Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Book Review: Moccasin Trail


Last semester I took a children's literature class, and really enjoyed it.  One of the resources our professor gave us was a book review sheet to use for every book we read.  As I come across a book that I enjoy, I'll post my review of it, and hopefully it will be helpful for other teachers.


Author: Eloise Jarvis McGraw                                    
Publisher:  Penguin Books (Puffin Books)

Copyright date: 186      
number of pages: 247           
Literary Genre historical fiction

Age/age of reader 3/4th   
Newbery Honor award

Summary:
 Caucasian young man was taken in by the Crow tribe after being mauled by a bear.  Years later, he got a desperate letter from his blood brother, and went to help his family.  In the process, he had to learn to orient himself to the white culture.

My opinion of the bookI like.  Has use of magic, references to medicine dreams and other Indian beliefs.  Fairly portrays both cultural sides.

Element(s) of literature Characterization, plot, climax, climactic build

Theme/Life Lesson Learned in this book: One doesn't have to be separated to be independent.  Family matters, race doesn't.  Can't run from problems.

Thematic Unit Topics­­­  Indians, Oregon Trail, settling in Oregon, bears, hunting, trapping

Possible objections to this book: Some might feel that there is racism or sexism in the book, however, that is one of the primary focuses/lessons learned from the story.

No comments:

Post a Comment