Many Nations: An Alphabet of Native America

Many Nationas: An Alphabet of Native America by Joseph Bruchac and illustrated by Robert F. Goetzl has a single sentence for each letter of the alphabet accompanied by the style of illustration and background shown on the front cover. Some illustrations, such as the one for B, "Blackfeet riders following buffalo herds", span a two-page spread. However, the majority have a letter on each single page. Many of the letters selected are for the names of tribes, which provides readers with a glimpse into the rich, diverse history. However, a small portion of the alphabet does not feature tribes, but rather other important aspects, such as animals. The V is "Visions of the future held in each child's eye," and the X is "X marking the four directions from which we all come." 

The final page in the book contains an author's note in which he describes his purpose was indeed to "help children recognize the diversity of Native Americans." He discussed the difference between the number of tribes prior to Columbus compared to the number of tribes that most readers are familiar with. He also wanted to demonstrate common threads, such as the "respect for the natural world." The author continues to provide a little bit of background for some of the illustrations; however, he concludes that the book was only able to portray "a handful of the hundreds of surviving nations of Native America." He then expresses that he hopes the book will prompt readers to "respect and learn more about the many original nations of our land." 

As a reader, I did notice that it has captivating pictures along with short text that provides glimpses into the range of information that readers can consider and discover about Native American tribes. This alphabet book could be used in various grade levels. While many might often consider it for the lower grades because of the limited text, I can also see it as being effective as a read aloud at the start of a unit for older grades, allowing them to consider how they can expand what they already know about Native Americans. The illustrations aid in being able to capture a wide audience. 

Bruchac has written many books related to Native Americans, so teachers would be able to create text sets or an author study considering the age range. For example, for older readers, the text set could include some of his picture books, such as this one that would still have illustrations appealing to older readers along with some of his novels, while a text set for younger readers could feature his picture books. I have wanted to read his, Code Talkers: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two for a long time.