I love to read aloud to my class every single day. I am always looking for new books and found this gem recently.
Book Title: Indian No More
Author: Charlene Willing McManis with Traci Sorell
Publisher: TU BOOKS
Reading Age: 10+
Genre: Historical Fiction
Book Length: 211 pages
Chapters: 26
BRIEF SUMMARY
Regina Petit was born on the Grand Ronde Indian Reservation and lived there her whole life. She is an Umpqua Indian. In 1954, President Eisenhower signed a bill from Congress stating that the government no longer needed to provide for her tribe’s education, health care, or anything else promised in the treaties. Regina’s dad signs up her family for the Indian Relocation Program and they move to Los Angeles in 1957. Living with her dad, mom, sister, and grandma, Regina begins life outside the reservation and in the big city. She meets kids of other races for the first time in her life and has to endure racism, personally and with her new friends.
MY THOUGHTS FOR A READ ALOUD
I came across this book from the Global Read Aloud 2020 list. I have always loved to read and teach about the history of Indigenous Americans. I am very passionate about teaching the way they were treated and how we need to learn from the history of our ancestors. Unfortunately, this is still occurring in our society with all races.
Indian No More is a story with a powerful message about the history of our country. Prejudice and bias are still a prevalent part of our world. This novel will help begin the discussion with children on how we can be better and learn from the mistakes of the past. While reading this book, I discovered some misconceptions that I had about Indigenous Americans. Even adults will learn from reading this incredible story.
There were moments in the novel where I literally gasped out loud. The authors did a fantastic job putting the reader in the story. I felt like I was there and experiencing Regina’s life through her perspective. I also loved that the authors used the Umpqua language throughout the story. I found myself returning to the pronunciation guide while reading to make sure I was reading the words correctly.
Even though this book is one of the choices for the Global Read Aloud for 2020, I will use this book for many years. The lessons and ideas presented in the story are important for sharing with children now and in the future.
THEMES
- Friendship
- Courage
- Love
- Family
- Community
CROSS-CURRICULAR CONNECTIONS
- History/Social Studies
- Geography
- STEM
- Art
CLASSROOM DISCUSSION CONSIDERATIONS
- The authors use the native language of Chinuk Wawa. I recommend using the pronunciation guide with the students to make sure they understand how to properly speak the language.
- The novel discusses aspects in regard to prejudice, bias, and racism. Make sure to have conversations with students about why the actions are reprehensible.
- When showing the cover to the students, discuss the meaning of the symbolism on the cover.
- I have created two resources that can be used in the classroom as you read: Story Snippets and Discussion Questions.
BOOKS BY THE AUTHOR(S)
*Charlene Willing McManis passed away in 2018. Indian No More is her only published book.
SIMILAR READ ALOUDS
