Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Recommended Resources New interest - indigenous peoples of the Americas

DS7 has declared a new interest and I'm curious if anyone has recommendations for resources. He seems to be most interested in the cultural aspects - the art, how homes were built, traditions, migrations, food, etc.

For this type of thing he usually likes fact books and documentaries but I'm thinking he might also enjoy historical fiction so long as it isn't too intense.

They're covering this at school but of course he wants more.

The most interesting read ever about this topic for me was Guns. Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond - also Collapse, but that one isn't as focused on the differences In the development of American versus European-Asian societies. However, it's tough reading eve for a gifted 7 year old (not least because of how indigenous American were destroyed not primarily by war, but by disease and why they were more or less defenseless against either. Makes for rather disturbing reading) Though if you want to dive into it with him, you may want to read it yourself and then discuss whatever you feel is appropriate.

This was an interest of mine when I was young as well. One activity I really enjoyed was visiting museums that had exhibits related to the indigenous people. Is there anything like that in your area?

DK books, including
- First People
- Pochahontas
- Native American History
- online DK find out.

American Girl books, Kaya.

The Birchbark House, by Louse Erdrich- similar to the Little House series, but through Native American (a young girl's) perspective

The Light in the Forest, Conrad Richter- about a white boy rised by Native Americans

Code Talkers- my be too "old" for age 7, about Navaho people who used their native language for coded messages during WW2- great read, more modern take on Natvie American assimilation, loss of tradition, etc.

Cynthialeitichsmith.com has some good resources for children's and YA books and Native American authors

Two books that quickly came to mind were Caddie Woodlawn and Island of the Blue Dolphins. DS8 just read the latter and really liked it.

Just thought of another my kids loved- Julie of the Wolves, by Jean Craighead George. More about wilderness/survival/animals, but informed
with native traditions, language, clothes, spirituality. My kids are older, so it is getting hard for me to judge, but it might be a bit dense for 7; would probably be a good read-aloud, though.
I think there are several sequels, IIRC.

I was wondering the same thing

polarbear

ditto Julie of the Wolves. My 7 yo read it and enjoyed it.

Thanks everyone! We are in the PNW so there are many museums in the area.

I'll hit the library to browse the books. Plus it hit me that my mother in law was an anthropologist before becoming a stay at home mom neay forty years ago!

I think a weekend at his grandparents would be a good idea too.