Lacrosse: The National Game of the Iroquois [Hardcover]

Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith (Author), Lawrence Migdale (Illustrator, Photographer)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up

Describes the sport of lacrosse, its origins, and connections to the Iroquois, or Haudenosaunee, peoples.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-7AFocusing on 13-year-old Monte Lyons, a member of the Onondaga Nation and third-generation lacrosse player, this photo-essay presents an interesting blend of Iroquois Confederacy history and information about a sport that is growing in popularity. Toggling back and forth between the past and the present, Hoyt-Goldsmith establishes the tradition of this fast-paced game and gives readers a sense of how it has changed and the role it plays in the lives of Monte and his family. Although this is not primarily a how-to book on playing lacrosse, the author does include a diagram of the field, a description of the positions and equipment, and an explanation of the major terms used within play. The process of making handmade lacrosse sticks and a detailed glossary are also included. Vivid, full-color photographs accurately illustrate the game and provide an interesting look at the Onondaga Nation Territory. Only brief mention is made of girls playing the game. Libraries serving lacrosse fans will especially want to purchase this title.ACheryl Cufari, Glencliff Elementary School, Niskayuna, NY
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews

Three generations of lacrosse players are featured in this handsome title that discusses lacrosse as a game, a sport, and an integral part of Iroquois culture. Collaborators Hoyt-Goldsmith and Migdale (Buffalo Days, 1997, etc.) introduce a contemporary young lacrosse player from upstate New York and describe the equipment, playing field, moves, and rules of modern lacrosse. The author also takes readers back to the beginnings of the game, describing the early Iroquois Confederacy, its government and organization, explaining that ``lacrosse was a medicine game played for the well-being of the players, other individuals and the nation. The Iroquois also played in bad times, to cure or prevent disease, or to lift the hearts of the people.'' She provides a history of early lacrosse as a sport in Canada and as an international game, the making of a traditional lacrosse stick, and a new version called box lacrosse. The author conveys her empathy for the Iroquois and the people of the Onondaga Nation, as well as a great deal of information, with an economy of words. The full-color photographs are appealing and well-placed, extending and enhancing the text. (glossary, index) (Picture book/nonfiction. 8-12) -- Copyright ©1998, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Holiday House; 1st edition (March 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823413608
• ISBN-13: 978-0823413607
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 10 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,290,574 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #69 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Other Team Sports > Lacrosse

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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 Indigenous Game of this land., January 22, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Lacrosse: The National Game of the Iroquois (Hardcover)

It is fortunate to finally hear about the origins of a world class game from the indigneous people who first introduced it to this country. Rarely are the origins of team sports made available to those who play them. In this case, it is revealed how the game of lacrosse is still connected to the cultural integrity of the Haudenosaunee, past, present and future. In turn, the reader also hears an Onondaga voice regarding their history--a voice usually not heard in a public school environment.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great for teaching kids the history of the game, July 6, 2005

By 

K. Wilson (Upstate NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Lacrosse: The National Game of the Iroquois (Hardcover)

Lacrosse: The National Game of the Iroquois is a photo-essay telling the story of thirteen-year-old Monte Lyons, who has grown up playing lacrosse. His family is part of the Onondaga Nation and lacrosse is part of their heritage. The book begins by discussing the Onondaga Nation Territory and the six nations of the Iroquois. It then describes the history of lacrosse and its significance to the Onondaga Nation. It also provides some information about how to play the game, including how the field is set up, what positions there are, what equipment is needed, and the skills used. The book mentions that women's lacrosse is somewhat different but does not go into details about the women's version of the game. Also included are a description of how lacrosse sticks are made and a glossary of terms used in the book.

I would recommend using this book for children ages 8 through 11. Many children in this age group are interested in learning about other cultures and history. In addition, sports books are popular in this age group. The combination of these elements in this book make it appealing on different levels. I would use this book during the summer as part of a discussion on lacrosse. I would have lacrosse sticks available for the children to see and possibly include a guest speaker from one of the local college or professional lacrosse teams. The photographs and illustrations give children a better understanding of the Iroquois, the Onondaga Nation Territory, and the game of lacrosse.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Juvenile - Great for Kids, October 27, 2001

By 

Kent "HIV" Martin (Valley Stream, New York United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lacrosse: The National Game of the Iroquois (Hardcover)

Has significant information, but overall, is very child based. As a childen's book, I would give it five stars. If you're looking for any significant information on the game, don't buy this book. If you're looking for something entertaining for your children, I would highly recommend. Personally, I was looking for information for a college thesis, and this book did not really help. If you don't want to buy it new, wait a few days, until mine is offered as used. The people need to know.