The illustrations in this book are absolutely stunning. I am not surprised to learn that the writer/illustrator has art exhibits across America. This book is a bit dry to read, so it might be difficult for students to get through, but it contains great information. I would say it would be a good history lesson for 4th graders. I would definitely use this in my classroom to help remind my students of America's often forgotten history.

Iroquois folklore about the evil Chief Atotarho who wanted to kill Chief Hiawatha. Chief Atotarho orders a lot of people killed. Hiawatha eventually saves the Iroquois by drawing the evil out of Chief Atotarho. ( )

It is a story about the history of some native Americans, and the story is full of the Native American life style and culture.

My eight year old really enjoyed this, which I read to her at bed time (one chapter at a time). We both loved the illustrations, and really rooted for the hero. I found it difficult to pronounce many of the names, which made reading it out loud tricky, but it was well worth it. ( )

A beautifully written story of the origins of the Iroquois Five Nations Confederacy, told in such compelling simple language, yet filled with breathtaking images. The reader can't help but feel the depths of evil and depravity in the old chief Atotarho "His orange eyes could pierce a man's soul." And the refreshing honesty and goodness of Hiawatha, "He wore fine, fur-lined robes, a deer-hide shirt, leggings and moccasins. All were fashioned and decorated by his beloved daughters." The pain and suffering experienced by all the Iroquois through Atotarho's constant warmongering is vividly portrayed and then the culmination of working together against a common problem brings a satisfying conclusion. Lovely. ( )