Fans of Southern historical fiction and book clubs in search of a title worth reading and discussing are sure to enjoy this one [3.5 for me!], set durFans of Southern historical fiction and book clubs in search of a title worth reading and discussing are sure to enjoy this one [3.5 for me!], set during the 1930s and 1940s. The two protagonists, Del and Rae Lynn, haven't had easy lives, and readers may be shocked at the events that open their separate stories. While the slow burn of their relationship and the redemption they eventually find in each other is appealing, what sets this story apart from many others is how the author weaves in details about the turpentine camps and pine forests where their paths cross. Swallow Hill, which is one of those camps, is not the easiest or safest of places, and racism and sexism run rampant there. Amid the natural beauty of the setting, there is evil, anger, and violence, and kindness is often regarded as weakness. The descriptions are lush, sometimes raw, and the emotions and sentiments expressed are honest and just as appealing as the book's characters. I thoroughly enjoyed traveling back in time to learn more about longleaf pines and turpentine and considering what the land must have been like before so many of those pines were carelessly destroyed. ...more
In this picture book [3.5 for me!], Troy is eager to visit a bayou while staying with his grandparents in Vacherie, Louisiana. When the time finally cIn this picture book [3.5 for me!], Troy is eager to visit a bayou while staying with his grandparents in Vacherie, Louisiana. When the time finally comes, they drive to the bayou, board a pirogue, and head out on the water where Troy sees flora and fauna that are unique to that particular area. He also sees an abandoned plantation and an alligator that is accustomed to hotdogs from tour boats. Along the way, his grandfather and his friend Joe provide bits of history and information, some of which makes his grandfather pensive and emotional. The text includes poetic lines as well as sidebars explaining some of what they see. Having been on one of those bayou boat tours years ago, I can attest to the accuracy of the setting as described in the text and depicted through the illustrations, created with Adobe Photoshop using digital gouache brushes and ink pens, which lend texture and depth to each page. The focus on writing as a means of self-expression, for both Grandpa and Grandson, is a much-needed element in the story as is the more somber facts about human trafficking that are touched on during the trip through the bayou. ...more
Oh, this historical fiction, set in rural Iowa during the summer and fall of 1941, is so good, so emotionally rich, and well written. Not only does itOh, this historical fiction, set in rural Iowa during the summer and fall of 1941, is so good, so emotionally rich, and well written. Not only does it cover a little-known part of WWII history--the existence of a Quaker hostel for Jewish refugees--but it also tackles hard, almost unanswerable questions with respect, honoring their complexity. The plot focuses on Peggy Mott, 12 and 13 during the six months of the story, a math whiz who is convinced that all problems can be solved. But as she eventually learns, that may be true when it comes to numbers and math problems, but not when it comes to life, death, love, and even some choices that seem forced on us. When Peggy learns that her literary, poetry-loving cousin, Delia, has leukemia, she tries to force her rational approach to life on finding a cure. Her frustrating journey also reveals much about herself to Peggy, who experiences emotions she never imagined she would, including a crush, and makes plenty of mistakes along the way. Humor is deftly blended into the narrative, with one passage in which Peggy tries to explain a poem to Delia through a mathematics lens being particularly absurd but also offering clues to her own worldview. The characters in this book are just as complicated as life itself. And while the setting may seem, on the surface, to be dated, the emotions and questions are particularly relevant in today's political climate when it often seems that there is little that is within our control. ...more
Life is messy, and relationships are often not very easy. In her latest offering for adults, Renee Watson examines both through the lens of Lena, a biLife is messy, and relationships are often not very easy. In her latest offering for adults, Renee Watson examines both through the lens of Lena, a big Black woman edging toward 40 in Portland, Oregon, where she's lived all of her life. When her plans to marry Malcolm are disrupted by his unexpected confession on the day of their wedding, Lena is sent reeling and feels uncertain about her next steps, especially since she has her beloved daughter, Aaliyah, to consider. As she tries to affirm Aaliyah and surround her with love, she also realizes that she, herself, has much work to do since she still struggles with body image issues and the prejudices and racism associated with her size and her skin color. She's deeply involved in a project to reclaim and celebrate the history and legacy of Black Portland and Oregon whose contributions have been ignored. Cleverly, Watson includes tidbits about these individuals in various sections sprinkled throughout the book, offering a small bit of breathing space from the rest of the narrative. There's so much to appreciate about this book--the writing, the honesty, the community, the friendships, the characters, all of whom are multifaceted, and the family dynamics described here. There are aspects of the story that will make readers uncomfortable, but those moments are also so raw and so authentic that removing them would detract from the book's power. As Watson reminds us, there is still prejudice about women who are considered too large, plus, heavy, or fat. I winced several times in self-recognition. I almost chose to skip this one so that I could read some other books, but I'm glad that I didn't. The reminder that we're all works in progress, no matter our ages or life situations is supportive and empowering...more
Small-town Uz, Nebraska during the Dust Bowl era might seem to be an unlikely place and time for much literary excavation, but in the hands of this skSmall-town Uz, Nebraska during the Dust Bowl era might seem to be an unlikely place and time for much literary excavation, but in the hands of this skilled storyteller, it produces much richness and complexity in its five main characters, including a scarecrow, as well as raising questions about the convenient lies we as individuals--and as a nation--tell ourselves. While the past may be in the past, it always affects the present and the future. The historical events at the heart of the story--the Black Sunday dust storm in 1935 and the Republican River's flooding due to 24 inches of rainfall in 24 hours--actually happened, just as true as the existence of boarding schools for Native Americans, draconian treatment of unwed mothers, and the notion of Manifest Destiny. The dashes of fantastical, magical realism and the power of photographs to reveal the truth add to this book's complexity. It's truly a page-turner, and as others have noted, it's like nothing I've ever read. This one is a 4.5 for me, and it's left me thinking about what we can do to atone for the wrongs done to previous generations. ...more
While this story of immigration would be significant simply on its own merits due to its sometimes stark ["People climbed over each other to reach theWhile this story of immigration would be significant simply on its own merits due to its sometimes stark ["People climbed over each other to reach the highest point" (unpaged)] and sometimes exquisite language [the narrator's village, "a tiger's whisker away from the jungle" (unpaged) and once the family is safe and her school is "a cat's whisker away from my new home" (unpaged)], it takes on even more significance and emotional resonance when read against the backdrop of the current Presidential administration's policies about its borders and immigration. As with many of these sorts of stories, it's clear that the narrator's family needed to leave their homeland in South Vietnam in order to survive and that they risked everything to do so, but they had few other options. After slipping away at night, the family boards an overcrowded boat whose pump stops working after five days. Although the narrator's family survives, many others do not, and even though she considers herself lucky, she's haunted afterward by the fate of those who lost their lives in that swirling, endless sea. And yes, this story has a happy ending, but as the author points out in the Author's Note, much happened after their rescue and now, hopefully a tale that will be continued in a future publication. Also, she relates that between 200,000 and 400,000 Vietnamese who died during those voyages--sobering numbers, for sure. She also highlights the enormous number of refugees seeking new places to live today. The moving, personal text is supported with delicate digital artwork, images of green abundance, a secret flight in the darkness of night, the blacks, greens, grays, and whites of fierce, choppy waves that assail the wooden boat they're traveling in, and the blacks of the ocean's depths in which pink-colored corpses swirl. Intense, moving, and necessary, now more than ever, this superb picture book, told from the perspective of a young child, fits within a collection on immigration, refugees, and/or survival stories. How anyone could read it and not be moved is beyond me? ...more
Author Michael Rosen seems to gravitate to intense topics explored honestly yet through the lens of hope. In his latest offering, based on actual expeAuthor Michael Rosen seems to gravitate to intense topics explored honestly yet through the lens of hope. In his latest offering, based on actual experiences, he tells the survival story of Eugene Handschuh and his father, Hungarian Jews living in Paris during the Nazi occupation. Captured on December 28, 1942, by the Nazis before they could escape, they were put in a prison camp and later put on a train with 1,200 others to be transported to Auschwitz when they managed to escape. Only 29 of the remaining passengers on that train survived. Throughout the narrative, Rosen emphasizes the importance of one day, one day that may change someone's life in a good way or a bad way. In order to survive, it became necessary to forget the past and not think about the future, and to keep in mind these words that are part of their survival story: "Get through one day and on to the next. One day at a time. One day after another" (unpaged). While the story is told simply, it's also an intense reading experience because of what these men endured and the close calls they had. The artwork, rendered in ink, charcoal, and pencil, is stirring with its sepia tones and subdued colors, all intended to reflect the bleakness and horror of those times. The significance of the brick walls on the endpapers and the gathering of so many different faces and shoulders on the book jacket cannot be misunderstood. Taken together, the book provides an intense, thoughtful reading experience that is sure to have readers thinking about the importance of each of those one days and how difficult it must have been to have any hope of surviving at all. ...more
The way this book is organized is impressive since the table of contents and each small section honor all the different ways individuals have protesteThe way this book is organized is impressive since the table of contents and each small section honor all the different ways individuals have protested in the past. From writing books to showing up to walking alone to walking out, there are many different ways to make our voices heard. This particular title makes it seem as though protesting is part of the American way, which was encouraging and affirming for the next generation. Although some of the rhyming lines don't flow as smoothly as might be desired, they still move readers from page to page against the backdrop of bright colors in the gouache artwork and individuals who are engaged in activities that might lead to change but certainly insure that voices are being heard. There are sidebars along the way that identify the protest or change that was being sought. Of course, not every protest accomplished its intended goals, something the author makes sure to acknowledge. There's also a double-page spread map of the United States showing where these protests took place. Ten pages in the back matter expand on the protests highlighted on the previous pages. RISE UP, INDEED! It almost goes without saying that this book is important to have in today's classrooms as many changes in laws and regulations are being proposed that might be worth challenging. Add this one [3.5 for me!] to a social studies or history classroom library. ...more
Mr. Tiffin, the star of this informative and engaging picture book [3.5 for me!], seems to be the kind of teacher students dream about having. Not onlMr. Tiffin, the star of this informative and engaging picture book [3.5 for me!], seems to be the kind of teacher students dream about having. Not only does he teach them important concepts that will be useful in the future, but he comes up with activities that give them hands-on experiences with those concepts or topics. In this picture book the students learn how a bill becomes law. Before they visit the state capitol, they are tasked with coming up with a bill to present to the legislature. One of the students, Jeremy, suggests crafting a bill making the maple syrup cookie the official state cookie. Although his classmates love the idea, they aren't keen about his cookie choice, and other cookies are suggested, baked, and tasted, before the students vote for their favorite. When the class visits the capitol, they meet their state representative, share their proposal with her, and then much later, watch as she introduces the bill, which is revised, and then eventually passed, becoming law. What a delightful way to learn about bills and government action! The illustrations, created with gouache and pencil, add movement and appealing visual vignettes to the text, depicting how invested the students are in this activity and the wide variety of cookies under consideration. There are even some cookie recipes in the back matter. ...more
I really needed to read this biography [4.5 for me!] of the legendary civil rights activist because it seems more and more that our nation is mired inI really needed to read this biography [4.5 for me!] of the legendary civil rights activist because it seems more and more that our nation is mired in hopelessness, despair, and profit, and I wanted to bask in the story of someone who remained dedicated to his cause and continued to cling to the nonviolent way. My expectations were satisfied in this thorough, engaging book, arguably THE book to read about John Lewis. Relying on interviews with Lewis and more than 275 interviews with those who knew him, this well written book covers his formative years as well as his leadership in SNCC and his travels with the Freedom Riders as well as his time as a representative from Georgia in Congress. Biographer David Greenberg includes various tidbits about his daily routines, his food preferences, his attire, and his art collection, all intended to humanize Lewis, as well as lines from some of his speeches. While no one is perfect, Lewis remains as an example of moral leadership and someone who would surely be appalled at what is happening in our country right now. I finished the book filled with respect and in awe of the man even though I still have questions about some parts of his life's journey, including his involvement with the LGBTQIA+ and religious communities, and perhaps more about his childhood and school days. That notion of his about getting into good trouble continues to resonate with me and many others. For those of us who love history and biographies, this was quite a page-turner. ...more
The Reconstruction period after the Civil War is an interesting time, brimming with emotions and rife for storytelling. It's not an exaggeration to saThe Reconstruction period after the Civil War is an interesting time, brimming with emotions and rife for storytelling. It's not an exaggeration to say that this debut novel is one of the best accounts of life during that period that I've read and one of the most unusual. The Walkers--George and Isabelle--have a large homestead that has largely remained fallow. George impulsively hires two brothers, Prentiss and Landry, who are newly emancipated from a nearby plantation, to help him plant and tend a peanut crop. The brothers agree, hoping to save up enough money to make their further travels to the North easier. The reaction of some of the citizens of Old Ox, the nearby town, is less than pleasant. But tragedy occurs when the Walkers' son Caleb returns from war, reunites with his closeted lover, and Landry sees their tryst. While some readers may not appreciate the slow burn aspect of the story, its complex characters, whose actions often seem surprising or puzzling, are the stars here, fascinating examples of humanity at its best and at its worst. Historical fiction fans will enjoy this one a great deal, reflecting on the impact of certain choices and how lives can be changed at a moment's notice. Wonderfully descriptive language filled with insight and heart make each line a delight to read. I'm so pleased to have discovered this author and eager to read his next book. ...more
Oh, how I wish our elected officials and those that support building a wall to keep people out of the country would read this book [4.5 for me!]! WellOh, how I wish our elected officials and those that support building a wall to keep people out of the country would read this book [4.5 for me!]! Well-researched and well-written, it follows the journeys of a handful of smugglers in Latin America. The author, an anthropologist, spent seven years getting to know some of the men and women who engage in this particular activity. Not surprisingly, this particular topic [human smuggling] is far more complex than many would have it. The possible solutions are just as complicated and multifaceted and would require worldwide changes since it's typically poverty, violence, environmental disasters, and fears that drive many to leave their homes. Yes, many are seeking a better life, for sure, but often, they're simply hoping to HAVE a life and not be killed, the victim of the violence in their hometowns. The smugglers or coyotes often have been in the same shoes as the individuals who are trying to cross the border into the United States or Mexico. Having failed to make it across the border or having succeeded but then sent back for one reason or another, they try to survive by helping--for a high price--others reach the Promised Land. But the smuggling business has many layers and much cost, even for the smugglers themselves, and no one in this book gets wealthy through this way of making a living. Many are living on the street, along train tracks, even in the jungle, and they come from all over, including Nicaragua and Honduras. The author delves deeply into some of the smugglers' formative years, their relationships, and the dangers they themselves face on a daily basis as well as moments of joy or times when drugs, alcohol and/or sex help them blot out some of the painful memories and reality. Because this is an ethnography, De Leon himself is present in many of the pages and exchanges with his subjects, sharing a laugh or a beer, mourning lost lives and futures, trying to understand, and feeling guilty over certain choices or missed opportunities. The individual stories and experiences are as real as things can get, and readers are likely to be fully invested in the fates of Chino, Flaco, Jesmyn, Kingston, Marina, Papo, and Santos, and feel curious about where they are now. Parts of this account are shocking, and it may be impossible to consider trains, knitting needles, knitting or iguanas the same after reading the book. It's necessary to sit quietly for a few moments after finishing this intense, immersive read, pondering one's own responsibility for the problems the author highlights. The only aspects that were missing for me were inclusive of some of those who truly profit off those migrants and the sometimes-confusing structure of the narrative. But those possible flaws are easy to ignore when faced with these examples of humans striving to survive against all odds. ...more
Senior Noor Khan is less than thrilled when her mother uproots the family, moving them from Chicago to Bayberry, Illinois, after her father abandons tSenior Noor Khan is less than thrilled when her mother uproots the family, moving them from Chicago to Bayberry, Illinois, after her father abandons them. It's a quiet town, very white and conservative, and Noor plans to quietly sleepwalk through the rest of the year even while dealing with her feelings of loss, anger, and confusion over his betrayal. However, when her learns about the restrictive English curriculum and a new book challenge policy, she can't remain silent. Along with new friends Faiz and Juniper, who is queer, and with support from Ms. Clayton, the school librarian, she takes action and speaks out, even reading during outdoor lunch portions of some of the books that have been removed from the library shelves. She's not the first to realize that many of the books being purged are written by queer and BIPOC authors. Before she knows it, Noor is being villainized, by the principal, some classmates, including the best friends of Andrew, a boy that just might have stolen her heart, and members of the Liberty Moms and Dads. And they don't stop with words. The author inserts some of the familiar microaggressions that Muslims like Noor's family or anyone new or different has no doubt encountered, adding to the story's authenticity. There's so much to appreciate about this book--the town's name, a twist on the classic Mayberry RFD of Andy Griffith fame, the librarian's name, the explanation of what Critical Race Theory actually is, the firm reminder of what the First Amendment means and how book banning is actually ant-American as well as how some politicians manage to twist speaking up and speaking out or dissent as being problematic and those of a trouble-maker. But most impressive of all is that this is a YA title about teen activism with the adolescents leading the way when many of the adults around them fail them. Timely, eye-opening, and hopeful, Noor's story is one not to be missed. ...more
Handsome digital artwork filled with rich colors and large, expressive images accompanies a slice of little-known history in this picture book [3.5 foHandsome digital artwork filled with rich colors and large, expressive images accompanies a slice of little-known history in this picture book [3.5 for me!] . After the Civil War ended, many individuals wanted to locate their missing family members, some of whom had been sold to other owners and moved far away before the war and before the Emancipation Proclamation. In this moving, hopeful picture book Lettie misses her families a great deal. She saves every cent she can so that she can place an advertisement seeking out those that are lost to her right now. While she works at various jobs in order to earn money, she also reads aloud in church some of the lost ads, imagining that somewhere, somehow, her family members are hearing those ads and hoping that someone is looking for them. It's hard not to get discouraged, though, as the years pass. Still, one day, while reading the ads aloud, she is pleased, and she and Uncle Charlie, who is searching for his wife and children, feel encouraged. When she finally has the 50 cents needed for an ad of her own, a response in the form of another ad from a woman who knows their whereabouts. The ads in this story are ones that appeared in newspapers during that time. Although there are no statistics about how successful these ads were, still, this story is hopeful and fascinating. The illustrations contain large depictions of the pennies that were in circulation during that era as well as the ads and close-ups of the characters' faces, including the congregation that celebrated when Lettie and Uncle Charlie got that good news. One girl's determination to locate what was most precious to her--her family--is something to behold and admire. Lettie's journey also may prompt readers to reflect on what a disarray things were in, especially in the South, after the war, and how difficult it must have been to locate someone who was formerly enslaved. ...more
Although I might have organized this book differently, it describes parts of history that have been forgotten or ignored while highlighting the generoAlthough I might have organized this book differently, it describes parts of history that have been forgotten or ignored while highlighting the generosity of groups of people who might seem to have nothing in common. Who would have thought that the Choctaw, who had lost their own lands and watched as many died along the Trail of Tears, would be so moved by the plight of the Irish, who were starving and dying during the Potato Famine, which began in 1845, that they would collect money [$170], and then many generations later, the Irish would return the favor when COVID-19 devastated the Hopi and Navajo Nation? It's encouraging, inspiring, and humbling to consider that individuals who had so little and were struggling themselves were touched enough by the plight of others that they'd never seen to donate what little they had. The expressive artwork, rendered in acrylic paint, honors various cultures, including the Irish, Choctaw, Hopi, and Navajo, perhaps reminding young readers that we have much more in common than we might think and that kindness spreads. A helpful Timeline and informative back matter describing the historical events covered here, including the Trail of Tears, the Irish Potato Famine as well as information about the modern Choctaw Nation and Ireland and the kindred bond they still share is enlightening. Educators may want to share this picture book with their students as an example of kindness, spurred on by empathy, that reaches across several decades and a couple of centuries. Given some of the recent events in our nation, it would be enlightening for some of our elected officials to read this book. ...more
Striking acrylic gouache illustrations appropriately filled with golden wheat in this picture book [3.5 for me!] complement an important story that ofStriking acrylic gouache illustrations appropriately filled with golden wheat in this picture book [3.5 for me!] complement an important story that offers insight into why there continues to be bad blood between Ukraine and Russia. Since the events take place during 1932-1933 and are narrated by Zlata, a young Ukranian girl, the topic of this famine-genocide, long covered up by authorities, becomes accessible but also enraging. As Russian Communists infiltrate the area, they demand more and more taxes and food, forcing Zlata's family to hide as much as they can. Eventually, they take the farm animals and even Zlata's beautiful shirt with its intricate Ukranian embroidery, a gift for her eighth birthday. After they take her father, Zlata's family has almost nothing left. Still, her mother reminds her that they still have certain traditions to which to cling and draw comfort. Ironically, as it turns out, their family was betrayed by her best friend Yeva's father, but Yeva eventually tries to atone for his actions. The text makes it easy to understand how others might turn on their neighbors in order to survive and how continuing to find or make beautiful things like that shirt keep hope alive. This story of resilience, based on actual events, handles the Holodomor gently in a way that young readers can understand, and the back matter, including an Author's Note, adds more background and historical context, noting that 3.9 million Ukrainians died from hunger from 1931 to 1934. How amazing to regard embroidery as part of a way to resist oppression! The slender threads of hope and resilience that must have kept so many Ukrainians alive are present in how this story is told and the book's design, including colors and patterns on the endpapers. ...more
Updated from the 1994 edition, this picture book provides a solid introduction to the Seminoles. Part of the First Americans series, the book discusseUpdated from the 1994 edition, this picture book provides a solid introduction to the Seminoles. Part of the First Americans series, the book discusses their history, including wars [three of them] waged against the Seminoles by the U.S., as well as daily lives, and important ceremonies. Softly colored artwork accompanies the story of a resilient people who never surrendered and who continue to share a bond with the land on which they live. Having information about the Seminoles today helps youngsters realize that Native Americans are still around, many living in Oklahoma and others in Florida. Books such as this one have an important role in educating those unaware of the different tribes or Native American nations as well as affording indigenous youngsters today a place to see themselves and their peoples represented. The author doesn't shy away from discussing how the U.S. mistreated the Seminoles. ...more
Updated from its earlier 1993 edition, this picture book, part of the First Americans series, provides an overview of the history of the Sioux, includUpdated from its earlier 1993 edition, this picture book, part of the First Americans series, provides an overview of the history of the Sioux, including where they lived(d) and the importance of buffalo to their way of life. Additionally, there is discussion of daily life, ceremonies, and their removal from their tribal lands plus information about the Sioux today. So many individuals tend to group all Native Americans or indigenous peoples together, failing to acknowledge the many differences among them, something that this book and series seek to remedy. The artwork is respectful, filled with intimate scenes of individuals working or on the move. There are additional suggested resources in the back matter for young readers interested in learning more. This book should be in all elementary and middle-grade classroom libraries. ...more
Set in Chicago during 2016-2017, this middle-grade novel in verse is structured like a football game with a preseason section, quarters, headings thatSet in Chicago during 2016-2017, this middle-grade novel in verse is structured like a football game with a preseason section, quarters, headings that are pertinent to the sport, and football tidbits. At first those tidbits seemed unnecessary to someone who has followed the game since she was a young girl, but eventually, I realized how they were meant to work and were woven into the plot itself. Perhaps this structure and the subject matter itself--the Muslim ban during President Donald Trump's presidency [Executive Order 13769]--captivated the judges for the National Book Award since this one won the prize for Young People's Literature. Kareem, the seventh-grade narrator, wants nothing more than to play quarterback for his school team. When Austin, the current QB, promises to help him get on the team in exchange for "help" on an assignment, Kareem is conflicted, but he also wants that acceptance and a chance to show what he can do on the field. As Austin leans on for even more help, Kareem grows increasingly uncomfortable, betraying himself, his culture, and Fadi, a newly arrived refugee. As often happens in these sorts of circumstances, his behavior grows erratic, and he tries to cover up some of his deceits. But actions have consequences, and the results of his actions have a domino effect on his whole family, particularly since his mother has traveled to Syria to bring back his ailing maternal grandfather and grandmother. Parts of this story filled my heart with emotion and with hope that things can and will get better, and the book clearly has value for class discussions about xenophobia, prejudices, and social activism, all topics that are nestled within the middle-school drama and humorous moments....more
This interesting picture book features a young white girl who is proud of her home and family while acknowledging that other families have lived thereThis interesting picture book features a young white girl who is proud of her home and family while acknowledging that other families have lived there and come before them. She even is aware that Europeans made some of these families leave their land and move to reservations. It isn't clear how she knows all this, but most likely, her friend T.J.'s grandmother has taught her about the land's history and shares some of her food and music. Now that the girl is "woke," she questions who was here first even when she travels to places such as the Grand Canyon, the Golden Gate Bridge, and New York City (typical tourist destinations where many visitors fail to recognize that Native Americans preceded them), The importance of land acknowledgement is discussed in the back matter, alongside possible discussion questions and lesson extensions. The artwork, created with Procreate and Photoshop, consists of several natural scenes as well as characters with brown, indigenous features. The end papers also contain postcards with the name of a place and the tribe that originated there. This is a thoughtful, caring approach to the topic, and one that could be used to raise awareness about Native American history and the respect due to this land that has been usurped by Europeans. Sharing it with students--in the places where that is allowed--might lead to helpful discussions and begin the healing process....more