Male Monday: CodeTalker

CodeTalker by Joseph Bruchac

Rating: 4.5/5

IQ "You cannot weave a rug before you set up the loom. So I will go back to the beginning, pound the posts in the ground, and build the fame. I will start where my own story of words and warriors begins." Ned pg.3

I officially love Jospeh Bruchac. This is only my 2nd novel of his, but I enjoy his writing and his topics so very much. His books shine a much-needed spotlight on Native Americans and their history.

The author takes us back to World War II and the role that Navajos played in that war. Navajos were used as codetalkers, since their language is so complex and the Japanese had never learned it. The U.S. needed to use the Navajo language because the Japanese had learned all their other codes. As the main character, Ned Begay, points out, I found it rather ironic that a people who had been forced by the U.S. to give up their language for their country, now needed to use this language to save their country. I loved reading about how the Navajos used the code and the excerpts of their codes in the Navajo language added a crucial part (I think) to the story. It was nice being able to actually see the codes and from the codes I saw (and from what was explained), the Navajo language is hard! True any language you've never learned is hard, but it's considered one of the hardest American Indian languages to learn and only Navajos are absolutely fluent, which is why only Navajos were trained to use the code.

Once again, Mr. Bruchac provides a very detailed look at soldier life. It was interesting comparing the life of a soldier in WWII to that of a soldier fighting in the Civil War. The racial issues are essentially the same, all the Native Americans, regardless of tribe and rank are called "Chief" as in March Toward The Thunder. I also liked how the book was about the U.S. efforts in fighting the Japanese. There are so many books about the war in Europe and I thought CodeTalker helped fill in a nice niche not only on Navajo culture and codetalkers, but on the U.S. vs. the Japanese battles. Mr. Bruchac really humanized the Japanese and gave many details on their life and military fighting style that I found very helpful (being a prisoner of war is considered disgraceful and cowardly to the Japanese, it is better to commit suicide or be killed in battle). Personally, I would have liked to read more about WWII experiences that the Navajos had. The books is a bit long, but each chapter is relatively short and I would have liked to read a little more details about the battles. The characters were pretty well-rounded and developed, but I would have liked to see a little more interaction of Ned with the other characters and really see them grow.

It made my blood boil when I learned that the Navajos were not recognized for their sacrifices. They had to keep their work as codetalkers top secret, in case it was needed again so no one (including their families) learned about what they did until the '60s. Also the Navajos (I think this may apply for all Native Americans actually) weren't allowed to use the G.I. Bill to build their homes on the reservations.

I highly recommend this book once again. I think it's essential that not only Navajos and other Native Americans read this book, but all Americans. We need to honor all our veterans and I don't think the Navajo codetalkers have received full recognition yet, their stories aren't being told in all classrooms throughout the U.S. Even if you don't love historical fiction, this book is a good intro into the U.S. struggles against the Japanese.

I leave you with this quote: "It is not just my story, but a story of our people and of the strength that we gain from holding on to our language, from being Dine'. I pray that none of you will ever go into battle as I did. I also pray that you will fight to keep our language, to hold on to it with the same warrior spirit that our Indian people showed in that war. Let our language keep you strong and you will never forget what it is to be Navajo. You will never forget what it means to walk in beauty." Ned pg. 214

ETA: Check out this link with some awesome videos done by the Navajo codetalkers about their role in WWII as well as another good review. Go here for both :) Thanks Jill O. for drawing my attention to this great review!

Sorceress

Sorceress by Celia Rees 2002

Rating: 4/5

IQ "On their own they [wampum beads] fall and scatter. Put them together, though, and you've got something else. Together they make up something big. Together they preserve the words. This is how I figure it: you, me, Mary, the people in her life, the folk Alison has found out about, Alison herself-we're like the beads on this belt. Look at us apart and you can't tell a lot. But put us together and then you can read the whole story." Aunt M pg. 310

Sorceress is the sequel to Witch Child by Celia Rees and I recommend that you read Witch Child first to really understand what's going on, I may review it later on (after I get through my mountainous tbr pile). Agnes Herne, also known as Karonhisake (Searching Sky) attends college in Boston. She reads a book about Mary Newbury (the main character of Witch Child, an orphaned girl who comes to America and lives with the Puritans. She is forced to flee her home when people begin to suspect she's a witch. Mary does not deny it) and believes she may be related to her, since it is thought that Mary lived with a Native American tribe for much of her life. Agnes is of Mohawk descent and her Aunt M has told her stories about an unnamed young woman who sounds a lot like Mary Newbury and Aunt M has a box containing personal artifacts that may have belonged to Mary.

I don't want to spoil the book too much for those who haven't read Witch Child yet. I really enjoyed Sorceress. Agnes is essentially 'possessed' by Mary Newbury. She sees events through Mary's eyes. Mary lives in the time leading up to King Phillip's War and after the war. King Philip was the English name for a powerful Wampanoag chief who was the leader of the Native Americans fighting against the English (read here for more information). Since I love history, I really liked reading a more personal perspective on King Philip's War. It was an appealing read, especially when I learned that not all Native Americans wanted to fight the English, even though the English were stealing their land. I also really enjoyed reading about the powers Mary and Agnes have. I don't know anything about shamans and I thought it added an intriguing element to the story.

I would have liked to see more character development of Agnes. I understand that this was Mary's story, but if that's the case I don't really think Agnes should be mentioned. Her part was interesting, but I didn't get to know her at all. All I know is that she's shy, a Mohawk and has medicine power. Same thing with all the other characters; Sim, Aunt M, Alison. The book is relatively a long read and it's not all that quick, there were some parts that weren't boring, but a bit slow to unravel. So adding more details about the characters would have lengthened the book a bit, but I think it's necessary, since I think the characters all have interesting stories. The ending was satisfying and I liked how it's written in a historical format called Background Notes, that includes interviews and diary accounts.

I didn't find any reviews that named Sorceress as a books that is disrespectful to Mohawk/native American culture. I think it did a pretty good job, especially because Aunt M rallies against white people who put precious Native American artifacts (like wampum belts) in museums and don't take care of them. The book provided good insight into why some Native Americans don't want their history and belongings being displayed in museums. It's clear Celia Rees did her research, even though she lives in England, she mentions in her Acknoweldgements that she visited America a few times and talked to Mohawks and historians of Iroquois tribes (the larger umbrella Mohawk falls under, there are six Iroquois nations). A good historical fiction read with an element of supernatural/fantasy. I especially recommend this book to fans of Witch Child, it's a good sequel. 8th grade and up.

Male Monday: March Toward The Thunder

March Toward The Thunder by Joseph Bruchac 2008

Rating: 5/5

IQ "Of course, I do not need it as a reminder of what war is about. I have seen too often that it is not conquering armies, but boys like yourself toiling in the rain and darkness with no thought of pride or glory or reward, their faces bathed in tears and their hands in blood." Clara Barton, pg. 279

"Get down!" Oh wait, hello 2009. *blinks and looks around*. You mean, it's not 1864 and I'm not fighting on the side of the Union in the Civil War? How odd. That is the effect March Toward The Thunder will have on you. I got so caught up in every single moment, I tore through the book at a rapid pace. I honestly, completely forgot that I don't live in 1864, I'm not a soldier and I'm not Abenaki or Irish. This book is also a good example of a book that is not very quotable but still wonderful.

March Toward The Thunder is the story of Private Louis Nolette. Lous is a fifteen year old Canadian Abenaki Union soldier. He joins the Fighting 69th which was known as the Irish Brigade. The Irish Brigade is legendary for their extraordinary courage. This book does a wonderful job of introducing readers to the Civil War. It's not chock-full of tedious facts, but instead full of riveting events concerning the effects the Civil War had on people, the battles, the daily life of a soldier and stereotypes. You will not get bored in reading this book.

I consider myself a pretty knowledgeable Civil War buff, but I learned so much I didn't know. It just goes to show you can ALWAYS learn more. I was attracted to this book because I realized that I'd never heard or learned anything about the roles Native Americans played in the Civil War (Black Angels was the first time I read anything about the role of Native Americans in the Civil, in which Betty Strong Foot is a double agent who doesn't care as to which side wins the war). I wanted to know whose side where they on? Why did they fight for the side they did? This book obviously can't speak to the reasons as to why every single Native American soldier fought, but I think it did a good job of explaining some of the motives.In the book, Louis joins the 69th Regiment because he believes that slavery is wrong, he wants respect from White Americans and he needs the money. I knew a little bit about the Irish Brigade's reputation, and it was an absolute delight reading about them. The regiment had a feeling of family and I could hear the lilting voice of Irish accents and see all these white boys sitting around a fire making fun of the lone Indian (whom they nicknamed 'Chief'), but all out of good-natured teasing. They all had great nicknames (Songbird, Joker, Bad Luck Bill, etc) and there was a real sense of family. They were also so brave and ferocious. The book offered an excellent portrait of how hard life was not as a soldier (little food, awful uniforms, terrible living conditions, etc). I learned about the types of soldiers everyone hated and envied (cavalrymen) and all the terms that the army uses.

Also, I loved how Louis either met the most famous people from the Civil War or was in the thick of many battles. He meets Abraham Lincoln, Clara Baron, General Ely S. Parker (the first Seneca, [well really the first and only high-ranking Native American], Union general AND chief of his people. Sadly, he's someone that is not taught about in history class). He fights in the battles of Cold Harbor, the Wilderness and is at The Crater.

The book also portrays how tough life was for Native American and African American soldiers. The Native American soldiers were either thought of as African American or made fun of sometimes in a light-hearted manner, sometimes in a mean-spirited manner. The incompetence of generals on both sides as well as their cruelty made me cringe. All the characters were three-dimensional. You could see everyone, hear them and sympathize with their plight. There were surprises that were very well concealed.

When I finished this book, I had a much greater appreciation for the sacrifices of all soldiers, especially those who fought in the Civil War. This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for the brave men and women who have fought and are currently fighting to protect America's wonderful people and freedom. I also had even more respect for Native American soldiers and Irish soldiers. As Louis said, "I may come out of this more Irish than Abenaki." I think I came out of this book, feeling more Irish AND Abenaki. I highly recommend this book, it's not too violent so it's a good start into the Civil War for younger, middle-school readers. However, it's also an excellent read for high school students because you can still learn about events and people you may not learn about in history class and you can use it later on (I certainly will be sharing my new-found knowledge since my U.S. History class is almost at the Civil War). A Must Read, even if you don't like historical fiction. Joseph Bruchac, you have a new fan. I can't wait to start CodeTalker!

Male Monday: Who Will Tell My Brother?

Who Will Tell My Brother? by Marlene Carvell 2002

Rating: 5/5 :)

IQ "I look into the mirror and into my soul and I know that my strength comes not from how I look, but how I feel, and how I feel determines who I am." Evan pg. 24

Another very quotable book, every line is poetic. Who Will Tell My Brother? is written in free-verse and I think it's the best way to tell the story. Evan Hill decides to carry on the fight that his older brother, Jacob, started. Jacob is two years older than Evan and when he attended Evan's high school, he fought to have the offensive Indian chief mascot changed. However, he didn't succeed. Now Evan picks up the fight.

Free-verse is the best way to tell the story because it clearly articulates why Evan is doing what he is doing, it showcases his emotions and presents a compelling read. The free-verse narrative showcases the intense feelings and effects of alienation, determination, humiliation and ignorance. You also learn a lot more about Evan as a person from the poetic lines. Poetry and free-verse are very deep and can help paint a picture as to what a person is like. We learn that Evan is an artist "as my artist brain takes over and my hand begins to move, seemingly uncontrolled, sketching methodically, but urgently, as though the image might melt away at any moment", half-Mohawk (on his father's side, I'm unsure as to the heritage of his mother), intelligent, articulate, brave, persevering and honest. Evan is a great character. He's human with acknowledged flaws, I grew increasingly angry at the compliance of the high school students to do nothing as well as at the people who mocked Evan, calling him "timber n-", "Injun" and other awful names. The story of Butch was quite upsetting too.

The intolerance, prejudices and stereotypes made me cringe. Yet I wasn't too surprised because something similar was occurring in Illinois (read more about it here) a few years ago. The book made me think and question myself: Do I simply accept Native American images no matter how offensive? Or do I question them? I do a little of both, I wanted the Illini mascot to change, but I've never really thought of asking the Atlanta Braves to change their name. However, I do think that we also need to ask ourselves: If someone was else was fighting this battle, would I be willing to help them and take a stand? Or would I work against them, or even worse, remain passive? I would help.

This story remains as a valuable lesson to today's society. It's not outdated in the slightest, there are so many schools and sports teams that still have offensive mascots (Washington Redskins, Atlanta Braves, etc). I walked away from this book with the knowledge that one teenager can make a difference. Even if the change doesn't result in an actual, 'physical' change, if you change even a few attitudes for the better, than you've succeeded. Who Will Tell My Brother? is fictional but based on the real experiences of Ms. Carvell's two sons while in high school. I strongly this book be read. High school and up.

Side Note: I've been having great luck lately with Male Monday books! Mostly 5/5 or 4/5 rating, I think I may end up liking books with guy protagonists a whole lot more than books with girl protagonists!

New Crayons

Yes I went to the library today! These books all look very promising. Unfortunately my library doesn't have Rain is Not My Indian Name by Cynthia Leitich Smith and Sweetgrass Basket was checked out.

Sacajawea by Joseph Bruchac

Young Sacajawea has been asked to join Lewis and Clark in their exploration of the American West. As a translator, peacemaker, caretaker, and guide, Sacajawea made the historic journey of Lewis and Clark possible. This captivating novel which alternates between the points of view of Sacajawea and William Clark provides an intimate glimpse into what it would have been like to witness firsthand this fascinating time in our history.

-I want to learn more about Sacajawea. It's classified on Amazon as 9-12 but it was in the YA section of my library, so I'm going to presume younger kids could read this. Joseph Bruchac is a very well-known writer of Abneki and Slovak heritage. Read an interview by Cynthia Leitich Smith here

Sorceress by Celia Rees

It came to Agnes unbidden: a vision of Mary Newbury, a young woman driven from her Puritan settlement, accused of being a witch. It is an image of a life about to change radically, as Mary defies all accepted norms — embracing independence, love, and loyalty to a Native American community that accepts her as one of their own. The two women’s lives are separated by almost four hundred years, but they are linked by more than blood. For, like Mary, Agnes has special powers — powers that Mary seeks to ensure that the rest of her story is told.

-This is the sequel to Witch Child, which I read and liked. I like Celia Rees and currently Pirates (one of my favorite and most loved books of all time) is my favorite book of hers (it's going to be reviewed here probably in the summer since I'd be re-reading it and it's older). I loved it. I've already started Sorceress and it's really good so far.

Code Talker: a Novel about the Navajo Marines of World War Two by Joseph Bruchac

The United States is at war, and sixteen-year-old Ned Begay wants to join the cause—especially when he hears that Navajos are being specifically recruited by the Marine Corps. So he claims he’s old enough to enlist, breezes his way through boot camp, and suddenly finds himself involved in a top-secret task, one that’s exclusively performed by Navajos. He has become a code talker. Now Ned must brave some of the heaviest fighting of the war, and with his native Navajo language as code, send crucial messages back and forth to aid in the conflict against Japan. His experiences in the Pacific—from Guadalcanal to Iwo Jima and beyond—will leave him forever changed.

-A male classmate of mine read this book and loved it. I kept meaning to read it but never got around to it. It's just what I need to read after I Am Apache, some good ol' historical fiction.

Who Will Tell my Brother? by Marlene Carvell

Evan is a typical high-school student who suffers the same worries and anxieties as his peers . . . and then some. Determined to sway high-school officials to remove disparaging Indian mascots, he assumes a struggle that spirals him onto a soul-searching journey and exposes him to a barrage of bullying, taunts, and escalating violence. Marlene Carvell’s striking first novel is a timely look at a true story of a mixed-race teen caught up in an exploration of his past, his culture, and his identity.

-Recommended read on readergirlz and I trust their judgement, so I'm eager to read this (and it reminded of me of the battle to have the Illini mascot removed, an Indian chief).

March Toward Thunder by Joseph Bruchac

Louis Nolette is a fifteen-year-old Abenaki Indian from Canada who is recruited to fight in the northern Irish Brigade in the war between the states. Even though he is too young, and not American or Irish, he finds the promise of good wages and the Union's fight to end slavery persuasive reasons to join up. But war is never what you expect, and as Louis fights his way through battle after battle, he encounters prejudice and acceptance, courage and cowardice, and strong and weak leadership in the most unexpected places.

-I'm super excited to read this since the Civil War is one of my favorite eras of history to read about and I know nothing about the history of Native Americans fighting in the Civil War (also we're starting the Civil War soon in history class so I need to be prepared!). I'm pretty sure I'm going to really like the work of Joseph Bruchac, I've read only good things about his books and they've been recommended to me many times (he has over 140 books published!).

I Am Apache

I Am Apache by Tanya Landman 2009

Rating: 1.5/5

IQ "It was as though I plunged into a mountain pool. I stopped resisting. With a deep, calming breath, I dived into the pain. I found its heart and I saw through it. And came to a place far beyond, where my body ceased to matter." pg. 79

I really like the metaphor used in the above quote to describe tolerating pain being like swimming. That's the only quote that jumped out at me. And unfortunately that's probably one of the few things I liked about the novel.

I didn't like I Am Apache very much. What I love about historical fiction is how it's entertaining while still educating you about a different time period. I'm convinced part of the reason I know so much history is from all the historical fiction reading I did as a child. I didn't get that in this book. I Am Apache is missing that crucial combination of entertainment and education. In fact it's missing both.

The author states in the historical note that "I've made no attempt to produce an accurate historical novel..I've tried to be authentic as far as period details goes, but at times I have had to stretch things in order to make the story work." While I appreciate the author's honesty, that's a problem. I was looking forward to learning about the Apache tribe, but Siki's (the main character) tribe is fictional (the Black Mountain Apache) as are all the names of places and characters. The character of Siki is very loosely based off of the woman who rode with Geronimo (I did reach this conclusion while reading). Also, to give the author credit, she used primary sources for period details and talked to Apache tribal historians (she even dedicated her book to the Apache people), but I don't want complete fiction in historical fiction, I also want some truth, some history (hence the name!). And honestly, some of the parts of the book just seemed like stereotypes. *SPOILER* (highlight the white space to read it) And I was highly annoyed that Siki turned out to not be Apache, but Mexican.
I wasn't a fan of any of the characters, but I was curious as to finding out the truth about Siki's family, that element kept me turning the pages (I also hoped the novel would get better). I didn't see Siki grow or any of the other characters (except a minor one at the very end). I'm also sure that the author's representation of the white Americans and Mexicans treatment of the Apaches is very true or closely represents the truth, it's disturbing and made me angry (actually, what the Americans and Mexicans did was probably a lot worse than what was detailed in the book). I think that the Native American tribes' culture is so beautiful and diverse, I was sorely disappointed that it was all fictional concerning the Apache.

For an excellent review of why I Am Apache should not be read go here (from Oyate, a Native American site that reviews books about Native Americans). The writers express the negative aspects of this novel much more eloquently than I can. This book left me wondering: Should I applaud the author for trying to write about a underrepresented culture? Or is it worse to write about a culture you know little about and get it wrong?

PS For some good recommendations of Native American literature check out my Native American Lit widget in my sidebar and check out Oyate and American Indians in Children's Literature for books to read and avoid. Also check out the comments on my Native American Heritage post.

Native American Heritage Month

This post is my 102 post! :D Unfortunately, I don't have the money to have another giveaway, but I will have one asap in honor of this exciting achievement (in my opinion since I wasn't sure I would even make it to this many posts).

Onto the business at hand

November is Native American Heritage Month or American Indian Heritage Month. Now of course, the goal of Reading in Color is to review books with Native Americans for YA all year round, but so far that hasn't been going too well. The only Native American book I've reviewed is The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie. I must do better and I will! November is the perfect time to help get me started.

Some good resources can be found at author Cynthia Leitich Smith's blog, Cynsations (I adore this blog. It always contains a plethora of information about the publishing world, authors, upcoming books, reviews and giveaways) and a post on her website. Another good sight is Professor Debbie Reese's blog and Oyate. Finally this is a great resource for Native American Heritage Month.

However, my library has very few books about Native Americans for young adults, so I'm definitely going to need to swap some books.

This is my current line up. A * means I don't own it and neither does my library so if you have a copy of the book you would be willing to share, please email me.

1. Rain is Not My Indian Name by Cynthia Leitich Smith (I love this title, the author and all her books so I need to read this!)*

2. Code Talker: A novel about the Navajo Marines of World War II by Joseph Bruchac

3. Bone Dance by Martha Brooks*

4. I Am Apache by Tanya Landman (although it sounds like Native Americans want this book to be avoided so I'm going to review it and explain why it should be avoided).

5. The Lesser Blessed by Richard Van Camp*

6. Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech-not recommended (Oyate)

7. The Talking Earth by Jean Craighead George-not recommended

8. Sweetgrass Basket by Marlene Carvell

9. Who Will Tell My Brother? by Marlene Carvell

10. Sorceress by Celia Rees

11. Spirit Line by David & Aimee Thurlo*

12. Walker of Time by Helen Hughes Vick*

All these books sound so great and I really want to be able to read them all!

Also, if you're Native American please email me or leave me a comment telling me if you prefer to be refereed to as Indians, Native Americans or American Indians (and if you could explain why that would be so helpful). Thanks.

Happy Reading and I hope to see more books with Native Americans being reviewed this month as well as all the other months!