Joseph, Bruchac. Eagle Song. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers, 1997.
Eagle Song, by Joseph Bruchac, deals with an adolescent Native American growing up in Brooklyn after recently moving there from Upstate New York. The main character, Danny, lives with his father, Richard, and his mother, Salli. Throughout the book, Danny struggles to build relationships at school as he feels different from everyone else.
Bruchac covers a host of sensitive issues within Eagle Song. Many of the situations that arise are ones that young readers will be able to relate to. For example, one of Danny’s friends joins a gang. Danny struggles with this issue as he realizes the volatile nature of gangs. Bruchac also brings up the idea of presentism: viewing the present as better than the past because of all the resources we have available today. In the book, Danny’s father comes into Danny’s class to share a Native American story. Before he shares his story, Danny’s teacher comments, “Because I want you all to know that Native American people are not just part of the past, I have invited our special guest to come to class today,” (Bruchac 41). This is an important concept to teach to children, as many Native American representations are historically presented.
The book Eagle Song would be an appropriate addition to elementary classrooms. It introduces a young Native American character in a contemporary light. In class, we discussed the importance of including books that show a variety of characters from diverse backgrounds. Bruchac’s book does this and more as it opens up a host of discussions that young students will be eager to talk about.
Eagle Song, by Joseph Bruchac, deals with an adolescent Native American growing up in Brooklyn after recently moving there from Upstate New York. The main character, Danny, lives with his father, Richard, and his mother, Salli. Throughout the book, Danny struggles to build relationships at school as he feels different from everyone else.
Bruchac covers a host of sensitive issues within Eagle Song. Many of the situations that arise are ones that young readers will be able to relate to. For example, one of Danny’s friends joins a gang. Danny struggles with this issue as he realizes the volatile nature of gangs. Bruchac also brings up the idea of presentism: viewing the present as better than the past because of all the resources we have available today. In the book, Danny’s father comes into Danny’s class to share a Native American story. Before he shares his story, Danny’s teacher comments, “Because I want you all to know that Native American people are not just part of the past, I have invited our special guest to come to class today,” (Bruchac 41). This is an important concept to teach to children, as many Native American representations are historically presented.
The book Eagle Song would be an appropriate addition to elementary classrooms. It introduces a young Native American character in a contemporary light. In class, we discussed the importance of including books that show a variety of characters from diverse backgrounds. Bruchac’s book does this and more as it opens up a host of discussions that young students will be eager to talk about.
No comments:
Post a Comment