Artists. (Aboriginal Biographies). Jennifer Howse. Calgary, AB: Weigl, 2013. 32 pp., pbk. & hc., $13.95 (pbk.), $24.95 (hc.). ISBN 978-1-77071-458-8 (pbk.), ISBN 978-1-77071-454-0 (hc.). Subject Headings: Indian artists-Canada-Biography-Juvenile literature. Native artists-Canada-Biography-Juvenile literature. Grades 4-7 / Ages 9-12. Review by Rachel Yaroshuk. *** /4
	Political Leaders. (Aboriginal Biographies). Kaite Goldsworthy. Calgary, AB: Weigl, 2013. 32 pp., pbk. & hc., $13.95 (pbk.), $24.95 (hc.). ISBN 978-1-77071-457-1 (pbk.), ISBN 978-1-77071-453-3 (hc.). Subject Headings: Indian civic leaders-Canada-Biography-Juvenile literature. Native leaders-Canada-Biography-Juvenile literature. Indians of North America-Canada-Politics and government-Juvenile literature. Native peoples-Canada-Politics and government-Juvenile literature. Grades 4-7 / Ages 9-12. Review by Rachel Yaroshuk. *** /4

excerpt:

The Aboriginal Peoples of Canada belong to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. Not until 1960 did all Aboriginal Peoples in Canada win the right to vote in federal elections. Aboriginal Peoples have a long history in the country's political system, however. They have made many valuable contributions to government and politics in Canada, and they have served as political leaders. (From Political Leaders.)

Weigl Educational Publishers has expanded its Aboriginal non-fiction titles to include updated material in their "Aboriginal Biographies" series. There are four titles in total: Artists, Athletes, Musicians, and Political Leaders, with Artists and Political Leaders being the two presently being reviewed.

      The "Aboriginal Biographies" series provides a wealth of detailed information on significant members of the Aboriginal community. Despite an effort to keep the texts simple for child audiences, some of the political and academic jargon complicates the text; however, most of the complex vocabulary is defined in the glossary located at the end of the book. The books begin with a brief introduction to the topics presented, and then each title continues to feature six major community figures.

      Some of the biographies are commemorative while others feature present artistic or political leaders. Artists includes biographies on variety of well-known painters and sculptors: Bill Reid, Allen Sapp, Norval Morrisseau, David Ruben Piqtoukun, Alan Syliboy, and Christi Belcourt. Political Leaders covers well-known figures in law and politics: Elijah Harper, Ethel Blondin-Andrew, Romeo Saganash, Paul Okalik, Shawn A-in-chut Atleo, and Leona Aglukkaq. A diverse selection of Aboriginal cultures is drawn upon to feature Aboriginal achievements across Canada's vast landscape.

      Each biography includes a "Personal Profile" which summarizes the important elements of the individual's life, including details about the person's birth, family life, education, and career. Each biography also includes a time-line of "Accomplishments" which marks the important milestones of these great individuals.

      The text quantity per page is well balanced with colour photographs. The photographs feature images of the individuals, as well as highlights of their work. The page background is also adorned with colourful motifs to attract the intended audience. At the end of each book, there are instructions on how to "Write a Biography." This section offers children a tangible connection to the material. A list of reliable "Internet Resources," also located at the end of the book, may aid student research. Finally, both books include an index for easy reference. These two titles are fabulous resources to drawn on when teaching children how to engage with information texts.

      The "Aboriginal Biographies" series acts as an excellent classroom resource for children learning about Aboriginal people. I would recommend this series both for school projects and general interest.

Recommended.

Rachel Yaroshuk is a Master of Library and Information Studies student at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, BC.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.

Published by The Manitoba Library Association ISSN 1201-9364

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