Eagle Song
Author Joseph Bruchac Illustrator: Dan Andrease
Publisher Puffin 1998
This title fits these anti-bias criteria
Y
This book fits these categories
Y Y Y
Classification Chapter Book
Acceptable grade levels Elementary - 3rd and up
Concepts/ Topics covered in book:
Danny, a young native American boy, has moved to Brooklyn with his family. Called names and made fun of by the other children, because of his heritage, the lonely boy wishes he was back on the Mohawk reservation. His father, who works building skyscrapers, tells him a Mohawk fable about the Peacemaker and the Great League of Peace. Later the father visits Danny's class and explains the influence the Iroquois League of Nations had on the American consititution. The book provides an intimate glimpse into a closeknit family and their cultural beliefs and customs. Find discussion questions and activites related to this book at TeachPeaceNow.org.
.Guiding Questions/Activities
Before reading
Ask: Would you feel if you moved to a new place very different from you old home and people called you names and made fun of you?
After reading:
Were you surprised about the role of the Iroquis in American history?
Does it take courage to face an enemy and ask them to be your friend?
Why is Danny sad when his friend joins a gang?
About the Author
Joseph Bruchac is of Native American descent and has written numerous books for children and young adults.
Visit Joseph Bruchac's website at http://www.josephbruchac.com
Related reading;
Heart of a Chief by Joseph Bruchac
Through Indian Eyes by Beverly Slapin and Doris Steele
Related activities
Have students select a state on the US Mascot map and graph some of the data. Have students share their graphs.
Find a local school or tem that has an mascot that is disrespectful of native Ameicans and have students write letters to that group or to the local paper.