The Powhatan Indians

Children's Literature - Judy Silverman

McDaniel talks about the Native American empire of what are now the states of Virginia and Maryland. The book is beautifully detailed, with contemporary drawings and paintings as well as photographs of artifacts, and maps. There is a chronology, an index, and a complete glossary of unfamiliar words. It's part of Chelsea House's "Junior Library of American Indians," aimed at Maryland's fourth grade curriculum. But it's fascinating for all ages.

School Library Journal

Gr 5-8-The Powhatan Indians of the Virginia tidewater areas were a powerful confederacy of about 30 tribes at the time of the arrival of the first Europeans near the end of the 16th century. Despite the loss of their languages and religions, the post-Civil War years saw the remaining Powhatan peoplesprimarily Pamunkeyscling to their status and culture. McDaniel does a fine job of relating the Pamunkeys' history and their struggle to maintain their identity despite intermarriage with other races and continual encroachments on their remaining land. Good-quality black-and-white photographs and reproductions appear throughout, and there is a section of full-color photographs of Pamunkey pottery. A solid choice. Lisa Mitten, University of Pittsburgh, PA