Totem Pole [Hardcover]

Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith (Author), Lawrence Migdale (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up

A Tsimshian Indian boy proudly describes how his father carved a totem pole for the Klallam tribe and the subsequent ceremonial celebration.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-5-- David, a young member of the Eagle Clan of the Tsimshian Indian tribe in Washington state, is of mixed heritage, the son of an Indian wood-carver and a woman who was adopted into the clan. He narrates this book, which is far more than a simple explanation of how a totem pole is made. The large-print text explores David's understanding of traditional Indian crafts and folklore, as well as his step-by-step work with his father in carving the pole. The animal symbols are examined, as well as the manner in which the pole is raised and the attendant ceremony. The book is beautifully illustrated with full-color photographs of David and his family in traditional clothing, Indian crafts, tools, and the steps in wood carving. The book offers a glimpse of an ancient tradition that continues to thrive because of the skills, respect, and pride passed down lovingly from father to son. --Yvonne Frey, Illinois Central College, East Peoria
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 30 pages
• Publisher: Holiday House; 1st edition (March 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823408094
• ISBN-13: 978-0823408092
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 10.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,295,390 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Kids Book, September 15, 2003

By 

Pooh Guy (Redmond, WA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Totem Pole (Hardcover)

Text is written as narration by a boy who appears to be about 10 or 11 years old, and is telling us about his dad, who is a native Pacific Northwest Coast Artist and Carver.

This short book is a snapshot of a short period in time when his dad carves a totem pole, and it is raised at the entrance to an indian reseervation.

The text sounds to me like it was written by an adult trying to sound like a kid, and it doesn't sound quite right when I read it. Although this will catch the ear of an adult, I haven't noticed that kids are bothered or notice.

More importantly, it is a nice little book written from the persepective of a boy who is proud of his dad and his heritage, and is eagerly adopting his heritage and helping his dad, and wants to be like his dad, who is an excellent, positive role model.

The photos are excellent and very nicely enhance and illustrate the text. The quality of the book is very high.

I'd strongly recommend it for someone who wants a child's book to read to kids 5-12 years old, or to be read by kids ages 7 or 8 to 12 to read themselves.

Not only does the book do a nice job of telling a story and teaching a little about totem poles and Pacific Northwest Coast Indian culture, perhaps even more importantly the boy in the story provides a very positive role model for the kids who read this book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars thoughtful and beautiful, October 3, 2006

By 

Hedera Femme (USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Totem Pole (Paperback)

This is a really neat book about a boy's family's Indian heritage (Tsimshian). He traces back his ancestors from Alaska and their ways of life; the pictures show him exploring the artifacts saved by his ancestors, working with his father, wearing semi-traditional clothes, helping build the totem pole, and celebrating with his fellow tribes people on the reservation. The narrative aspect is calm and touching, though never sentimental; I really enjoyed reading this and think it has some lovely lessons that are worth discussing in a classroom. There's also a little glossary in the back, so there's some vocabulary worth teaching here--great book!!