Focus on Native Americans
Winter 2000, 99-04
Native American titles in process
In fiscal year 1999, NLS added thirty-four titles to its Native American
collection. These books, most of which are still in process, cover
folklore, history, mythology, fiction, and works by Native American
authors. All books will be available in the format noted and will be
announced in Braille Book Review or Talking Book Topics. A book
number is given if it has been assigned.
Juvenile books
- Ackerman, Edward. Spirit Horse. RC 48876.
- Although newly arrived in the Kainaa band of the Blackfoot people,
Running Crane, a Siksika youth, is chosen by Wolf Eagle to accompany
the horse raiders. Later separated from the group, Running Crane
courageously tames a legendary stallion and rescues wounded Wolf
Eagle.For grades 5-8. 1998
- Cornelissen, Cornelia. Soft Rain: A Story of the Cherokee Trail of Tears. RC 48112.
- Soft Rain is nine years old in 1838 when soldiers come to move her Cherokee tribe from North
Carolina to the West. Soft Rain and her mother are forced to grab belongings and
start the journey without Soft Rain's father and brother. For grades 3-6. 1998.
- Durrett, Deanne. Unsung Heroes of World War II: The Story of the Navajo Code. RC.
- Describes the role of the Navajo marines, nicknamed the Code Talkers, who developed a code
based on their Native American language during World War II. Explains
that this information system provided a means for secure communications
among American forces in the Pacific. For grades 6-9. 1998.
- Erdrich, Louise. The Birchbark House. RC 48891.
- In Omakayas's seventh spring, she helps her Ojibwa family build a
summer home on an island in Lake Superior. That winter during a
smallpox outbreak, Omakayas shows her devotion to her family and
learns about her heritage. For grades 4-7. 1999.
- Normandin, Christine. Spirit of the Cedar People: More Stories and
Paintings of Chief Lelooska. RC 47945.
- Five folktales from the Kwakiutl, Native Americans of the northwest coast of
the United States. Recounts a mythical time when the world was full of
magic and some animals and humans could transform themselves into
other species. Companion to Echoes of the Elders (RC 45968).
For grades 3-6. 1998.
Other juvenile books:
Bruchac, Joseph. When the Chenoo Howls: Native American Tales of
Horror. RC 48728.
Charbonneau, Eileen. Rachel Le Moyne. RC 49106.
Lassieur, Allison. Before the Storm: American Indians before the
Europeans. RC.
Morris, Juddi. Tending the Fire: The Story of Maria Martinez. BR.
Viola, Herman J. It Is a Good Day to Die: Indian Eyewitnesses Tell the
Story of the Battle of the Little Bighorn. RC 48706.
Adult books
- Deloria, Philip J. Playing Indian. RC.
- Explores the enduring white American penchant for emulating
Native American cultures by adopting their attire, traditions, and
images. Traces this pattern from the Boston Tea Party to the formation
of various Indian cultural organizations throughout history. Avers that
such "Indian play" was essential to the development of an American identity. 1998.
- Kavasch, E. Barrie, and Karen Baar. American Indian Healing Arts:
Herbs, Rituals, and Remedies for Every Season of Life. RC 48564.
- History and uses of Native American healing practices. Examines major
stages of an individual's life from different tribal perspectives. Describes
rituals and the herbs, fungi, and other materials used for rites of passage,
illness prevention, and healing. Contains more than sixty easy-to-prepare
American Indian-inspired recipes. 1999.
- Marks, Paula Mitchell. In a Barren Land: American Indian Dispossession
and Survival. RC 48890.
- A historian chronicles European settlers' conquest of Native American
lands from their initial contacts in 1607 up to the 1990s. Describes the
indigenous inhabitants' struggle to maintain their traditional cultures despite
forced relocations, the elimination of customs, and their own diminishing
numbers. 1998.
- Oke, Janette. Drums of Change: The Story of Running Fawn. RC 48480
and BR 11231.
- In 1874 Martin Forbes, a young missionary, arrives in Alberta, Canada, to
establish a school and bringChristianity to the Blackfoot Indians. Two star
pupils, Running Fawn and Silver Fox, are then sent to school in Calgary
where Silver Fox is able to accept Christianity, but Running Fawn returns
home to her family and beliefs. 1996.
- Sando, Joe S. Pueblo Nations: Eight Centuries of Pueblo Indian
History. RC.
- Cultural history written by a man from Jemez Pueblo reveals the literary
and spiritual heritage of the peoples of the southwestern United States.
Provides an account of their origins; discusses developments since the
Spanish conquest and the impact of theUnited States on the society's
survival. Includes biographical sketches of nine distinguished Pueblo Indians. 1998.
- Sarris, Greg. Watermelon Nights. BR.
- Multigenerational tale about a Native American family in California trying
to reclaim their heritage. Three members take turns telling their life
story: Johnny; his grandmother Elba, who maintains her people's tradition;
and Iris, Johnny's mother and Elba's daughter. Some strong language
and some descriptions of sex. 1998.
Other adult books:
Blakely, Mike. Comanche Dawn. RC.
Clastres, Pierre. Chronicle of the Guayaki Indians. RC 48392.
Conley, Robert J. The Peace Chief: A Novel of the Real People. RC.
Donati, Sara. Into the Wilderness. BR 12298.
Dudley, Joseph Iron Eye. Choteau Creek: A Sioux Reminiscence. RC 48748.
Eagle, Kathleen. The Night Remembers. RC 46185.
Eagle, Kathleen. Sunrise Song. RC 44788.
Gear, Kathleen. People of the Masks. (Sequel to People of the Mist RC 46758).
Goingback, Owl. Crota. RC 48229.
Haseloff, Cynthia. The Kiowa Verdict: A Western Story. (Sequel to
Satanta's Woman). RC.
Haseloff, Cynthia. Satanta's Woman: A Western Story. RC.
Hogan, Linda. Power. RC 48115.
Lambert, Page. Shifting Stars. RC.
May, Karl. Winnetou: A Novel. BR 12438.
Pella, Judith. Warrior's Song. RC 48548.
Querry, Ronald B. Bad Medicine. BR 12421.
Rosen, Kenneth, ed. The Man to Send Rain Clouds: Contemporary
Stories by American Indians. RC. (Reissue of RD 1974).
Wilson, Darryl B. The Morning the Sun Went Down. BR 12233.
Updated December 24, 2002
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