LITTLE YOU written by Richard Van Camp and Illustrated by Julie Flett

Review by Christi De Leon

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Van Camp, Richard. Little You. Ill. by Julie Flett. Canada: Orca Book Publishers, 2013. ISBN 1459802489

PLOT SUMMARY

This board book celebrates the joy that a child brings into the world. Through the changing of the seasons, the child in the story begins to grow up, transitioning from an infant to a toddler.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Little You is a perfect example of “less is more.” The beginning of the wonderful journey of parenthood is a huge event, yet it is captured seamlessly with poetic text that is short and simple. The book encompasses many of the initial feelings of being new parents. It is also likely to keep the attention of young ones, since it is written so simply and includes rhyming. As soothing as a lullaby, it is also great for infants to listen to. There are cultural aspects to the story, including the portrayal of Native characters as the contemporary family in the story. Author Richard Van Camp is a member of the Dogrib nation, and Illustrator Julie Flett is of Cree-Métis heritage. The words and artwork together, filled with authenticity, deliver a message that has the potential to bring meaning to families of any background.

The illustrations accompany the text in a lovely way, giving the book a warm, cozy feel. The illustrations consist of pencil, watercolor, gouache, and digital collage. The turn of every page portrays a child in various settings, including home and nature. Sometimes the parents are shown bonding with the child, showing their commitment and love. There are many noticeable aspects of the illustrations. For instance, evidence of sunlight or moonlight is shown on nearly every page. A deep connection with nature also seems to be apparent. Plant life includes flowers and trees throughout the story. Types of insects, birds, fish and pets are also included. The child is often interacting with them. Lastly, the clothing consistently shows various patterns, usually made of shapes. Perhaps these are all subtle indications of the family’s culture.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

From School Library Journal: "This tender celebration of babies features gentle rhymes and warm, understated illustrations...The art has the look of cut paper, with distinct lines and pleasingly curved shapes...Eschewing the overt cuteness often seen in board books, the artist captures the toddler’s joy in subtle, but tangible images...The family feels real and specific, and the message...will resonate with all readers."

From Booklist: "Both the language and artwork is sophisticated in this board book that welcomes a new child into the world and explains how important he or she is to their parents...There is a smoothness and softness to both the message and the rhythm of the text, to which little ones will respond...The collage-style art featuring an Asian family has a warm elegance that parents will enjoy and whimsical touches that will appeal to children."

CONNECTIONS

Gather other Richard Van Camp books to read such as:

Welcome Song for Baby: A Lullaby for Newborns. ISBN 1551436612

We Sang You Home. Ill. by Julia Flett. ISBN 145981178X

Gather other board books illustrated by Julie Flett to read such as:

Smith, Monique Gray. My Heart Fills with Happiness. Ill. by Julie Flett  ISBN 1459809572

Possible activities:

Discuss the aspects of the illustrations on each page.

Find the rhyming words throughout the book.

CROSSING BOK CHITTO: A CHOCTAW TALE OF FRIENDSHIP AND FREEDOM written by Tim Tingle and illustrated by Jeanne Rorex Bridges

Review by Christi De Leon

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Tingle, Tim. Crossing Bok Chitto: A Choctaw Tale of Friendship & Freedom. Ill. by Jeanne Rorex Bridges. El Paso: Cinco Puntos Press, 2006. ISBN 1933693207

PLOT SUMMARY

In this tale, a Mississippi Choctaw girl named Martha Tom wanders across the Bok Chitto River into the land of plantation owners and slaves. She ends up becoming friends with a slave boy named Little Mo and his family. After finding out that the boy’s mother is going to be sold, Martha Tom helps the family find freedom through the Choctaw’s secret path to get across the river.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This impactful picture book tells of the intertwining of cultures, set in Mississippi in the 1800’s. A bond is quickly formed between a Native American and an African American. In the end, this friendship has a way of unifying the cultures through faith, bravery, and freedom. This concept is especially ideal for reflection and further discussions. The writing contains rhythmic text, making it great for reading aloud. “You move not too fast, not too slow, eyes to the ground, away you go!” Written by a Choctaw storyteller and illustrated by a Cherokee artist, this book is filled with authenticity including characters that are individualized. For instance, the Choctaw language can be found as part of the wedding ceremony and also as Martha sings the song from the slave church.

The illustrations complement the text in this celebration of cultures reaching out to one another. The paintings in this story are done with acrylics, and scenes are displayed in a powerful, dramatic way. A particular example of this is the illustration of the seven slaves appearing to be walking on water. In this scene, the atmosphere around them is dark, yet the white clothing of the Choctaws and the light of the moon offer a glimpse of hope. Many other illustrations throughout the story are large, adding to the story’s effectiveness as a read aloud. Following the story, there is information provided about Choctaws today. There is also a note on Choctaw Storytelling, which includes insight into how Tim Tingle’s Crossing Bok Chitto was created as a tribute to the Choctaws.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

ALA Notable Children’s Book

Jane Addams Honor Book

From Booklist: "In a picture book that highlights rarely discussed intersections between Native Americans in the South and African Americans in bondage, a noted Choctaw storyteller and Cherokee artist join forces with stirring result…the story [has a] powerful impact on young readers."

From School Library Journal: "Tingle is a performing storyteller, and his text has the rhythm and grace of that oral tradition. It will be easily and effectively read aloud. The paintings are dark and solemn, and the artist has done a wonderful job of depicting all of the characters as individuals, with many of them looking out of the page right at readers.”

CONNECTIONS

Gather other Jane Addams Honor books to read such as:

Grifalconi, Ann. The Village That Vanished. Ill. by Kadir Nelson. ISBN 0803726236

Gather other Tim Tingle books to read such as:

House of Purple Cedar. ISBN 1935955241

How I Became a Ghost: A Choctaw Trail of Tears Story. ISBN 1937054551

Possible activities:

Seek additional resources about the Choctaw culture and storytelling to learn more.

Compare and contrast the experiences of African American slaves with those of Native Americans during this time in history.

CODE TALKER: A NOVEL ABOUT THE NAVAJO MARINES OF WORLD WAR TWO by Joseph Bruchac

Review by Christi De Leon

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bruchac, Joseph. Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two. New York: Dial Books, 2005. ISBN 0142405965

PLOT SUMMARY

This fictional novel tells the story of a Native American named Ned Begay, from his perspective as a Navajo grandfather speaking to his grandchildren about his experiences. The book begins telling about the time he spent in boarding school, learning the English language. Next, he describes how he ended up becoming a Marine code talker in World War II among many others, in which they utilized their native language to give commands in secret code. Including battles, he continues on with insight into his travels to Hawaii, Gaudalcanal, Bougainville, Guam, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Although this book is historical fiction, it seems very real. It conveys American history in a manner far different from a textbook, providing a realistic and meaningful perspective. This book is a great read for anyone. It is well-written, interesting, and educational. In particular, boys will likely be drawn to the action-packed experiences on the battlefield. An intriguing aspect of the story is how it is told from a grandfather’s perspective, sharing his experiences of being a code talker in World War II. The concept of him sharing these memories is valuable, and shows just how meaningful it is to know one’s heritage. The book also highlights the significance of friendships, family, and a deep respect for Native American heritage.

With a focus on culture, this book gives authentic insight into the lives of Navajos and Native Americans, especially their important involvement in the war. The main character describes how many of the obstacles in his past and the Navajo way of life prepared him to exhibit qualities that were helpful as a Marine. For instance, he was able to hike for a long time more easily than most, and was efficient with getting water from prickly pear cactus at a time when the water supply was limited. The Navajo language is intermixed and many Navajo traditions are accurately depicted. This novel is proven to be thoroughly researched by the Author’s Note and Selected Bibliography that is included at the end.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

An ALA Best Book for Young Adults

From School Library Journal: "Bruchac's gentle prose presents a clear historical picture of young men in wartime, island hopping across the Pacific, waging war in the hells of Guadalcanal, Bougainville, and Iwo Jima. Nonsensational and accurate, Bruchac's tale is quietly inspiring..."

From Booklist: "Readers who choose the book for the attraction of Navajo code talking and the heat of battle will come away with more than they ever expected to find."

CONNECTIONS

Gather other Joseph Bruchac books to read such as:

Killer of Enemies. ISBN 1620141434

Hidden Roots. ISBN 0557711681

Gather other books about the Navajo code talkers such as:

Durrett, Deanne. Unsung Heroes of World War II: The Story of the Navajo Code Talkers. ISBN 0803224567

Possible activities:

Tie in geography by using a map or globe to locate all the places Ned traveled to during his time as a code talker.

Read a picture book about the Navajo code talkers and make connections between the two books.