From School Library Journal
Grade 4-6?The Yanomami, hunters and gatherers living in the depths of the Amazon rain forest, are one of many groups threatened by the invasion of foreigners. Through magnificent full-color photographs and an eloquent text, this book shows their way of life from the points of view of Matuwe, a 10-year-old boy, and Hiyomi, a 6-year-old girl. The somewhat-idealized descriptions omit the warrior aspects of the culture, concentrating instead on the spirit of community. Schwartz encourages readers to learn more about indigenous peoples and even to write to the presidents of Brazil and Venezuela. Photo essays such as this may result in younger generations' awareness of the plight of these vanishing people.?Eva Elisabeth Von Ancken, Trinity Pawling School, NY
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Gr. 4-6. This photo-essay, part of the Vanishing Peoples series, profiles the Yanomami, a tribe indigenous to the Amazon rain forest. Schwartz's focus is on a village called Batari-teri and its residents, so it's a surprise, when in the afterword, he reveals that while actual Yanomami life is "very similar" to what is described here, "Matuwe and his family don't exist and there [is] no village called Batari-teri." No reason is given for the decision to provide imaginary names, nor is it likely too many readers will read the small-print afterword, though it offers a pertinent account of the tribe's future in a rapidly changing environment. Both text and color photos work together to paint an intriguing portrait of village life, and there are scenes of hunting, feasting, and healing. The Yanomami live practically clothesless, though decorated with paints and piercing. As Schwartz notes, many of the customs portrayed may seem odd, improper, or even shocking, but these are people who live in harmony with their environment, which dictates many of their habits. Much care has been taken with the book's design, and the extraordinary photographs are sometimes layered on one another, giving a feeling of depth. The tribe may be a dying breed, but they are alive and vital on these pages. A glossary is appended.
Ilene Cooper
