From School Library Journal
Gr 4-6--This photo essay by an Assiniboine radio personality is a wonderful companion to George Ancona's Powwow (Harcourt, 1993). Like that title, Drumbeat takes readers on a visit to a powwow but, like Sandra King's Shannon (Lerner, 1993), does so from an insider's perspective. Braine packs a lot of information into this slim volume, including a preface in which she gives an excellent personal talk on why she loves powwows and what they mean to many Indian people today. She goes on to explain how they started, when and where they are held, and what one can expect to see there. Detailed descriptions of the various dance styles for both men and women are given, followed by information on the singing and drumming, a special plus. Other books on the subject talk a lot about dancing, but often little about the all-important drums. In addition, readers learn about round dances, contest dancing, special dances, honor songs, and giveaways. All of the information flows logically, but there are no section headings and no index. Informative full-color photographs are well placed throughout, but can't touch the brilliance of those in Ancona's book.
Lisa Mitten, University of Pittsburgh, PA
Copyright 1995 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
