ISBN: 978-0-698-116-160
As children, members of the Lakota Sioux community are named according to their childhood traits. In this picture book, the title character is named "Slow" because he does everything slowly. As he grows, his slow-moving natures leads others to see him as a strong and determined boy. Still, he longs for the day he will earn a new name. He must wait until he has a vision or performs an act of courage. Only then will he be given a new adult name. One day, he accompanies his father and the other men of the tribe on a raid of the Crows. "Slow" charges ahead of the other men, protects them from injury, and leads the raid, gaining horses, food, and supplies to bring back to his people. This act earns him the name "Sitting Bull," and he will go on to become a legendary figure of Native American history.
Because this is an example of historical fiction based on a famous Native American hero, the description of the young Sitting Bull is powerful. The revelation of his adult name at the book's conclusion is a surprise, and places this book in the 1830s and 1840s. Readers will likely be caught off guard that such a noted figure was given such an ordinary, unexpected name as a child. The way in which Bruchac waited to reveal Sitting Bull's identity makes this story unique and not immediately pegged as a historical text. This can allow the reader to relate to the character, without knowing at first that the young boy is such a legendary figure.
Due to its historical nature, A Boy Called Slow does not attempt to represent modern Native Americans or a modern setting. The setting of the book does support and embrace diversity by portraying the familial traditions of an indigenous culture that may be unfamiliar to the audience. The tradition of giving a "child" name, and later replacing it with an adult name will be intriguing and different to many readers. By explaining this tradition in such a beautiful and straightforward text, Bruchac honors and shares a rich heritage on a wider scale.
The illustrations, paintings by Rocco Baviera, are deep and full of energy. They are culturally sensitive and beautiful representations of the Native American heritage. On one page, the illustrations resemble a cave painting, highlighting the ancient roots of the culture. The book's images are realistic and a perfect accompaniment to Joseph Bruchac's story.
The theme of A Boy Called Slow is identity and coming of age. As many children can understand, Slow is eager to grow up and prove himself, shedding his childhood nickname and feeling like a contributing, full member of the tribe. Until he proves himself with a grand action of bravery or an enlightening vision, Slow anxiously awaits his transition from childhood to maturity. This is a theme that transcends time, place, and culture, and will resonate with children and adults alike.
According to the publisher's information on the book jacket, "Bruchac is one of the foremost Native American storytellers in the United States" and has Abenaki heritage. His family background and his clear admiration for Native American history and culture demonstrate that he is a qualified person to write books about this cultural group. He has written many picture books and novels on the topic, including Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War II, which I will also be reviewing.
Publishers Weekly says A Boy Called Slow is "Satisfying for its attention to historical and multicultural issues; stirring in its consummate storytelling." This book is an important read for children of all backgrounds. For those of Native American descent, it portrays a strong figure to honor their heritage; for others, it serves as a valuable text to recognize an often-overlooked group.
As a lesson to relate after reading A Boy Called Slow, children could research Sitting Bull and compose an "I Am" poem from his point of view. This way, they would place themselves in his shoes and take on his perspective to consider aspects of identity and coming of age that serve as the book's central themes.
As children, members of the Lakota Sioux community are named according to their childhood traits. In this picture book, the title character is named "Slow" because he does everything slowly. As he grows, his slow-moving natures leads others to see him as a strong and determined boy. Still, he longs for the day he will earn a new name. He must wait until he has a vision or performs an act of courage. Only then will he be given a new adult name. One day, he accompanies his father and the other men of the tribe on a raid of the Crows. "Slow" charges ahead of the other men, protects them from injury, and leads the raid, gaining horses, food, and supplies to bring back to his people. This act earns him the name "Sitting Bull," and he will go on to become a legendary figure of Native American history.
Because this is an example of historical fiction based on a famous Native American hero, the description of the young Sitting Bull is powerful. The revelation of his adult name at the book's conclusion is a surprise, and places this book in the 1830s and 1840s. Readers will likely be caught off guard that such a noted figure was given such an ordinary, unexpected name as a child. The way in which Bruchac waited to reveal Sitting Bull's identity makes this story unique and not immediately pegged as a historical text. This can allow the reader to relate to the character, without knowing at first that the young boy is such a legendary figure.
Due to its historical nature, A Boy Called Slow does not attempt to represent modern Native Americans or a modern setting. The setting of the book does support and embrace diversity by portraying the familial traditions of an indigenous culture that may be unfamiliar to the audience. The tradition of giving a "child" name, and later replacing it with an adult name will be intriguing and different to many readers. By explaining this tradition in such a beautiful and straightforward text, Bruchac honors and shares a rich heritage on a wider scale.
The illustrations, paintings by Rocco Baviera, are deep and full of energy. They are culturally sensitive and beautiful representations of the Native American heritage. On one page, the illustrations resemble a cave painting, highlighting the ancient roots of the culture. The book's images are realistic and a perfect accompaniment to Joseph Bruchac's story.
The theme of A Boy Called Slow is identity and coming of age. As many children can understand, Slow is eager to grow up and prove himself, shedding his childhood nickname and feeling like a contributing, full member of the tribe. Until he proves himself with a grand action of bravery or an enlightening vision, Slow anxiously awaits his transition from childhood to maturity. This is a theme that transcends time, place, and culture, and will resonate with children and adults alike.
According to the publisher's information on the book jacket, "Bruchac is one of the foremost Native American storytellers in the United States" and has Abenaki heritage. His family background and his clear admiration for Native American history and culture demonstrate that he is a qualified person to write books about this cultural group. He has written many picture books and novels on the topic, including Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War II, which I will also be reviewing.
Publishers Weekly says A Boy Called Slow is "Satisfying for its attention to historical and multicultural issues; stirring in its consummate storytelling." This book is an important read for children of all backgrounds. For those of Native American descent, it portrays a strong figure to honor their heritage; for others, it serves as a valuable text to recognize an often-overlooked group.
As a lesson to relate after reading A Boy Called Slow, children could research Sitting Bull and compose an "I Am" poem from his point of view. This way, they would place themselves in his shoes and take on his perspective to consider aspects of identity and coming of age that serve as the book's central themes.
No comments:
Post a Comment