The Give-Away: A Christmas Story in the Native American Tradition [Hardcover]

Ray Buckley (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

The Native American tradition of the give-away takes a new form in this engaging dialogue between the Whooping Crane, the Snow Goose, Old Beaver, Grandmother Turtle, the Wind, the Ancient One, and the Creator as well as others. Children of all ages will learn that giving is more than just gifting; it is denying oneself so that another may have a better way.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Ray Buckley is the interim Director of the Center for Native American Spirituality and Christian Study.   Buckley has served The United Methodist Church as a staff member of The United Methodist Publishing House, Director of the Native People’s Communication Office (UMCom) for nine years, and Director of Connectional Ministries for the Alaska Missionary Conference.

Buckley is the author /illustrator of five books:  God’s Love is Like…(1998,Abingdon Press), The Give-Away:  A Christmas Story in the Native American Tradition (1999, Abingdon Press), The Wing (2002, Abingdon Press), Christmas Moccasins (2003, Abingdon Press),  and Dancing with Words:  Storytelling as Legacy, Culture, and Faith (Discipleship Resources, 2003).  He is also the author of Creator Sang a Welcoming Song (2007), and Walking in These White Man Shoes (2007), children and youth resources for the Women’s Dvision School of Missions.  The Give-Away was selected to appear on the CBS Christmas Eve special, An American Christmas, produced by the National Council of Churches.  His stories, poetry, and art have appeared in numerous journals, periodicals, books, and museums.

Buckley has taught in Nigeria, and Ghana, and served as a lecturer in Native American studies for several universities.

Ray Buckley was a keynote speaker at the Jubilee 2000, Cardinal Maeda Institute.  At the invitation of the Council of Canadian Catholic Bishops, he has twice appeared on the nationally televised Canadian Catholic Broadcasting Corporation’s  Lenten series.  In July 2001, Ray was a keynote speaker at the General Synod of the UCC/Disciples of Christ General Assembly.  In 2003, 2004, and 2007, Mr. Buckley was a guest lecturer  at the Pontifical Biblical Institute of the Vatican.

Ray was chosen as the Howard Preacher for Phillip’s Theological Seminary,  delivered the McDonald Lecture Series (New Mexico), and the Ira Galloway Lecture Series (Peoria, IL).  Buckley was one of five keynote speakers at Youth 2007 (SPLAT), sponsored by the General Board of Discipleship.

Ray Buckley is one of several Native leaders profiled in As Long As the Waters Flow: Native Americans in the South and East, by Frye Gillard, and The Power of Eagles:  Natures Way to Individual Accomplishment, by Twyman L. Towery.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Abingdon Press (May 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0687071860
• ISBN-13: 978-0687071869
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 8.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #684,648 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great story for adults and children, November 27, 2000

By 

Dan Griffiths (Hazard, KY United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Give-Away: A Christmas Story in the Native American Tradition (Hardcover)

I became aware of this book yesterday when I heard Ray Buckley read it at a Christmas Tea & Tree for the Red Bird Missionary Conference. The book touched the hearts of each of those present. Small children, youth and adults were warmed with the story.

The Give-Away is for all families, with children and without. It would be an excellent resource to give to families that do not attend church.

Ray re-presents God's story of love and self-giving by sharing from his tradition the story of giving.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book used in religious education class, March 23, 2000

By 

Elizabeth A. Kuhn (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Give-Away: A Christmas Story in the Native American Tradition (Hardcover)

Both the illustrations and the story are wonderful. The book artfully combines Native American spirituality aspects with Christian aspects. I used this book in a "children's church" class at our Native American / Catholic church at Christmas. The kids loved the story and afterwards made a collage of Jesus in the manager surrounded by all the animals mentioned in the story. The book could be used during Easter as well or during a discussion about Native American give-aways.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Refreshing Viewpoint, August 3, 2001

By 

Talkingfeather (Elkton, Ky United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Give-Away: A Christmas Story in the Native American Tradition (Hardcover)

The best book I have ever read regarding the birth of Christ from an aboriginal viewpoint. Those in the pulpit need to move over and make room.