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From School Library Journal

January 1, 2003
Using an accessible, nonjudgmental tone, the authors examine the depiction of Native American peoples in early childhood and primary programs and books. In five chapters, they concentrate on providing suggestions for appropriate literature, materials, and strategies for including contemporary Native cultures in the curriculum. Suggestions underscore the differences and similarities in people. For example, the unit on dance suggests teaming Cynthia Leitich Smith's Jingle Dancer with Karen Ackerman's Song and Dance Man or Kate Waters's Lion Dancer. The book also encourages adults to learn more about cultures so that they can understand the significance of traditions and artifacts before incorporating them into art projects. (It is very easy to introduce activities that mock the very traditions that well-meaning individuals attempt to honor.) Black-and-white photographs and line drawings help clarify the concepts and tasks. There is a short section on "problem" books like Susan Jeffers's Brother Eagle, Sister Sky. Team this valuable, informative resource with Beverly Slapin and Doris Seale's extensive (but somewhat dated) Through Indian Eyes: The Native Experience in Books for Children (Univ. of California, 1998) and Karen Harvey and Lisa Harjo's excellent How to Teach about American Indians: A Guide for the School Library Media Specialist (Greenwood, 1995).-Dona J. Helmer, College Gate School Library, Anchorage, AK

Copyright 2003 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.