Sequoya: Native American Scholar

School Library Journal

Gr 2-4-These biographies cover the basics, but Sequoyah is the more successful of the two, perhaps because it is easier for young readers to grasp the importance of his alphabet and the "Talking Leaves" concept. The graphics are clearly captioned and include examples of writings in the alphabet as well as pictures of the man and his environment. While much of Tecumseh deals with his battles with the white man, it is clear he is defending his land and his people. In four chapters, readers are introduced to each man, learn some of the history of his particular Nation, are exposed to a few brief "Interesting Fact" sidebars, and are given a couple of full-page discussions on issues or people. However, some of the captions do not make clear that the picture is not specifically of the chief. For example, two are captioned "Tecumseh learned how to hunt deer" and "Tecumseh watched American troops destroy Indian villages." Young children are so literal and such captions send the wrong message, especially since students are taught to examine documents and illustrations. A check of the suggested Web site for links about the men results in "No resources are available for this title." Both books present a balanced look at our government's mistreatment of Native peoples. Full-color and black-and-white photos and reproductions help give some understanding of the period and specific events or documents.-Peg Glisson, Mendon Center Elementary School, Pittsford, NY Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.