Brave as a Mountain Lion [Hardcover]

Ann Herbert Scott (Author), Glo Coalson (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 15, 1996 | Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

Spider is afraid to get up on stage in front of everybody for the school spelling bee, but after listening to his father's advice, he decides that he too will try to be as brave as his Shoshone ancestors.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Set on a contemporary Shoshone reservation, this book is a refreshingly atypical addition to the Native American genre. Spider, a boy terrified of participating in his school's spelling bee, is strengthened by the loving and distinctly Native American advice given by each member of his family. Encouraged to think himself "brave as a mountain lion, clever as a coyote, silent as a spider," he earns second place. Using watercolors and pastels, Coalson (On Mother's Lap) imbues wintry Nevada scenes with the warmth and intimacy appropriate to this sweetly ordinary tale. Counterbalancing the current tendency to treat Native Americans via their folklore, Scott (Cowboy Country) presents a current, highly relevant story in which the Native American setting is no mere window-dressing: it defines the characters and the unique way they deal with a universal problem. Ages 6-9.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-4?A story set in the Shoshone country of northeastern Nevada. Spider is afraid to stand in front of his whole community and participate in the school spelling bee. Members of his family suggest ways he might fight his fear, but it is a small spider dropping down into empty space as she weaves her web that inspires the boy to "listen to his spirit." When he takes second place in the contest, his relief at being done with the ordeal is tempered with his discovery of his own bravery. This story is well shaped and rhythmically told. Coalson's subdued watercolor and pastel illustrations depict the wintry landscapes and interiors with sensitivity and detail. They are offset by the child's brooding eyes and worried face glowing with intensity. Contemporary Owyhee Shoshone people and the daily life of one family are honestly represented, making this title a boon to teachers looking for authentic, up-to-date portraits of these Native American people. A book of quiet beauty and strength.?Susan Hepler, Alexandria City Public Schools, VA
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Clarion Books (February 15, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0395667607
• ISBN-13: 978-0395667606
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #499,615 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A much needed book about modern day Native people, November 4, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Brave as a Mountain Lion (Hardcover)

There are hundreds of children's books that are about Native Americans, but most of them are folktales and legends - books set in the past. Rarely do we find a top notch picture book about a modern day family. That is exactly what this book is - top notch! Teachers can use it to help their children understand that Native Americans are not exotic, and are not extinct, but living in today's United States. Today, Native people's lives include a blend of elements of their cultural traditions with today's lifestyles.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars With Courage, You Can Win A Spelling Bee, July 9, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Brave as a Mountain Lion (Hardcover)

Brief Synopsis: Spider is such a good speller that his teacherwants him to be in the school's spelling bee. Spider's afraid to bein the spelling bee, because he'd have to stand onstage with lots of people watching. His family tells him that they've been scared to do certain thing, but that he must learn to be brave. He decides to be in the spelling bee. He is not afraid in the end and is a second place winner in the contest.

Note to Teachers: This is a wonderful book for fourth through eighth graders. Even adults would enjoy this book. It is the story of an Indian boy and his family. This book would be a good way to show respect for cultural diversity. Students who participate in the spelling bee would enjoy this book.