American Indians in Children's Literature is pleased to share our annual year-end list of books we want you to know about. We'd like multiple copies of them to be in every classroom, school, and public library.
According to Shoshone tradition, Coyote tales should only be told during the winter time. The People of the Big Shield are a warrior society of the Shoshone tribe who are known for their big shields and fearless nature. Beads and ornamentation on Shoshone regalia are placed, not as decoration, but as powerful objects to fend off evil and the enemy. Feathers are earned for great courage and are worn on the upper arm of the warrior. Many warriors decorate the armband with beads on which eagle feathers dangle. This Shoshone story booklet is part of the Native American Indian Literacy Project storybook series for the six main Utah Tribal Nations. The project was led by Shirlee A. Silversmith, American Indian education specialist for the Utah State Office of Education. There are five stories per Tribe, with a total of 30 booklets, plus an ABC book. The set of Indian Tribal stories may be utilized by elementary classroom teachers to (1) develop an understanding and appreciation of Native American culture and societal contributions (2) provide a genre of text for the application of reading strategies, and (3) facilitate the mastery of various Utah Core Content Curriculum objectives. The Native American Indian Literacy Project was made possible by funds from the Utah State Office of Education (USOE). It is a joint effort of the USOE and San Juan School District Media Center.
The original set has 30 booklets, measuring 5.5” x 8.5” each, and illustrated by tribal members. The booklets were formatted to be printed and assembled. This version of the book has been updated to accommodate using a projector or smart board with pages appearing in order.
Several version of Cinderella are read to students as they fill out comparison charts. The fairy tale genre is introduced.
This article describes how the lifestyle of Alaska's Inupiat people have changed over time, and the new challenges they now face as a result of a changing climate. Versions are available for students in grades K-1, 2-3 and 4-5. Related science and literacy activities are included.