Native American Books

excellent reading for those interested in the Grey Owl story

I have, over the past few years, come to appreciate the life of Grey Owl. There have been several books written about him and some are excellent; however, the gift of Armand Garnet Ruffo, is found in his attempt to get "under the skin" of Archie Grey owl. There are many statements which are visceral in nature in that the author risks criticism by offering notions and thoughts as to the motives and objectives underlying Grey Owl's actions and written words. This, in itself, is a challenge Ruffo is willing to take. Not unlike those the Belaney (Grey Owl) took. I think Armand comes from a unique perspective as his grandmother, Jane McKee (Espaniel) part Ojibway, knew Archie Grey Owl, thus he was introduced, to the subject, from a subjective point of view. Add to that his desire to share the story in a poetic form (again not unlike Grey Owl's writtings) makes for a most interesting presentation. Similarly, he has the added advantage of being a scholar and teacher which lends itself to the expectation of an authoritative and honest analysis, regardless of the form. I liked the book very much.

I was married to Grey Owl & Anahareo`s daughter DAWN until her unexpected death in London, England in June 1984 during our visit there. We were there with an exhibition of art work. For more than twenty-five years I was frequently a part of discussions and comments about the life of Grey Owl. Numerous articles and a few books have been written on the subject. Armand Ruffo`s book THE MYSTERY OF ARCHIE BELANEY, with its poetic narrative and descriptive moods is the best I have witnessed. With Armand`s aboriginal background he understands how wilderness folks think and feel. This book is a must for all those who are interested in the Grey Owl story. Be sure to see the movie coming out in 1999 Co-Produced by Sir Richard Attenborough. Pierce Brosnan plays Grey Owl and a very attractive Quebec aboriginal actress Annie Galipeau plays Anahareo. I believe the book by Armand and the movie as well should win top awards. Pierce Brosnan, a very understanding and down-to-earth gentleman makes a good Archie Belaney. Annie Galipeau is every bit as attractive as my mother-in-law was at her age.

This book is outstanding, enjoyable and easy to read, and Ruffo knows his subject thoroughly from research but also from the stories of Ruffo's family who knew Grey Owl while he lived with the Anishinabe in Northern Ontario. I used it in my University course and the students loved it- among the best Native literature they have read, they said. Ruffo opens the topic for the readers to explore, providing many important directions and opening many suggestions and a lot of valuable information besides creating the poetry of it all. The carefully selected photographs, most from Ruffo's family collection originally, many taken by Grey Owl's camera, help to make the story in the portry real and provide further dimensions for contemplation. Ruffo is one of the most gifted authors in Canada. Bernie Harder

This book is not just for those in the Native Community but all who have been separated from loved one's,and have suffered a great and tragic loss. Maybe the lost children of Ireland should take a look at this most provacative read. This book can be the turning point of understanding a loved one who is lost in his own soul. Wado

Good read that truly explains the feeling and root issues in the Indian/Native population.

I've dealt with the Navajo people for 15 years. I've learned more about their culture in other books (Tony Hillerman is probably the best for that), but The Grieving Indian helped me understand how there can be such an undercurrent of sadness in even the very young. Excellent resource. It is NOT a novel, so it tends to have a bit of a text book dryness, but is well worth the read.

There is an Indian saying that goes, "Before you can understand a person, you need to walk a mile in his/her moccasins." The Grieving Indian is another example that verifies the truth of this saying. Arthur H., knows of what he speaks. As a Native American, he has walked in his "moccasins" and those of countless others, over very difficult and painful trails. A recovered alcoholic and long-time member of Alcoholics Anonymous, Arthur has much to share not only from his own experiences, but also from the experiences of others. As an alcohol counselor for over thirteen years he has helped many people deal, not only with the battles over alcohol, but also overcoming the grief which accompanies much of the behavioral results of alcohol. A facilitator of The Grieving Indian Seminars, Arthur has helped hundreds of people walk down the same path he has walked. A book every alcohol counselor needs. An excellent book to give to those grieving the loss of a family member or friend through some alcohol related tragedy.

I had a hard time finding this and so glad I finally did. Its fantastic, simply beautiful. Nerburn is in a league all his own. I keep his books by my bedside.

When I picked-up this book from our best-reader Friend, who gave us a chapter from SIMPLE TRUTHS, I expected it to be equally as simply written! Not simple in the ways of writing or organized! Since his Prologue, entitled "A CANTICLE OF ECHOES, Kent grasped my attention with his first quote from a - Pueblo saying, "We do not own the land. We belong to it. And by our sweat & breath shall she know us, and welcome us upon our return."

Kent begins: "We are children on this land a shadow on the still life of time.." Employing words as far more than commentary to his Pueblo saying. He measures words economically descibing past generations "whose arrival is scribed upon the line of history...(yet not adrift) on winds of story, or float upon the shrouds of myth!" I read in his brevity, layers of past, present & future!

From earlier pages he takes us back to BURIAL, "My home is over there. Now I remember it." - A Tewa song..."I am standing before a northern lake on a windswept point of land as a young Indian boy is lowered into the earth by his friends and family.

"It is a strange and lonely funeral-- they all are in their own way...In the Indians who made their home here-- like my young departed friend-- Something lives that invests this harsh land with spiritual values."

Kent never misses chances to relate the present back to the past history of his Northern Lands, even in his continued quoting of Indian Tribes: As in NATVITY: "What is life?...It is the breath of the buffalo in the winter time..." A Blackfeet death oration. After a gripping mysterious picture of a giant buffalo, Kent is at home with his short Essays based on, BLUE, JANUARY, URN, COPSE, GOOD FRIDAY, OFFERING, WIND. Poignant quotations are adopted from Sioux, Papago, Iroquois, Delaware & Crow Tribes. There are parallels between his essays based on tribal quotes and Haunting Reverence of Christian worship in all Nerburn's books... newly birthed from his majors of Religion and Art!

He refers to religion in MEMORY of TREES, "I see men but they look like trees, walking." Again in Solitudes: "The holy silence is God's voice." Golden treasures wait being discovered! Retired Chaplain Fred W Hood "Barbara377" (Fayetteville, GA United States)

I loved this book; it is about nature, spirituality and seeing things in a new way. The author helps one to see and feel what he is.....I have used many of his books as gifts...they are a forever treasure.

I found this book by accident. I liked the title and I love nature writing. But this isn't nature writing like anything I have ever read. This is some of the most beautiful poetry and storytelling I have ever read. It is the most spiritual nature writing I have ever read. This book took me to a place like prayer. Kent Nerburn is a genius.

A beautiful, well written, poignant story about a boy who wants to fly and does not understand why he can't. So, understanding birds the way he does, he wants to fly like a hawk. He decides to sneak off to Santos Mountain and steal a young Red Tail Hawk from of its nest. The boy, Rudy Soto, desires to be the hawk's brother so they can learn to fly together. But he finally realizes at the end of summer after all the other young hawks have learned to fly that the bird is unhappy living in a cage with a string tied around its leg. He realizes the bird will not give up and longs for freedom. The hawk wants to fly. That's all he's ever wanted, just like Rudy.

I won't give away the ending. You'll just have to read it with your children and share with them what this remarkable story has to offer.

Byrd Baylor's books are not just for children. Grownups enjoy them too. They are simple stories about desert life that offer great insight about living and what is truly important way beyond material possessions. This book is about sky and wind and freedom and the beauty that is unique to the desert.

I loved it!

My husband and I purchased this book because we are always searching for good books to read to our nine grandchildren..they have loved the Byrd Baylor books. "Hawk, I am Your Brother" is education and sensitive to being quiet and watching to learn. It is an easy read for all ages of our grandchildren, ages 18 years old to 9 years old. No matter the age they loved being read to, especially by Grandpa. They already watch TV that does nothing for their imagination or originality. We have found the local bookstores thin on Baylor books. :(

My five-year-old son loves to think about flying with hawks and loves to think about having a hawk for a brother. He gets upset with Rudy Soto (the main character of this book) for taking a hawk chick from its nest, but enjoys the end when he sets him free and the hawk and the boy "talk" back and forth to each other. Like Rudy, my son thinks maybe there are some people out there who really do know how to fly...

The Caldecott-winning drawings are simple line drawings that evoke the idea of flight (or being grounded on occassion). The text accents the drawings--

It is
broken
into
many
short
lines,
which
draw the
eye up to
the top of
the pages.

It becomes a single free-verse poem of flight. The combination of the story, the exact words chosen, and the pictures have let to many discussions with my son already and he has only had this book for a couple of weeks. Highly recommended!

Kids really like this book, what kid hasn't dreamed of flying and keeping a wild bird as a pet. The message is powerful, that humans can gain much from kinship with free wild animals--a glimpse into a broader view of life. Peter Parnall's illustrations are hauntingly lovely. Nice gift for kids of all ages, especially those who love nature and animals.

HAWK I'M YOUR BROTHER is a touching story of how a child learns that there are some things in life which cannot be achieved by enslaving that which holds the knowledge you seek but rather to understand the secret of this special freedom is how you will treat and respect the needs of the wild creature who holds the answers to your quest.. that to be trapped and held against its will is not the best way for the creature to teach what it knows. Each time I read it I understand Rudy's need to keep the hawk and the Hawk's need to be free and how Rudy comes to undertand the simplistic belief that to really be one with any creature it cannot be enslaved, it must be set free. By learning and letting go, Rudy can truly be as the hawk. Free.

Jim Pathfinder Ewing writes in a simple and easy way to teach us to find Inner Peace with Mother Earth. His personal stories from the heart show us parts of his journey, for us to learn the Pure Love of Mother Earth and to become a part, in order to Heal All !!!

Mr. Ewing has a wonderful way of putting spirituality into writing. This book isn't just about healing from a distance but healing in general and, I think, mostly about healing ourselves. Seek God, find yourself! What a concept, huh? Great book!

This is a book that I feel belongs in everyone's library...especially people who are involved in healing work or would like to experience more of a connection with their own spirit and the living world around us. This book taught me a lot about how to REALLY listen and tune in...and how to develop strong caring, compassion and respect for the other beings who share my space. There are a lot of wonderful healing techniques and stories that you won't find in other books on similar topics that make this book inspiring and very enjoyable. The down-to-earth tone the author used in writing this book makes it very engaging and approachable... What else could I say...I highly recommend it!

PathFinder has produced a wonderful work that comes from a quiet place in the heart. So many of us are so out of touch with all of the natural goings on around us. We forget that if we are quiet we can learn from everything that Nature provides for us. This book prepares the reader to open his heart and mind to learning from and giving back to the Natural world we live in. I enourage readers to read this book and then find time to spend quiet in some natural setting. Practice what is taught here and you will find that your perspective of yourself, everyone else and nature will change. You will find you appreciate those "little" things much more. I see a squirrel bouncing across my telephone line. He beckens me to come and play in the snow. Enjoy this book.

Arthur Quinn treats with respect both perspcetives of one the Modoc War. The extreme brutality of both the American Government and the Modoc Warriors is reflected in a suprisingly unbiased manner.

While not a traditional history text, this book deals very plainly with the people and events of the Modoc War. Graphic depictions of the causes leading to the conflict and the battles themselves lead you to to able to imagine yourself as being there.

This book is very, very good for anybody interested in 1870 era American Indian conflicts, especially in Northern California. Story easy to follow, no unecessary words, facts etc., unless they're relevant to the story.
Reads as if it were a movie, but is all true, as judged on what I know of California frontier history.
Book is worth getting.

During the height of the Indian conflicts on the plains a smaller,but no less deadly campaign was being waged against the Modocs of the Northwest. Like the Cheyenne after them, the Modocs were a small band whose numbers had already been reduced by warfare and desease. They were willing to live peacefully, only they wanted to live in their own homeland. And as with the Cheyenne, the military wasted much time money, and worst of all lives in order to bring these people to their knees. This is a concise and well-written account of that war.

Quinn is one of those historians who makes broad use of dialogue in his work. While many scholars take a scant view of this method, I think it works well, if done carefully. Certainly we can question how Quinn could possibly know exactly what was said, when there was no one there to record it. However, memoirs and journals often paraphrase, and if the writer has researched the characters and the times well enough, I think it is fair to allow him to make certain assumptions, especially as it brings such dimension to the characters.

Quinn's depiction of events is very exciting without crossing over into sensationalism. And though any story of Americans' treatment of the Indians invites a certain amount of moralizing, he does not go overboard, nor does he portray the Modocs as saints. He also does an excellent job of incorprating the landscape into the story. Quinn's depiction of the lava beds the Modocs called home makes it even more wondrous that the Americans found it so important for them to leave.

This was definitely a story that deserved to be told, and Quinn does a very good job of it.

I found this book to be most facinating, and helped me to gain some knowledge of how my ancestors lived. Four generations of my relatives were born into the L'Anse Band of Chippewa and Lac Vieux Desert Band of Indians, but I had no history of how they lived. This book helped me have some insight on their lives and their parents lives. I have given each of my children a copy of this book so that they too can have some knowledge of what their native american relatives lives were like. A most interesting read!!

This book (which I have not read in entirerty) is probably the first history book written about the Ojibway. Most importantly and interestingly, the author was half Ojibway and half French and was intimate with many of the Ojibway elders he interviews. The authors biography is worthwhile in its own right. I cannot recommend a better book to gain a first hand perspective on colonial Ojibway customs, politics, culture, and the like. While the author (though Indian himself) does deplore Indian's lack of civilization, that really only adds to the book by revealing western society's rascist attitudes to the Indians. The author has been educated and christianized and his rascism is in respect to these institutions. In most other regards he has great respect for his Ojibway family.

During the 1850s, William Whipple Warren, an Ojibway "Half BReed," a member of the Minnesota Territorial Legislature and frequent correspondent for the "Minnesota Democrat" (a newspaper out of Saint Paul), spoke to all the elders, story tellers and medicine men of the Ojibway Nation and wrote a book. Unfortunately, he died of tuberculosis before finishing it, a fact that has many historians cursing their rotten luck. But what he achieved was priceless. His book tells the story of the Ojibway Nation's migrations, their battles against other tribes (like the Dakota, the Fox, and the Mundua), and how they first came to know the white man. FOr those who, like myself, went to public schools which portrayed the Indians as peaceful children of nature, this book explodes like a nuclear warhead on all misconceptions. Pre-Columbian America was a very brutal and VERY bloody place. Warren details the Ojibway's torure of captives, their vigilante approach to justice, and their vicious blood feuds against other tribes. THis book is NOT for the squeamish. Parts of it make Herbert Asbury's "THe Gangs of New York" look, well, kind of like a kid's game. Do NOT read this book if you posess a weak stomache. But it also proves that the history of the AMerican Indian is far too complex to fit with anyone's politically motivated attempts to push it into a box. I, for one, am deeply disapointed that Mr. Warren died before coming even close to completing his projected 7 volumes of work on the Ojibway Nation. There is much in this book already, though, to fascinate the reader and fill several film scripts. Therefore, this is a book that I recommend strongly for anyone with a strong stomache. William Warren, I salute you!

An excellent book covering the history of the Ojibwas primarily in the Northern Wisconsin/Minnesota area. William Warren did a fine job of badgering the tribal elders till he received the information he sought. Written in the 1880's, Warren writes of the different clans and their interactions, the introduction to the white men they liked (French) and hated (British), and the constant warring with other tribes (mostly Sioux) over prime hunting lands which took the lives of many. According to Warren, "Ojibwa" means "to roast until puckered", needless to say, he's not talking about dinner. If just one book on the Ojibwas is in your plans, this should be the one. I myself would prefer to read a book written by someone who actually talked to these tribal elders over 100 years ago, not someone who attempts to do so nowadays, generations (and clouded memories) later.

A Home for Chloe is the first book in the Tales from Wind Creek seres. You will love Chloe, percival and the Animal Alliance!! It has suspence, action, and the best ending ever!! Be sure you read all the books. I have just finished Chloe, Bia and the Little People and at the end is the first chapter of book 4. It's going to be really exciting!!

This is a great book...you should read it! It is very descriptive and will capture your heart!

Children will love the heartwarming tale of Chloe, a cat of multi-colors, astounding talents and a racoon's tail, as she begins her journey to find the Big Woods in the first book of the Tales From Wind Creek series. Along the way, the reader will meet a cast of animals both great and small, from Percival the wren to Toby the abandoned German Shepard and Elsbeth the sage tortoise. This is a story about friendship, as the Animal Alliance bands together to protect its members from harm, and this is also a story about struggling to survive in an environment vastly different from what most domesticated animals ever dare experience. But most of all, this is the story of a search for a home, and as the tale concludes, perhaps Chloe has found such a place with Bia, the half-Cherokee, ten year old Indian girl. Readers will have to stay tuned for the next installment of the story to find out.

This book is by far one of the best children's books I have ever encountered. My daughter simply adores it, and so do I. A Home For Chloe is an amazing anthropomorphic adventure, filled with fun and fantastic felines... a great read for all ages.

This is a beautiful book that somehow lifted me to a different perspective. The whole time I was reading it, I felt as if the air around me shimmered with diffuse light. It is interesting to read about life in Joseph Rael's culture, fascinating to learn about the perspective of different Native American languages, hopeful to learn of Joseph's dream and continuing work for all of us, and transfixing to experience the effect his writing had upon my heart.

I recommend this book for all who are not afraid to expand their view of life and their world.

Joseph Rael is one of the most interesting people you'll read about. This is basically his life story, and how he acquired the teachings to complement his natural gifts. The discussion of the Tiwa language is brilliant. Be one of the fortunate to read about this amazing man.

The vision of this book is remarkable especially when viewed in the light of string theory. So much of the philosophy of the Pueblo people from whom Joseph Rael sprang seems to be confirmed by modern physics. A must read for the serious seeker.

This book is not a physics text. It is the highest level
work on Native American religion I have ever seen. It would
also be of interest to linguists as it presents words from
the Tiwa language which uses verbs and not nouns.
But the interesting part is the actual experiences of
a man who is a healer and ceremonial dancer and peace
worker. It is well written amd presented in a personal
style.
The book is much better than this review.

Iktomi, The trickster of the Lakota, is up to his old tricks. In his chance meeting with the Prairie Dogs, demonstrates his untrustworthiness by making them up into fine meal. However, Iktomi meets up with Coyote, equally clever and untrustworthy, and finds himself tricked. This is the sixth book of the Itktomi series by Paul Goble. The book is another masterpiece of artwork and storytelling in the grand tradition of Paul's Caldecott award winning work. This book is a must buy for the school library, the storyteller, and parents who wish their children to read and look at a most delightful book. THe Best part of this beautiful artwork and story is that it tells a moral story, set in the old Indian buffalo Days that is as relevant today, as it was back when. Highly recommended for ages 2 through 12, and of course, adults of any age. Dennis West Boca Raton FL.

Iktomi, the trickster of the lakota, is up to his old tricks. In his chance meeting with the prairie dogs, he demonstrates his untrustworthiness by making them up into a fine meal. However, Iktomi meets up with Coyote, equally clever and untrustworthy, and finds himself tricked! This is the sixth book of the Iktomi series by Paul Goble. The book is another masterpiece of artwork and story telling in the grand tradition of Paul Goble's award winning work. This book is a must buy for the school library, the storyteller, and parents who wish their children to read and look at a most delightful book. The best part of this beautiful artwork and story is that it tells a moral story, set in the old Indian Buffalo Days, that is as relevant today as it was back when. Highly recommened for ages 2 through 12, and of course, adults of any age. Dennis West

In a previous misadventure, "Iktomi and the Ducks," the Trickster lost his roast duck dinner to the Coyote who is also clever and untrustworthy. Iktomi is the Trickster's name in Lakota, but in other Native American cultures he is known as Napi, Wihio, Glooscap, Nanabozon, and even Old Man Coyote. Paul Goble tells the story of their rematch in "Iktomi and the Coyote." As Goble points out, in Buffalo Days the stories about Iktomi reflected human nature and the wide range of possibilities from the divine all the way down. However, the stories that are told of Iktomi today represent him primarily in the Trickster role, forgetting that once he was a powerful force for good that helped in creating the land and taught humans how to make fire and gave them other gifts.

Once again Iktomi is about walking along one day on his way to a school to read kids his books, which tell all about his brave deeds and great generosity. But when the prairie dogs start laughing at him, Iktomi decides that nothing would taste better than baked prairie dog. The problem, of course, is to catch them. The fact that the prairie dogs are taking turns being buried up to their necks in the hot ashes of their cooking fire does not dissuade Iktomi from creeping stealthily toward them. As was the case with the ducks the last time around, Iktomi actually seems to succeed in his plan. But then along comes Coyote, looking sick and starved, limping slowly and painfully along on three legs, and you know that things are going to go badly for the Trickster.

Younger children might be upset by the story and some of the illustrations in "Iktomi and the Coyote," because the cute little prairie dogs do not fare well. The sight of the baked prairie dogs in the stomach of the wily Coyote (come on, you knew that particular adjective was coming) might be a bit upsetting, so be forewarned. As with the other stories of Iktomi, Goble provides text in grey italics where readers and listeners can make up their own insults about Iktomi, while the Trickster's thoughts are printed in small type. However, you should ignore those when the story is read aloud and leave it to the young readers to discover when they come back and read this story on their own.

IKtomi and The Coyote, by Paul Goble, new release by Orchard Books. IKTOMI, the trickster of the Lakota, is up to his old tricks. In his chance meeting with the Prairie Dogs, he demonstrates his untrustworthiness by making them up into a fine meal. However, IKTOMI meets up with Coyote, equally clever and untrustworthy, and finds himself tricked! This is the sixth book of the Itktomi series by Paul Goble. The book is another masterpiece of art work and story telling in the grand tradition of Paul Goble's award winning work. This book is a must buy for the school library, the storyteller, and parents who wish their children to read and look at a most delightful book. The best part of this beautiful story and artwork, is that it tells a moral story, set in the old Indian Buffalo days; that is as relevant today as it was back when. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for ages 2 through 12, and of course, adults of any age. Dennis West redfox@axxsys.net