Songs of Our Ancestors: Poems About Native Americans [Library Binding]

Gr 3 Up--Attractive design and an inspired mix of illustrative elements combine to create instant eye-appeal for these 22 poems about Native Americans. Using primarily colored pencils and pastels, Presnell has created a shining example of how to enhance simple portraits with additional images: maps, beadwork borders, photographs, and tribal symbols. Turcotte packs a lot of information into what are essentially thumbnail biographies. The verses describe the lives of individuals, contributions to their culture, and, in some cases, a historical vignette. Details such as dates, treaties, and tribal customs are included, adding to the challenge of maintaining the lyrical quality. A few poems are constrained by the necessity of rhyme. Others, such as one about athlete Jim Thorpe, break free and soar. All of them will be more effective if read aloud rather than independently. Children may have difficulty with the pronunciation guides; vowels are particularly confusing. The table of contents includes a tribe affiliation for each subject, but there are no geographical references. Also missing are much needed birth and death dates to clarify the historical perspective. These concerns aside, this ambitious project merits consideration for purchase because of its unique approach to Native American biography.

Sarabeth Kalajian, Venice Public Library, FL

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