CROSSING BOK CHITTO, A CHOCTAW TALE OF FRIENDSHIP & FREEDOM by Tim Tingle with Illustrations by Jeanne Rorex Bridges

Tingle, Tim. Crossing Bok Chitto, A Choctaw Tale of Friendship & Freedom. Illustrated by Jeanne Rorex Bridges. El Paso:  Cinco Puntos Press. 2006  ISBN 978317776

Crossing Bok Chitto won the ALA Notable Children’s Book Award for 2007 and the 2008 American Indian Youth Literature Award for best picture book.  It is a beautiful Native American literary contribution about friendship and freedom.  Set in antebellum Mississippi, the story is unique in that it involves two cultures: Choctaw and African American.  The hero and heroine of the story are children from each culture: Little Mo (African American) and Martha Tom (Choctaw).

The Bok Chitto is a river running through Mississippi.  Plantation owners and their African American slaves live on one side of the river, and the Choctaw Nation lives on the other side.  The Choctaw built a secret means of crossing the river that makes people appear to be walking on water.  The slaves on the other side would be free if only they could find a way to cross the river.

One day, Martha Tom, though forbidden,  dares to walk across the river on the hidden stones in order to find food.  There she meets the slave families as they gather to worship.  She continues to return to worship with them and becomes good friends with Little Mo, a boy near her age.  When Little Mo’s mother is slated to be sold away from the family, Little Mo seeks help from Martha Tom and the other Choctaws and is not disappointed.  

Jeanne Rorex Bridges of Cherokee descent illustrates this lovely tale with rich, bold earth tones.  This is in keeping with the Choctaw’s claim to be “people of the earth.”  She captures the differences in clothing, hair style, and skin color between the Native American, African American, and White American.  She also captures powerful emotions with stoic faces and weeping eyes.  There are no smiles in the book, but the story will definitely warm your heart.

Tim Tingle, a well known storyteller of the Oklahoma Choctaw Nation, lends the back story to this tale as well as some education in Choctaw history.  In the back of the book there are two photographs with accompanying essays detailing the contemporary Choctaws of Oklahoma and Mississippi and a note on Choctaw storytelling.  This information, along with Tingle’s reputation, adds authenticity to this book as a reliable contribution of Native American children’s literature.  Tingle concludes his personal remarks at the end of the book with a poem that marks the Choctaw love and respect of nature.  One stanza speaks specifically of rivers:

We will remain as close as possible to our rivers,

For they are intertwined with our faith. 

We love the clean water of our rivers. 

We renew our strength by returning to our rivers. 

We are baptized in our rivers.

This connection brings to mind other cultural stories such as The Old African by Julius Lester (2005) and When I Was Young in the Mountains by Cynthia Rylant (1982) which have a spiritual connection to water as elements in the story.  Other slave escape stories like Henry’s Freedom Box by Ellen Levine (2007) and Moses by Carole Boston Weatherford (2006) also come to mind as stories of dangerous sacrifices to secure freedom.  Whether you want to feature freedom, friendship, or family, Crossing Bok Chitto is a good choice for ages 7-13.  Receiving starred reviews from Booklist, Publishers Weekly, and Midwest Book Review, Crossing Bok Chitto “is very highly recommended for all young readers as a celebration of diversity, acceptance, and unity…” (Midwest Book Review).

MANY NATIONS: AN ALPHABET OF NATIVE AMERICA by Joseph Bruchac with Illustrations by Robert F. Goetzl

Bruchac, Joseph. Many Nations: an alphabet of Native America. Illustrated by Robert F. Goetzl. Mahwah, NJ: Bridgewater Books. 1997.  ISBN 0816743894

Being an abecedarian, I love to collect ABC books to share with my kindergarten students.  I am happy to share with them (and you) Many Nations, an Alphabet of Native America.  First published in 1997, it has been around for awhile, but it’s a new discovery for me.  Joseph Bruchac, well known for his numerous contributions to Native American children’s literature purposed this volume “to help children recognize the diversity of Native Americans.”  The beauty of this book is that you can use it early in a child’s education to teach the concepts that Native Americans are real and are a diverse people (not just one tribe).

The tribes mentioned in this volume are Anishanabe, Blackfeet, Choctaw, Dakota, Goshute, Hopi, Iroquois, Jemez Pueblo, Klallam, Lummi, Micmac, Navajo, Otoe, Penobscot, Quapaw, Rappahannock, Shinnecock, Tuscarora, Umpqua, Wampanoag, Yavapai, and Zuni.  Robert Goetzl’s illustrations are beautiful, bright representations of native peoples in various tribal dress and occupations.  Although this is Goetzl’s first children’s book, his interest in Native Americans is known from his exhibition called “Vision Quest” which explores the lost cultures of Native American life.  His research is evident in the detail he brings to his illustrations.

In the back matter of the book, Bruchac adds an author’s note explaining that the tribes represented in his book cover the whole North American continent.  He chose tribes found in the Northeast, Northwest, Southeast and Southwest so that his readers realize that many (over 400) Native American nations were present before Columbus.  I think it would have been helpful to include a map of North America to show the present day location of these nations.  Also, a glossary with a pronunciation guide would be helpful.  Most of the tribal names can be tackled phonetically, but being able to pronounce the names accurately would lend more authenticity to the read aloud.

The cultural markers I noticed in this collection included careful representation of differences between the native peoples.  For example, some were dressed warmly, others had few clothes.  Hair was worn long, tied, cropped, or decorated with feathers, bands or braids.  In the author’s note, Bruchac calls attention to the Klallam men illustrated with moustaches.  He notes that Klallam men “wore mustaches long before Europeans came.”

Most of the illustrations show the Indians engaged in outdoor activities such as hunting, farming, storytelling or playing games.  There is a good mix of gender and ages, ceremonial and everyday life. Additionally, the illustrations of these native peoples along with their varied styles of houses and activities are set in the past with the exception of the Navajo who are in modern dress and shown in their present occupation of shepherding.  Because of this I would suggest detailing more fully the modern life of Native Americans with other sources. 

Book List suggests “Look to this book for a means of organizing visual information for younger readers on some of the cultures and nations of North America’s native people.”  School Library Journal  discounts it as a “marginal addition,”  but for my class, I consider it a good find to enlarge my all too scant collection of authentic Native American literature for young students.

THE ABSOLUTELY TRUE DIARY OF A PART-TIME INDIAN by Sherman Alexie. Art by Ellen Forney

Alexie, Sherman. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian.  Art by Ellen Forney.    New York:  Little Brown & Co. 2007. ISBN 9780316013680

Audio Version: 

Alexie, Sherman. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. Narrated by Sherman       Alexie, New York: Recorded Books LLC. 2008.  ISBN 9781428182974

In Sherman Alexie’s own words, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is “my autobiographical story of a poor reservation Indian boy and his desperate and humorous attempts to find a better life.”  (Alexie, 2011) This volume is on most book lists as an acceptable example of authentic Native American literature.  (Actually it’s on all the recent lists I’ve seen so far.)  If you are a teacher or librarian of middle school or high school students, it should already be on your shelves. 

 

Sherman Alexie has achieved much respect and recognition for his writing and creative talents.  The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is one of his best known works having won numerous awards such as the American Indian Youth Literature Award for 2008 and the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature for 2007.  Additionally, the audio version read by Alexie won the 2009 Odyssey Award.  School Library Journal named it one of the “Best Books of 2007.”

As much as it has been awarded, this book has also been the subject of controversy and even banned in some school libraries.  There is no question that the story contains adult situations, tragedy, irreverence, and profanity, but the message is also worthy.  Reading consultant, Dr. Karen Gibson, surveys “very rough language, very beautiful message.”

Alexie tells his story in titled episodic chapters embellished with cartoon drawings by Ellen Forney.  The cartoons are represented as the personal cartoons drawn by the protagonist, Arnold Spirit, Jr. aka Junior.  Junior is convinced by his math teacher that he must leave the reservation if he is to have any hope for his future.  He thus decides to enroll in a white school 22 miles away and begins his life as a “part-time” Indian. He faces racism at the white school and rejection from his tribe.  

Alexie does not shy away from addressing Native American stereotypes.  He balances the good and evil attributes of his nationality with brutal honesty and piercing humor.  For example, on page 183 Junior explains, “On the rez, you know every kid’s father, mother grandparents, dog, cat, and shoe size. I mean, yeah, Indians are screwed up, but we’re really close to each other.  We KNOW each other.  Everybody knows everybody.”  Alternately, on page 205, Junior, facing a family tragedy, rages internally, “OF COURSE THEY WERE DRUNK! THEY’RE INDIANS!”  He muses in grief that at age 14 he had been to 42 funerals. Ninety percent of the deaths were alcohol related, and he knew only 5 people in his tribe who had never had alcohol. On a different subject, Junior metaphorically rolls his eyes at whites by saying “Do you know how many white strangers show up on Indian reservations every year and start telling Indians how much they love them?  Thousands.  It’s sickening. And boring.”

It is a testament to Alexie’s talent that he can write a story filled with pain yet bathed in humor and joy.  School Library Journal says, “Sherman provides a glimpse into an unfamiliar culture and maintains a balance between the bleak reality of reservation life and the stunning beauty of a loving family and friendship.”  I highly recommend the Odyssey winning audio version read by Alexie himself, but the book version is equally important because of the cartoons which Book List notes “often provide more insight than the narrative.”  

This book is appropriate for older students and its inclusion into the classroom curriculum would be beneficial for youth navigating issues with alcoholism, abuse, racism, and rejection.  I would also recommend an article written by Alexie in the Wall Street Journal in defense of his controversial subject matter.  His article is entitled, “Why the Best Kids Books Are Written in Blood.”  He explains, “I write in blood because I remember what it felt like to bleed.”

http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2011/06/09/why-the-best-kids-books-are-written-in-blood/

Works Cited

Alexie, S. (2011, June 9). Why the Best Kids Books Are Written in Blood. The Wall Street Journal.

SEPARATE IS NEVER EQUAL, Sylvia Mendez & Her Family’s Fight for Desegregation by Duncan Tonatiuh

Tonatiuh, Duncan. Separate is Never Equal, Sylvia Mendez & Her Family’s Fight for Desegregation. New York: Abrams Books for Young Readers. 2014. ISBN 9781419710544

Winner of numerous awards, Separate Is Never Equal is the true story of the Mendez family and the events that led to the Mendez v. Westminster School District case ending segregation in California schools.  This case blazed the trail for the Brown v. Board of Education case that desegregated schools across America seven years later.  

Tonatiuh details the story of the Mendez family’s move to Westminster, CA in 1944 where Mr. Mendez leased a farm.  When it came time to enroll in school, the Mendez children were denied enrollment in the neighborhood school and were told they must attend the Mexican school.  The Mexican school was significantly inferior in cleanliness, safety, and accommodations.

Mr. Mendez began working toward changing this injustice until he met Mr. Marcus who filed the necessary lawsuit.  After the hearing, the Judge took almost a year to decide in favor of the Mendez family.  The fight was not over yet, however, as the case was appealed and presented to the Court of Appeals in San Francisco.  In June of 1947, then Governor Earl Warren signed the law that ended segregation in California, a portent to his famous decision 7 years later as the chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.

Two prestigious silver seals adorn this book as a 2015 Robert F. Sibert Honor and a Pura Belpre Illustrator Honor winner.  It also received starred reviews from Kirkus and School Library Journal.  These awards acknowledge the cultural and historical accuracy and authenticity of this story.  The author’s note in the back matter adds further details of the Mendez family and others who played a significant part in their fight for desegregation.  Family photographs are also included in the back as well as a glossary, bibliography, and index.  

Further in the back matter it is stated that the illustrations were “hand-drawn and then collaged and colored digitally.”  Horn Book Magazine further elaborates on Tonatiuh’s style observing the “two-dimensional perspective reminiscent of the Mixtec codex.”  Skin tones, hair color and styles also express cultural diversity.

This story would be a great companion study with Claudette Colvin: twice toward justice by Phillip Hoose.  Claudette was a teenage girl who refused to give up her rightful seat on the bus in Montgomery, AL just nine months before Rosa Parks echoed the event triggering the Montgomery Bus Boycott that ignited the Civil Rights Movement.   Fred Gray, the attorney that represented both Claudette Colvin and Rosa Parks, said in his book Bus Ride to Justice, “if Claudette Colvin had not done what she did on March 2, 1955, Mrs. Parks may never had done what she did on December 1, 1955” (p. 96).  Yet, like the Mendez case, many have never heard of Claudette Colvin and her courage.  The story of Sylvia Mendez is a welcome addition to the stories of courage of ordinary people who change our world in an extraordinary way.

YUM! MmMm! QUE RICO! Americas’ Sproutings, Haiku by Pat Mora & Pictures by Rafael Lopez

Mora, Pat. YUM! MmMm! QUE RICO! Americas’ Sproutings. Pictures by Rafael Lopez, New York: Lee & Low Books. 2007. ISBN 9781584302711

On the last page of this book, Pat Mora tells the reader of her love of diversity in people and poetry and explains her interests in food and Haiku which led her to combine those interests to write this book.  She chose to write about foods that were indigenous to the Americas before they were divided into countries.  The dedication page illustrates that desire with a map of the Americas.

This book showcases the incomparable talent of Rafael Lopez and enough cultural markers to seed a garden.  If the dark skin and dark hair of the featured people were not telling enough, the bright, beautiful, vivid colors would expose the Hispanic influence.  Scenes of family farming, eating, dancing and storytelling depict the strong family dynamic in the Hispanic culture.  The Aztec art influence is in the blanket border and the spiky sun rays.  Tortillas, both rolled and flat, and maracas, drums and horns represent authentic food and music. 

The art work alone is good enough to eat, but the text is equal parts fun and factual.  In addition to the mostly whimsical Haiku poetry about the featured food on the page, Mora also includes a side bar of historical and scientific fun facts about the food.  She includes in her native grown menu the blueberry, chile, chocolate, corn, cranberry, papaya, peanut, pecan, pineapple, potato, prickly pear, pumpkin, tomato, and vanilla featured in alphabetical order.  

Pat Mora is no stranger to awards.  For this literary contribution she garnered an ALA Notable Children’s Book Award, a Texas Bluebonnet Nomination, and the Americas Book Award.  Some reviewers found some of the Haiku confusing or forced, as did I, but most thought they were kid friendly.  The overall response to the book, however, is that the art and information delivery overcomes any weakness in the poetry.  Kirkus notes that “Lopez’s vibrant, folklorish illustrations make the book a visual feast.”

This is a book to have fun with at home or at school. Any day is more fun when celebrated with food.  From a kindergarten tasting day for letter P (papaya, peanut, pecan, pineapple, potato, prickly pear, and pumpkin) to a class research project of your own food favorites, Yum MmMm can get you started.  And for anyone else besides me that didn’t know what Que Rico! means…it means delicious!