North America Books

Of the many excellent reviews of this book - starred in PW, for example - why did you choose the Kirkus Review's? The Ledgerbook was supervised, vetted and blessed by Arthur Amiotte, a Sioux Elder, with more credentials than you can count. A leading advocate of the power of education, Mr. Amiotte 's approval of and great delight in the authenticity of this book has obviously been overlooked in the KR reviewer's research. Throughout the entire country, this book has been cited again and again by educators and parents alike as being the most powerful, interactive teaching tool they've come across in years, not to mention being an extraordinry feast for the eyes. Please research your reviews before choosing the one that will (incorrectly in this case) represent the book to your many readers. Subjecting an extraordinary book to bad PR out of ignorance should be beneath you

*The Ledgerbook of Thomas Blue-Eagle* is a beautifully designed and constructed book that harkens back to the ledgerbook storytelling of the Plains Indians, especially the young students of the Carlisle Indian School in Pennsylvania. From the marbled endpapers to the ruled and "textured" pages that are the backdrop of this book's storytelling, this is a well executed picture book for all ages.

This book is the fictitious story of Thomas Blue-Eagle, a young student at the Carlisle School who uses "the white man's language" to relate who he is and where he comes from. Illustrated in a pictograph style, Blue-Eagle's story is a poignant imagining of the real-life stories of the Plains Indians at the end of the 19th Century.

>>>>>>><<<<<<<

A Guide to my Book Rating System:

1 star = The wood pulp would have been better utilized as toilet paper.
2 stars = Don't bother, clean your bathroom instead.
3 stars = Wasn't a waste of time, but it was time wasted.
4 stars = Good book, but not life altering.
5 stars = This book changed my world in at least some small way.

Won the Christopher and International Readers Awards in 1995 because it is an authentic history, fictionalized, with stunning illustrations in the style of Plains Indians. We found it in the museum stores of the Southwest, where it was a favorite of the librarians. There is also a cd-rom called Journey of Thomas Blue Eagle, done by the illustrator.It is a favorite gift book of ours and hugely appreciated by the recipients

This book is an outstanding collection of writings and nostalgia from our 19th century deer camps, and the history surrounding their colorful occupants. This book brings the reader back to the roots of our deer-hunting heritage. A must read for all who have lost touch with deer hunting and need to reconnect with this time honored tradition. Robert Wegner has truly created a masterpiece with this book. Within his writing he continues to spotlight the White-tailed deer, an animal that has had a profound positive impact on the evolution of America and the American Hunter.

Legendary Deer Camps is a splendid piece of work.
It depicts our deer hunting heritage with wonderfully detailed stories that really keep the readers interest, some with a touch of humor that all deer hunters can relate to.
Along with priceless nostalgic photos of famous deer camps of the past. Very pleasant reading.

I bought this for my husband. I've been pursuing through it also and it is wonderful! Awesome stories of days gone by... Old time camps - old time stories... values, etc. Some of the art is beautiful..!!! If you love hunting - you'll love this hardback!

Can't wait for it to be published! Should be good

This excelent story about adventure and courage takes place in the great vast american west where Crazy Horse and his tribe The Sioux Indians peacfuly live. But sadly when americans in the eastern citys want to move west the U.S goverment makes the Sioux Indeans move from there western home land. The book shows the great worior Crazy horse was from child hood to adult hood to when he is killed. A must read for history fans.

The book, The Life and Death of Crazy Horse, tells the story of the American West from a Indian's point of view. Crazy Horse and his people, the Sioux Indians, are living peacefully alone in Indian Country (Montana, and Little Big Horn Battlefield). Crazy Horse loves the wilderness he lives in and the horses he lives with. Then the White people come on the Oregon Trail and take the best campsites and game. The U.S. Army keeps pushing the Indians off their own land. This leads to a lot of fighting and Crazy Horse manages to kill many of their soldiers. If you like adventure in the wilderness, you should read this book!

Artfully written by Erin Anderson, Look About You: A Magical Childhood In Michigan's Wild Places is a very special picture book meant to be read by parents to their children, and which commemorates and celebrates the joy of seeing Michigan's wilderness through a child's eyes. Soft color illustrations by Mary Fuscaldo enhance Anderson's narrative text. Filled from cover to cover with joy and reverence, Look About You provides a unique and highly enjoyable experience young readers, young listeners, and their parents.

As an artist, I first purchased this book for myself because of the beautiful illustrations by artist Mary Fuscaldo. When I read the text by Erin Anderson, I realized what a treasure it would be for the young (and not so young) people who love the out of doors and the special places we all know and keep in our hearts.

Carol Struthers

This is a children's book...but it is more than that! This beautifully written and illustrated book has universal appeal, with messages for any age. When I read it, I thought at once of my grand children and how much I wanted this book to share with them. In addition, I felt I really wanted to share it with friends who, like me, appreciate true beauty in nature, the written word, and in fine art. As a former teacher, I recognize that "Look About You" is a special book that has the qualities we continually seek in a "good" book. You will want to own this book and savor visiting the "wild places" with someone you care about!

The books is a good read. This book is a NEW book and unfortunately the front and back lower right corners of the hard cover are dented ,indicating book had been dropped. I've bought used books that were in better shape

40 years of hunts and memories from a man who lived a life many of us can only dream of,a priceless piece of outdoor lore!

A great source of information and reading enjoyment. This is book is very well done!

This is a lovely little story worth reading and sharing. The character who can speak his love only through music touches something deep within the human spirit and human yearning. A sweet romance!

What's great about this book, besides the illustration, is the detailed cultural commentary that describes how the love flute was used in courtship rituals. For older students, this information promotes historical mindedness and provokes meaningful discussion on cultural topics and cultural values. [Note: this courtship section, of course, is probably not appropriate for very young children, so parental guidance / discretion is recommended. For example, the author states, "Courtship was formal and carried out in front of everyone. There was little privacy in a tipi village; inside or outside the tipi, the only privacy was under a blanket, and what other people were polite not to hear or see." It's easy to identify this section of the book, though, because the print is in italics.]

Another great feature of this book is the collection of flute drawings, which generate interest in the personal nature (and design) of the Native American Flute and its special relationships with it owner. This book would make an excellent tie-in to Native American studies---art, music, etc. For people who love and appreciate Native American flute music, this book might make an interesting little friendship gift.

Parents who home school can use this book in concert with other Native American concepts to provide some cultural education / awareness / music studies for their older children. [For more exploration beyond the "love flute" book, you might google Odell Borg of High Spirit flutes. He is an excellent teacher of the Native American flute. His website offers more information about the very real instruments that people do play.]

It has been a while since I have come across a "new" Paul Goble book (meaning one that I have not seen). Usually in one of his illustrated stories taken from the Plains Indian culture you find out the origins of the story and the sources for Goble's attention to detail in his paintings in the back of the book. But for "Love Flute," the explanation comes up front, before the story. This is where we learn that the titular object was the courting flute, used only by men to play love songs, not just when they were courting but to serenade their wives. When a man died, his flute was wrapped with his body. Goble goes into detail regarding the courtship practices (e.g., the young man brings a large blanket so he can wrap himself and the girl he is wooing underneath it and have some relative privacy in the middle of the camp in plain view of everybody).

However, the focus of "Love Flute" is not on such rich details, but rather on telling the story of the first courting flute. As Goble wryly observed, "men have always needed supernatural help to attract, and to keep, the women they love." This particular version of the story of how the love flute was given to the people is based on various myths, but most specifically one from the Santee Dakota. The story is of a shy young man who would rather face enemy warriors in battle or lead the dangerous buffalo hunt than speak to the girl he loved. He knew in his heart that he could never ever tell the young girl all he wanted to say. In despair the young man left the camp one morning and shot an arrow into the air without thinking about what he was doing. To his surprise the air stayed up in the air, pointing in a direction and leading him on at a walking pace. The young man knew that he was being guided by unseen powers and that something wonderful was going to happen (this particular legend is going to make more of an impression on adolescent students rather than the younger ones who would usually be enthralled by a Paul Goble book).

The love flute is the gift of all of the birds and animals, and one of the things Goble does in telling and illustrating this story is to emphasize how the men of the Plains tribes woo women just like the birds and animals. A young man who was courting would be dressed up in his finest clothing, scenting and painting himself, copying the birds and animals. I have always been impressed by Goble's commitment to depicting the clothing and homes of these people, and items such as their flutes, and the fact that he always details his references. At the front of this book he lists the places around the (mostly) Plains states where he found the fifteen different flutes shown (these are pencil and ink drawings that run from the top to the bottom of a page, accompanying the text and colored illustrations, which continue to demonstrate Goble's wonderful stylized interpretation of the artwork of the Plains Indians. Even if you have not seen examples of such historic artwork, you are going to be hooked on what Goble does, which is why it is good that there are so many of his books out there to be enjoyed.

An enchanting tale of wonder and love. It is a beautiful story combining the magic of folklore with the magic of alternate forms of communication. Children love it for the magical content. Adults will love it for the sensitive introduction to Native American myth and legend.

Love, Miracles & Medicine Men is an energetic account of how two spirited friends explore the unfamiliar. Their extraordinary journies lead them to incredible encounters with the yet inexplicable. Their Medicine Man possesses benevolence as well as a sence of humor. With love, respect and much perserverance these brave women find vision, trust, confidence and truth in miracles.

If you are a non-fiction reader that enjoys a true human experiece that opens doors for you that you didn't even know exsisted. THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU. I read the book in 1 day on an airplane in flight. Now I think my next trip will be going out to the Native American Grounds to visit with some of these fascinating people.

I was lucky enough to get a copy last month and read it straight through in one evening. It was recommended to me by a friend who had read it and was amazed at what insights into healing the Native American Culture has to offer. Above all, it was very informative to the non-native American. I grew up trusting in doctor's and hospitals, not knowing about any other alternatives. Native American's treat illnesses in a holistic way, healing the mind, body, and spirit. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in how other cultures approach the healing process. Especially to non-native American's such as myself who grew up without a clue to alternative medecine.!

Couldn't put it down. Liked the logical progression and the variety of information. I didn't know how scattered the bits of continents are! Fascinating.

Ron Redfern is a superb writer and peerless photo editor. This book is surely the capstone of his career to date.

Although the subject matter examined is broad and complicated, the book is very well organized and seamlessly drafted. With the exception of a few typographical errors, the information presented is highly accurate. The genius of the work lies in the fact that, despite having to examine complex problems in geology, the author so deftly explains these matters that the reader is never left confused or at a loss.

As to the magnificent color photographs, both large and small, each follows the text closely, and each is accomapnied by an explanatory, locational note. The beauty of many of the pictures is breathtaking. Additionally, accompanying diagrams are thoughtful and informative.

Redfern's masterpiece covers the history and nature of the North American tectonic plate. It is a virtual textbook of plate tectonics. Discussion is divided into several chapters covering the origin of the plate, its relation to other plates, especially the Baltic and African plates, and then into sections describing each part of the plate. Chapters include as subjects such varied areas as the Mississippi delta, the Canadian Shield, the Colorado Plateau, and the Appalachians. You will be endlessly fascinated by the marvelous photos and detailed text, and it seems something new is learned upon each rereading of the book

The book is small coffee-table in size, and would form a proud display in anyone's home. I cannot recommend this book highly enough for lay persons interested in geology, and the book is highly useful for professional and academics in the field of geology, as well. If you want to enjoy reading and learning about the forces that make our marvelous planet operate, this is the book to get. Have fun!

This is a fabulous book describing how the continents were formed. I am a salesperson with no scientific background and I loved Ron Redfern's descriptions, pictures and especially graphics and timelines. I understood it. Wonderful. I wish he had written another.

Man of the Shadow is a riviting book that you just don't want to end. The story of Eagle and his denial to fully accept the beliefs of the People is a wake up call for us all. There may be a Trickster out there waiting to fool us all. I thought Eagle and the Old Man were as unlikly to get along as the Head Splitters and the smell cat. It was amazing they wintered together and didn't come to blows. All in all it was a great book and I can't wait to read more of the Spainish Bit Saga.

DR. COLDSMITH IS THE GREATEST IN THIS BOOK HE SHOWS US THE OTHER SIDE OF THE TRICKSTER THE CARING SIDE AS WELL AS THE HUMOROUS SIDE VERY ENJOYABLE READING WELL WORTH THE TIME AND MONEY DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND READ IT IT'LL MAKE YOU A BETTER PERSON

DR. COLDSMITH IS THE GREATEST IN THIS BOOK HE SHOWS US THE OTHER SIDE OF THE TRICKSTER THE CARING SIDE AS WELL AS THE HUMOROUS SIDE VERY ENJOYABLE READING WELL WORTH THE TIME AND MONEY DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND READ IT IT'LL MAKE YOU A BETTER PERSON

When I read this book, Simon Ortiz's voice came from the pages. Simon Ortiz writes like he speaks and his stories are rich and beautiful. As a student of his I have had the unique opportunity of hearing many of these stories orally, but they have not lost their beauty and depth being written down. If you like this book, check out Simon Ortiz's poetry. You won't be disappointed.

Last night I had a dream. It was about this unpublished book. I read it there and it was wonderfull

Mr. Simon J. Ortiz's work, "Men On The Moon", is a collection of three earlier groups of his short stories. The tales are not just of contemporary Native American life but also of their History, and specifically their History with the, "Mericano".

The History of Native Americans cannot be written without the experience of loss, displacement, internment, and racism to mention just a few. The Native Americans are one of the Genocides that this Country is responsible for, and even though we who made read this History took no part in the atrocities, we also are the only ones who can make amends. Those responsible, the dead, are not terribly productive.

These stories are not complaints nor are they a cry for pity. They are each brief statements of fact that no matter how tragic maintain a sense of hope. Justice, fairness, acknowledgement of the crimes committed against them are perhaps some of the redress they illustrate/seek.

The book is not grim; it is full of irony, sardonic moments, and even humor. The short story that is also the title for the book is wonderful. An elderly man muses about the first information he sees on viewing his first TV. A series of questions follow with answers from a younger family member. If NASA had to answer these questions as put forward by this wise old sage, the groping for answers would be amusing, and the space program would be doubtful. I don't believe the Author was actually questioning the merits of the space program, rather illustrating how easily things may happen despite failing the most basic of queries.

There are stories of heroic service for the United States during her wars, and too there is a story of one man that went to prison rather than serve. I mention these as I found this book very balanced. This is not one Native American's list of complaints, rather a reasoned and balanced view of their History and what that History has wrought.

The book is great reading that communicates its message in an informal conversational way consistent with Native American Culture. It loses nothing to the extent its format is not structured in the traditional manner of, "scholarly", History. Nonetheless this man is a wonderful writer, a poet, role model, and eloquent representative for his people.