Books in Native American Heroes series

On a moonlit night in the spring of 1862, six slaves stole one of the Confederacy's most crucial gunships from its wharf in the South Carolina port of Charleston, and delivered it to the Federal Navy. This audacious and intricately coordinated escape, masterminded by a 24-year-old sailor named Robert Smalls, astonished the world and exploded the Confederate claim that Southern slaves did not crave freedom or have the ability to take decisive action.

The myths and legends of the Algonquins, Iroquois, Pawnees, Sioux, and northern and northwestern Indians offer rich insights into the character and beliefs of the tribes that once dominated extensive territories of North America. The distinguished British anthropologist and folklorist Lewis Spence has collected many of the most interesting and compelling of these myths and presented them here according to ethnic grouping, prefacing the collection with important historical and ethnological information that will give the reader an accurate view of the conditions under which these fascinating tribal cultures once flourished.The myths range in theme from steadfast love to rivalry between warriors to victory over powerful forces, and in their unfolding lie powerful images of the innermost fears and aspirations that motivated the behavior of Algonquin, Iroquois, Pawnees, Sioux, and northwestern Indians alike. Lewis Spence relates each tale in a simple, direct way that will appeal to children as well as to adults. The book includes photographs and drawings that depict various tribes in their typical costumes and dwellings. It contains as well a map of the geographical areas where primary language families were spoken.This fascinating book, a major forerunner of modern studies of myth, combines an appealing presentation of Indian legend with factual and illustrative material that gives each myth meaningful perspective. Students of anthropology and ethnology will enjoy the especially rich variety of mythical imagery in this generous collection, and general readers in search of a good story for themselves and for their children will find in these pages a treasury of suspenseful tales that reveal much of the spirit of North America’s original cultures.

Informative, easy-to read text and oversized photographs draw in readers as they learn about the Iroquois. Traditional ways of life, including social structure, homes, food, art, clothing, and more are covered. A map highlights the tribes homeland, while fun facts and a timeline with photos help break up the text. Also discussed is contact with Europeans and American settlers, as well as how the people keep their culture alive today. The book closes with a quote from a tribe leader. Readers are left with a deeper understanding of the Iroquois people. Table of contents, glossary, and index included. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Big Buddy Books is an imprint of Abdo Publishing.

Easy-to-read text and colorful illustrations and photos teach readers about Chickasaw history, traditions, and modern life. This book describes society and family structure, hunting, fishing, and gathering methods, and ceremonies and rituals. Readers will learn about Chickasaw homes, clothing, and crafts such as baskets, mats, and pottery. A traditional myth is included, as is a description of famous Chickasaw leader Tishomingo. Wars, weapons, and contact with Europeans are discussed. Topics including European influence, assimilation, land rights, the formation of reservations, and federal recognition are also addressed. In addition, modern Chickasaw culture and still-celebrated traditions are described. Chickasaw homelands are illustrated with a detailed map of the United States. Bold glossary terms and an index accompany engaging text. This book is written and illustrated by Native Americans, providing authentic perspectives of the Chickasaw.