Red Bird

No kids at present, but I've been to the Nanticoke powwow in Millsboro, Delaware - I'm related to the Nanticokes - and the rich illustrations refresh my memories very enjoyably! It's been the biggest powwow east of the Mississippi, attended by tens of thousands of people, Indians and others, of every skin hue under the rainbow, as the paintings make exuberantly clear. The large, vivid pictures are so vibrant they almost convey the movement of the dancers, even the observers and craft-shoppers. You almost smell the sage! It's all very emotionally moving, too: You feel the reality that we're alive, we're here, our cultures and tribes aren't dead or just Out West, we've always been here! One only wishes Katie 'felt Indian' more than just one weekend a year, even in the big city.... Every elementary school in the East should have a copy of this book. OK, the West too!

This book is based on the author's research at a real Pow-Wow. A man who was there was able to identitfy several of his relatives from the art work. This book is not only accurate but captures the feel of a Pow-Wow. This out-of-print book needs to be reprinted. The art work is beautiful.

This book is great new knowledge for kids. Many kids today have an almost "extinct" image of Native Americans, wearing feathers and breechcloths in a very distant past. This book highlights the real life story of today's urban Native Americans who live in a city but still celebrate their heritage and culture. The lead character, Katie, is shown getting in a station wagon with her family, all excited about the upcoming pow-wow. Kids see a Katie living a lifestyle similar to theirs while learning about her cultural heritage. I think the book is great and a very much needed update on today's Native Americans.