Title: The First Strawberries: A Cherokee Story
Bibliography:
Bruchac, J. (1998). The First Strawberries: A Cherokee Story. Puffin Books.
ISBN: 978-0140564099
Summary:
The First Strawberries: A Cherokee Story, by Joseph Bruchac, is a retelling of a traditional Cherokee legend that explains how strawberries came to be. The story is about a man and woman who have an argument and the woman decides to leave. After realizing that he spoke in anger, the man follows the woman, but she is gone. The Sun helps the man by making berries grow in the woman's path. After the Sun shines on the strawberries to make the woman notice them, she tastes them and the sweetness reminds her of how happy she and her husband were before their argument. She decides to pick some and the man catches up to her and apologizes, and they share the strawberries.
Critical Analysis:
The First Strawberries: A Cherokee Story is a beautiful retelling of a traditional Cherokee folktale. Both the author and illustrator implement a variety of cultural markers in this picture book. A look into the culture of this Native American tribe is provided by this tale of how strawberries came to be.
Although the author does not use any language specific to the tribe in the story, there are several cultural markers that can help the reader identify this story as Native American. The vivid illustrations show the husband and wife having authentic facial features and skin tone. Both the man and woman have long hair. The wife’s hair is braided. The clothing they wear is a true representation of traditional Cherokee clothing. At the end of the tale, the author also states that the Cherokee people of today still remember to be kind when they eat strawberries.
This is a beautiful tale which is sure to delight children. Being that Joseph Bruchac is a respected Native American author with an impressive collection, anyone looking for an authentic Cherokee folktale for their collection can be confident that his books are accurate.
Review Excerpts:
"Spare text, an uncomplicated story line and gentle illustrations keep this quiet but resonant tale accessible to even the youngest child"--Publishers Weekly
"Quietly luminous watercolors capture details of dress, dwelling, implements, flora, and fauna against an open landscape of rolling hills."--Kirkus Review
Connections:
Other books by Joseph Bruchac:
Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two
Squanto's Journey: The Story of the First Thanksgiving
Related books:
Sootface ISBN: 978-0440413639
Brother Eagle, Sister Sky ISBN: 978-0142301326
Title: Rain Is Not My Indian Name
Bibliography:
Smith, C. L. (2021). Rain Is Not My Indian Name. HarperCollins Publishers.
ISBN: 978-0380733002
Summary:
In Rain Is Not My Indian Name, 14-year-old Cassidy Rain Berghoff shuts herself off from the world after the death of her best friend. When her Aunt Georgia invites her to participate in Indian Camp, she cautiously steps out, but from behind a camera. Gradually, Rain discovers she can become an active participant in life again.
Critical Analysis:
In Rain Is Not My Indian Name, 14-year-old Rain is a mixed-race Native American. However, that is not the main theme in this story. It is more of how a typical teenage girl copes with the loss of a mom and a best friend, a dad being away from her, a brother who does not communicate well with her, a distant grandfather, among others.
Throughout the story, there is some challenge to standard images of Native Americans, including the title. One may not consider the events presented in this book typical for the culture. First is the name. In this story, Rain’s name has no sacred meaning, instead, it is just a reminder of the stormy day her parents first met. Second are some of the customs. Rain and her family do not live in a reservation. Pretty much, she has a life common among American teens. A third inconsistency is the family. Rain’s mom passed away, and her dad is stationed in Guam. Her grandfather, who is in Las Vegas most of the book, is in charge of Rain’s well-being but since he is gone, Rain’s older brother and girlfriend watch over her. There is no misrepresentation of Native Americans in these characters, they simply illustrate how a modern family lives. Even then, I feel that customs that one might associate with Native Americans are missing from this story and if included, would of made it more authentic.
Even with some things lacking, the reader will enjoy the book. The situations Rain is facing may be relevant to a typical teenager. The messages sent out by this book will probably make readers think about their own situations and methods for coping. It may also encourage resiliency and appreciation.
Review Excerpts:
"A wonderful novel of a present-day teen and her 'patch-work tribe." — School Library Journal
“Rain's observations are appealingly wry, and readers …will find food for thought in this exploration of cultural identity. ” — The Bulletin for the Center for Children's Books
Connections:
Other books by Cynthia L Smith :
Ancestor Approved: Intertribal Stories for Kids
Sisters of the Neversea
Related books:
Soul Keeper ISBN: 979-8773958024
Title: Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story
Bibliography:
Maillard, K. N. (2019). Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story. Roaring Brook Press.
ISBN: 978-1626727465
Summary:
Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story, is a picture book about a modern, diverse Native American family making fry bread together. The story highlights what fry bread means to them.
Critical Analysis:
Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story is a unique story. Through the first pages, the story tells us about what fry bread means to the family. At the end of the book, the author provides a very detailed note on how fry bread came to be and a bit of history on it. The author also goes in-depth on the meaning of fry bread. Additionally, the author provides a fry bread recipe.
As for the cultural markers, both the words and illustrations included some. First of all, fry bread is one of the foods most commonly associated with Native American culture. In order for children to truly understand the meaning of this book, I feel some of the history of fry bread should be shared with them. The book also mentions names of tribes and other Native American cultural traditions such as powwows. The illustrations show characters with Native American features such as skin tone and hair color and length, but at the same time it shows diversity in families.
I enjoyed reading this book. The story itself flows well. The text is simple, yet beautiful. The illustrations bring the story to life. Fry Bread shares a beautiful message. It is so much more than a story about food.
Review Excerpts:
“With buoyant, heartfelt illustrations that show the diversity in Native America, the book tells the story of a post-colonial food, a shared tradition across the North American continent . . . Through this topic that includes the diversity of so many Native peoples in a single story, Maillard (Mekusukey Seminole) promotes unity and familiarity among nations. Fry bread is much more than food, as this book amply demonstrates.” ―Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“Fry Bread celebrates the thing itself and much, much more . . . Maillard and Martinez-Neal bring depth, detail, and whimsy to this Native American food story, with text and illustrations depicting the diversity of indigenous peoples, the role of continuity between generations, and the adaptation over time of people, place, and tradition.” ―Booklist, starred review
“A powerful meditation” ―Publishers Weekly, starred review
Connections:
Other books by Kevin Noble Maillard:
Loving v. Virginia in a Post-Racial World: Rethinking Race, Sex, and Marriage
Related books:
Brother Eagle, Sister Sky ISBN: 978-0142301326
Sootface ISBN: 978-0440413639
Title: How I Became A Ghost — A Choctaw Trail of Tears Story
Bibliography:
Tingle, T. (2013). How I Became a Ghost: A Choctaw Trail of Tears Story. RoadRunner Press.
ISBN: 978-1937054557
Summary:
How I Became a Ghost: A Choctaw Trail of Tears Story by Tim Tingle, is a historical fiction book about a Choctaw boy named Isaac who survives the Trail of Tears and becomes a ghost. Isaac and his family are forced to leave Mississippi after soldiers burn homes and shoot people. They escape one night and travel to what would eventually become Oklahoma. Isaac experiences many hardships along the way, including witnessing others die, and eventually meets his own tragic end. After becoming a ghost, Isaac is able to use his new powers to help those he left behind, including rescuing a Choctaw girl who was enslaved in a white soldier camp. Isaac receives help from various sources, including his little sister Nita, who also became a ghost before him, as well as Joseph, the panther boy, and Choctaw elders, both living and dead.
Critical Analysis:
How I Became a Ghost: A Choctaw Trail of Tears Story is amazing! The book is told from Isaac's perspective. It explores themes of innocence and resilience in the face of tragedy. Isaac opens the story with a striking declaration: “Maybe you have never read a book by a ghost before. I am a ghost.” Isaac has a strong voice from the very first line, and readers will be eager to learn more about him.
Cultural markers are very evident throughout the story. This book exposes readers to Choctaw history, culture, and thinking. It also goes into the Choctaw mythology, which makes the ghosts feel less like magic and more like a natural way of looking at this world and the next. Words such as “nahullos”, used to describe the white people who forced the Choctaw off their land, are used throughout the book.
Overall How I Became a Ghost: A Choctaw Trail of Tears Story is simply incredible. From start to finish, the story captivates the reader’s attention. While some details might not be appropriate for young readers, the older audience is sure to enjoy every single page.
Review Excerpts:
"The beginning of a trilogy, this tale is valuable for both its recounting of a historical tragedy and its immersive Choctaw perspective." -- Vicky Smith "Kirkus Reviews"
"Tingle, a Choctaw storyteller, relates his tale in the engaging repetitions and rhythms of an oft-told story. ... The novel comes alive in Isaac's voice and in the rich alliance of the living and the dead." -- Dean Schneider "The Horn Book Magazine"
Connections:
Other books by Tim Tingle:
When a Ghost Talks, Listen
When Turtle Grew Feathers: A Folktale from the Choctaw Nation
Related books:
Peacemaker ISBN: 978-1984815392
No comments:
Post a Comment