Brother Eagle, Sister Sky

Customer Reviews:

Truth in Historical Fiction is Imperative! .......2005-11-05

All those who are applauding Jeffers for her misguided protrayal of Chief Si'ahl's words should rethink what you are proclaiming. I would be enraged -- as you would -- if I were blatantly misquoted. Perhaps you should be sensitve enough to check out how Native Americans feel about this book on www.oyate.org -- or -- clear your facts by reading the website posted by his own people www.duwamishtribe.org. We are doing our children an injustice by continuing to pass on misconceptions as history. I would perfer to give this a 0 star rating but since that was not an option -- I guess the pictures are attractive -- even though the drawing of Chief Si'ahl are actually an exact copy of the Cheyenne Two Moons -- try googling it and you'll see. Oh -- did you notice that the ghost on the last page is carrying a empty cradleboard? I find that appalling.

Another vote for "not accurate".......2005-08-14

Text aside, Susan Jeffer's book on Chief Seattle has inaccurate illustrations of historic Northwest Coast tribal costume, dwellings and landscape. I also use this book with my third graders every year - but only to show the kids how some authors have not done adequate research before publishing. There are other great children's books on the subject from lesser known authors and smaller publishers. It may be worth your while to look them up.

What do you teach your children? .......2005-07-06

Lets see... Betsy Ross did not make the first flag.

...George Washington may or may not have
a) chopped down a cherry tree,
b)thrown a coin across a river,
c) been a great leader.

...George Bush may or may not have told a lie about Iraq.
...All computer programmers may or may not have souls the size of a mouse's.

What do you teach your children?

I cannot believe people are squabbling over whether Chief S* (*for those who may or may not want to use the Anglicized name) in fact said something like or unlike the lovely verse in this book.

This book is for young children. If you are interested in presenting profound and beautiful words to your kids along with interesting pictures, both of which might very well incite conversation BUY THIS BOOK. If you want guaranteed facts, read them the newspaper. No Wait. That won't do either. Then read them MCSE Guides and Cram Course material. Raise children who think XP is a good idea.

Really folks, get a life and remember the target market for this book is not historians. REMEMBER that to a 4 to 8 year old you CANNOT subtract a larger number from a smaller one.

Heck, I read my children books about talking mice. This is a lovely book. Five Stars.

Do you care about truth?.......2005-02-13

This book was on the New York Times non-fiction bestseller list for 17 weeks before that newspaper (April 1992) felt compelled to run a FRONT PAGE story explaining that "Chief Seattle" never spoke the words attributed to him in this book. Only one kind of reader will care, those who love the truth. Others (read Liberals and God-haters) will have no problem with this book, which is why it still sells well. Read all about this subterfuge in Reader's Digest July 1993, volume 143, issue 855 pages 100 to 104.

Brother Eagle, Sister Sky.......2004-12-18

When I retired from teaching, I gave most of my books away. "Brother Eagle, Sister Sky" is one I dearly held on to. The translated words of Chief Seattle from the 1850's are just as applicable to our environmental concerns today as they were so long ago. This is not only a book for children, but one for all adults. I've often quoted excerpts in letters I've written regarding environmental issues. Every politician or person in the position of making decisions regarding our environment should have this book on his/her desk!

Aunt Harriet's Underground Railroad in the Sky

Average customer rating:

maybe not so good for 1st and 2nd graders
Great learning tool
An imaginative journey based on historical information
An excellent book
A Magical Trip on the Underground Railroad.....

Aunt Harriet's Underground Railroad in the Sky
Faith Ringgold
Manufacturer: Dragonfly Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0517885433
Release Date: 1995-12-12

Book Description

Illus. in full color. Cassie, who flew above New York in Tar Beach, soars into the sky once more. This time, she and her brother Be Be meet a train full of people, and Be Be joins them. But the train departs before Cassie can climb aboard. With Harriet Tubman as her guide, Cassie retraces the steps escaping slaves took on the real Underground Railroad and is finally reunited with her brother at the story's end.

Customer Reviews:

maybe not so good for 1st and 2nd graders.......2007-02-08

I love Faith Ringgold's work but think Tar Beach might be a more appropriate title for younger students. I read it aloud to some younger children (first and second grade) and didn't think the book was appropriate for them.

There are some strange moments in the plot (and I realize the book is supposed to be surreal and dream-like). For example, Be be writes Cassie a note that says "We stayed at the house of a millionaire. He gave Aunt Harriet lots of money. We will never be hungry again." I'm not sure if this is supposed to reflect a real event in Tubman's life (I know she went on to become a Union spy but not many other biographical details) or if it's supposed to illustrate the value of charity and kindness of the people who helped escaped slaves, but it certainly does little for the narrative. While it's true that slaves had no money and runaway slaves would face economic hardships even in the free states, I'm just not sure how this plot twist fits into the book, especially because it is never mentioned again.

Another issue is that there is a scary white figure lurking in many of the illustrations--peering through a window, popping out in a graveyard. His presence definitely brings attention to the bounty hunters that would capture slaves and the danger that lurked all around, but my students didn't seem to grasp that Cassie re-lives the time of slavery. I tried the "maybe the train is like a time-machine?" tact, too. No luck.

It was a fun book and my students did like the flying=freedom metaphor but I would use it with older students next time!

Great learning tool.......2006-11-03

I have purchased this book as a learning tool for an Education Committee at our local quilter's guild. This book is well written and wonderful for young people.

An imaginative journey based on historical information.......2005-04-07

This well written children's book recounts the story of slavery in an easy to understand langugage with corresponding pictures. The pictures are primitively done with paint and canvas, but are detailed and represent drawings from that time period. The overall story draws in historical aspects of a time period using actual information that every child shoud be aware of. Aunt Harriet's Underground Railroad in the Sky portrays life as a slave from the viewpoint of someone who lives in the that life and compares their hardships to our life today. For furthor reading,at the book there is biographical information about Harriet Tubman and a map of the Underground Railroad in 1880. Young readers can see that although this story is fiction, it is based on real events.

An excellent book.......2002-03-05

This book is fantastic - its illustrations are haunting and lovely, and the story is magical and historical at the same time. Faith Ringgold's approach makes the history simpler for children to understand while not undermining the depth and horror of slavery in America. I highly recommend it to any parent.

A Magical Trip on the Underground Railroad............2001-08-19

"One day, my brother Be Be and I were flying among the stars, way way up, so far up the mountains looked like pieces of rock candy and the oceans like tiny cups of tea. We came across an old ramshackled train in the sky." So begins Cassie Louise Lightfoot's tale of meeting "conductor" Harriet Tubman and riding the underground railroad to Canada. Based on Harriet Tubman's account of a dream she had while very sick, of flying to freedom and enhanced with historical facts and imagination, Faith Ringgold has authored a superb story that transports youngsters back to the slave holding plantations of the south, over one hundred years ago, and then sends them on a terrifying, yet exhilarating journey to freedom. Her engaging poetic text, full of imagery and magic, is complemented by her bold, expressive, evocative illustrations and together, word and art bring this emotional story to life. With additional biographical notes and map, tracing the underground railroad routes, included to augment lessons and discussions, Aunt Harriet's Underground Railroad In The Sky is a masterpiece youngsters 6-10 shouldn't miss and a wonderful addition to all home libraries.

Average customer rating:

Stella, Princess of the Sky
Loved it. . .
A simply told magical story

Stella, Princess of the Sky (Stella)
Marie-Louise Gay
Manufacturer: Groundwood Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Picture Books | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0888996012

Book Description

In this sweetly humorous book, Stella and her brother, Sam, explore the wonders of the natural world. A vast luminous sky, the sun, the stars, and the rising moon form the backdrop for their nocturnal expedition. As they encounter raccoons, fireflies, tree frogs, and bats, Sam wonders if the moon can swim, if the sun wears pajamas, or if he can catch shooting stars with his butterfly net. Stella, as always, has an answer for every question. Marie-Louise Gay's whimsical prose and enchanting illustrations capture the joys of young children making their first discoveries of the world around them.

Customer Reviews:

Stella, Princess of the Sky.......2007-08-12

Another Excellent book by Marie-Louise Gay! The only thing that should be different in her wonderful books is that instead of 2-4 years they should be labeled 2-104 years! ;-)))

Loved it. . . .......2007-01-18

I bought all the "Stella" books b/c my Daughter's name is E'Stella - regardless of why I initially bought them-- SHE LOVES THEM. . . the pictures are fantastic and it answers a lot of whys for a curious 3 year old. I would highly recommend any of Marie Louise Gay's books.

A simply told magical story.......2005-07-12

This book is a wonderful story about Sam, Stella's younger brother, who is full of questions about the sun, moon and stars. Stella has simple, heartwarming explanations for Sam. These are illustrated beautifully by the author in dreamy watercolors. The dialogue is well-written and realistic. I think that's why my daughters love Stella and Sam so much -- they've had similar conversations. A book that will be read again and again, Marie Louise-Gay shows us the beauty in the simpler things in life.

Average customer rating:

wonderful message - historically accurate or not.
A Beautiful Book - a review of "Brother Eagle, Sister Sky"
Children need to know
Harobed the Red
Great environmental book!

Brother Eagle, Sister Sky

Manufacturer: Puffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Baby-3 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0142301329

Book Description

The Earth does not belong to us. We belong to the Earth. The great American Indian Chief Seattle spoke these words over a hundred years ago. His remarkably relevant message of respect for the Earth and every creature on it has endured the test of time and is imbued with passion born of love of the land and the environment. Illustrated by award-winning artist Susan Jeffers, the stirring pen-and-color drawings bring a wide array of Native Americans to life while capturing the splendor of nature and the land. Children and parents alike will enjoy the timeless, poignant message presented in this beautifully illustrated picture book.

"Together, Seattle's words and Jeffers's images create a powerful message; this thoughtful book deserves to be pondered and cherished by all." (Publishers Weekly )

Illustrated by Susan Jeffers.

Customer Reviews:

wonderful message - historically accurate or not........2007-08-30

I was raised with this book, and it helped shape my opinion on things. Its enviromental message is valuable, and wasting time over whether it is a real speetch or not is pointless.

Let's imagine that one day it is revealed that the "I have a dream" Speetch never happened. Would its meaning be lost? Would we revert? No!
This is just the same.

Buy this for your children, and read it yourself too. You won't regret it.

A Beautiful Book - a review of "Brother Eagle, Sister Sky".......2006-03-02

What do you teach your children?

There's a bit of an argument that has taken place concerning whether Chief Seattle in fact said something like or unlike the lovely verse in this book. I'd just like to remind people that this book is for young children and not historians.

And I, for one, have read this book to my children just as I have read them the 'legends' or 'debatable facts' about George Washington and Benjamin Franklin.

So, if you are interested in presenting profound and beautiful words to your kids along with interesting pictures, both of which might very well incite conversation BUY THIS BOOK.

If you want guaranteed facts, read them the newspaper. (Well, okay... that's no guarantee either.)

Five Stars.

Children need to know.......2005-04-30

I feel that this book tells children about Indian heritage and the fact that white men don't respect land and nature the way Cheif Seatttle and his tribe did. The pictures in the book are wonderful and realistic.

Harobed the Red.......2005-01-08

This book is wonderful. I think it would be best for Middle school because the language is diificult for primary children. However, the younger students certainly respond to the beautiful illustrations in this book.
The lesson put forth it one that will stick in the minds of children. This is all we as parents, teachers, family friends, aunts and uncles can do for our children. Highly recommended.

Great environmental book!.......2004-03-02

My son first read this book at school in preparation for Earth Day, and liked it so much that he asked for it for his birthday. That's a pretty rare request from him, so I know it must have really had an impact. I highly recommend it to anyone who has a nature lover in the family.

Average customer rating:

montana sky
Loved it!
Made for TV?
Another great story from Nora Roberts
Fantastic Book!

Montana Sky
Nora Roberts
Manufacturer: Putnam Adult
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Romance | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0399141227

Amazon.com

Jack Mercy's three daughters are strangers to each other, but to inherit his huge ranch they must live there together for a year -- a year that will bring them together against a terrifying unknown enemy as well as bringing each of them someone to make their dreams sweeter. A rich, stunning story of family, death, and love.

Book Description

Jack Mercy's three daughters are strangers to each other. Now they must learn to live as a family-in order to gain an inheritance worth 20 million dollars...

Download Description

When Jack Mercy died, he left behind a ranch worth nearly twenty million dollars. Now his three daughters--each born of a different marriage, and each unknown by the others--are gathered to hear the reading of the will. But the women are shocked to learn that before any of them can inherit, they must live together on the ranch for one year. They are sisters?and strangers. Now they face a challenge: to put their bitterness aside and live like family. To protect each other from danger--and unite against an enemy who threatens to destroy them all?

Customer Reviews:

montana sky.......2007-09-27

i am very pleased with this audio product of montana sky i absolutley love the story. and i was pleased to receive my purchase quickly and in good condition. thankyou amazon.

Loved it!.......2007-08-10

Loved it! But how could you not love a family saga with lots of love and adventure and mystery? Plus the setting was gorgeous. I'm hopping a plane to Montana next chance I get.

Made for TV?.......2007-07-06

The images and characters weren't "made for TV". I'd love to see it on the big screen. I only discovered Nora Roberts about a year ago - but oh, how much fun I've had getting to know her characters and their stories.

Another great story from Nora Roberts.......2007-07-03

I've never been a big fan of romance novels, but when I discovered Nora Roberts about six months ago, I realized that not all romance writers are cut from the same cloth. She has an amazing talent, and I'm rarely able to put her books down until I've finished reading them.

Montana Sky is an excellent example of Roberts' writing prowess. Wonderful characterization, pacing, and imagery. I really felt I was out on that ranch in "Big Sky" country. And I identified with the characters. The evolution of the relationship between the three sisters is believable and very touching. Especially in the midst of the grizzly murders happening around them.

The many pieces of the plot are fit together with great skill by Roberts, and never seems to get too big or out of hand. It's another winner from a fantastic writer.

Fantastic Book!.......2007-06-16

I loved this book! I just couldn't put it down. I've read a lot of Nora Roberts books that I thought were just so-so and decided I'd never get another book by this author. I picked up Montana Sky on a discount shelf and thought, what the heck. Boy am I glad I did. This book rocks!

Average customer rating:

I like Clan of Cave Bear series
I loved it!
A great book
Great, entertaining read!
A gread read on prehistoric romance

Sister of the Sky
Margaret Allan
Manufacturer: Signet
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Epic | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

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Historical | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0451190408

Customer Reviews:

I like Clan of Cave Bear series.......2004-03-31

Dear Jean Auel
I enjoy the books series that you wrote on Cave People series I especially like the last one Shelter of Stones I love the ending I am looking forward to the next one. I have always enjoy stuff about cave peoples etc. I work at a Nursing Home in Commerce in the Cafteria. well I hope you have the next book out soon. your loyal reader Kathy J. Cox.

I loved it!.......2000-11-15

I absolutely loved this book! Reading it is like being transported back to ancient times. Great realism, detail, and wonderful characters.

This is one book you will enjoy.

A great book.......2000-09-13

This book has suspense, action, great characters and a great story. I simply could not believe that it has not been on the bestseller lists. I suppose it only goes to show that what one can find on the bestseller lists today is not good writing but marketing hype. This little gem was written by a real WRITER. If you want a great story with real characters, not canned plots written by overpaid "authors", buy this book!

Great, entertaining read!.......1999-09-01

I just finished this one and absolutely loved it. If you are a fan of Jean Auel then you will love this book. The characters and plot had substance and suspense! Very interesting details. This was my first book from this author and will definetly continue with her.

A gread read on prehistoric romance.......1998-12-31

Twenty-five thousand years ago in what is presently named Mexico, vicious traders, Old Big Nose and his son Young Big Nose, abduct Green Eyes Blue while the lass hunts rabbit. When trying to escape from her captivity, Green Eyes Blue injures the father and badly disfigures the son. Ultimately, Lord Golden Hand from the city of Tollan rescues Green Eyes Blue from the dastardly duo.

Golden Hand immediately falls in love with Green Eyes Blue even as he recognizes that she has the mark of God embedded within her strange looking eyes. Golden Hand and Green Eyes Blue prepare to marry. However, she has uncovered a deep vein of treachery within her newly adopted city. Apparently, conspirators plan to depose Golden Hand and his supporters by replacing them with followers of the tabooed Dark God. Green Eyes Blue willingly risks her life to save her beloved Golden Hand and their people.

On the surface, SISTER OF THE SKY appears to be another fantasy tale of good versus evil. However, Margaret Allan shows her abundance of talent by turning the tale into an incredible historical fiction that makes readers feel like they are visiting prehistoric America. The crisp story line feels genuine and is fun to follow. However, it is the depth to the various characters that make Ms. Allen (see THE LAST MAMMOTH) one of the sub-genre's top writers.

Customer Reviews:

Best Book Ever!!!!!.......2006-01-10

This book is a must have! i read it for school and i loved it. i want kit pearson to have a sequel to this book. it is a must read!!!!!

Don't waste your Money!.......2005-03-24

This book sucks big time! A cheap story plot, combined with events that just don't seem good enough to be put in a novel - puh lease! The only good thing about this book is all the morals it teaches. Even then, the book isn't all that hot.

The Sky Is Falling........2004-06-17

Norah and Gavin ,two english war guests,Are living with Florence Ogalvie and her daughter Mary.Aunt Florence is a little ignorant to Norah.Aunt Florence adores Gavin though.Aunt Mary is very nervous of her mother,she cares for Norah because Aunt Florence refuses.Gavin starts to get used to the Olgalvies.Norah wishes that she had stayed home in England.What ever will happen next?

Hmm............2003-11-11

I had to read this book for reading class. At first I thought, I really hate history and I don't want to read this. Then I started to read it and then I thought ok, I don't like it that much. Personally, I didn't enjoy the book as much as I thought I would, and I wouldn't read the sequals because I didn't like the first book. I wouldn't give this book a 0, and probably not 1, but a 3 would be WAY to good for this book, so I'm giving it 2 stars. I do not reccomend this book if you don't absoulutly love history!

Best novel ever!!:).......2003-10-16

The Sky is Falling is one of my favourite novels!
It is about a ten-year old girl named Norah. She is living in England in World War II. Her parents out of concern for Norah's and Gavins (Norah's younger brother)well-being, send them on a ship to Canada to live with a canadian family until it is safe to come home. Norah protests, and is angry since she loves the excitment of the War, her friends and family. Both Gavin and Norah end up going to canada, and staying with "aunt Florence" and "aunt Mary" who took them in. "aunt Florence" loves Gavin and he is the center of everything, norah is not popular and things go down hill quickly. It is an incerdible story, that is worth every second of your time! You won't regret reading it!!!!:):)

Average customer rating:

Passionate, Timely, and Extremely Beautiful
A beautiful book that gets under the surface
More than ever- A must read!
A clear-eyed view into the human heart
A "Must Read"

Sky Bridge
Laura Pritchett
Manufacturer: Milkweed Editions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1571310460

Book Description

A supermarket clerk in a small dusty town, 22-year-old Libby is full of dreams but lacks the means to pursue them. When her younger sister Tess becomes pregnant, Libby convinces her not to have an abortion by promising to raise the child herself. When Tess takes off after the baby is born, Libby finds that her new role only increases the challenges she faces. Her already haphazard life becomes ever more fragmented. The baby's father, a Christian rodeo rider, suddenly demands custody, Libby loses her job, her boyfriend abandons her, and her own mother harps on how stupid she was to make that promise to Tess. More than a story of a single mother overcoming obstacles, Sky Bridge, with its painfully honest observations and complexity, leaves readers with a fresh feeling for what it means to inhabit a world in which dreams die, and are sometimes reborn.

Customer Reviews:

Passionate, Timely, and Extremely Beautiful.......2007-07-12

I taught this book in a 20th Century Fiction class, and the students loved it. I've also know book clubs who've enjoyed reading it. It's one of those rare books that does it all --appeals to young and old readers, provokes great discussion (about immigration, love, parenting, and morality), while being a compelling read. The characters are original, the story is intriguing, and the landscape is extremely well depicted --not just by description, but by how it shapes people. The most impressive thing about Ms. Pritchett's writing, though, is her ability to put into words thoughts and feelings that seemed ineffable. In reading this book, you'll discover a deep human connection, and realize we're not as alone or as far apart as we sometimes think.

A beautiful book that gets under the surface.......2007-04-17

I first read this beautiful book when it came out a couple years ago, and the vivid characters and landscape have stayed with me. Pritchett has a gift for creating characters you care about deeply-- intimate portraits of people who are somehow tough and tender at once, painted with raw, honest strokes. I love the narrator's, Libby's, voice, which is poetic and real and always striving to get under the surface to express how things really feel. A memorable read by a talented writer.

More than ever- A must read!.......2006-09-23

This is a book about LOVE: what it is - and what it isn't. It's about sex: how it can make you laugh - or cry; can fill you up with joy - or pain. And then the consequences of all of that: babies, children, human beings, citizenship ....
Sky Bridge is also about the consequences of abuse and oppression: just how hard living is for some people, in this case persons on the plains of Eastern Colorado in modern times, be you legal or illegal, American or Mexican.
Sky Bridge is about all those things told through the ruminations and conversations of a twenty-something female, Libby, who believes she is "stupid and ugly." Libby thinks this is so because her mother, Kay, has drilled that into her. Quite obviously, though, she isn't. Libby is remarkably aware, sentient, and intelligent. She is also loved by many: her boyfriend (who she rejects); her boss (who she betrays); her activist neighbor; her co-worker; her mother's boss, and her humanitarian friend. Seemingly, this doesn't make sense, but that is author Laura Pritchett's brilliance - she portrays the human condition as it is: irrational and confused.
As loved and admired as Libby is she feels isolated and alone, because those closest to her: mother, sister, best friend, all abandon her in different ways.
Pritchett writes beautifully, some scenes are simply gripping. And now, with this "illegal immigration" issue being put forth by politicians - this book is especially timely and a must read!

A clear-eyed view into the human heart.......2005-11-18

Laura Pritchett's Sky Bridge is a beautifully written book with a heartbeat. Readers who have enjoyed Barbara Kingsolver's Bean Trees and Animal Dreams, Billie Lett's Where the Heart Is, and Louise Erdrich's Bingo Palace, should make room for Pritchett's aching yet hopeful portrait of life in hard-scrabble life in rural Colorado.

A "Must Read".......2005-11-17

If you give books to people you love, you will love giving this book. Especially now, when we have reason to wonder if the concept of shared American values still exists. Libby lives in this book as a reminder of what is good, true and enduring. She struggles in a situation that is thoroughly of today, but her character is universal and timeless. All of the action takes place in a tiny town in Colorado, but the young author's scope is huge. Buy this, and give it to everyone you truly care about. It will start wonderful conversations.

Red Hawk and the Sky Sisters: A Shawnee Legend (Native American Legends)

Average customer rating:

A Shawnee legend that offers the fanastical story of Red Hawk

Red Hawk and the Sky Sisters: A Shawnee Legend (Native American Legends)
Dominic
Manufacturer: Troll Communications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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Sunflower's Promise: A Zuni Legend (Native American Legends)

ASIN: 0816745145

Customer Reviews:

A Shawnee legend that offers the fanastical story of Red Hawk.......2005-08-27

Red Hawk was a brave hunter who ventured further and further into dark forest with each trip he took to bring home meat for his people. This was because not only was he brave, but Red Hawk was looking for a more difficult trail to follow, to challenge his skills as a hunter. One day in an unfamiliar part of the forest Red Hawk discovers a circular path worn into the grass in the middle of a meadow. There were no sign of footprints leading to the circle or any walking away from it. For Red Hawk, the mystery was totally irresistible and young readers should be curious as to what is going on here as well.

What ever young readers might think about as being the solution to this mystery, a floating basket with beautiful maidens inside it would not be a likely guess (unless, of course, they took a look at the cover of this book). "Red Hawk and the Sky Sisters: A Shawnee Legend," is an interesting story because it does not seem to have an obvious purpose. With many myths and legends there is often an attempt to explain some phenomenon of nature. But that does not really happen in this story, and I get to the feeling that it was passed down from generation to generation because this was just an interesting story, which is to say, a story involving the fantastic (comparable to the story of Jason and the Golden Fleece in classical mythology or "Star Wars" if you are talking something more contemporary). There is a romance between Red Hawk and one of the Sky Sisters, but even then the focus is much more on the problems they face rather than providing an exemplar on how to woo a woman or anything along those lines. At the end I thought there might be an explanation forthcoming with regards to all of the animals and birds in the forest, but then I read the story again, and the ending really is the equivalent of CGI in the oral tradition.

This Shawnee legend is retold by Gloria Dominic and illustrated by Charles Reasoner, whose colorful watercolors always enhance the telling of such tales. Although facial expressions for the characters in the stories are reduced to small eye slits (just like Snoopy when he is playing it cool), Reasoner always goes into detail on the clothing they wear. Another strength of the Native American Lore & Legends series is that in the back of these books young readers are given historical and cultural details about the particular tribe that told that particular story. Unlike previous volumes where the illustrations for this part of the book were historical black & white photographs, there is an upgrade in that regard: not only are there other sorts of illustrations, the black & white photographs are usually tinted some color. The homeland of the Shawnee people is covered, as are their food and clothing.

A Glossary explains key terms from "Alliance" to "Wegiwas," and a list of important dates starts with the Shawnee supporting the French during the French and Indian War in 1754 and ends with the Indian Civil Rights Act giving Native Americans the right to govern themselves on their reservations. Obviously, teachers and young students are not going to learn everything about the Shawnee from the back of this book, but this is a good enough introduction and will at least providing everyone with some basic ideas about the uniqueness of the Shawnee amongst the Native Americans of North America. Other volumes in the Native American Lore & Legends series includes "First Woman and the Strawberry: A Cherokee Legend," "Songs of the Hermit Thrush: An Iroquois Legend," "Coyote and the Grasshoppers: A Pomo Legend," "Brave Bear and the Ghosts: A Sioux Legend," and "Sunflower's Promise: A Zuni Legend."

Average customer rating:

Excellent History of one of the first WASP/WAF Pilots WW2

Sisters in the Sky: Volume 1 - The WAFS
Adela Riek Scharr
Manufacturer: Patrice Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Women | Specific Groups | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Europe | History | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 093528446X

Customer Reviews:

Excellent History of one of the first WASP/WAF Pilots WW2.......2000-01-01

Mrs. Scharr was of one the first female flight instructors in the country in the 1930's and when war broke out she answered the call to be a ferrying pilot of various planes throughout World War II. This book is an excellent history of her day-to day flying exploits along with the personalites of the Army Air Corps and the WASP/WAF program. She was one of the first six women to fly for the ferrying service. Her prose actually makes you feel that you are with her in the cockpit and on the many military airfields around the country. Also her personal life with her husband Harold whom she left to serve her country. Her second book Sister in the Sky II is also an excellent follow-up book of her military career. She retired as a reserve officer with the rank of Major in the US Air Force. A Must Read!

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