Full Text Review(s)
[ The Chumash, The Wampanoag ]-"These titles look at Native American tribes from opposite sides of the continent-the Chumash of California and the Wampanoag of Massachusetts. Each book examines the tribe's history, social structure, culture, and current status. Organized into broad sections such as 'Origins, 'Lifeways,' and 'Beliefs,' the material may require students to do a bit of digging for their research needs; however, a thorough index helps them to navigate through the topics. A section titled 'Notable People' provides one- to three-paragraph profiles of several members of each tribe who have distinguished themselves in some way. While both books contain maps, drawings, and historical photographs, their most striking feature is the elegant full-color photography of the land and of the handmade objects created by each tribe."

[ The Mandan, The Tlingit ]-"These excellent titles tell the history of two distinct Native nations. The final chapters focus on the modern aspects of each group. Each volume offers two traditional stories, recipes, and language guides. Brief biographies of notable members of each nation are also included. Clear black-and-white archival photographs appear throughout, along with attractive full-color photos by the author and maps and reproductions. Some of the Web sites in Tlingit have moved and some are no longer available. First-rate choices for school or public libraries."

[ The Haida, The Huron ]-"These beautiful books present a well-rounded portrait of their respective tribes. The author is sympathetic to the historical events and current status of the people. Each volume includes origins, life practices, beliefs, changes, contemporary concerns, and lists of notable people (historical and current). The illustrations, which make much visual information available, are both photos of modern locations and people and drawings of past circumstances. Tribal artwork is shown and stories told; both are credited. There are also recipes. These books are informationally comparable to Charlotte and David Yue's books, with an added advantage of photographs."

[ The Apache, The Cheyenne ]-"In clear, respectful, and culturally neutral language, Bial introduces the history, culture, and social traditions of the Apache and Cheyenne. Both books open with a folk story relating the origin of the people, and a description of the geography and historical background set the scene. Other chapters discuss economic and social aspects of the people's lives, such as food, clothing, and arts and crafts; ceremonies and rites generally practiced by the Indian nation; language, including a pronunciation guide and a list of common words; and contemporary issues encountered by each group. Crisp, clear photos in full color and black and white, some taken by the author and some archival, as well as original art, appear on almost every other page. The books conclude with a time line, brief biographies of some of the notable representatives of the culture, and a list of organizations and Web sites. The boldface type in the index refers readers to one of the splendid illustrations, although this feature is not explained anywhere. Both books appear to be well researched, and the texts are clear and comprehensible. Quotes are attributed but are not footnoted. There is no dearth of titles on the various Indian nations for this age group. It's the comprehensive content, the attractive presentation, and the varied and well-chosen illustrations that make these books worthy of consideration."

[ The Apache, The Cheyenne, The Haida, The Huron ]-"Each title offers a thorough historical overview of a Native American tribe and discusses its people's modern-day struggles. Featuring reproductions of contemporary and historical photographs and artwork that reflects the individual tribes' unique traditions, these editions are both history lessons and art books. Each title includes a recipe, time line, brief language lesson, and annotated list of notable people of the profiled nation."