Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1968052 in Books
• Published on: 2005-01
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: 1.16 pounds
• Binding: Hardcover
• 150 pages

From School Library Journal
Grade 5-8–After the clear success of their Encyclopedia of American Indian Contributions to the World (Facts On File, 2001), Keoke and Porterfield use a slightly different approach to bring similar content to younger readers. As one might expect, there is less depth and detail in this presentation of the various discoveries and accomplishments of peoples on the North and South American continents, presumably due to the younger focus. These volumes use a combination of topical and geographical organization, which results in some repetition. Each book contains 9 or 10 chapters on such topics as "Weapons and Armor," "Food Preservation and Storage," and "Writing," covering a number of tribes and a range of years. Sidebars and average-quality, black-and-white photos and reproductions appear throughout the volumes. It is unfortunate that the lists of cultural contributions (indexed by tribe, geographical area, and subject) included in the earlier title were omitted. The comprehensive chronology, additional maps, general glossary, and documentation found throughout the Encyclopedia have also been omitted. However, these titles provide excellent information that will counteract the stereotypes of Native Americans still found in some books. For younger students this series is a good choice, but middle grade students would benefit from the Encyclopedia as well.–Sean George, Memphis-Shelby County Public Library & Information Center, Memphis, TN
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From Booklist
Gr. 7-10. When Columbus landed in Hispaniola in 1492, there were more than 800 tribes and an estimated 100 million to 145 million people living in the Americas. The American Indian Contributions to the World series highlights the knowledge, accomplishments, and cultural practices of those groups. This title describes the extensive trade networks that existed throughout the Americas and the systems of roads and trails that facilitated travel. Sports, games, military tactics, and government are also covered in this volume. Black-and-white drawings, photos, and maps complement the detailed text, and boxed features offer interesting notes and explanations. Because contributions of Native Americans are often disregarded--or minimized--in social studies and history textbooks, the solid titles in this series make valuable, necessary reading for both teachers and students of American history. A glossary, a list of tribes, maps, and a reading list are appended. Karen Hutt
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved