The story itself is outstanding, and the art by Robert Hynes is gorgeous.
At the Tilbury website is a comment by Joseph Bruchac: ". . . one of my favorite books for young readers, not just for the beautiful illustrations which avoid stereotypes while portraying northeast Native reality, but for its poetic, memorable text. No children's writer I know has done a better job of putting our traditions into the context of modern times while also dealing with the issue of mixed-blood ancestry in a way that is both honest and heart-lifting."
Muskrat is one of my favorite books, too. There is a lot to say about the story and why it is such an outstanding book. Set in the present day, a realistic story, accurate portrayal of a Native family, significant role of a grandparent, Native traditional story...
I'd love to hear Cheryl read Muskrat Will Be Swimming. She is giving a reading on September 13th at 3:00 in Concord, New Hampshire at the Sculpture Garden.
1 comment:
Oh, I'm so glad you wrote again about Muskrat Will Be Swimming. It's a wonderful book that my students responded to appreciatively when I taught fifth and sixth grade. Now that I'm teaching second grade, it's the next book I'm reading (after our class intern read another favorite today, Fox Song by Joseph Bruchac). I'm hoping that my second graders love this book as much as I do.
I am so excited to learn what connections my students will make with this thoughtful and thought-provoking story.
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