Children's Literature @ NYPL

Booktalking "Eagle Song" by Joseph Bruchac

Danny does not fit in New York City with his long hair and Mohawk ways. The other kids tease him about being different, calling him "Chief." Danny misses his reservation, but economics necessitated the move. Richard Bigtree, his father, visits his class and tells the kids about Native culture. This does not make much progress with the bullying kids.  His father wants him to make peace with his enemies.

Danny's mother works at the American Indian Community House. His friend there, Will, has joined a gang, which Danny really does not agree with. He misses the green trees and the community of the Akwesasne ("the place where the partridge drums") reservation.

Eagle Song by Joseph Bruchac, 1997

I loved learning about Native people from this book, and the Indian words interspersed in the text.