Gr 3 UpThese 20 stories from a variety of North American nations are based on tales collected by the compiler on his travels across America and those published in collections earlier in this century. Riordan states that his renditions are a synthesis of these two versions, resulting in a more or less consistent style. Originally published in England, the book is illustrated in bright primary colors that reflect the wonder and magic in many of the stories. However, the paintings often resort to inaccurate, generic stereotypes, such as Chippewas wearing Plains people's eagle headdresses, Iroquois living in tipis, and Iroquois wampum belts decorating a Squamish story. Some of the terminology obviously comes from the romantic texts of the old collections that Riordan used as a resource. They have no linking theme and seem to have been randomly chosen. Despite his travels and good intentions, the compiler doesn't seem to have much of an understanding of the groups he writes about, not realizing, for example, that Chippewa and Ojibwa are the same people. A foreword by Mattaponi Shirley Little Dove adds little, especially since none of the stories here are from her people.Lisa Mitten, University of Pittsburgh, PA
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