Rising Voices - ISBNLookup.com

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Through more than 60 poems and essays, contemporary Native American children and young adults share their feelings about themselves, their people and their land. While some selections in this anthology are reverent in tone, revealing a deep respect for nature, family and tradition, other writings emerge as protests against prejudice and oppression. In the first section of the book, ``Identity,'' the young Native Americans tell of their struggles to fit into a white society without denying their heritage. Another chapter, ``Education,'' traces their growing desire to learn, if not regain, ancestral customs and beliefs. Readers of all cultures should have no trouble relating to the ideas presented here. Characterized by clear imagery and unadorned language, these expressions of anger, regret and hope provide enormous insight into a race of people whose opinions, until recent times, have been too often suppressed. Ages 12-up. (May)

Children's Literature - Marilyn Courtot

The editors have pulled together a collection of essays and poems that share the thoughts and feelings of young Native Americans. A Children's Choices award winner and a School Library Journal Best Book.

School Library Journal

Gr 5 Up-- In light of the gifts Native peoples have given to Western culture , they still remain the silent voice in the political, cultural, economic, and spiritual resonance of America. This text seeks to send a voice to the rest of American culture, through the eyes, ears, minds, and hearts of young Native Americans. These poems, stories, songs, and essays cover a span of over 100 years--1887-1990. In a time when many of these young people faced forced assimilation and loss of cultural identity, the common thread uniting their works was one of survival, continuance, and lastly hope. Hirschfelder and Singer have included extensive biographical information on each of the students who contributed to the anthology. The book is divided into six sections, with subject headings as ``Identity,'' ``Family,'' ``Homelands,'' ``Ritual and Ceremony,'' ``Education,'' and ``Harsh Realities.'' This is no romanticized version of Native American life, but rather a picture of traditions that survived through the courage of children. It's an excellent source for social studies and English classes, as well as a fine book for general reading, as it effectively conveys modern Indian life. --Carolyn M. Dunn, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA