With the present controversies about the movies Pocahontas and The Indian in the Cupboard, Stott's book will be of special interest to librarians and teachers who want to give kids good books about Native Americans. A Canadian professor of children's literature, Stott writes in a clear, authoritative, jargon-free style, without the hectoring self-righteousness that characterizes some of the criticism in the field. He discusses general stereotypes and misrepresentations of Indians, but his focus is on good writers and artists and how to use their books with children. An excellent chapter discusses traditional stories and legends, including the great variety of trickster characters. There are insightful essays on Joseph Bruchac, Paul Goble, Gerald McDermott, Jean Craighead George, Michael Dorris, and others who write about history and the contemporary scene. This fine resource introduces children's books that are far from popular images of savages and saints. Hazel Rochman
Review
“Stott's book will be of special interest to librarians and teachers who want to give kids good books about Native Americans....Stott writes in a clear, authoritative, jargon-free style, without the hectoring self-righteousness that characterizes some of the criticism in the field....This fine resource introduces children's books that are far from popular images of savages and saints.”–
“...a carefully sequenced series of essays that dispels the stereotypes about Native Americans and introduces many of the selection considerations that face librarians and teachers....chapters can be read independently, making this title suitable for both academic and school curriculum collections.”–
“Stott proceeds with admirable patience and careful scholarship - scholarship based not only on research but in listening to living Native voices. The result is a book that can be described as essential....should be read not only by every teacher, but also by every children's writer and every storyteller who has chosen to tell traditional Native stories.”–
“Excellent collection of essays review the history of present state of Native Americans as they are portrayed in children's literature.”–
“You might think that this book is just for librarians or teachers. Certainly parents who are concerned about the messages that their kids are getting would also find this book invaluable....anyone who is interested in media, and the broad strokes of American culture will find the essays in this book fascinating.”–
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