BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bruchac, Joseph. 2002. Seasons of the circle: a Native American year. Ill. by Robert F. Goetzl. New York: BridgeWater Books. ISBN 0816774676

PLOT SUMMARY

Joseph Bruchac shares with readers time-honored traditions of several Native American tribes, beginning in January, when “Maliseet hunters follow the tracks of the moose through crusted snow” and ending in December, when “a Lakota elder tells stories of when earth was young.” In an author’s note at the beginning of the book, Bruchac details the importance of the circle, the seasons, and the traditions that the included tribes follow each year. Also included is a pronunciation guide and more detailed explanations of the customs and their importance to the tribes. Readers will also find a map of the United States with locations of the various tribes labeled. The extraordinary paintings that illustrate the text provide a more intimate look at the customs and traditions that pervade the culture of Native Americans. Each two-page spread shows both traditional and modern peoples celebrating the seasons of the year, the phases of the moon, and the way of life that has kept them strong throughout history.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS (INCLUDING CULTURAL MARKERS)

Throughout Seasons of the Circle, Bruchac uses a lyrical, almost poetic tone to inform readers of various traditions and cultures celebrated by North American Native American tribes. Each month is detailed with a different tribe paying tribute to Mother Earth and the traditions and cultures that make them each a community. Although Native American dialect is not used in relating the traditions, the author did provide additions to the book, one of which is a meaning and pronunciation of tribal names. In this guide, Bruchac gives more information about each season as well as the tribal customs that are used to celebrate and honor the specific time of year. Another informative addition is the list of Moon Names by month for the Mohawks, Lakotas and Suquamish tribes. The names given by each tribe more effectively describe the time of year and the happenings during that time.

The illustrations by Goetzl complement the expressive text and honor each tribe and their customs with respect. The earth tones used in each two-page spread remind readers that Mother Earth plays a very important role in the lives of all Native Americans. Although readers will see similarities in facial features between the tribes, Goetzl portrays the Native Americans with varying body types and facial features. The skin tones of the characters, although typically darker, cover a variety of shades, providing added individuality for the illustrations. Additionally, the hairstyles of the characters are not identical. Although some Native American men are seen with feathers in their hair, most are shown with hoods, hats, or short hair as one would expect to see today. The women are also portrayed with different body types and hairstyles, some with no adornments, others with braids, and still others with ponytails or pigtails.

Characters of many ages are shown, from young babies being held by mothers to aged men and women sharing their years of experiences with younger tribal members. Additionally, the clothing styles and settings of the illustrations portray both traditional and modern representations of the tribes. Although the general environment of the illustrations leans toward the rural, many of the settings also show buildings and other urban sights, illustrating without words that although there is a history of celebrating seasons, the traditions do not prevent the Native Americans from contributing to society today while still staying true to their culture and heritage.

Together, the text and illustrations meld to provide readers with a respectful and informative look at several Native American tribes and their people. This book is a wonderful addition to libraries and will provide readers with a brief overview of a calendar year and the seasons that mark the circle of time.

REVIEW EXCERPTS

Booklist. From Maliseet hunters following moose tracks in the snow in January to a Lakota elder’s winter tales during a cold December evening, this lyrical tribute to American tribal nations cuts across the seasons. Pictures of Lenape women gathering sap from trees in April, Apache celebrating a girl’s journey into womanhood in July, and Menominee harvesting rice as they paddle through the cool September water sweep across double-page spreads to make this book both pleasing to look at and informative.

Kirkus Reviews. The prolific chronicler of Indian culture for children tries to distill a complicated set of cultural signals into the great circle of the seasons. In doing so, this package falls victim to its own reductionism and in the end serves up little more value than as an introduction to young children of the different tribes and key moments in their years.

CONNECTIONS

Readers can compare the year of Native Americans with customs and traditions celebrated during their own calendar year. This could also be used in a unit or discussion of calendars around the world.

Look for these other Native American books by Joseph Bruchac:

Bruchac, Joseph. Code talker: a novel about the Navajo marines of World War II. ISBN 9780142405963

Bruchac, Joseph. Skeleton man. ISBN 9780064408882

Bruchac, Joseph. Sacajawea: the story of Bird Woman and the Lewis and Clark expedition. ISBN 9780439280686

Bruchac, Joseph. First strawberries: a Cherokee story. ISBN 9780140564099

Bruchac, Joseph. Between Earth & sky: legends of Native American sacred places. ISBN 9780152020620