In this Algonquin Indian tale, the Rough-Face Girl is scarred from years of tending the fire for her family. She is mistreated by her sisters, who go on a journey to find and marry the Invisible Being. The Rough-Face Girl desires to meet this mysterious power and decides to embark on her own search. When she meets up with the sister of the Invisible Being, she is put through a test. After she answers all of the questions correctly, she bathes in the lake. While in the water, her scars vanish and she ends up marrying the Invisible Being. Magnificent paintings and moving prose perfectly capture the beauty of the natural world in this Native American version of Cinderella. 1992, Putnam, $16.99 and $5.99. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Debra Briatico (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K-Grade 6, Tenth Edition, 1993;
National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Kaleidoscope, A Multicultural Booklist for Grades K-8, 1994; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Kirkus Book Review Stars, 1992; United States
Serving Native American/First Nation Youth Populations, 2003; ALSC American Library Association; United States
Teachers' Choices, 1993; International Reading Association; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
ABC Children's Booksellers Choices Award Winner 1993 Picture Books United States
Georgia Children's Book Award Winner 1994 Georgia Child Picture Story Book Award Georgia
Golden Sower Award Winner 1994 Grades K-3 Nebraska
Golden Sower Award Winner 1994 Primary Nebraska
Patricia Gallagher Picture Book Award Winner 1999 Easy to Read United States
Virginia Young Readers Program Winner 1995 Primary Virginia
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Flicker Tale Children's Book Award, 1994; Nominee; Picture Books; North Dakota
Golden Sower Award, 1994; Nominee; Primary; Nebraska
Michigan Reader's Choice Award, 1996; Nominee; Grades Pre-K - 2; Michigan
Patricia Gallagher Picture Book Award, 1999; Nominee; Oregon
Utah Children's Book Awards, 1996; Nominee; Picture Book; Utah
ISBN: 0-399-21859-9
The Seminole: Patchworkers of the Everglades
Rachel A. Koestler-Grack
The American Indian tribe known as the Seminole occupied much of what is now Florida. After many years of war there was a period of peace beginning after 1858 where the Seminole were able to return to family life. It was during this time that the Seminole women created an art form using a new patchwork method of sewing. Through the years, the patchwork design became very popular, not only on Seminole clothing but also on their handmade dolls, beadwork, and baskets. Today it is a reflection of the Seminole heritage and usually worn only for special occasions and important ceremonies. This book focuses on the Seminole custom of crafting patchwork. It contains several activities, including easy directions for making a patchwork bookmark and a simple recipe for wild grape dumplings. Young readers will enjoy learning about the Seminole culture as they read this brief but enlightening book. The many photographs and illustrations enhance the already-informative text. This book is highly recommended for any middle reader's study of Native Americans. It concludes with a glossary, index, and list of sources for additional information. It is part of the "America's First People" series. 2003, Blue Earth Books/Capstone Press, $22.60. Ages 5 to 10. Reviewer: Denise Daley (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7368-1539-2
Shoshone
Mary Stout
Part of the "Native American Peoples" series, this title explains who the Shoshone people are and tells about some of their beliefs and customs. While teaching readers about the traditional way of life of the Shoshone people, the text also describes how the influence of settlers changed the dynamics of these Western Tribes. For example, the author tells how members of the Lewis and Clark expedition were some of the first "white explorers" the Northern Shoshones met. The text moves on to explain how the Shoshone people soon had to deal with settlers who not only traveled through their land, but soon built cities there. Each picture (most of which are in color) and information box will help readers understand the lifestyle and issues of the Shoshone people. The book also contains a timeline, a glossary, a list of more resources, and ideas for activities. This is a good resource for young readers who are doing research or reports on the Shoshone people. 2005, Gareth Stevens Publishing, $26.00. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Joella Peterson (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-8368-4221-9
Song of Creation
Paul Goble
For those familiar with the author's body of work drawing on the legends and natural environment of the Plains Indians, this book may or may not be a surprise. The author-illustrator has taken his text from the Benedicite, a canticle in the Daily Office of the Anglican Church; readers may recognize it from the Book of Common Prayer or as an adaptation of Psalm 148. The author, who has known these words since his school days in England, here combines the song of praise to God from creatures and elements of the earth with distinctive watercolor illustrations in his signature style. The sweeping spreads show avocets, cormorants, and geese; bass, trout, and sunfish; buffalo, moose, and wolves; lightning, snow, and fire, all in praise of creation in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Especially effective is the depiction of sandhill cranes soaring above the earth in a vista reminiscent of Winged Migration. To encourage children to create their own verses, local flora and fauna are included in some small-print examples ("O you pine trees, bless you the Lord"). As American Episcopal priests traveled to the Dakotas in the nineteenth century to evangelize and minister to Native Americans, there is a connection not at once suspected. Many parents and church schools will find this lovely book an asset, both to help children see the relationship of an ancient religious text to our own time and place and to make vivid the timeless world of the Black Hills. 2004, Eerdmans, $16.00. Ages all. Reviewer: Barbara L. Talcroft (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Kirkus Book Review Stars, August 15, 2004; United States
Top 10 Religion Books for Youth, 2005; American Library Association-Booklist; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Midwest Book Award First Place 2004 Picture Book United States
ISBN: 0-8028-5271-8
Storm Maker's Tipi
Paul Goble
In relating the legend of the tipi and its sacred symbols, Goble begins with detailed diagrams for the actual construction of Blackfoot tipi. These instructions and other gifts were revealed by Napi, helper of the Great Spirit. Moving into his classic illustrations of Native American lore, Goble tells the tale of Sacred Otter who had a dream vision when Storm Maker struck while he was on a hunting trip with his son. The blizzard caused them to seek shelter under the fresh skin of a recently killed buffalo. Large vertical pictures cause the reader to turn the book lengthwise to grasp the magnitude of Sacred Otter's vision as he approached Storm Maker's decorated tipi. Storm Maker directed Sacred Otter to paint his own tipi with the same symbols to provide protection from devastating storms. A photograph near the end shows Blackfoot tipis pitched according to these directions even today. This is followed by a pattern to photocopy and make into a model of a tipi. A valuable resource for the study of this Native American tribe. 2001, Atheneum, $18.00. Ages 6 to 11. Reviewer: Phyllis Kennemer, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K-Grade 6 13th Edition, 2002; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2002; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2002; H.W. Wilson; United States
Kaleidoscope, A Multicultural Booklist for Grades K-8, Fourth Edition, 2003; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Kirkus Book Review Stars, October 1, 2001; United States
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2002; National Council for the Social Studies NCSS; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, October 2001; Cahners; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Louisiana Young Readers' Choice Award, 2004; Nominee; Louisiana
ISBN: 0-689-84137-X
Sweetgrass Basket
Marlene Carvell
After the death of their mother, their father sends two Mohawk sisters, Mattie and Sarah, to an off-reservation boarding school. There they face a rigid structure, marching to and from classes designed to teach them to read, cook, and sew--all in training for life as domestic servants on the outside. Mattie, the elder sister, runs afoul of a harsh teacher and later is wrongly accused by the teacher of stealing a silver brooch. The brooch disappears the same day as Mattie's sweetgrass basket, a gift from her mother that she has kept hidden. Mattie runs away, trying to reach home, but she is eventually caught and returned to the school. She becomes ill from exposure and dies, leaving Sarah to carry on without her. One day Sarah finds the missing brooch but decides not to return it to the teacher. Instead, she makes sure it is never found. A worker who has befriended Sarah returns her sister's sweetgrass basket and she tucks it in her drawer for safekeeping. Told in two voices, the book captures the struggles the girls endure to survive in a hostile environment, preserve their cultural heritage, and support each other. The author drew inspiration for the book based on the experiences of her husband's great aunt, who attended the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in the early 1900s. 2005, Dutton Children's Books/Penguin Putnam Young Readers Group, $16.99. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Valerie O. Patterson (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2005; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Booklist Book Review Stars, Aug. 1, 2005; United States
Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog 2006 Supplement to the Ninth Edition, 2006; H.W Wilson Company; United States
Notable Book, 2006; International Reading Association; United States
Notable Children's Books, 2006; American Library Association-ALSC; United States
Top 10 Historical Fiction Books for Youth, 2006; American Library Association-Booklist; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Jane Addams Children's Book Award Honor Book 2006 Books for Older Children United States
Jefferson Cup Award Winner 2006 Grades 5-8 United States
ISBN: 0-525-47547-8
Tepees
June Preszler
This informative volume uses well-written text, illustrations and photographs (color, black-and-white and sepia-toned) to introduce young readers to tepees, one of the most fascinating traditional dwellings created by Native Americans. Although various Indian tribes used these cone-shaped tents as homes, the primary dwellers of tepees included a variety of Plains Indian tribes--Arapaho, Sioux, Pawnee, and others--from the Great Plains of central North America. The author briefly discusses what materials were used to create these simple structures, how these materials were gathered and prepared, who was responsible for building these dwellings, what the inside of tepees looked like, why the Plains Indians created tepee villages and special tepees, and why these structures were moved from place to place. This interesting title, part of the "Native American Life" series, also contains a glossary, a list of books for further reading, an Internet resource, and an index. Beginning readers and young researchers will be captivated by this intriguing introduction to tepees. 2005, Bridgestone Books/Capstone Press, $21.26. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Debra Briatico (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7368-3727-2
Thirteen Moons on Turtle's Back: A Native American Year of Moons
Joseph Bruchac and Jonathan London
Illustrated by Thomas Locker
This collection of poems is based on Native American legends about the moons of the year and the turtle who carries the mystery of the moons in the thirteen scales on its back. Each moon has a name and stories associated with it. Selections in this beautifully illustrated book come from the Cheyenne, Cree, Huron, Micmac and other tribes across America. Award winning artist Locker has created soft toned oils that closely match the text and spread over one and a half pages. 1992, Philomel, $15.95. Ages All. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K-Grade 6, Tenth Edition, 1993;
National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
Kaleidoscope, A Multicultural Booklist for Grades K-8, 1994; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts, 1993; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Notable Children's Trade Books in the Field of the Social Studies, 1992; National Council for the Social Studies NCSS; United States
Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children, 1992; National Science Teachers Association; United States
Teachers' Choices, 1993; International Reading Association; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Prairie Pasque Award, 1995; Nominee; South Dakota
ISBN: 0-399-22141-7
Touching Spirit Bear
Ben Mikaelsen
In order to avoid a prison sentence, fifteen-year-old Cole Matthews opts to spend a year alone on an island in Southwest Alaska. This alternative punishment is part of Circle Justice, a healing form of justice that has been practiced by native cultures for thousands of years. But Cole harbors resentment toward the world that no justice can placate. He torches his shelter, destroys his supplies, and then has a run-in with a giant white Spirit Bear that leaves him maimed and badly injured. But has this near death experience helped Cole accept the patience, gentleness, strength, and honesty that is Circle Justice's goal? Cole's parole officer and a Native American elder, Edwin, risk their reputations so that Cole can give the island another chance. Finally, Cole realizes that it is not through anger but through forgiveness that he will find redemption. The author, who lives with an adopted 700-pound black bear in Montana, does not shy away from describing the violent and sometimes gruesome confrontations with man and beast that Cole pits himself against. 2001, HarperCollins, $15.95. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Christopher Moning (Children's Literature).
Cole has been in trouble with the law half of his life. At fifteen years old is it too late for him to be rehabilitated or is jail the only answer? He has lied convincingly to avoid jail but this time his victim is a fellow student, Peter, who may have suffered permanent brain damage. Ben Mikaelsen has written a powerful story in Touching Spirit Bear. Cole's social worker convinces authorities to try the Native American Circle Justice treatment that puts the offender on a remote Alaskan island where survival depends on his own inner strength. Even then, Cole's anger rages. It is the mauling he suffers by Spirit Bear that eventually changes him physically and spiritually. Mikaelsen's probing into the causes and nature of violent anger rings true. What affected me deeply was the healing power of the story. A must read for teens. 2001, HarperCollins, $15.95. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Jan Lieberman (Children's Literature).
Best Books:Best Books for Young Adults, 2002; American Library Association-YALSA; United States
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2002; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Children's Book Sense 76 Picks, Spring/Summer 2001; Book Sense 76; United States
Los Angeles' 100 Best Books, 2001; IRA Children's Literature and Reading SIG and the Los Angeles Unified School District; United States
Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Ninth Edition, 2005; H.W. Wilson; United States
Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Supplement to the Eighth Edition, 2002; H.W. Wilson; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, February 2001; Cahners; United States
Serving Native American/First Nation Youth Populations, 2003; ALSC American Library Association; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Beehive Award Winner 2003 Grades 7-12 Utah
California Young Reader Medal Winner 2003 Junior High California
Flicker Tale Children's Book Award Winner 2002 Juvenile Fiction North Dakota
The Golden Archer Award Winner 2004 Middle/Junior High Level Wisconsin
Golden Sower Award Winner 2004 Young Adult Nebraska
Maud Hart Lovelace Book Award Winner 2004 Grades 6-8 Minnesota
Nevada Young Readers' Award Winner 2003 Young Adult Nevada
Soaring Eagle Book Award Winner 2006 Wyoming
Sunshine State Young Reader's Award Winner 2004 Grades 6-8 Florida
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Arizona Young Readers' Award, 2004; Nominee; Teen Books; Arizona
Black-Eyed Susan Book Award, 2003-2004; Nominee; Grades 6 - 9; Maryland
California Young Reader Medal, 2003; Nominee; Middle School/Junior High; California
Charlotte Award, 2004; Nominee; New York
Eliot Rosewater Indiana High School Book Award, 2005-2006; Nominee; Indiana
Evergreen Young Adult Book Award, 2004; Nominee; Washington
Flicker Tale Children's Book Award, 2002; Nominee; Juvenile Books; North Dakota
The Golden Archer Award, 2003-2004; Nominee; Middle/Junior High; Wisconsin
Golden Sower Award, 2003-2004; Nominee; Young Adult; Nebraska
Iowa Teen Award, 2003-2004; Nominee; Iowa
Maud Hart Lovelace Book Award, 2003-2004; Nominee; Minnesota
Lone Star Reading List, 2002-2003; Texas
Nevada Young Readers' Award, 2003; Nominee; Young Adult; Nevada
Nutmeg Children's Book Award, 2006; Nominee; Teens; United States
Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award, 2004; Nominee; Illinois
Sequoyah Book Award, 2003-2004; Nominee; Young Adult; Oklahoma
Soaring Eagle Book Award, 2005-2006; Nominee; Grades 7-12; Wyoming
Soaring Eagle Book Award, 2001-2002; Nominee; Grades 7-12; Wyoming
South Carolina Book Awards, 2003-2004; Nominee; Young Adult Book; South Carolina
Sunshine State Young Reader's Award, 2003-2004; Nominee; Grades 6-8; Florida
Utah Children's Book Awards, 2003; Nominee; Young Adult; Utah
Volunteer State Book Award, 2004; Nominee; Young Adult, Grades 7-12; Tennessee
William Allen White Children's Book Award, 2003-2004; Nominee; Kansas
Young Adult Reading Program, 2003; Grades 7-12; South Dakota
Young Hoosier Book Award, 2004; Nominee; Middle Grades (Grades 6-8); Indiana
Young Reader's Choice Award, 2004; Nominee; Middle (Grades 7-9); Pacific Northwest
ISBN: 0-380-97744-3
ISBN: 0-06-029149-4
Wabi: a Hero's Tale
Joseph Bruchac
Wabi, an abandoned owl left in the care of his great grandmother, embarks on the adventure of a lifetime when he discovers that he is a shape-shifter in this heroic and spiritual tale of redemption. Bruchac draws heavily on his Native American ancestry in this book, and the result is both funny and insightful. Wabi is an owl, but not just a typical owl; he is an owl that can speak as humans speak, which allows him to understand and listen to the humans of a small village in his hunting area. He is especially drawn to a girl named Dojihla. As he matures, he discovers that he can also become human if he so desires. This he does when a competition for Dojihla's hand in marriage is announced. Like all good heroes, Wabi wins the competition, but he is ultimately rejected when the village and Dojihla discover his owl ancestry. Dejected and distraught, Wabi embarks on a hero's journey to find the family of his wolf companion, Malsumsis. It is this journey that marks him as a man and ultimately as a hero. Bruchac's world is both fantastic and realistic and his characters are all imbued with nobility and courage. I should hope more books like this one find their way into print. 2006, Dial Books/Penguin, $16.99. Ages 12 to 16. Reviewer: Tom Jones (Children's Literature).
Wabi is a great horned owl who hunts throughout the woodlands. Born into a strange family of squabbling siblings with a distracted mother, Wabi feels drawn to the human beings who live nearby. Then, one day Wabi is nearly eaten by a fox and is saved by another owl. That owl, Wabi's great-grandmother, tells him stories about their family. From his great-grandmother Wabi learns that some of his relatives had the power to shape shift and had once been human. Wabi is stunned by this revelation, but it also makes him wonder if he too has that ability. Over time Wabi befriends a wolf pup, becomes drawn to a Native American girl, and discovers that his life is destined to be one filled with adventure. Wabi: A Hero's Tale is a beautifully told story based upon Native American legends. Told with a careful eye for the woodlands, its creatures, and the mythology of Native people, Wabi is a book that will charm its readers. This is a story of adventure and drama, but also one that helps readers to understand that who they are is determined by themselves and not the expectations of others. 2006, Dial Books/Penguin, $16.99. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Kirkus Book Review Stars, February 1, 2006; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, April 2006; Cahners; United States
ISBN: 0-8037-3098-5
The Way to Start a Day
Byrd Baylor
Illustrated by Peter Parnall
Nature is filled with melodic voices, if only we would take the time to hear them. Most people don't, admonishes the author of this poetic text. In these days of modems and faxes and beepers and pagers, here is a book that ís a breath of fresh air. A soulful spiritual story, it goes way beyond the old "stop and smell the roses" expression. It is a tale about an old man who shares his secrets with a young friend about "the other way to listen." "Don't start with a mountain," advises the elder. "Start with one seed pod or one dry weed or one horned toad or one handful of dirt." Equally entrancing are the illustrations which blend imagery so harmoniously that you don't know where the drawing ends and where nature begins. 1997, Aladdin Paperbacks, $7.95 and $5.99. Ages 6 to 9. Reviewer: Marilyn Bagel (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Randolph Caldecott Medal Honor Book 1979 United States
ISBN: 0-684-15651-2
Weather Legends: Native American Lore and the Science of Weather
Carole Garbuny Vogel
Weather is an instrumental force in our daily lives and today meteorologists have modern tools for forecasting and explaining natural phenomena. This was not so for the early Native Americans who viewed weather as a blend of the physical and the spiritual. Storytellers of various tribes passed on intriguing legends that involved evil serpents, a winged storm king, or thunder and lightening warriors. The Papago of the southwest told of lovers who were separated by distant mountains. They were able to communicate by holding bright feathers after a rainstorm, thus creating a rainbow. In Maine, the Penobscots explained that Indian Summer was granted by the creator to a man too ill to plant his crops during the growing season. This explains warm weather that comes after a cold snap in the fall. Each of the ten legends is followed by scientific explanations of each weather event. Stunning photographs accompany each story. Vogel's book would be a helpful source in subjects that cross the curriculum. 2001, Millbrook Press, $27.90. Ages 8 to 14. Reviewer: Laura Hummel (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2002; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Storytelling World Awards Honor 2002 Stories for Pre-Adolescent Listeners United States
ISBN: 0-7613-1900-X
Weave Little Stars into My Sleep: Native American Lullabies
Neil Philip, editor
Photographs by Edward S. Curtis
This collection of Native American lullabies will delight young readers as well as parents. The lullabies, each from a different Native American tribe, highlight the richness of the culture of the people. With catchy phrases and universal messages, these lullabies demonstrate the similarities between Native American culture and others. A photograph compliments each lullaby, ranging from Kachina dolls to mothers and their babies. The inclusion of the photographs contributes to the overall quality of the lullabies as readers not only hear Native American lullabies but also see Native Americans in their indigenous dress and homeland. Philip selected the lullabies to show children that their favorite bedtime songs are similar to those of Native American children. These lullabies can soothe not only Native American children to sleep, but soothe all children to sleep. This book is suitable as a bedtime story book and also in a classroom. 2001, Clarion/Houghton Mifflin, $16.00. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Skye Suttie (Children's Literature).
Fifteen Native American lullabies have been freely rendered from their original sources. Philip has taken some liberties in order to put them into English verse but has taken care to maintain their spirit. The selections are from the Northeast, the Plains, the Southwest, the Northwest Coast and the Inuit. Soothing lines, such as the title of the book, and "Sleep, sleep, sleep. Baby, shut your eyes," as well as admonitions to go to sleep and never cry or the Owl will come "And gobble you up" can be found alongside lullabies for happy dreams. The duotone photographs, which were first published in the early twentieth century, set the scene and create the mood. Many depict mothers and their children while others show adults performing the tasks talked about in the lullabies. They work well together in recreating snippets of these Native American cultures while at the same time presenting the universality of lullabies. The only drawback here is that the melodies are not included. 2001, Clarion Books, $16.00. Ages 6 up. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K-Grade 6 13th Edition, 2002; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2002; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2002; H.W. Wilson; United States
Kaleidoscope, A Multicultural Booklist for Grades K-8, Fourth Edition, 2003; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2002; National Council for the Social Studies NCSS; United States
ISBN: 0-618-08856-3
Whale Snow
Debby Dahl Edwardson
Illustrated by Annie Patterson
Fat snowflakes fall as the Iñupiat boy Amiqqaq's grandmother fries Eskimo doughnuts while they wait for Amiqqaq's father to return from a whale hunt. The crew has been successful and Papa takes the boy on his skidoo to see the huge, dead, dark gray whale. Happiness prevails among the Iñupiat community as they celebrate with a feast of whale meat stew, cooked fruit, and doughnuts. Edwardson focuses on the historical importance of the bowhead whale to the Iñupiats, spiritually and (formerly) as sustenance. There is, however, a strange contradiction between the very cheerful tone of the story, the charming, pastel watercolor illustrations, and the realities of killing a whale. Ignored are the dangers of the hunt, the death agonies of the huge mammal, and the bloody business of reducing a whale to meat, blubber, and bone. Papa speaks of the whale as being "given" to the people, but a whale doesn't give itself; it must be killed. Although bowheads are endangered, native peoples are allowed to hunt them to perpetuate their traditional way of life. One could say that time marches on--people who have modern homes, electric stoves, cars, and snowmobiles might show their respect for the endangered whales by letting them live. If children have studied whales or listened to their voices, they may find the community's unmitigated joy disturbing. On the other hand, teachers may choose to stress the traditional importance of the bowheads to the Iñupiats, a relationship well presented in an author's note. 2003, Charlesbridge, $15.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Barbara L. Talcroft (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Notable Books for a Global Society, 2004; Special Interest Group of the International Reading Association; United States
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2004; National Council for the Social Studies; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Independent Publisher Book Award (IPPY) Winner 2004 Children's Picture Book (7 and Over) United States
ISBN: 1-57091-393-5
Wickiups
June Preszler
This title uses a wonderful mix of fascinating facts, well-written narratives, and close-up, black-and-white and full-color photographs to introduce readers to temporary Native American dwellings called wickiups. Used primarily by Indian tribes from the Great Basin (e.g., Paiute, Ute and Shoshone) and Southwest (e.g., Apache), these simple dome-shaped shelters were built out of wood, grass and brush. The author briefly discusses how the materials for these structures were gathered, how the Indians prepared the sites for these dwellings, how these structures were framed and constructed, what these unique buildings looked like from the inside, and why tribes created temporary villages and roofed shelters called ramadas. This interesting introduction to wickiups also contains a glossary, a list of books for further reading, an Internet resource, and an index. Young readers and researchers will enjoy using this text, part of the "Native American Life" series, as a starting point for their research about traditional Native American dwellings. 2005, Bridgestone Books/Capstone Press, $21.26. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Debra Briatico (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7368-3728-0
Wilma Mankiller: Chief of the Cherokee Nation
Pamela Dell
Wilma Mankiller was the first woman elected to lead the Cherokee Nation. She completed the term of her predecessor, Ross Swimmer, and then was elected for two terms of her own. Mankiller served as principal chief for ten years--from 1985 to 1995. This biography, divided into nine chapters, describes her life, her family, and the obstacles she overcame in order to be an advocate for both the Native American population and women. Mankiller was born in Oklahoma in 1945. Her family relocated to San Francisco when she was eleven years old. A turning point of her life was when she worked as an activist during the Native American takeover of Alcatraz (1969-1971). Following that experience, Mankiller relocated to Oklahoma where she began working for the Cherokee Nation. Her life has not been an easy one. Besides a near fatal automobile accident, she has had two kidney transplants and successfully battled cancer. Today, she is an author, speaker, and teacher. There is a timeline in the book's appendix, which lists both events from Mankiller's life and world events at that time. The appendix also includes further resources (books, Web sites, and historic sites), as well as a glossary. 2006, Compass Point Books/Capstone Press, $30.60. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Lynn O'Connell (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7565-1600-5
ISBN: 978-0-7565-1600-0
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Updated 10/31/2006
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