The First Americans
Would you use a buffalo bladder as a canteen or wear a coat made out of seal
skin? Native Americans cleverly used everything in their environment in order
to survive. They created games, recipes, tools, and homes based on their
surroundings. A word search review game is included.
The First
Americans, written by Kelly Bakshi, is the story of how early Native Americans
crossed the Bering Strait from Asia to Alaska by foot when it was frozen solid, thousands of years ago. This creative
non-fiction book will draw the interest of children, as they will be able to
identify with the children of different regions so long ago. They’ll find themselves walking into the far
north where they will meet Ahna from the Inuit Tribe. They’ll find out about
her igloo, how it was built, and how Ahna lives and survives the elements.
Traveling on
to the North West coast of the United States further south, children will meet
Malid of the Kwakuitl Tribe. He will
tell them how he honors the Earth, finds his food, and what creative things his
tribe does with the trees.
As their
trip continues to the Southwest where it is a warm dry climate they will say
hello to Catori of the Hopi Tribe. Catori’s
people live in a very unusual building made of clay with no doors. Children will delight in the way one must
enter their home.
Further
East, Hinto of the Dakota Tribe will peak their interest when he explains how
his life revolves around, where the buffalo roam. Hinto lives in a portable house made of many
animal skins.
The famous
Hiawatha from the Iroquois Tribe in the Eastern Woodlands will tell children of
her many accomplishments. Hiawatha’s
people live in large strange looking houses, and the tribes of her people give
much power to woman.
Moving on to
the Southwest they meet Quigaltanqui of the Natchez Tribe. This child of early times lives in a warm
mild climate. Children will learn how
this tribe’s class of people is ever changing.
These Native
Americans worked hard, and they played hard.
This book lends education to games they played, and what they did to
survive and eat well. The First Americans
book explains about storytelling, crafts, activities of these early Native
Americans, as well as much detail to their traditions, and survival.
The
time line for when the first Americans crossed the Bering Strait is of
great controversy among those who study the subject, but no matter what
the time span; whether it be 30,000 or 15,000 years ago, I think this
would be a book valued by any parent, teacher, librarian, and certainly I feel
this is a book children will not only enjoy, but also, remember and value.
The pictures in The First Americans book for
children are brilliant, expressive, and quite informative. I enjoyed
this book, and give it five stars ***** for educational
content, drawings, and photos.
This review was written by Susan
Hornbach, author of children’s literature.
THE FIRST AMERICANS by Kelly Bakshi
If you would
like to purchase this book, click the link below:
http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/first-americans.htm Look for it in the Academic Wings section
About the author:
Kelly Bakshi is a Social Studies teacher and a
writer. She is also the author of Myth-Busting
Columbus. She holds a BA in Political Science
and History from Rutgers and a MS in Secondary
Education from Mercy College. Kelly loves living
in New York City with her husband and son.
Visit with her at www.kellybakshi.com
