Where There Is No Name for Art: The Art of Tewa Pueblo Children

Where There Is No Name for Art: The Art of Tewa Pueblo Children

Written by: Bruce Hucko

Elementary Grades

"The Pueblo Indian children of northern New Mexico straddle two worlds. They participate in traditional dances and play video games; they paint airplanes and horses, basketball stars and sacred kivas. This book portrays the lives of Tewa Pueblo children through their own drawings, paintings, and words, complemented by their humorous and thoughtful commentary about living in a changing culture."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.brucehuckophoto.com/

A Rainbow at Night: The World in Words and Pictures by Navajo Children

A Rainbow at Night: The World in Words and Pictures by Navajo Children

Written by: Bruce Hucko

Elementary Grades

"Using their words and their paintings, 23 Navajo children, ranging in age from 5 to 13, share views of home and family, daily activities, and myth and culture. Cathlena, age 8, tells of Water Ox, a mythological creature who makes trees grow; Steward, 12, depicts an evil Navajo chiindi; 8-year-old Trista writes and paints the story of round dancing at a pow-wow. The illustrations aren't simply isolated examples of children's art; rather they make visible connections between communal values and specific aspects of Navajo culture and life. Photos of the young artists appear alongside their work. Hucko, who served as the children's "art coach," supplies background and guidance to help children better understand and relate to the pictures and text. An unusual collection that will be welcomed by both students and teachers, particularly those interested in art, myth, and history."

Booklist Review

Online Resources:
http://www.brucehuckophoto.com/

When the Shadbush Blooms

When the Shadbush Blooms

Written by: Carla Messinger and Susan Katz
Illustrated by: Daniel Kanietakeron Fadden

Elementary Grades

"My grandparents’ grandparents walked beside the same stream where I walk with my brother, and we can see what they saw. Today when a Lenape Indian girl ventures to the stream to fish for shad, she knows that another girl did the same generations before. Through the cycle of the seasons, what is important has remained: being with family, knowing when berries are ripe for picking, listening to stories in a warm home. Told by Traditional Sister and Contemporary Sister, each from her own time, this is a book about tradition and about change. Then and now are not so very different when the shadbush blooms. Includes afterword about the culture and history of the Lenni Lenape (formerly known as the Delaware Indians)."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.whentheshadbushblooms.net/
http://www.lenapeprograms.info/news/new_book.htm

Tallchief: America's Prima Ballerina

Tallchielf: American's Prima Ballerina

Written by: Rosemary Wells
Illustrated by: Gary Kelley

Elementary Grades

"Music flowed through young Maria Tallchief as naturally as the wind in her hair. She had only to hear a melody and out it came under her fingers on the piano or through her body in dance. But it was soon clear that she would have to make a choice. "Piano or dance," her father told her when she was twelve. "One or the other, but follow that one star." So Maria chose from the heart--and she chose dance. It was a decision that would change not only the course of her life, but the face of classical ballet in America forever. From her early years on an Indian reservation in Oklahoma to her dance training in Los Angeles to her departure for New York and a professional career, the fascinating story of Maria Tallchief, America's prima ballerina, is sure to captivate the hearts of young readers and dance lovers alike."

Publishers Synopsis

Online Resources:
http://www.valdosta.edu/~blbrothers/global.html
http://www.greatwomen.org/women-of-the-hall/search-the-hall/details/2/154-Tallchief

Geronimo

Geronimo

Written by: Joseph Bruchac

Upper Elementary and Junior High Grades

"Thoroughly researched “memories” of Geronimo and the captivity of the Chiracahua
Apaches are narrated by Geronimo’s fictional adopted grandson. Geronimo is portrayed as
a dignified, caring, resourceful, and humorous leader of his people."

Notable Trade Books for Social Studies

Online Resources:
http://www.let.rug.nl/usa/B/geronimo/geronixx.htm
http://www.biography.com/articles/Geronimo-192835

Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee: An Indian History of the American West

Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee: An Indian History of the American West

Written by: Dee Brown

Junior High and High School Grades

"Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee is Dee Brown's classic, eloquent, meticulously documented account of the systematic destruction of the American Indian during the second half of the nineteenth century. A national bestseller in hardcover for more than a year after its initial publication, it has sold over four million copies in multiple editions and has been translated into seventeen languages.

Using council records, autobiographies, and firsthand descriptions, Brown allows great chiefs and warriors of the Dakota, Ute, Sioux, Cheyenne, and other tribes to tell us in their own words of the series of battles, massacres, and broken treaties that finally left them and their people demoralized and decimated. A unique and disturbing narrative told with force and clarity, Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee changed forever our vision of how the West was won, and lost. It tells a story that should not be forgotten, and so must be retold from time to time."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/knee.htm
http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Wounded_Knee,_South_Dakota

Only the Names Remain: The Cherokees and the Trail of Tears

Only the Names Remain: The Cherokees and the Trail of Tears

Written by: Alex W. Bealer

Upper Elementary and Junior High Grades

"From 1837 to 1838, thousands of Cherokee Indians were marched from their homelands in Georgia to exile in Arkansas by the same white men they has once befriended. The Cherokees journeyed through bitter cold and blazing heat, with little food or water. One out of every four died and with them died a culture that had existed for hundreds of years, a civilization that had existed for hundred of years, a civilization that had embraced the white man's ways only to perish through his betrayal. Today, only the names remain of this once great nation."

Publishers Synopsis

Online Resources:
http://www.pbs.org/indiancountry/history/trail.html
http://www.cherokeebyblood.com/trailtears.htm

Shinchi's Canoe

Shinchi's Canoe

Written by: Nicola I. Campbell
Illustrated by: Kim LaFave

Elementary Grades

"A follow up to the book Shi-shi-etko also written by Campbell, this realistic, tender story recounts the experiences of Native siblings sent to a government-mandated, church-run boarding school such as those that were common in Canada and the United States from the late 1800s until the 1970s. Hauled away with the other reservation children in a cattle truck, six-year-old Shin-chi and his older sister, Shi-shi-etko, try to memorize life at home from the "trees, mountains, and river below." Shin-chi clutches a tiny carved canoe, a forbidden memento homemade by her father. During the school year (until the sockeye salmon return), Shin-chi and Shi-shi-etko are not allowed to speak to one another and must endure the cruel treatment and restrictions forced upon Native children as they work and go to mass and to school. Hungry and lonely, young Shin-chi tries desperately to hold on to his Native traditions, sneaking out to sing his grandfather's prayer song and release his canoe in the river. An author's introduction details the practice of sending Native children to residential schools. An accessible and important contribution to Native literature."

School Library Journal Review

Online Resources:
http://www.umanitoba.ca/cm/vol15/no7/shinchiscanoe.html

Shi-shi-etko

Shi-shi-etko

Written by: Nicola I. Campbell
Illustrated by: Kim LaFave

Elementary Grades

"This is a moving story set in Canada about the practice of removing Native children from their villages and sending them to residential schools to learn the English language and culture. An introduction explains that governments believed Native people were ignorant and made laws to educate their children. Shi-shi-etko counts down her last four days before going away. She tries to memorize everything about her home–tall grass swaying to the rhythm of the breeze, determined mosquitoes, working bumblebees. There is a family party to say good-bye. Her father takes her out in a canoe and implores her to remember the trees, the water, and the mountains, and her grandmother gives her a small bag made of deer hide in which to keep her memories. The vivid, digital illustrations rely on a red palette, evoking not only the land but also the sorrow of the situation and the hope upon which the story ultimately ends. This contemplative narrative will help children see how Native people have been treated in both Canada and the United States. A good choice to enhance units on Native North American cultures."

School Library Journal Review

Online Resources:
http://americanindiansinchildrensliterature.blogspot.com/2009/10/news-about-nicola-campbells-shi-shi.html
http://umanitoba.ca/cm/vol12/no9/shishietko.html

Buffalo Hunt

Buffalo Hunt

Written by: Russell Freedman

Elementary Grades

"As in his other acclaimed pictorial histories, Newbery Medalist Russell Freedman brings a lost world vividly to life for young readers. In accessible text full of fascinating details, he describes the importance of the buffalo to the way of life of the Great Plains Indians, paying particular attention to their various hunting methods, and the uses found for each part of the animal. He then moves on to the devastation caused by the gradual encroachment of white settlers, whose ferocious, firearm slaughter of the animals brought the species to near-extinction."

Scholastic Book Review

Online Resources:
http://teacherlink.ed.usu.edu/tlresources/units/byrnes-literature/Mabey.html

Navajo: Visions and Voices Across the Mesa

Navajo: Visions and Voices Across the Mesa

Written by: Shonto Begay

Junior High and High School Grades

"Begay presents a very personal view of contemporary Navajo life in this picture-book collection for older readers. Pairing 20 of his paintings with original poetry, Begay moves from the spiritual aspects of Navajo life through personal childhood memories into striking present-day images, concluding with an affirmation of continuing life and rebirth. Although his poetry especially speaks to the ongoing struggle of living in a "dual society," his paintings are firmly rooted in the Navajo culture. His work is not angry or sentimental; there is an honesty and straightforwardness that allows his readers/viewers insight into his world-view. The variety of images reflects the complexity of life that many contemporary Navajo face. An excellent addition to poetry and art collections."

Booklist Review

Online Resources:
http://shontogallery.com/
http://www.lessonplanspage.com/SSLANavajoPoetryCulture36.htm

The Navajo Year, Walk Through Many Seasons

The Navajo Year, Walk Through Many Seasons

Written by: Nancy Bo Flood

Elementary Grades

"For the Navajo people, the new year begins in October, when summer meets winter. The Navajo Year, Walk Through Many Seasons follows the Navajo calendar, and provides poetic descriptions of the many sights, sounds, and activities associated with each month. In November, there are string games and stories; in April, planting of corn, beans, and squash; and in July, rodeos and monsoon rains. Follow Coyote through the year, and explore how the Navajos observe the rites and passages of each month."

Publishers Description


Online Resources:
http://navajopeople.org/

The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush

The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush

Written and Illustrated by: Tomie DePaola

Elementary Grades

"This tale from the Great Plains explains how the Indian Paintbrush came to cover the region in the spring. After reading this tale, students could search for other stories that are associated with plants of a region. Also available in Spanish."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://web.bsu.edu/00smtancock/CyberLessons/paintbrush/Indian%20paintbrush.html
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/collateral.jsp?id=1018

The Legend of the Bluebonnet

The Legend of the Bluebonnet

Retold and Illustrated by: Tomie dePaola

Elementary Grades

"This legend of the Comanche people describes how the bluebonnets came to Texas and celebrates the sacrifices of the Comanche people. Students could investigate the bluebonnet as an important symbol related to spring in Texas."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.learnnc.org/lp/pages/3395
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/collateral.jsp?id=701

Whale Snow

Whale Snow

Written by: Debby Dahl Edwardson
Illustrated by: Annie Patterson

Elementary Grades

"Filled with joy, this tale about a loving family and a caring community is something all youngsters can understand. Amiqqaq is home with his grandmother when fat flakes begin to fall. She refers to the precipitation as "whale snow," which occurs when a whale has given itself to the people of their Alaskan village. Soon Amiqqaq's father comes in to announce the kill, and then takes the boy to see the great beast. Before long, Amiqqaq begins to understand the true spirit of the whale, as members of his community come together to celebrate and prepare its different parts for use. The author has included notes about the Iupiat culture, a list of words in Iupiaq, and a link to a Web site where readers can access the story written in that language.

Although infused with the colors of winter, the illustrations create a sense of peace and warmth. Patterson's characters acknowledge the strengths of modern culture without giving up traditional ways: Amiqqaq's father rides a skidoo, but also wears the traditional parka, and villagers dress in various combinations of jeans, parkas, and warm boots. An intriguing glimpse into another culture."

School Library Journal Review

Online Resources:
**this link contains a downloadable readers theatre script on the left side of the page**
http://www.debbydahledwardson.com/whale_snow_89219.htm

My Land Sings: Stories from the Rio Grande

My Land Sings: Stories from the Rio Grande

Written by: Rudolfo Anaya
Illustrated by: Amy Cordova

Upper Elementary and Junior High Grades

"This collection of stories has elements of both Mexican and Native American folklore. Anaya has included five of his own stories and retold and enhanced five traditional tales. Filled with ghosts, devils, and tricksters, these cuentos are suffused with the beliefs of the peoples in the Rio Grande region. Because of the predominating Roman Catholicism of those who settled the area, the pieces have strong elements of that religion in them as well. The tales are divided into categories such as rogues and rascals, enchantment, animals, and riddles; some are humorous, while others teach a lesson. The latter is represented by the author's story "Sipa's Choice," in which a young leader and his people are metamorphosed into golden carp because the young man failed to respect the traditional ways of his father. Anaya champions the reading of a good book or listening to a folktale as an opportunity to insert one's own experiences into the story and, hence, to nurture the imagination. This appealing volume will add diversity to folklore collections."

School Library Journal Review

Online Resources:
http://www.gale.cengage.com/free_resources/chh/bio/anaya_r.htm

The Birchbark House

The Birchbark House

Written by: Louise Erdrich

Upper Elementary Grades

"The sole survivor of a smallpox epidemic on Spirit Island, Omakayas, then only a baby girl, was rescued by a fearless woman named Tallow and welcomed into an Ojibwa family on Lake Superior's Madeline Island, the Island of the Golden-Breasted Woodpecker. We follow Omakayas and her adopted family through a cycle of four seasons in 1847, including the winter, when a historically documented outbreak of smallpox overtook the island.

Readers will be riveted by the daily life of this Native American family, in which tanning moose hides, picking berries, and scaring crows from the cornfield are as commonplace as encounters with bear cubs and fireside ghost stories. Erdrich--a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwa--spoke to Ojibwa elders about the spirit and significance of Madeline Island, read letters from travelers, and even spent time with her own children on the island, observing their reactions to woods, stones, crayfish, bear, and deer. The author's softly hewn pencil drawings infuse life and authenticity to her poetic, exquisitely wrought narrative. Omakayas is an intense, strong, likable character to whom young readers will fully relate--from her mixed emotions about her siblings, to her discovery of her unique talents, to her devotion to her pet crow Andeg, to her budding understanding of death, life, and her role in the natural world."

Amazon.com Review

Web Resources:
http://www.carolhurst.com/titles/birchbarkhouse.html
http://www.trumpetclub.com/intermediate/activities/birchbark_house.htm

A Boy Named Beckoning: The True Story of Dr. Carlos Montezuma, Native American Hero

A Boy Named Beckoning: The True Story of Dr. Carlos Montezuma, Native American Hero

Adapted and Illustrated by: Gina Capaldi

"This story reveals the remarkable life of a Native American boy named Wassaja, or "Beckoning," who was kidnapped from his Yavapai tribe and sold as a slave. Adopted by an Italian photographer in 1871 and renamed Carlos Montezuma, the young boy traveled throughout the Old West, bearing witness to the prejudice against and poor treatment of Native Americans. Carlos eventually became a doctor and leader for his people, calling out for their rights.

Gina Capaldi's exquisite paintings bring to life excerpts from Dr. Carlos Montezuma's own letters describing his childhood experiences. The culminating portrait provides an inventive look back into history through the eyes of a Native American hero."

Publishers Synopsis

Web Resources:
http://www.beckoning-carlosmontezuma.com/

Thirteen Moons on Turtle's Back

Thirteen Moons on Turtle's Back

Written and illustrated by: Joseph Bruchac

Elementary and Junior High Grades

"To many Native Americans, the 13 cycles of the moon represent the changing seasons and the passage of time. Each moon has its own special name that, while varying among the tribal nations, is consistent with the legend that the 13 scales on Old Turtle's back hold the key to these moons. The authors present 13 poems that take readers through the year, from the "Moon of Popping Trees"--when the "cottonwoods crack with frost"--to the "Big Moon" of the Abenakis. This unusual and intelligent book is an exemplary introduction to Native American culture with its emphasis on the importance of nature."

Publishers Weekly Review

Web Resources:
http://www.josephbruchac.com/
http://www.lpb.org/education/classroom/MoonMania/lessons/art/
http://www.webenglishteacher.com/bruchac.html

Between Earth & Sky: Legends of Native American Sacred Places

Between Earth & Sky: Legends of Native American Sacred Places

Written by: Joseph Bruchac
Illustrated by: Thomas Locker

Elementary and Junior High Grades

"Bruchac frames 11 legends of Native American sacred places with a conversation between Little Turtle and his uncle, Old Bear, who says, " 'There are sacred places all around us...They are found in the East and in the North, in the South and in the West, as well as Above, Below, and the place Within. Without those places we lose our balance.' " Bruchac writes in language that is dignified and almost poetic in its simplicity. The text is printed in stanzas, enhancing the image of prose poems. Each legend is related to one of the seven directions and is attributed to a specific people. There is a brief pronunciation guide and a map showing the general location of different Native American groups"

School Library Journal Review

Online Resources:
http://www.josephbruchac.com/

http://www.learnnc.org/lp/pages/4041