The Inuit (Native Peoples)

From School Library JournalGrade 2-5-Although these books try to cover their designated cultures with enough depth to interest upper-elementary students, the format and reading level are geared for primary grades. As a result, each volume contains significant omissions and oversimplification, and the series is inconsistent in the types of information that are covered from one volume to the next. All three titles start with a map that shows the original homeland opposite a "Fast Facts" summary page. The main texts are organized into one-page chapters with headings such as "History"; "People"; and "Home, Food, and Clothing," though the headings are not consistent from volume to volume. Inuit and Navajo effectively balance historical information with contemporary details, but Nez Perce focuses mostly on this people's history, which implies they are relics rather than a living culture. A "Creation Story" appears in Nez Perce and Navajo but, in each case, it is a condensed version rather than the actual story, and no source note is given. The Web sites in Navajo and Inuit have current links to official tribe-sponsored sites, but Nez Perce omits the Official Nez Perce Tribe Web site address. The "New True Books" (Children's) provide the best introductions to specific tribes for the very young, and the "Native American People" series (Rourke) presents somewhat successful tribal overviews for upper-elementary grades. This series is caught awkwardly between these two audiences, and is only partially successful in serving either one. The full-color photos are its best feature.Sean George, St. Charles Parish Library, Luling, LACopyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.Product DescriptionProvides an overview of the Inuit Native Americans including a description of their homes, food, clothing, art, family life, storytelling, religion, and government.From BooklistReviewed with Sandra M. Pasqua's The Navajo Nation.Gr. 2-4. Two new titles in the Native Peoples series focus on the Inuit and the Navajo. The Inuit, often referred to as Eskimos by outsiders, have lived in the Arctic region for hundreds of years, although today some live in cities in the U.S. Most members of the Navajo nation, the largest group of Native Americans in the U.S., live on the Navajo reservation in the southwestern U.S. One aspect of life, such as history, housing, government, and daily life, is covered on each double-page spread. Clear and colorful full-page photos show contemporary clothing, houses, tribal industry, and ceremonies. Easily understood text, numerous photos, and contemporary as well as historical coverage make this an excellent series to introduce young readers to Native Americans. A tribe-specific, hands-on activity; a glossary; a reading list; and addresses and Internet sites round out each book. Karen HuttCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reservedAbout the AuthorAllison Lassieur has written more than 100 books on many topics, including history, biography, science, and current events. She has also written fiction novels and short stories, puzzles, and activities. When she isn't busy writing, Allison enjoys knitting, spinning, and reading good novels. Allison lives in Trenton, Tennessee with her husband, daughter, and a houseful of pets.
Author: Lassieur, Allison

Publisher: Capstone Press

Binding: library

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0736804986

ISBN-13: 9780736804981