BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
Bruchac, Joseph. 1997. MANY NATIONS: AN ALPHABET OF NATIVE AMERICA. Ill. by Robert F. Goetzl. Bridgewater Books. ISBN 0816743894
SUMMARY
In this ABC book, Bruchac depicts the twenty-six letters through a variety of activities from different Native American cultures. Beginning with the Anishinabe artists making bowls and ending with the Zuni elders saying prayers, this book illustrates the varied lives of different tribes of Native Americans.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Bruchac’s MANY NATIONS: AN ALPHABET OF NATIVE AMERICA is a beautifully illustrated and culturally significant ABC book that makes it unique. Unlike traditional ABC books, this work depicts the varied lives of different Native American people from the past and present. Some are merely standing in the breeze, while others are singing. The tasks described are everyday occurrences to the people, and this allows the reader to discover the nuances of different tribes and the rituals they participate in. For example, for the letter G, Bruchac writes “Goshute trackers moving like the bear.” The illustration accompanying the text shows the Native American man in a bearskin dancing.
The cultural markers in this work are clear and evident from looking at the cover. Goetzl’s illustrations are beautiful full color paintings, and the cover depicts three Native American children with traditional dress including feathers and distinct jewelry. This type of artwork is continued throughout the book. In addition, the physical attributes of the Native Americans depicted are accurate. The illustrator has captured the diverse dress and customs of the varied tribes shown.
Within the text, Bruchac introduces the reader to the various tribes. For example, for the letter U, he states “Umpqua grandmothers beading moccasins with pride.” This is an example of another cultural marker in the text. For that tribe, beading moccasins was an important aspect of the culture.
Overall, this ABC book is an excellent example of the diversity of the Native American people. Each letter depicts a different group. Readers see both pueblos and grass huts in the illustrations. The illustrations are beautiful and depict the text well.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
“In this striking alphabet book, 26 stunning full-color paintings, surrounded by a border painted to look like birch bark, depict aspects of Native American life, and are accompanied by simple poetic phrases.”—School Library Journal
CONNECTIONS** Use this text in and ABC storytime alongside other ABC books.
Bruchac, Joseph. 1997. MANY NATIONS: AN ALPHABET OF NATIVE AMERICA. Ill. by Robert F. Goetzl. Bridgewater Books. ISBN 0816743894
SUMMARY
In this ABC book, Bruchac depicts the twenty-six letters through a variety of activities from different Native American cultures. Beginning with the Anishinabe artists making bowls and ending with the Zuni elders saying prayers, this book illustrates the varied lives of different tribes of Native Americans.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Bruchac’s MANY NATIONS: AN ALPHABET OF NATIVE AMERICA is a beautifully illustrated and culturally significant ABC book that makes it unique. Unlike traditional ABC books, this work depicts the varied lives of different Native American people from the past and present. Some are merely standing in the breeze, while others are singing. The tasks described are everyday occurrences to the people, and this allows the reader to discover the nuances of different tribes and the rituals they participate in. For example, for the letter G, Bruchac writes “Goshute trackers moving like the bear.” The illustration accompanying the text shows the Native American man in a bearskin dancing.
The cultural markers in this work are clear and evident from looking at the cover. Goetzl’s illustrations are beautiful full color paintings, and the cover depicts three Native American children with traditional dress including feathers and distinct jewelry. This type of artwork is continued throughout the book. In addition, the physical attributes of the Native Americans depicted are accurate. The illustrator has captured the diverse dress and customs of the varied tribes shown.
Within the text, Bruchac introduces the reader to the various tribes. For example, for the letter U, he states “Umpqua grandmothers beading moccasins with pride.” This is an example of another cultural marker in the text. For that tribe, beading moccasins was an important aspect of the culture.
Overall, this ABC book is an excellent example of the diversity of the Native American people. Each letter depicts a different group. Readers see both pueblos and grass huts in the illustrations. The illustrations are beautiful and depict the text well.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
“In this striking alphabet book, 26 stunning full-color paintings, surrounded by a border painted to look like birch bark, depict aspects of Native American life, and are accompanied by simple poetic phrases.”—School Library Journal
CONNECTIONS** Use this text in and ABC storytime alongside other ABC books.
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