Theme: southwest

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

By Book Importer | Published: October 13, 2011

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.

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

The Fire Stealers

By Book Importer | Published: October 13, 2011

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

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

The Unbreakable Code

By Book Importer | Published: October 13, 2011

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.

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

A Summer’s Trade

By Book Importer | Published: October 13, 2011

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.

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

The Mouse Couple

By Book Importer | Published: October 13, 2011

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.

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

Ten Little Rabbits

By Book Importer | Published: October 13, 2011

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, [...]

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

The Magic Hummingbird: A Hopi Folktale

By Book Importer | Published: October 13, 2011

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 [...]

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

Ma’ii and Cousin Horned Toad

By Book Importer | Published: October 13, 2011

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

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

Songs of Shiprock Fair

By Book Importer | Published: October 13, 2011

A young Navajo girl enjoys every part of the annual Shiprock Fair, including the dances, parade, carnival, exhibits, contests, food, and the chance to visit with relatives.

Descriptors: Intermediate (ages 9-14), Picture Book, Poetry, United States of America » Other Themes: , , , , , » Leave a comment

Meet Mindy

By Book Importer | Published: October 13, 2011

Details a day in the life of an Arizona girl of Hopi descent, looking at her family, the history of her tribe, and some traditional ceremonies and customs that are still observed today.

Descriptors: Intermediate (ages 9-14), Nonfiction, United States of America » Other Themes: , , , , , , » Leave a comment