Many Nations: An Alphabet of Native America (International Reading Association Teacher's Choice Award) [Paperback]

Bruchac (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up

From Anishinabe artists making birch bark bowls to Zuni elders saying prayers for the day that is done, the diversity of Native American cultures is simply presented in this unique alphabet book. Striking full-color paintings depict Native Americans living in harmony with their environment.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-3?In this striking alphabet book, 26 stunning full-color paintings, surrounded by a border painted to look like birch bark, depict aspects of Native American life, and are accompanied by simple poetic phrases. The stated purpose of this project is to exemplify the diversity of Native nations, both past and present. This intention is beautifully carried out, but leads to unfortunate, yet probable confusion. While most of the pictures depict historical dress, settings, and activities, the letter N is represented by a contemporary Navajo man wearing jeans and cowboy boots. Without informed guidance, children may miss the distinction between modern day and historical illustrations, and, therefore, develop inaccurate impressions or generalizations. The use of hanging participles adds to the confusion. Also, among the wonderful variety of tribes shown are two letters represented by animals; while it is not hard to make the connection between them and the peoples, it is not stated. The author's note is helpful but brief, and lacks a pronunciation guide. A marginal addition.?Darcy Schild, Schwegler Elementary School, Lawrence, KS
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Troll Communications (August 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0816744602
• ISBN-13: 978-0816744602
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 7.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,325,301 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Joseph Bruchac is a highly acclaimed Abenaki children's book author, poet, novelist and storyteller, as well as a scholar of Native American culture. Coauthor with Michael Caduto of the bestselling Keepers of the Earth series, Bruchac's poems, articles and stories have appeared in over 500 publications, from Akwesasne Notes and American Poetry Review to National Geographic and Parabola. He has authored more than 50 books for adults and children. For more information about Joseph, please visit his website www.josephbruchac.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful for children, beautifully illustrated., December 13, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Many Nations: An Alphabet of Native America (International Reading Association Teacher's Choice Award) (Hardcover)

I picked up this book for my son and I found that I enjoyed as much as he did. It really does give a nice overview of Native Americans and the Illustrations are superb. I think it is a great book for children and adults alike. Not only is it entertaining but it also teaches. If you are looking for a book for a child from 2 to 10 years old this is the one to buy.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Alphabet Book with a Twist, December 30, 2006

By 

Daniel L. Berek (Flanders, NJ, United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Many Nations: An Alphabet of Native America (International Reading Association Teacher's Choice Award) (Paperback)

There are many alphabet books out there, covering a wide variety of themes. This one is noteworthy as it depicts Native American peoples, from Anishinabe through Zuni. Moreover, this beautifully illustrated book goes beyond teaching ABCs - it gives young children insight into the fact that the broad term "Native Americans" comprises a multitude of nations and cultures, something most school activities shamefully overlook. Nations selected come from all regions, from the desert Southwest to the Woodland (Alkongkian) nations of the Northeast; from the Plains to the tidewaters. Few books offer so much in such a compact package; I have enjoyed reading this book to my students as well as my own children.