Rising Voices [Hardcover]

Hirschfelder (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 30, 1992 | Age Level: 10 and up

Poems and essays from the pens of young native Americans express what it means to be Indian today, presenting their thoughts and feelings about racism and the struggles they encounter trying to incorporate Indian tradition into the modern world.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Through more than 60 poems and essays, contemporary Native American children and young adults share their feelings about themselves, their people and their land. While some selections in this anthology are reverent in tone, revealing a deep respect for nature, family and tradition, other writings emerge as protests against prejudice and oppression. In the first section of the book, "Identity," the young Native Americans tell of their struggles to fit into a white society without denying their heritage. Another chapter, "Education," traces their growing desire to learn, if not regain, ancestral customs and beliefs. Readers of all cultures should have no trouble relating to the ideas presented here. Characterized by clear imagery and unadorned language, these expressions of anger, regret and hope provide enormous insight into a race of people whose opinions, until recent times, have been too often suppressed. Ages 12-up.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 5 Up-- In light of the gifts Native peoples have given to Western culture , they still remain the silent voice in the political, cultural, economic, and spiritual resonance of America. This text seeks to send a voice to the rest of American culture, through the eyes, ears, minds, and hearts of young Native Americans. These poems, stories, songs, and essays cover a span of over 100 years--1887-1990. In a time when many of these young people faced forced assimilation and loss of cultural identity, the common thread uniting their works was one of survival, continuance, and lastly hope. Hirschfelder and Singer have included extensive biographical information on each of the students who contributed to the anthology. The book is divided into six sections, with subject headings as ``Identity,'' ``Family,'' ``Homelands,'' ``Ritual and Ceremony,'' ``Education,'' and ``Harsh Realities.'' This is no romanticized version of Native American life, but rather a picture of traditions that survived through the courage of children. It's an excellent source for social studies and English classes, as well as a fine book for general reading, as it effectively conveys modern Indian life. --Carolyn M. Dunn, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Hardcover: 115 pages
• Publisher: Atheneum (June 30, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0684192071
• ISBN-13: 978-0684192079
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,140,232 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)