When Luz’s beloved grandfather dies, she places luminaria around his grave on Christmas Eve as a way of remembering him.
Americas
Materials from the Americas
Manuel’s Murals
A passionate nine year old boy from Mexico City, loves to paint murals like his hero, the legendary 20th century Mexican muralist, Diego Rivera. He dreams of the day he will become as famous as Diego Rivera so he can take care of his family and never have to watch his father clean other people’s buildings ever again. However, because of this single-minded quest, Manuel learns how his actions can affect the lives of others in ways he never imagined. Manuel takes a solo journey to learn more about Diego Rivera’s art, but what he finds is a greater understanding of his own culture. The theme of this picture book revolves around family; however, an appreciation of who we are emerges as colorful as the soul that is Mexico.
The Day Sun Was Stolen
After the creation of the world, only Bear is bothered by the sun’s heat, but his plan to kidnap the sun is thwarted by a young boy named Ts’ina dabju.
Lasting Echoes
Discusses the history of Native Americans, with a sampling of excerpts from their own accounts of their experiences.
When Bear Stole The Chinook
Because the long, hard winter caused scarcity of firewood and food, a poor Indian boy and his animal friends journey to the lodge of the Great Bear to release the chinook.
The Journal Of Etienne Mercier
In March 1853, Etienne Mercier, a 28-year-old explorer and trapper, is hired by the Hudson Bay Co. to explore the Queen Charlotte Islands. Mercier sets out most enthusiastically on this voyage in a canoe with the additional hope of finding an old friend, Clement. The two had been separated the year before, in the same territory during bad weather. Mercier scripts a journal in mesmerizing detail of words, illustrations and lyrics. His deep respect for the land, water, wildlife and the Haida Indians is present throughout.
Mascot
Six eighth graders outside Washington, DC, navigate through conflict and division focused on their school district’s Native American mascot.
The White Deer And Other Stories Told By The Lenape
This rich compendium combines Lenape (Delaware) history, an introduction to several storytellers, and storytelling beliefs with a diverse collection of tales. The tales presented here are twentieth-century renderings from many locations, demonstrating the durability of the storytelling traditions.
The Same Sun Was In The Sky
A boy and his grandfather go hiking in the Arizona desert, where they observe the many rock carvings and imagine the lives of the Hohokam people who lived there in ancient times.
Efraín Of The Sonoran Desert: A Lizard’s Life Among The Seri Indians
Famed ethnobotanist Gary Nabhan learns the deeper meanings of ecology from Amalia Astorga, a Seri Indian.