November is Native American Heritage Month As we celebrate Thanksgiving, it is also a time to reflect on those who came together in 1621 to celebrate a bountiful harvest. Without the aid of Native Americans is is unlikely that the first group of Pilgrims would have survived. The following are reviews of recent titles featuring Native Americans. The Apache Raymond Bial    Geronimo! Many children rush into play with the war cry that memorializes the famous Apache leader and warrior. He was so skilled at raiding and hiding that it took Apache scouts and trackers to locate him. Five bands of Apaches were spread over the plains and mountains of the American southwest. They were masters at raiding and often struck terror in their victims, but they took only what they could carry and did not destroy villages. They had remarkable strength and endurance. Apaches could go for days without food or water and could travel seventy miles a day on foot. As nomads they traveled light, owned few possessions, and built temporary shelters called wickiups. Sadly, when captured in the late 1800s, Apaches were relocated to Florida where they suffered in the humid climate. Many now live in Oklahoma, New Mexico and Arizona. Tribal leaders work to preserve the Apache language and culture. As part of the "Lifeways" series, which features a dozen Native American nations, Bial's richly detailed book is a comprehensive study of a fascinating people. Excellent historical and contemporary photographs as well as illustrations complement the book. Biographical sketches, a glossary, index, bibliography and web sites make this source ideal for research. 2001, Benchmark Books, Ages 9 to 14, $32.79. Reviewer: Laura Hummel ISBN: 0-7614-0939-4 American Heritage Book of Great American Speeches for Young People Edited by Suzanne McIntire    Over the years, a select group of speeches or orations by a variety of Americans have stood the test of time and retained their power. Some of the more obvious ones are Lincoln's Gettysburg Address and Douglas MacArthur's farewell to Congress. Yet, there are grand words included in sources less familiar than these two examples that are worthy of recall. In this comprehensive source of great American speeches, many different types of addresses are included. For example, themes such as labor history, the civil rights movement and social activism are represented by specific speeches. The words of Native Americans include those of Chiefs Joseph and Seattle. Presidential commentaries by Woodrow Wilson, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan and others provide a cross section of executive opinions. All in all, readers will find that perusing these pages allows them to revisit some of the critical moments in American history through the words of its players. This is a valuable quick reference book and will be enjoyed by students of history. 2001, John Wiley & Sons, Ages 12 up, $14.95. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck ISBN: 0-471-38942-0 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, Ages 10 up, $20.95. Reviewer: Uma Krishnaswami ISBN: 0-7660-1411-8 By the Standing Stone Maxine Trottier     In the year 1773, Mack and her thirteen-year-old cousin, Jamie dread the thought of returning from Canada to their ancestral home in Great Britain. Their worries are replaced by fresh ones, however, when the cousins are kidnapped by a ruffian named Ben Sparks. Sparks is a lawless man who plans to sell Mack and Jamie to Native Americans or the British army. The cousins' guardian, Lord John MacNeil, along with his young Indian friend, Owela, track the young people in hopes of rescuing them. The suspense is short lived, as Mack and Jamie are freed by some friendly strangers. From the wilds of Canada the pair travel to the city of Boston, where they participate in that city's memorable Tea Party. Paul Revere makes a cameo appearance and assists in reuniting the cousins with their guardian. A romance blooms between Mack and Owela, who teaches the young Canadian about the Oneida Indian culture. More adventures with the MacNeil family can be discovered in "The Circle of Silver Chronicles" series. 2001, Stoddart Kids, Ages 8 to 12, $7.95. Reviewer: Christopher Moning ISBN: 0-7737-6138-1 The Cheyenne Raymond Bial     With the introduction of horses to North America, the way of life of the Cheyenne changed. They once settled in permanent homes in the area of Minnesota, but with horses they became nomadic. Following the vast herds of buffalo, these Native Americans traveled light. They lived in tipis made of buffalo hides that were often painted with designs stemming from visions. These structures could easily be dismantled and moved by travois, a type of sled. For storage, the Cheyenne used leather pouches called parfleches. The buffalo provided them with food, clothing and shelter, as well as dozens of other uses. Hooves became rattles, the tail was an excellent flyswatter and the horns were used to make cups and spoons. The Cheyenne often warred with other Great Plains tribes and stealing horses became a daring art. Their way of life was threatened by the advent of the westward settlers, and they united with the Sioux to destroy U.S. forces under General Custer. In retaliation, the Cheyenne were rounded up and sent to Oklahoma. Today they live on reservations in Oklahoma and Montana. Bial's book, part of the "Lifeways" series, is interesting and informative. A glossary, web sites, an index and excellent photographs and drawings are included. 2001, Benchmark Books, Ages 8 up, $32.79. Reviewer: Laura Hummel ISBN: 0-7614-0938-6 Daniel's Walk Michael Spooner     After seeing a vision that his French trapper father is in trouble, fourteen-year-old Daniel Le Blanc leaves the home of his aunt and uncle in Caldwell, Missouri to go west to search for his father. Traveling alone, Daniel meets trouble in a man named Haggard who will follow and plague him for his entire journey. After months of dangerous travel, Daniel is reunited with his father only to find that he is not welcome. As his father lies dying, Daniel learns that his father has been aiding the Native Americans who are being pushed off their land. While he makes the return trip to Missouri, Daniel learns to appreciate family relationships. Although the plot is a bit contrived and slow in places, the book is good and could be used as a companion piece for a middle grade unit about westward expansion and the displacement of the Native Americans. 2001, Henry Holt, Ages 12 to 15, $16.95. Reviewer: J. B. Petty ISBN: 0-8050-6750-7 The Earliest Americans Helen Roney Sattler Illustrated by Jean Day Zallinger     The history of the earliest people known to have lived in North and South America is one shrouded by the mists of prehistory. Solely through the efforts of archaeologists has the tale of the earliest Americans come to light. Prior to the efforts of scientists there existed a cultural bias that indicated these early Americans lived in primitive societies far inferior to those achieved in Europe and Asia. However, more recent research has found that complex and advanced cultures thrived in America thousands of years ago. This book of science traces the early development of these Native American societies through the remaining material records unearthed by archaeologists. Through an analysis of fossil tools, artifacts, pottery and buildings, scientists have come to realize the depth of these pre-historic cultures and their people. Ancient Native Americans were able to build intricate roadways, develop accurate calendars, construct complicated buildings and advance mathematical study. These were not primitive cultures but rather, well-developed and mature societies. Perhaps the strongest element of this book is its illustrations. A gentle, black-and-white sketchbook approach is used to illuminate the life and tools of ancient Native Americans. With a journeyman-like narrative, this is a book that will engage readers with an interest in Native Americans or archaeology. 2001 (orig. 1993), Clarion Books, Ages 9 to 14, $19.00 and $8.95. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck ISBN: 0-395-54996-5 ISBN: 0-618-11146-8 The Great Canoe: A Karina Legend Retold by María Elena Maggi Translated by Elisa Amado Illustrations by Gloria Calderün     Scholars of folklore, culture, and religion will find this picture book a welcome addition to "deluge" stories. Recognizable to bible experts as a "Noah's Ark" story, this Carib Indian (actually Karina) version comes from Venezuela. Kaputano, the father of the Karina, warns his people that great rains will come and cover the earth. Only 4 couples believe Kaputano and set about helping him construct a great canoe. After the canoe is loaded with 2 of every kind of animal, seeds from all the plants, and the few people who have helped him, the rains come and flood the earth. When the water recedes, Kaputano creates a new world for his children "…rich with marshes, rivers, mountains and many trees." In the afterward, information about the Karina, the numerous historical references used and the colored scratch board-style illustrations authenticate this concise retelling. Although the illustrations are tasteful and represent the flora and fauna of an historic NE Venezuela, problematic for some will be the few images of bare-breasted women. Of particular interest are the snake design endpapers-Karina believed their ancestors were created from the bones of a great snake. 2001 (orig. 1998), Publishers Group West, Ages 5 up, $15.95. Reviewer: Darcy H. Bradley ISBN: 0-88899-444-3 The Haida Raymond Bial     Located on the islands off the northwestern coast of North America is a fascinating culture of Native Americans. Known as Haida Gwaii, these people established a complex society that respected the land and created beautiful artwork. The islands, which stretch four thousand miles, are home to some of the last remaining old growth trees and shelter for many birds and marine animals. The people built complicated wooden homes that featured beautiful totem poles. Photographers recorded these incredible dwellings, and many historical photographs as well as recent ones have been included in this excellent source. One important ceremony of the Haida was the potlatch, which was given to celebrate a major event. It was referred to as fighting with property. The host gained status by breaking or giving away possessions in order to impress others. The more generous the host, the higher his esteem. The art of the Haida is incredible. Artist Bill Reed created wooden sculptures. Others were known for wooden masks, gold and silver jewelry, ivory carvings and totem poles. A glossary, list of web sites and an index are included in the source, which is part of the "Lifeways" series. 2001, Benchmark Books, Ages 9 to 14, $32.79. Reviewer: Laura Hummel ISBN: 0-7614-0937-8 How Chipmunk Got His Stripes Joseph Bruchac and James Bruchac Pictures by Jose Aruego and Ariane Dewey     Bragging Bear is challenged by Brown Squirrel to stop the sun from rising. All the other animals watch Bear's humiliation as, despite his determination, the sun still rises. But Brown Squirrel forgets his grandmother's warning and taunts Bear. His cleverness saves him from being eaten, but the claw marks Bear leaves down his back turn him into Chipmunk. And ever since, Chipmunk is the first to happily greet dawn, while Bear is the last to rise, for it reminds him that "no one, not even Bear, can do everything." The tale flows as befits one told by master storytellers, complete with chants for the audience to join in. Aruego and Dewy create animals and settings in double-page scenes with simplified characters and emotionally charged color backgrounds. Bulky Bear registers arrogance, then annoyance, with sharp teeth and slouching posture. Squirrel is cocky, then frightened. The stylized pen-and-ink and watercolor drawings are directly appealing. The authors note the source and the many versions of their tale. 2001, Dial Books for Young Readers/Penguin Putnam, Ages 4 to 8, $15.99. Reviewers: Ken and Sylvia Marantz ISBN: 0-8037-2404-7 How Raven Stole the Sun Maria Williams Illustrations by Felix Vigil     In this traditional Tlingit tale, Raven tries to liberate the sun, moon and stars from a greedy chief who keeps them locked away in beautifully carved boxes. Unable to get into the chief's house, Raven spies the chief's daughter drinking water from a creek, changes himself into a pine needle, flows into her cup and is ingested. Several months later, she gives birth to a son who is really Raven in disguise. The chief, an indulgent grandfather, lets his grandson play with the beautifully carved boxes. One by one, Raven sets the celestial bodies free. His job done, Raven shape-shifts back into a white bird. The chief, furious that he's been tricked, tries to trap him. But Raven escapes through a smokehole in the ceiling and is blackened forever. Information about the Tlingit people, a glossary of Tlingit words, and a profile of the raven in Northwest Coast historical legend compliment the beautifully illustrated text. This is one of the "Tales of the People" series created with the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian. 2001, Abbeville Press, Ages 8 to 12, $14.95. Reviewer: Ellen R. Braaf ISBN: 0-7892-0163-1 The Huron Raymond Bial     For centuries the Hurons lived in Ontario just south of Georgian Bay. Their most common structure was the longhouse which was simply furnished and could house forty people. These Native Americans lived in harmony with the earth and their daily life followed the seasons. Primarily they were farmers and the women grew corn, beans, squash, and sunflowers. The men fished, hunted, and traded. Trading was done for adventure and prestige. Acquired goods, especially shells for wampum, could be given away at home, thus gaining favor for the giver. Trade routes were far reaching and bartering turned into an international business with the French. The four Huron nations formed a confederacy, but eventually internal problems and disease weakened the people. They were attacked by the Iroquois and forced to abandon their homelands. Today their descendants live in Oklahoma and on a successful reserve near Quebec. This book is packed with information and wonderful drawings and illustrations that clarify and expand on the text. As part of the "Lifeways" series, each book includes a time line, notable people, a glossary, web sites, suggestions for further reading, and an index. The series would be an excellent addition to a classroom or library. 2001, Benchmark Books/Marshall Cavendish, Ages 9 to 14, $32.79. Reviewer: Laura Hummel ISBN: 0-7614-0940-8 The Journal of Jesse Smoke, a Cherokee Boy Joseph Bruchac     Jesse is a literate, perceptive, hard-working Cherokee who, with his family, is routed from his home, forced to march on what became known as The Trail of Tears, and relocated on land west of the Mississippi River. Written as a diary, Jesse recounts stories from the Cherokees' past as well as present. This historical novel, one of the "My Name Is America" series, accurately depicts a respectable and intelligent nation that had their own written language, a constitution, a supreme court, and a newspaper. The Cherokee were peaceful, hard-working citizens who had learned to live with the white man but were still forced to relocate. Plagued by measles, poor sanitation, inadequate food and protection from the weather, thousands died in the camps and on the trail. The author spent years talking with the Cherokee people, researching their history, and even walking The Trail of Tears himself. Real people and real events are included as well as historical notes and authentic pictures. It is a worthy addition to any collection. 2001, Scholastic Inc., Ages 12 to 18, $10.95. Reviewer: Janet L. Rose ISBN: 0-439-12197-3 Life in a Longhouse Village Bobbie Kalman     The Native Americans of the northeastern region of the United States (and parts of Canada) lived in longhouse villages. These large communities were built along waterways and near good hunting areas. Each longhouse was home to a clan consisting of 15-20 extended families. Structurally, longhouses are similar to barracks, although firepits for cooking and heating were dug into the floors of the longhouses. Kalman has created an interesting account of the daily life in a longhouse village, including the activities of each member, the growth and preparation of food, cultural traditions and celebrations. The illustrations are lively and quite detailed. Although a glossary is provided at the back of the book, there is no pronunciation guide to help in tackling some of the difficult vocabulary. 2001,Crabtree, Ages 8 to 12, $22.60 and $7.95. Reviewer: Carol Lynch ISBN: 0-7787-0370-3 ISBN: 0-7787-0462-9 Life in a Plains Camp Bobbie Kalman     Fourteen brief chapters, enlivened by many attractive color photos, paintings, and drawings, present basic information on the traditional culture of Native Americans of the Great Plains. Some of the groups included in this predominantly general ethnography are the Blackfeet, Assiniboine, Mandan, Cree, Sioux, Crow, Cheyenne, and Comanche. The book points out that while these nations shared a similar lifestyle, they also had different languages and some different customs. Topics introduced include kinship, social organization, gender roles and work, education, entertainment, spirituality, and material culture. There is a map, index, and glossary. This volume is part of the "Native Nations of North America" series. 2001, Crabtree, Ages 7 to 12, $7.95. Reviewer: Gisela Jernigan ISBN: 0-7787-0461-0 The Mohawks of North America Connie Ann Kirk     Kirk begins with the history of these Native Americans, describes the geographic area in which they live, and how that influenced their lifestyle in the past. Brief but informational paragraphs on a wide range of topics from traditional housing to governance, to language, beliefs, customs and arts give the reader a good overview of the culture. Kirk is very careful to contrast traditional life with that of contemporary Mohawks so the reader will have a clear understanding of the past and present. Readers will learn about the Great Peace, the coming of the Europeans, life in a longhouse, how the organization of the Iroquois League influenced the creation of the United States Constitution, life on a contemporary reservation and ways that the traditions are being preserved today. The index makes it easy to find particular topics. There is a page that lists books, videos, websites and organizations that will provide more information on the Mohawks. Part of the "First Peoples" series, this will be a useful addition and a good replacement for older, out-dated editions. 2002, Lerner Publications Company, Ages 9 to 12, $23.93. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo ISBN: 0-8225-4853-4 Nations of the Plains Bobbie Kalman     This volume in the "Native Nations of North America" series uses many colorful drawings and paintings, attractively interspersed with a fairly brief but informative text, to introduce young readers to the traditional culture and history of the Native American groups that called the Great Plains home. Fifteen brief chapters present information about the languages, families, food, hunting, dress and dwellings of the Cree, Blackfeet, Sioux, Crow, Pawnee, Cheyenne, Arapaho, Osage, Kiowa, Comanche, Metis, Mandan, Hidatsa, Assiniboine, Wichita and Plains Apache. Their conflicts and encounters with Euro-American settlers and soldiers are also discussed. The book does a good job of illustrating both the variety and similarities among these many native cultures. Its attractive layout helps make it appealing and appropriate for a wide age range of readers. A map, index and glossary are included. 2001, Crabtree, Ages 7 to 14, $22.60 and $7.95. Reviewer: Gisela Jernigan ISBN: 0-7787-0368-1 ISBN: 0-7787-0460-2 On the Trail of Sacagawea Peter Lourie     Although the life story of Sacagawea, "bird woman," remains shrouded in mystery, we do know that she was an invaluable member of the Louis and Clark expedition. Much is known about the bravery of this remarkable Native American woman from the journals of these two men who were sent by Thomas Jefferson to explore the West. A woman was a symbol that the expedition was peaceful, and Sacajawea served for over two years as an interpreter, trader, food gatherer and geographer. The author and his family set out one summer to follow in the footsteps of the expedition, beginning at the reconstructed Fort Mandan in the Dakotas and ending at the Pacific Ocean. Although much of the scenery has changed since 1804, the family met many descendants of native tribes, including the Hidatsa, Mandan and Shoshone. The trail led them through remote areas of incredible beauty. Some remains of tepee rings and cairns, rock piles to indicate directions, still exist. History buffs and nature lovers will delight in Lourie's twist on the adventurous band. Crisp descriptions of landforms, peoples and animals make this an engaging account. Stunning photographs accompany the text, making one want to get a canoe and head West. 2001, Caroline House/Boyds Mills Press, Ages 8 to 14, $18.95. Reviewer: Laura Hummel ISBN: 1-56397-840-7 Pocahontas Lucia Raatma     Pocahontas is a legendary figure and peacekeeper who has been fictionalized beyond recognition in past years. In her book, Raatma simplifies and brings forth the sometimes forgotten and always interesting facts for the Disney aged audience who think they know the real Pocahontas. Written in a very direct style, this text is set at about the second grade level and is illustrated with various paintings of the Native American Princess from 1600's England and drawings depicting Indian life in North America. The biographer leaves no doubt that Pocahontas was an important American historical figure for both the early Native Americans and the first settlers at Jamestown. This is the perfect book for a biographical study for young readers that will be sure to inspire further investigation and discussion. A part of the "Compass Point Early Biographies" series. 2002, Compass Point Books, Ages 5 to 9, $19.93. Reviewer: Trina Heidt ISBN: 0-7565-0115-6 The Pueblo     It is difficult to compress the complexity of a people's history, culture, religious practices and contemporary lifeways into the forty-eight pages of a series nonfiction book. All in all, Press manages to do this. Chapters detail current ancestral origins and current lifestyles as well as historical events, such as the coming of the Spanish. Some ambiguities persist-for example, young readers might come away with the erroneous impression that "Anasazi" was the term the ancestral Pueblo used to refer to themselves. Photo-illustrations are lively and colorful. An index, a timeline, facts at a glance and a glossary are included. Part of the publisher's "First Reports on Native Americans" series; other titles include The Iroquois and The Blackfeet. 2001, Compass Point Books, Ages 7 to 10, $21.26. Reviewer: Uma Krishnaswami ISBN: 0-7565-0082-6 Rain Is Not My Indian Name Cynthia Leitich Smith     Fourteen-year-old Rain decides to get herself a teen life, little knowing that disaster awaits her best friend Galen, about whom she is only just beginning to experience the first tingles of romantic promise. Ridden with guilt and misery, Rain closes her world in upon itself. But then her Aunt Georgia decides to run an Indian Camp, and Rain's reluctant actions on her behalf threaten to drastically backfire. What follows is a summer of turmoil and realization, in which Rain is forced to come to terms with the tragic events she has lived through, the world in which she lives and her sense of self. Smith (author of Jingle Dancer) portrays a protagonist with a genuine voice and an appealing sense of humor. Aunt Georgia's red hair, Grampa's notes from Las Vegas, pasta bridges and all, this rendering of a contemporary family of Native American heritage is wonderfully far from stereotypical "dreamcatchers, the kind with fakelore gift tags." 2001, HarperCollins, Ages 10 to 14, $15.95 and $15.89. Reviewer: Uma Krishnaswami ISBN: 0-688-17397-7 ISBN: 0-06-029504-X Saturnalia Paul Fleischman     Fleischman's delightful, satirical characterizations soften the tensions of life in Boston following the colonists' Great Swamp massacre of the mighty Narraganset Indians. It is 1681, and Native American William, know as Weetasket of the Narraganset tribe in his secret life, is a printer's apprentice for a caring, educated colonist. But the Boston tithingman, Mr. Baggot, who walks "the lightless lanes of sin, rooting out evil and blasphemy" and "parts the gale with his hatchet nose," is determined to see William hanged at the gallows. Fourteen-year-old William has an extraordinary memory, studies the Iliad and reads Greek with the children of the Currie family. William secretly walks the streets after curfew, in search of his twin brother Cancasset, the only surviving member of his family. Instead, he finds an uncle and niece, for whom he steals food. The uncle passes on the legends of the Narragansets so they will live on with William. At the winter solstice, Mr. Currie provides a burst of fun, imitating the Roman pagan festival of Saturnalia, in which masters and servants traded places. On that very night, William's secret is discovered, but through his wit, he saves the lives of his uncle and niece. Fleischman's entertaining caricatures of such colonists as the piggish wigmaker and his devious, brazen manservant will bring many chuckles as the plot moves seriously through one narrow escape from danger after another. Readers enjoying a challenge will read straight through this short book and learn of prejudice in colonial life as well as bravery and character. 2001 (orig. 1992), Harper Trophy/Harper Collins, Ages 14 up, $4.95. Reviewer: Elaine Wick ISBN: 0-06-447089-X Standoff At Standing Rock: The Story of Sitting Bull and James McLaughlin Patricia Calvert     In the annals of the history of the American West no name is more recognizable than that of Sitting Bull. This Lakota chief and spiritual leader is renowned for his role as a man who helped guide his people along the treacherous, and ultimately tragic, pathway left to them by circumstances. One of the architects of the Sioux defeat of Custer in 1876, Sitting Bull was a rebel until the end of his life. Unbowed by the defeat of his people by the whites, Sitting Bull maintained his freedom of spirit even when he was forced to live on a reservation in the Dakota Territory. Conversely, James McLaughlin is a man whose name has little recognition. A trained blacksmith married to an Indian wife, McLaughlin rose in the ranks of governmental service to become an Indian agent. Ultimately, McLaughlin came to be in charge of the Standing Rock Agency where Sitting Bull resided. It is against this historical backdrop that the life stories of these two men are told in this well-researched work. In the end, Sitting Bull died while being taken into custody by Indian policemen acting upon military orders. McLaughlin lived into the 1920s but experienced great sorrow at the state of Native Americans in his lifetime. In a way, both of these men were casualties of the Indian Wars that surged across the West during the second half of the 19th century. Their tale is well-told in this detailed look at one slice of the history of the West. 2001, Twenty-First Century Books, Ages 12 up, $24.90. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck ISBN: 0-7613-1360-5 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, Ages 6 to 11, $18.00. Reviewer: Phyllis Kennemer ISBN: 0-689-84137-X Thunder on the Plains: The Story of the American Buffalo Ken Robbins     From the vast herds that once covered the plains of America, few buffalo remain. Robbins traces the history of the American bison from its first arrival 50,000 years ago through its hunting and use by North American Indians, to the arrival of the white settlers. The subsequent incredible slaughter and the disastrous effect this had on both animals and Indians are shameful chapters of our history. Robbins reminds us that although we have saved the buffalo from extinction, "the millions are gone, and they will never be back." Robbins uses many old photographs, paintings, drawings, and his own hand-colored photographs to illuminate the information in the text. Several illustrations show the vastness of the original herds to drive home the destruction; one depicts a thirty-foot high mound of skulls. The message here is about both the destruction of the herds and the abuse of the Indian nations. 2001, Atheneum Books for Young Readers/Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division, Ages 7 to 10, $16.00. Reviewers: Ken and Sylvia Marantz ISBN: 0-689-83025-4 Totem Poles Jennifer Frantz Illustrated by Allan Eitzen     Long ago, the Native American tribes living in our Pacific Northwest didn't have books for passing down their people's history to future generations. Like other tribes, they used story, ceremony and dance for this purpose. But they had another special way to communicate-the totem pole. This entertaining book in the popular "All Aboard Reading" series shows beginning readers how the giant wooden poles were carved, and how their designs told a story. The full color illustrations are done in the style of Native American totem art and are reminiscent of primitive wood block prints. 2001, Grosset & Dunlap, Ages 6 to 8, $13.89 and $3.99. Reviewer: Dianne Ochiltree ISBN: 0-448-42423-1 Touching Spirit Bear Ben Mikaelsen     Cole has been in trouble with the law half of his life. At fifteen years old it is 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, Ages 12 up, $15.95. Reviewer: Jan Lieberman ISBN: 0-380-97744-3 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, Ages 8 to 14, $27.90. Reviewer: Laura Hummel ISBN: 0-7613-1900-X Weave Little Stars into My Sleep: Native American Lullabies Edited by Neil Philip Photographs by Edward S. Curtis     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, Ages 6 up, $16.00. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo ISBN: 0-618-08856-3 When the Moon Is Full: A Lunar Year Penny Pollock Illustrated by Mary Azarian     Traditional Native American names for the full moons of each month, from January to December, inspire brief poems that describe scenes from that time of year. The Snow Moon of February, for example, is "snuggling the world in downy white," while "December moon floats on cloud's crest…" The verses are set in double-page scenes that depict a moonlit rural landscape and its creatures. Azarian makes fine use of the woodcut medium's textures, as her chisels leave strands of uncut wood on the settings she designs for her engaging actors. Her subtle integration of transparent colors adds a range of emotional responses, from the chilly frosts of the Snow Moon to the warm tones of August's Green Corn Moon. Two pages of additional factual questions and answers about the moon are included. 2001, Little Brown, Ages 4 to 8, $15.95. Reviewers: Ken and Sylvia Marantz ISBN: 0-316-71317-1 The Wonderful Sky Boat and Other Native American Tales of the Southeast Jane Louise Curry Illustrated by James Watts     Twenty-seven of the most intriguing and inspiring stories of Native Americans from the southeastern part of the United States have been brought together in this collection of tales. It seems fitting that the first story traces "The Creation of the World," and it also seems right that the last story, "The Country under the Water," is about a couple that leaves this world for another. The tales between are filled with adventure, love, danger and life. In "The Ice Man," a mysterious stranger from a far away land comes to the aid of a village battling a terrible, unstoppable fire. In "Keeper of the Animals," a youth makes a rash decision, forever changing his family's course. In the story from which the volume takes its name, a young man finds love and learns about loss. Or does he? This nice collection would be a fine addition to a home or classroom library. It would also be a great gift for readers with shorter attention spans-or active imaginations! The tales are supplemented with written passages about the southeastern region in ancient times, the original storytellers and a detailed bibliography. 2001, Margaret K. McElderry/Simon & Schuster, Ages 8 to 12, $17.00. Reviewer: Heidi Green ISBN: 0-689-83595-7 To stay up to date on new books on this topic, consider subscribing to The Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. For your free trial, click here.