SERIES MADE SIMPLE

Traditional Stories of the California Nations

by Anita Yasuda
9781532111716. ea vol: 48p. (Native American Oral Histories). further reading. glossary. index. maps. photos. websites. ABDO. Aug. 2017. lib. ed. $32.79.
COPY ISBN
Gr 3–6—These volumes, organized by region, introduce various traditional stories belonging to a number of American Indian nations. Oral traditions are presented as a way for people to communicate and preserve their history. Common threads throughout the books include creation stories and the anthropomorphizing of animals in an effort to explain the world. Each title contains three stories that are summarized at the end. Geographical and historical information is also included. Rather than standard retellings or more complex historical analysis, the series focuses on how traditional tales demonstrate cultural values. The text is enhanced by bright stock photographs. The prose is direct and easy to understand, if not necessarily inspiring. Each title lists a "content consultant."
VERDICT Those seeking in-depth information would do better to look elsewhere.
Each book provides information about the Native American tribes of the region, retells several traditional stories, and quotes contemporary Native storytellers discussing the tradition. Color photos and maps break up the accessible texts; researchers may find the writing prompts and links in this Common Core focused series distracting. There are four other fall 2017 books in this series. Reading list. Glos., ind.
Reviewed by Staff , Jun 01, 2018

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