We Are the Many : A Picture Book of American Indians

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Summary: Introducing the history and culture of American Indians
Review: From Tisquantum teaching the Pilgrims how to survive a harsh winter in the New World to Sherman Alexie writing a poem, "We Are the Many" presents young readers with the stories of sixteen American Indians. The mix is between those who have made their way into your standard American history textbook, such as guide Sacajawea and athlete Jim Thorpe, and new faces, such as the Seminole warrior Asiyahola and ballerina Maria Tallchief. It is clear that Doreen Rappaport and illustrators Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu and interested in expanding the notion of the American Indian held by young readers with the first two selections. They should recognize the story of Tisquantum, usually called Squanto in the history books, but then there is the story of Konwatsi'tsienni, the Mohawk woman who was known as Molly Brant as the wife of an English husband and who helped British soldiers and American loyalists during the American Revolution. That story should certainly open up the eyes of young readers. Each two-page spread presents a dramatic moment from that person's life intended to give the reader a sense of their incredible accomplishments. The artwork is based on historical research. For most of these people two names are provided, their Indian name and the new names given them by white people (e.g., Watha Huck and Jim Thorpe). This book is aimed at the 5-9 age group and should be a bit hit. The back of the volume includes a Pronunciation Guide and additional sources for further research. I just wish there were twice as many American Indians pictured in "We Are the Many," because by the time you finish this book you have to realize you are only beginning to explore such stories.