Pueblo Girls: Growing Up in Two Worlds [Hardcover]

Marcia Keegan (Author, Photographer)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up

Sonja Roybal, who is ten, and her eight year old sister Desiree enjoy basketball and cheerleading, use computers at school and home, and like to play video games and send e-mail. But they also like to share other experiences with us -- as they listen to stories in their native Tewa language, learn traditional pottery-making from their mother and grandmother, and bake delicious bread in an outdoor oven. Both girls have been participating in San Idefonso ceremonial dances since they were two years old. Here we see them taking part in the dances -- a special part of their lives that they practice and prepare for many times during each year.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6-Sonja, 10, and Desiree, 8, are Native Americans of the San Ildefonso Pueblo of New Mexico. They study English at school and the Tewa language at home, and spend time with relatives learning the traditions of the Pueblo. They are being raised in the traditions of dual religions, and First Holy Communion is celebrated along with the events of the agricultural cycle. Their ideas, homework, home life, and friends purposefully show them to be modern American girls. Through a combination of creatively composed, vibrant photographs and text, Keegan shares the lives of the sisters and their family. While the text is somewhat choppy, the photographs effectively capture the physical beauty of the Southwest and the affection between the two girls. Unfortunately, the author makes no mention of what it is like to balance the practice of the Roman Catholic faith with the spirituality of the corn cycle, and some knowledge of Catholic doctrines is assumed. Some important points are glossed over for ease of understanding, but this short book provides a refreshing look at the lives of these two siblings.
Mary B. McCarthy, ACLIN/Colorado State Library
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Marcia Keegan

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Treasure Chest Books; 1st edition (May 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1574160206
• ISBN-13: 978-1574160208
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,850,128 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent example of what contemporary Pueblo life is like., September 9, 1999

By 

Judith A. Castiano (Peoria, AZ USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Pueblo Girls: Growing Up in Two Worlds (Hardcover)

Ms. Keegan does an excellent job of showing the rest of American how one contemporary Pueblo family lives. The photos show how both the everyday, modern lifestyle and the tradition "old ways" fit comfortably together. The Roybal girls' story is told with respect to their family and their culture. As a librarian and as a member of one of the Pueblo tribes of New Mexico, I appreciate being able to find such fine examples of Indians and their lives in modern America. The photos are beautiful and bring to life the world of Sonja and Desiree, as well the Pueblo of San Ildefonso. It is a book I would definitely recommend for anyone interested in learning more about American Indians and our place in contemporary America.