What the Eagle Sees

Starred review from October 15, 2019
Grades 6-9 *Starred Review* In Turtle Island (2017), Yellowhorn and Lowinger detailed North American Indigenous history up to 1492; here they document the resistance and resilience of Native peoples from European contact to the present. Thematic chapters explore early Viking settlements, slavery (especially as practiced by the Spanish), the prevalence of confederacies allying Indigenous groups, participation in wars (particularly the WWII Navajo code talkers), the changes horses brought to Indigenous society, forced migrations and massacres, attempts to assimilate Indigenous peoples into white society, prohibitions of Indigenous cultural activities, contemporary efforts toward reconciliation, and recognition of traditional knowledge. The tone is informative without becoming accusatory; indeed the facts (many of which will be new to young readers) speak clearly on their own. The choice of narrative style, inclusion of examples from all parts of North America, and an emphasis on personal stories over court decisions all result in a work that is highly accessible (and of interest) to a wide audience. Colorful, captioned illustrations (a mix of contemporary photographs, maps, and period reproductions) appear on almost every page, and numerous sidebars highlight topics of special interest. Framed with a discussion of the eagle and its importance to many Indigenous groups, Yellowhorn (a member of the Piikani Nation) and Lowinger have crafted a worthy and important addition to the historical record.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)

Starred review from January 1, 2020

Gr 6 Up-This eclectic work of nonfiction shares several stories about the struggles and survival of Indigenous people across North America, primarily focusing on Canada and the United States. The text is told from an Indigenous perspective and highlights several different Nations and time periods, not necessarily in chronological order. Colorful maps, photos, and illustrations break up the text, making it easily readable. Sidebars give more information about time periods and ask readers to imagine themselves in the shoes of the Indigenous people. The authors clearly detail the harm that colonists and the government inflicted on Indigenous people throughout history to the present day. The scale of the loss of land, culture, and lives is made obvious throughout the text. A glossary of helpful terms, a list of selected sources, and a comprehensive index conclude the volume. This book is highly engaging and educational, though the organization of material (broken up by chapters such as "Slavery," "New Days," "Assimilation," and "Our Day Is Not Over" rather than time period or tribe) may prove challenging for readers hoping to use it for a school project. VERDICT Overall, the combination of modern and historical insight is extremely effective. A valuable resource for anyone seeking to learn more about Indigenous history and a vital purchase for all collections.-Kelsey Socha, Ventress Memorial Library, Marshfield, MA

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from September 1, 2019
The co-authors of Turtle Island: The Story of North America's First People (2017) team up again, this time addressing encounters between the Indigenous people of North America and European invaders. A standout overview of Indigenous struggles, this slim volume highlights the scope of influence Europeans had on this continent by going beyond the standard story of English Pilgrims to include the Vikings and Spanish. The book follows a series of nonconsecutive events that highlight the resistance strategies, coping mechanisms, and renewal efforts undertaken by Indigenous nations primarily in present-day Canada and the U.S. Visually engaging, with colorful maps, drawings, photos, and artwork, the book includes modern moments in Native culture as well as history based on archaeological findings. Young readers will be introduced to an Indigenous astronaut and anthropologist as well as musicians, social activists, Olympians, soldiers, healers, and artists. The chapter titled "Assimilation" is a fine introduction to Indigenous identity issues, covering forcible conversion, residential schools, coercive adoption, and government naming policies. By no means comprehensive in their approach, Yellowhorn (Piikani) and Lowinger have focused on pivotal events designed to educate readers about the diversity of colonized experiences in the Americas. Sections in each chapter labeled "Imagine" are especially powerful in helping young readers empathize with Indigenous loss. Essential. (author's note, glossary, selected sources, image credits, index) (Nonfiction. 10-13)

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