From School Library Journal
Grade 6 Up-Organized into three broad chapters, this excellent series entry opens with a photo essay entitled "A Place of Respect" that sets the tone for the entire book. Chapter one, "Sustainers of the People," discusses women in pre-contact and traditional societies. The text moves around the continent, beginning with the Powhatan, describing the lives of women from childhood on. Longer sections focus on Iroquois women and on those from Plains, Southwest, and California peoples. "Mother of Us All" illustrates the role of the female in most Native religions. Other photo essays cover housing, mourning and widowhood, warriors, the Old Woman's Society of the Blackfoot, the gathering of plants for food and healing, and Crow women elders who were honored by their people in 1994. "A Bridge Between Two Worlds" focuses on the critical part women played as cultural brokers between their own people and Euroamerican society. Finally, the story is brought into the 20th century with an affirming discussion of contemporary spiritual and cultural leaders. Taking a more personal focus that complements Rayna Green's Women in American Indian Society (Chelsea, 1992), this solid offering is enhanced by superb black-and-white and full-color photos throughout.
Lisa Mitten, University of Pittsburgh, PA
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Lisa Mitten, University of Pittsburgh, PA
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Gr. 9^-12. The roles and contributions of North American Indian women throughout history are the focus of this attractive, inviting volume, lavishly illustrated with black-and-white and color photographs and occasional drawings. The narrative describes the traditional duties and responsibilities of women within their tribes and how some managed to preserve particular customs and traditional art forms despite the changes forced on them by non-Indians. Biographical sketches of such well-known Indian women as Mary Musgrove, Molly Brant, and contemporary leader Wilma Mankiller are included. Only a cursory tribal context is given, but the book still manages to recognize the uniqueness of each tribe. Useful as an introductory text or for reference; an extensive bibliography is appended. Karen Hutt
