Inuit

Children's Literature

The different customs, history, legends, social structures, clothing, food, and current issues of the Inuit people is explained in clear, well-written text. The book is peppered with full-colored photographs, although it does have a couple of illustrations and a black and white photograph. These pictures complement the text wonderfully, and help young readers visualize what they are reading. There is also a map to help readers understand where "north of the treeline in the Artic Circle" is, and how Inuit people live in that cold area. Strudwick also tells about how the Inuit people have an influence on the rest of the world through their art of stone carving, musicians, and even a film completely done by the Inuit. The book, part of the "Indigenous Peoples" series, also includes a time line, "fascinating facts," further reading, web sites, glossary, and an index. 2004, Weigl Publishers, Ages 8 to 12.
—Joella Peterson

School Library Journal

Gr 3-5-These titles provide a wealth of information on traditionally underrepresented people in children's books. Each one discusses the history, social structure, language, culture, and current issues facing the indigenous group. Sidebars offer profiles of individuals and additional notes on customs, clothing, and more. The issue of nudity, mentioned specifically in two of the books (with an explanation that due to extremely hot temperatures not much clothing is worn and that the people are "not ashamed of nudity") is handled with care and respect, and the photographs are appropriate for young audiences. Each cover features a striking close-up of a child's face, and the well-designed pages provide a mixture of vivid color photographs, historical drawings, and eye-catching graphics.-Sue Morgan, Tom Kitayama Elementary School, Union City, CA Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.