When selecting cultural books to share with children one must select books using a very critical eye, as sometimes authors, editors, and publishers can overlook subtle sterotypes and even make mistakes in artistic renderings. If you have questions about Native American literature it is best to consult Through Indian Eyes: The Native Experience in Books for Children or the website www.oyate.org.
A perfect example of this is The Indian in the Cupboard, written by Lynne Reid Banks and illustrated by a wonderful man, Brock Cole. This book, although on every MUST read book list, is on their NO list for good reason.
A Promise is a Promise (Classic Munsch)
1621: A New Look at Thanksgiving (I Am American)
For more books: Children’s Literature Network and Oyte.org
Thanks, CanCan, for stopping by One Book Two Book and sharing your views.
My daughter and grandchildren have always been interested in learning more about Native Americans so I’ve accumulated a number of books about the culture, history, and life of these people. We’ve also visited historic sites where, hopefully, we got a true picture of their life.
I enjoyed the “Indian in the Cupboard” series as a child, but reading the Oyate site made me decide that it won’t be one of the “classics” I share with my own sons.