Region: United States of America

Materials from United States of America

Red Ridin’ In The Hood: And Other Cuentos

Eleven classic tales are retold with an injection of Latino culture, providing a twist on the traditional forms while sustaining a freshness all their own. The title story, “Red Ridin’ in the Hood,” moves the setting to the barrio, where Red decides to brave dangerous Forest Street in order to reach her abuelita and encounters [...]

Other Descriptors: Americas, Fantasy, Folklore, Intermediate (ages 9-14), Primary (ages 6-9) » Themes: , , , , , » Leave a comment

Same, Same but Different

Pen pals Elliott and Kailash discover that even though they live in different countries–America and India–they both love to climb trees, own pets, and ride school buses.

Other Descriptors: India, Picture Book, Primary (ages 6-9), Realistic Fiction » Themes: , , , » Leave a comment

A Summer’s Trade

Tony saves all his summer job money to buy the beautiful saddle at the trading post, but when his grandmother becomes ill after pawning her valuable bracelet to help Tony’s uncle, Tony is faced with a difficult decision.

Other Descriptors: Picture Book, Primary (ages 6-9), Realistic Fiction » Themes: , , , , , , » Leave a comment

The Unbreakable Code

John’s mother is geting married and he has to leave the reservation. John’s grandfather tells him he has the special unbreakable code to take with him. This story portrays the quiet pride of a Navajo code talker as he explains to his grandson how the Navajo language, faith and ingenuity helped win World War II.

Other Descriptors: Historical Fiction, Picture Book, Primary (ages 6-9) » Themes: , , , , , , » Leave a comment

A Boy Named Beckoning: The True Story of Dr. Carlos Montezuma, Native American Hero

This story reveals the life of a Native American boy named Wassaja, who was kidnapped from his tribe and sold as a slave. Adopted and renamed Carlos Montezuma, the young boy traveled throughout the Old West, bearing witness to the poor treatment of Native Americans. Carlos eventually became a doctor and leader for his people.

Other Descriptors: Biography, Intermediate (ages 9-14), Picture Book » Themes: , , , , » Leave a comment

The Fire Stealers

Tells how several animals failed in their efforts to steal fire for the Hopis, but eventually Vulture succeeded.

Other Descriptors: Folklore, Picture Book, Primary (ages 6-9) » Themes: , , , , , » Leave a comment

The Mouse Couple

A mouse couple, in search of the mightiest husband for their daughter, approach the sun, the clouds, the wind, and a butte, before the unexpected victor finally appears.

Other Descriptors: Folklore, Intermediate (ages 9-14), Picture Book » Themes: , , , , , , » Leave a comment

Ten Little Rabbits

Weaving, fishing, and storytelling are all part of this spirited book that celebrates Native American traditions as it teaches young children to count from one to ten. The book’s whimsical illustrations, reminiscent of Beatrix Potter, glow with brilliant color and are filled with fascinating detail. Each number introduces a facet of traditional Native American culture, [...]

Other Descriptors: Concept Book, Early Years (ages 2-6), Picture Book, Primary (ages 6-9) » Themes: , , , , » Leave a comment

The Magic Hummingbird: A Hopi Folktale

Malotki & Lacapa, who previously collaborated on THE MOUSE COUPLE, bring this magical HOPI FOLKTALE to life, telling how two children left behind in the drought stricken village of Oraibi, through their creativity & playfulness, influence Muy’ingwa, the god of fertility, to return the land to fruitfulness. EKKEHART MALOTKI, professor of languages at Northern Arizona [...]

Other Descriptors: Folklore, Intermediate (ages 9-14), Picture Book » Themes: , , , , , , » Leave a comment

Ma’ii and Cousin Horned Toad

A lazy, conniving coyote take advantage of all his animal cousins until a horned toad teaches him a lesson he never forgets.

Other Descriptors: Folklore, Picture Book, Primary (ages 6-9) » Themes: , , , , , , » Leave a comment