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

Pink and Say

Pink and Say

Written and Illustrated by: Patricia Polacco

Upper Elementary and Junior High Grades

"This a story of interracial friendship during the Civil War between two 15-year-old Union soldiers. Say, who is white and poor, tells how he is rescued by Pinkus (Pink), who carries the wounded Say back to the Georgia home where Pink's black family were slaves. In a kind of idyllic interlude, Pink and his mother nurse Say back to health, and Pink teaches his friend to read; but before they can leave, marauders kill Pink's mother and drag the boys to Andersonville prison. Pink is hanged, but Say survives to tell the story and pass it on across generations."

Booklist Review

Online Resources:
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/lessonplan.jsp?id=975
http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/acquiring-vocabulary-through-book-170.html

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 Bakery Lady / La señora de la panadería

The Bakery Lady / La señora de la panadería

Written by: Pat Mora
Illustrated by: Pablo Torrecilla

Elementary Grades

"Mónica spends her life around a bakery, not just because she likes the sweets, but also because she loves her grandparents, the baker and the bakery lady. She watches the bustle of la panadería, and she knows that she will one day be the baker.

Her first real test comes as she and her beloved grandparents prepare for the coming celebration of January sixth, El Día de los Reyes Magos, the Feats of the Three Kings. When Mónica finds the baby in the round bread ring, the King's Ring, it becomes her responsibility to plan the celebration: invitations, decorations, and most important of all, the lemon cookies that Mónica will bake especially for her family and friends. And though she wants to do it all herself, she realizes that the love and help of family can make any job a joy."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.patmora.com/book_pages/bakerylady.htm

A Good Night for Freedom

A Good Night for Freedom

Written by: Barbara Olenyik Morrow
Illustrated by: Leonard Jenkins

Upper Elementary Grades

"In the winter of 1839, Hallie discovers two runaway slave girls in the cellar of Quaker abolitionist Levi Coffin. She finds herself in a predicament when slave hunters arrive and her Pa advises her not to meddle in their business. As she struggles with her conscience, she weighs the concepts of freedom and obedience, and eventually offers wrong directions to the men in an attempt to save the fugitives, despite her father's warning. Hallie is a spunky heroine, and the story is thrilling. The well-written text smoothly blends fact and fiction. Levi and his wife are real, and their Indiana homestead can be visited today. The first-person narrative adds a personal touch and helps to bring this piece of history to life. In an author's note, Morrow describes her research and lists useful print resources and Web sites. Jenkins's mixed-media illustrations capture the emotions of the characters as well as the details of pre-Civil War life."

School Library Journal Review

Online Resources:
http://www.whispersofangels.com/opposing.html

Nothing but Trouble: The Story of Athena Gibson

Nothing but Trouble: The Story of Athena Gibson

Written by: Sue Stauffacher
Illustrated by: Greg Couch

Elementary Grades

"ALTHEA IS NOTHING BUT TROUBLE! Everyone agrees: her mama, her daddy, her teacher, even the policeman. But when Buddy Walker, the play leader on Althea's street in Harlem, watches her play paddle tennis, he sees something more: pure possibility. Buddy buys Althea her very own stringed tennis racket, and before long, she's on her way to becoming a great athlete—and to proving that she's more than just trouble.

Althea Gibson was the first African American ever to compete in and win the Wimbledon Cup. Sue Stauffacher's lively text, paired with vibrant paintings by artist Greg Couch, captures the exuberance, ambition, and triumph of this remarkable woman."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.suestauffacher.com/pages/books/altheagibson.html