Powwow [Hardcover]

George Ancona (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 30, 1993 | Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up

This beautiful photo-essay captures the essence of the Native American powwow. "The unity of the many tribes engaged in the ceremony, the sense of family, and the cherishing of actively participating children are all themes young people will appreciate. A lively, positive portrayal of contemporary Native Americans."--Kirkus Reviews

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-5-- Feathers, beads, fringe, paint, bells, and shawls--these are the images that first bombard a spectator at a Native American powwow. But what does it all mean? Ancona provides an introduction to the modern powwow that explains everything. Focusing on the Crow Fair in Montana, he takes readers through the standard events that one can see at almost any powwow across the country, whether on a reservation or in the city. A time of visiting friends and being with other Indian people, the outings are also a chance for dancers to strut their stuff and compete against their peers. Young Anthony Standing Rock is shown playing with friends and then getting dressed in his traditional dance outfit. The festivities, beginning with the opening "parade" called the Grand Entry and on through the standard dances, are described and illustrated with well-placed, full-color photos that clearly reflect the text. Participants and spectators are also shown buying fries and drinks at one of the many concession stands. An exquisite kaleidoscope of Native American music, customs, and crafts. --Lisa Mitten, University of Pittsburgh, PA
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews

Capturing the flash and rhythm of Native American dances as performed during a ``pan-Indian'' Crow Fair in Montana, photographer Ancona is at his experienced best. Featured here is Anthony Standing Rock, a boy transformed from T-shirted kid to warrior-dancer; but the real focus is on the on four kinds of dancers--Traditional, Fancy, Grass, and Jingle-dress--and on the grace and excitement of their performances. Complementary photos and text are skillfully interwoven to explain the customary clothing, the dances' different styles, and the pride and honor the rituals convey. Particularly moving are some individual ceremonies: a giveaway of items for an honored dancer; a family dance to welcome a little girl into the ranks of the dancers. The unity of the many tribes engaged in the ceremony, the sense of family, and the cherishing of actively participating children are all themes young people will appreciate. A lively, positive portrayal of contemporary Native Americans. (Nonfiction. 6-12) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books; 1st edition (April 30, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0152632689
• ISBN-13: 978-0152632687
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,390,865 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Going to a Powwow, April 28, 2000

By 

Lauren McKinley (Kentucky, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Powwow (Hardcover)

This is a FABULOUS book for preparing a classroom for what they will see, hear, and do at a Native American Powwow. This book is an excellent teachers' resource as well as picture book for elementary-age children that have not experienced the culture and diversity of Native Americans. The author highlights a young Native American boy as he leads you through a powwow, focusing on the dances and regalia worn by Native Americans who demonstrate some of their traditional ceremonial activities.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, September 12, 2005

By 

C. Kiyonaga - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Powwow (Paperback)

My daughter really enjoys reading this book and looking at the pictures. She can't wait to take the book to show and tell. She would like to show her friends what she does on the weekends. She loves going to the pow-wow and dancing in her jingle dress.