James, Trisha

Most Native American peoples today live in modern homes, but years ago, their ancestors lived in vastly different dwellings. These inventive buildings were constructed of available natural resources, such as wood, grass, and adobe bricks, without the use of machinery we rely on in modern times. Readers will appreciate the vivid historical photographs that accompany the interesting text and surprising information in the sidebars and fact boxes in this indispensable volume, which is certain to be beneficial to any elementary social studies collection. A concluding graphic organizer and critical-thinking questions encourage readers to review the book's essential ideas.

The traditional clothing of Native Americans reveals much about the resources that were available to their ancestors, the climate in which they lived, their customs, and their creativity with textiles. This helpful guide to the clothing of several native peoples features different apparel worn by a variety of communities across America. Carefully chosen photographs support the interesting information in the engaging and meticulously researched text. Readers will be especially intrigued by the facts spotlighted in the fact boxes and sidebars throughout. A graphic organizer and concluding questions encourage readers to think more deeply about the key ideas of the book.

Native Americans hunted, fished, farmed, gathered, and raised animals for food. Depending on where they lived, this meant one people's diet could be vastly different from another people's. Food is always an interesting and motivating topic, one that readers can relate to no matter their background. Readers will find this volume especially thought-provoking as they learn about the culinary dishes and traditions of a variety of native peoples across North America. Sidebars and fact boxes offer additional information and contribute to the eye-catching layout. Concluding questions encourage readers to think more deeply about the essential ideas of the well-researched text.

Native American art encompasses a multitude of handicrafts, including rugs, baskets, pottery, and wood carvings. Creativity had no limits. Fortunately, many artifacts and remnants still exist that showcase the boundless ingenuity of past as well as modern-day Native American artists, many of whom continue the time-honored traditions of their people. This valuable volume, a support to cultural studies, highlights stunning artwork of various native peoples, accompanied by fascinating facts about the process of creating each impressive piece. Sidebars, fact boxes, a graphic organizer, and concluding questions complement the insightful and well-researched text.

"In this . . . book, readers will learn that spheres--3-D geometric figures--are familiar objects. In fact, they may see or even play with spherical items every day"--Provided by publisher.

Explores pyramids, focusing on the features and examples.

Introduces prisms, covering their features and including examples.

Since ancient times, native peoples across America governed themselves with a tribal council or another system of government. Many developed constitutions to codify their laws as well. This important aspect of Native American history is carefully explained in this well-researched and accessible book, which focuses on the governments of several Native American societies. Historical images, interesting fact boxes and sidebars, and a colorful design make this significant subject even more appealing to young historians. A graphic organizer and concluding questions encourage readers to think more deeply about the essential ideas of the text.

Native American celebrations are packed with symbolic gestures and intriguing details. A kind of party called a potlatch, staged by native peoples of the Pacific Northwest, was marked by guests receiving gifts, not giving them, and were sometimes observed to get back at an enemy. This appealing volume about a high-interest aspect of native cultures highlights several celebrations like the potlatch as well as ceremonies important to Native Americans across North America. Thought-provoking fact boxes, historical images, and modern-day customs will engage readers of all levels. A concluding graphic organizer and critical-thinking questions encourage readers to consider the book's key ideas.

Introduces young readers to common weather conditions with photograph illustrations.