Stories about life in modern Taiwan, each centered on one of six children in the same class, and each intended to convey information about the culture as well as to make a moral point. Wu's first book also provides background on Taiwan in an introduction, and explanatory notes about the stories. The writing is flat, the characters interchangeable, and the setting nearly featureless, despite laundry lists of description intended to make it distinct. Despite the inherent drama of pigeon- racing, a funeral, and the contest mentioned in the title, readers will find the stories dull and didactic; instead, let them dig up a good collection of Taiwanese or Chinese folktales, accompanied by sturdy nonfiction on the region. (b&w illustrations, not seen, glossary) (Fiction. 8-12)
Pub Date: March 1, 1996
ISBN: 1-55591-243-5
Page Count: 55
Publisher: Fulcrum
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 1996
A nuts-and-bolts look at a revered, fun celebration. ``Check out a powwow sometime,'' the author advises in this installment of the We Are Still Here series, ``There are thousands of these celebrations throughout the country every year. You'll love it, too!'' From the initial setting up of camp to the final dance contest, the powwow of Braine's book emphasizes Northern Plains dancing, drumming, and costumes, and combines features of a county fair, rodeo, dance festival, family reunion, and celebration of Indian heritage. Full-color photos show the camp, food vendors, attendees, dancers, and drummers. She also describes a ``giveaway'' ceremony in which gifts are given in honor of a family member. Similar to Robert Crum's Eagle Drum (1994), which has a more lyrical narration, Braine's provides a brief glossary and further reading. (Picture book/nonfiction. 8-12)
Pub Date: June 16, 1995
ISBN: 0-8225-2656-5
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Lerner
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 1995
A glimpse of life in central Mexico is offered through the embroidery of women of the area; their landscapes and portraits of daily life, past and present, are charming. The needlework has a folk-art vibrancy, and evokes an age, not so long ago, when Lake P†tzcuaro was free of pollution and a source for many kinds of fish. It was a comfortable life, little-changed for hundreds of years. Some scenes show celebrations, while others have more humble subjects: women making tamales, a fisherman and his net. Although it's presented in picture-book format, the text is dense and more accessible to older children; it describes the people and their town in detail, and reflects an anger that a way of life has been spoiled. An unusual cultural record. (Picture book/nonfiction. 9-12)
Pub Date: April 1, 1996
ISBN: 0-8050-3800-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Henry Holt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 1996
BOOK REVIEW
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