Tending the Fire

School Library Journal

Gr 3-6Martinez (1887-1980) won worldwide respect, honors, and fame for her pottery, yet her heart always remained with the land, people, and heritage of her home at San Ildefonso Pueblo. She is best known for reviving the all-but-lost art of the Tewa people and for sparking renewed interest in the traditional art form. Here, her life is lovingly recounted by another potter in a narrative that, for the most part, flows quickly and pleasantly along. One chapter briefly jumps forward chronologically, which causes a tad bit of confusion. Along with the joyful and rewarding aspects of the artist's life, unpleasant ones, such as her husband's alcoholism, are mentioned but not dwelt upon. The book includes a map of the Pueblos of New Mexico, a chronological list of Martinez's honors, a list of museums that own her work, and an extensive bibliography. Black-and-white linoleum prints adorn the title page and the beginning of each chapter. A fine choice for libraries needing a biography of this important Native American artist.Darcy Schild, Schwegler Elementary School, Lawrence, KS