TOTEM POLE

by Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 15, 1990

Vivid color photos illustrate David's account of how his father carved a 40-foot totem pole for the Northwest Coast Klallam tribe. David's mother is Anglo, but his father, a carver, belongs to the Tsimshian tribe; David--who is shown wearing Indian regalia, helping with the totem ceremony, and dancing Indian fashion--takes great pride in his Indian heritage and realizes the importance of carrying on traditions and crafts. Though the old ways are mentioned, the theme here is the continuity of custom and how the old merges with the new: carvers used to chant to keep strokes even; David's dad listens to rock-and-roll. While getting a good introduction to the history and culture of these Native Americans, young readers should also enjoy the lively symbolic animals, shown not only in the photos of carvings and costumes but in the decorative b&w chapter headings. Glossary; brief index.

Pub Date: April 15, 1990

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Holiday House

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 1990

Categories: CHILDREN'S