Timothy P. McLaughlin

This is a great way to get children into learning about the cultural identity of the Lakota people. Each chapter is given context my the editor Timothy McLaughlin, and an illustration by S.D. Nelson is also there to give some connectivity to the material in each chapter, but the poetry, and writing, are all done by Lakota youth (middle school aged). Common themes include the love and respect for family and nature, and respect, which give the reader a sense of what being a Lakota youth is like today, but also helps to give young Native people a sense of identity, and connection. I want books like this in my library to help strengthen my students cultural awareness, and also to help empower them with the knowledge funds that are provided when learning about other cultures. Also, if I happen to have native students in my classroom, books like these will help them to feel comfortable with their identity, and also teach them that they and their culture is valued in my classroom. In general, I think reading poetry, and other writings written by other young people, can lend confidence, and provide a connection that is unique to their generation, and this is helpful when introducing children to writing.… (mehr)