The Song Within My Heart [Hardcover]

David Bouchard (Author), Allen Sapp (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up

Renowned Native painter Allen Sapp's inspired and stunning artwork beautifully complements this sweet story of a boy preparing for his first powwow. The young boy's Nokum -- his beloved grandmother -- guides him through the events of the day and helps him to understand what the singing and dancing are about. Award-winning author David Bouchard adds rhythmic and informative text based on remembrances from Allen Sapp's own Cree childhood. A portion of the royalties for The Song Within My Heart will be donated to the Indian Federated College.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Gr. 2-5. In this picture book for older children, Bouchard has crafted lyrical text to accompany Sapp's paintings, which show a young First Nations boy preparing for his first powwow with the help of his Nokum (grandmother). The boy hears drumbeats, songs, and stories, but he does not understand. Nokum urges him to listen carefully and internalize the experience in order to make it his own. Sapp's evocative oil paintings depict the experience of reservation life in Saskatchewan, including scenes of log cabins, dancers at a powwow, and, of course, the boy's beloved Nokum. The tale concludes with a note by the artist about his family and powwows; several personal photographs are included as well. This is a good choice for units on Native Americans; it will be especially valuable for children trying to understand the feelings connected with this ceremony. Pair it with Marcie R. Rendon and Cheryl Bellville Walsh's photo-essay, Powwow Summer: A Family Celebrates the Circle of Life (1996), which is a more contemporary look at this experience. Kay Weisman
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About the Author

David Bouchard is a speaker and writer. He has written more than twenty illustrated books for children.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Raincoast Books (March 7, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1551925591
• ISBN-13: 978-1551925592
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 10.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,470,623 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)