Hidden Roots (by Joseph Bruchac)

Title:  Hidden Roots

Author:  Joseph Bruchac

Target Age: Middle Grade – Young Adult (YA)

Summary from Publisher

As hard as they try, 11-year-old Sonny and his mother can’t predict his father’s sudden rages, which can turn physical in an instant.  Jake’s anger only gets worse after long days laboring at the local paper mill—and when Uncle Louis appears.  Louis seems to show up when Sonny and his mother need help most, but there is something about him and his quiet, wise ways that only fuels Jake’s rage.  The love of Sonny’s fragile mother, the support and protection of his Uncle Louis, and an unexpected friendship with a librarian help Sonny gain the confidence to stand up to his father.

Evaluation

Joseph Bruchac is a beautiful storyteller. He builds sympathy and a connection with his young protagonist immediately. There is a fog hiding and foreshadowing the family secrets that tantalizes, prompting me to keep reading to find out everything.  I also wanted to make sure Sonny and his mom were going to be safe.  His father’s temper is a bit scary (definitely may be for younger readers). However, this area is tempered for the target audience (11-14). There is nothing especially graphic.  As the novel progresses, the father gains more control over himself and uses better coping mechanism for his anger.

Hidden Roots is heavily character driven.  Sonny grapples with common issues like feeling isolated at school, coping with heavy family issues, and dealing with a parent being out of work. He finds books can be an escape from many of the difficulties. Sonny matures, slowing moving into the adult realm.  Though he is only 11, he begins working to help his family--both at home with the chores and outside of it to help with the finances. He must deal with his family's hidden roots and secrets.  

Sonny’s father is distant—physically and emotionally.  His father is away working long hours.  Even when he is home, he does not know how to connect with his son.  Uncle Louis though steps in as a vital father figure. The sense there is something more in the relationship is hinted at and comes out fully in the end.  (I am not going to spoil it.)  His mother is the least developed, but she is Sonny's protector and support.  

Bruchac has a Native American heritage that plays an important role.  Uncle Louis teaches Sonny about some of their values especially as they relate to their close respect and connection to the natural world.  The most intense aspect is the revelation about eugenics being used on Native Americans and how it relates to the characters’ past. (This aspect isn't brought up until the end of the novel.)  A tension is created between a desire for some Natives to embrace who they are with fear, anger, and frustration over having to hide it to fit into society. This tension is one of the most compelling parts of the novel.

Hidden Roots is a serious realistic fiction.  The novel gives insight into love, family, and acceptance.  The language and charactization are magnificence. Though it is written through the perspective of an 11-year-old and the harsh content is tempered, I feel the book is more suited for 12 and up.  With the guidance of a teacher or parent, younger readers can also enjoy it.  It is definitely worth your time reading, especially if you want a multicultural or Native American focused book for your curriculum or home reading.

Extension Areas for Educators

• Research eugenics as it relates to Native Americans and other people
• Research the Trail of Tears and other ways Native Americans were removed from their lands
• Learn about the signs of physical abuse and how to help if you see someone in need
• Brainstorm and discuss ways to handle anger in a positive manner
• Interview family members and research the "hidden roots" in your family tree
• Read Native American tales about their connection to nature 
• Take a early morning hike to watch the sun rise (Sonny does this activity with Uncle Louis)

The First Strawberries: A Cherokee Story (Joseph Bruchac)

Title:  The First Strawberries

Author:  Joseph Bruchac

Illustrator:  Anna Vojtech

Just the Beginning

“Long ago when the world was new, the Creator made a man and a woman.  The two of them were made at the same time so that neither would be lonesome.  They married, and for a long time they lived together and were happy.”

Summary

One day, the man says unkind words to the woman. She walks away in anger. The Sun takes pity on the repentant husband, so he sends raspberries first, then blueberries, and then blackberries to the earth in an attempt to stop the woman. It is with the strawberries—the final gift—that she stops.

“She knelt down and plucked one and bit into it.  She had never tasted anything like it before. Its sweetness reminded her how happy she and her husband had been together before they quarreled.” 

As she gathers some to take back to him, the man catches up.  He asks for her forgiveness.  She answers by sharing the sweet berries. 

Evaluation

The story is simple but beautiful. I read it for the first time several days ago, yet it has stayed with me. I will never eat another strawberry without remembering this lovely Cherokee tale. The soft watercolor illustrations compliment the narrative perfectly. 

The ending is noteworthy: “To this day, when the Cherokee people eat strawberries, they are reminded to always be kind to each other; to remember that friendship and respect are as sweet as the taste of ripe, red berries.”  The strawberry, also, reminds me of the power of forgiveness and the importance of gratitude for the sweetness of life.

If you are teaching about Native American culture at home or in the classroom, I urge you to use this book as part of your lesson or unit plan. However, The First Strawberries is a powerful story on its own. I recommend picking up a copy to read for enjoyment, character building, or multicultural enrichment. The straightforward text is appropriate for ages 5 and up. 

Joseph Bruchac has written many books highlighting the stories and culture of Native Americans. He represents a genuine voice of the culture.  

Paul Goble and Native American Starlore

In the ancient world, people looked to the sky to understand the world around them and to navigate while traveling. Most cultures developed stories about the celestial bodies—the stars, moon, and sun. They were often associated with origin stories and other myths. The natives of North American had many different ideas about what the stars meant. Two stories representing this tradition are recorded by Paul Goble who has over many decades developed a close relationship with some of our native American tribes. His writing and illustrations demonstrate a great reverence for these people and their traditions. Her Seven Brothers and Star Boy illustrate a strong feeling of connection that many cultures had to the stars, sun, and moon. 

Her Seven Brothers

A young Indian girl lives as an only child with her parents. She is never alone though because she can speak with the birds and animals. Her mother teaches her to embroider with the dyed porcupine quills. The tribe marvels at the amazing skill she develops. They are sure her talent comes from the spirits. One day she begins to sew clothes for a man—a shirt and a pair of moccasins. Her mother inquires as to why she is making them. The girl reveals that there are seven brothers who live in the north country who she plans to travel to in order to become their sister.  After many months, she completes all seven sets and loads them up for her journey. Leaving her mother she says, “Soon you will see me again with my brothers; everyone will know and love us!”  The retelling of this Cheyenne legend reveals what happens when she meets her brothers and how they become the stars of the Big Dipper. 

Star Boy

Two sisters awake as Morning Star fills the sky.  The older sister declares her great admiration for him and longing to be his wife. Morning Star comes to her as a man and sweeps her up to the sky to meet his mother (the moon) and father (the sun). Together they live happily there, eventually having a son. Her mother-in-law gives her a stick to dig up roots.  She is told she can dig up any plant except ones with pink flowers. Like Eve and Pandora, she eventually does the one thing she is commanded not to.  When she does, she sees her family and the world she left behind. The Sun angrily tells her, “Now your heart will always be in two place; you will never be happy here, nor in the world below.  You must go back to your people.”  The woman and baby return to the tribe. The woman dies when the boy is still young, and she becomes Evening Star. Her son, Star Boy, falls in love with the chief’s beautiful daughter. She agrees to marry him but first he has to go on a quest.  This story from the Blackfeet tribe explains how he ends up in the sky too!  The book includes the traditional “Song of the Rising Sun.”

Check out these books at your local library or bookstore to find out how they end! 

Teaching Resources

• Literature: Read Additional Stories on Native American Starlore.  Compare and contrast different ones. 
• Astronomy: Use the stories to connect to a unit on astronomy. 
• Local History: Study the local tribes that live(d) in your state or area. 
• Ancient History: Compare and contrast starlore stories of Native American cultures to other ancient cultures. 
• Other Activities: Check out this Native American Sky Legends Teacher’s Guide  for some additional teaching ideas.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian (by Sherman Alexie)

Brief Summary:

Arnold Spirit (nicknamed Junior) is a 14 year old Native American boy, living on the Spokane Reservation. He comes into the world with lots of disadvantages—beginning with fluid on this brain which prompted some physical issues.  His family (like most of the others on the reservation) is extremely poor.  Arnold  is a budding cartoonist and stellar student.   He attends an Indian school with outdated textbooks and poor resources.  A teacher urges him to pursue his education in the white community, which leads to complications and obstacles—such as getting to and from school each day (often he must walk miles), being further ostracized by his native community (including his only friend), and learning to fit in his new environment. Through it all, Arnold learns about himself, his culture, and his community (both his white school and his Indian homeland).

Evaluation:

Sherman Alexie has created an amazing voice in Arnold.  I was immediately sucked into his story and his world.  First, I was intrigued by his early life and, then, the story of his dog just got me!  I could not put this book down!  I really felt for Arnold.  He is bullied.  He is poor.  He is largely alone.  Despite all of it, his spirit overcomes even as he deals with personal challenges, family difficulties, and tragic loss.  His depiction of Native Americans is raw but moving. 

Another dimension to the narrative is Arnold’s drawings, which are a creative and emotional outlet for him.  They often reveal further insights into his world and his feelings.   The cartoons also epitomize his character.  Sometimes they are funny.  Other times touching, revealing his tender heart.  They are always honest and entertaining. 

Several complex issues are dealt with, such as alcoholism, poverty, bullying,  and death.  With those awful and often heartbreaking matters, there is always a sense of hope and humor. A couple controversial issues may turn some people off.  There is some occasional profanity.  The biggest concern for many will be the references to physical arousal and self-pleasuring.  They are not graphic and only sporadic.  I would have preferred them not to be a part of the narrative, but I guess it is not entirely out of place since they are facts of life and reflective of the age of the protagonist. 

Despite a handful of unpleasant words and references, I highly recommend The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian for mature audiences (15 and up).  The story prompts insight and compassion.   You will not soon forget Arnold or his friends and family members. 

Fairy Tale Friday: The Legend of the Bluebonnet

Along with Literary Transgressions, Books4Learning is re-launching the Fairy Tale Friday weekly meme.   We hope that you will join us each week as we talk about fairy tales, myths, and legends.   Some weeks we will have a special theme or challenge.  While others it will just be a free share.  Everyone is always free to join in by adding to the conversation or sharing a favorite myth, fairy tale, or legend—even if it is not related to the theme or challenge.   At the end of this post, there is a place for a self-link up.    

To begin with, I am going to share a picture book based on an Indian legend: The Legend of the Bluebonnet (by Tomie DePaola). I was first drawn to the story during my college years studying elementary education.   It was one of the first picture books I purchased for my future classroom. I still have it to this day as it remains a personal favorite.  

Summary of The Legend of the Bluebonnet (by Tomie DePaola): 

A Comanche tribe is suffering drought and famine. They dance and pray to the Great Spirits, but no healing rains come.   There is one small girl named She-Who-Is-Alone.   She sits alone, because her family has all died from the drought, watching the dancers and playing with her cherished doll with brilliant blue feathers on its head.  When the shaman returns from his quest to hear from the Great Spirits, he tells them what he has heard:   

“The People have become selfish.

For years they have taken from the Earth

without giving anything back.

The Great Spirits say the People must sacrifice.

We must make a burnt offer

of the most valued possession among us.”

The People sang and gave thanks to the Great Spirits, but each one is sure his/her most valued possession is not what is required.   Everyone, that is, except She-Who-Is-Alone.   While holding the doll tightly to her heart, she is convinced that the doll must be sacrificed.   Once everyone is asleep, she journeys to the hillside where she offers her doll up and thrusts it into the fire.  Eventually, the fire dies down, and the ashes grow cold.   She-Who-Is-Alone scoops them up and scatters them to the Home of the Winds.   

When she wakes the next morning, the hillside is covered with beautiful blue flowers the color of her beloved dolls’ hair feathers.    The People see the flowers as a sign of forgiveness.  As they sing and dance, a warm rain falls to the Earth and makes everything alive again.  From that day on, the young girl is known by another name—One-Who-Dearly-Loved-Her People.

Evaluation:

I love that the one who steps up is a child.   In her innocence and simplicity, she is able to have true wisdom.  The others are too caught up in their own concerns and complications.   I, also, love the motif of total sacrifice.  Even though she has lost everything, she is willing to give up the one cherished item she possesses.  She considers the good of her people as greater than her own comfort.  Truly, how often does that happen today?  Not enough.

Before my recent graduate studies on myth in children's literature, I never questioned the accuracy of current picture books as a genuine reflection on the culture it represented.  I mistakenly assumed in this multi-culturally sensitive era that if it was in libraries and well-received by the literary community, it must be authentic.   Unfortunately, many popular picture books do not reflect Native American Indians accurately.  The authors use stereotypes, borrow from different groups and depict as one tribe, or reflect more western values than the Native culture’s.  

I am not entirely sure on the accuracy of The Legend of the Bluebonnet.  DePaolo gives some assurance though.  In the Author’s Note, he discusses his research and affirms his effort to depict the people genuinely.  

• What is your favorite native American myth or legend?
• Have you noticed any stereotypes, inaccuracies, or western values in cultural myths and legends you have read?
• How can we find out for certain the cultural accuracy of a work? 
• What responsibility do publishers, libraries, and educators have in making sure they are teaching the proper facts related to Native Americans and other cultures through literature?
• What are some recent fairy tales, legends, or myths you have read? 

Poetry: Dragons Dragons and Other Creatures that Never Were (by Eric Carle)

Yesterday, I saw Dragons Dragons and Other Creatures that Never Were in a classroom library.  I was immediately drawn to it because it is from Eric Carle, one of my favorite children’s book illustrators and writers.  I picked up the book at the public library on my way home.  This selection is an anthology of poems complied by Carle.  Some poets represented are traditionally adult literature writers of the past, such as William Blake and Elizabeth Barrett Browning, while others are modern children’s literature authors, like Gerald McDermott and Paul Fleishman.  Here is one of my favorite poems: 

“Pegasus” (by Eleanor Farjeon)

He could not be captured,

He could not be bought,

His running was rhythm,

His standing was thought;

With one eye on sorrow

And one eye on mirth,

He galloped in heaven

With gamboled on earth

And only the poet

With wings to his brain

Can mount him and ride him

Without any rein,

The stallion of heaven,

The steed of the skies,

The horse of the singer

Who sing as flies.

Fans and children will delight in his recreation of mythical characters using his unique pictorial style.  Myth lovers will enjoy the subjects which are from a wide arrange of ancient cultures, such as Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Indian, Native American, European, and Asian.  Some of the mythical creatures depicted are minotaur, phoenix, Anansi the spider, yeti, Basilisk, hippogriff, griffin, and many more.  A glossary is provided that provides a short paragraph description on each one. The poems are primarily a light-hearted look at these creatures—both the fierce:

“Kracken” (X.J. Kennedy)

Neath icelocked waves the Kracken lies

In wait for passing ships,

To gobble them as you or I

Might munch potato chips.

And the benevolent:

“Mermaid/Undersea” (by Marchette Chute)

Beneath the waters

Green and cool

The mermaids keep

A swimming school.

The oysters trot;

The lobsters prance;

The dolphins come

To join the dance.

But all the jellyfish

Who are rather small,

Can’t seem to learn

The steps at all.

This anthology is a wonderful collection to share with children.  Most of the selections are short and fun, ideal for young readers/listeners.  I recommend Dragons Dragons and Other Creatures that Never Were for ages 5 and up. 

Teaching Opportunities: 

• Art:  using the description in the poem, draw or paint what you think the character looks like before viewing the illustrations
• Point of View:  examine the different uses of point of view in the poems—some are from the perspective of the creature (first person), others are characters interacting with it (third person), while many are from a voice observing/imagining it  (third-person)
• Sound Devices:  identify rhyme, alliteration, and other sound devices together
• Figurative Language:  locate and discuss similes, metaphors, and personification
• Myths:  read myths about the creatures and discuss their significance in ancient cultures
• History:  connect the  mythical creatures in the poems to the ancient cultures being studied

This posted is connected with the Poetry Friday link up at Gathering Books.

Picture Book: How the Moon Regained Her Shape by Janet Ruth Heller

Summary of How the Moon Regained Her Shape:    

Inspired by Native American folktales, How the Moon Regained Her Shape personifies the moon as “round and full, proud of her gentle light.”  She is fearless and lively.  One day as she dances across the sky, the sun demeans her.  The moon stops dancing because she is tormented by the sun’s words.  Slowly, her body dwindles until she is just “a sliver of her former self.”  Comet notices the changes in his friend, so he visits her.  He urges her to visit a woman named Round Arms.  The moon is warmly welcomed and comforted in the Native American woman’s hut.  Round Arms leads the moon around to various places and people who value her light and force.  At the final stop, a hundred women are dancing and singing:

We sing to the moon, our sister,

Who pulls the seas to the sands,

Who changes her shape like a magician,

Who lights our paths at night. 

Return to the sky, our sister,

For we miss your gentle beams

And your loving smile.

Her eyes sparkling with joy, the moon returns to the sky.  Even though she still wanes when someone insults her, she always “regains her strength and fullness” because she remembers her crucial job and caring friends.   

Evaluation: 

How the Moon Regained Her Shape is a brilliant example of how ancient people created stories to help them understand the world around them.  The eye-catching illustrations in neutral and muted colors (by Ben Hodson) accompany the stellar storytelling (from Janet Ruth Heller).  The book is a creative way to introduce a lesson or discussion on the lunar phases.  

In addition, the power of words and the effects of bullying are depicted in a powerful but hopeful manner.  Though the moon feels hurt and discouraged, she learns to appreciate her unique value—something everyone needs to learn.  As a result, she is able to overcome adversity.  I highly recommend How the Moon Regained Her Shape for ages 6-11.   Publisher Sylvan Dell has compiled a 38-page Teacher's Guide and other web resources to help build your lesson plans and extension activities around.  

Teaching Oppoturnities:

Create a Moon Poem

Moon Observation Calendar

Moon Observation Journal

Moon Phase Website


Oreo Cook Moon Phases (Pinterest and Science Bob's Blog)