Book Review

Wonder and Delight Contained "Native American Stories"

Native American Stories
by Joseph Bruchac
Fulcrum Publishing | 145 pp | $17.95
ISBN 978-1-55591-094-5

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“The Earth is our Mother; the Sun is Our Father”

- Okanagan saying

Masterful Storytelling

Historically American Indians have long been storytellers. Prior to the written word, traditional stories were passed down from one generation to the next through oral storytelling.

Many of the stories borrowed the elements of nature to teach life's lessons to the listener. These lessons were passed down in classrooms, per se. They were passed down by elders and teachers within community.

In American Indian lore, it is man who seeks balance with nature. Whether battling the fierceness or voraciousness of the sun or dealing with craftiness of a coyote, it is man who must find the balance in order to survive.

These are the types of stories or myths that are in "Native American Stories" by Joseph Bruchac, an Abenaki, who has written over 70 books. Bruchac is an accomplished, masterful storyteller, brings order to 24 stories that are myths from various tribes from different parts of Indian Country.

Throughout "Native American Stories," the reader sees the balance between nature and humankind. Bruchac effectively presents the ability for humans and animals to communicate with each other.

Since its original publishing date in 1991, "Native American Stories" has retained its popularity among young and old alike. The stories in the book first appeared in "Keepers of the Earth: Native American Stories and Environmental Activities for Children" by Bruchac and Michael J. Caduto.

Throughout "Native American Stories," there are illustrations by John Kahionhes Fadden, Mohawk. The illustrations make the stories come alive.

N. Scott Momaday writes the foreward to "Native American Stories." He writes: "The primary objective of the story is the realization of wonder and delight."

Bruchac's masterful storytelling provides wonder and delight throughout "Native American Stories."

posted June 25, 2011 7:25 am et