Module 4 Book 2 Novel by Cynthia Leitich Smith

A. Bibliography

Smith, Cynthia Leitich. 2002. Indian Shoes. Illustrations by Jim Madsen. New York, NY: Harper Collins.ISBN:0060295317

B. Plot Summary


Ray Halfmoon and his fun loving Grampa have many adventures in modern-day Chicago and while visiting relatives in Oklahoma.

C. Analysis( with cultural markers).
The illustrations in this book show American Indians living in modern houses and wearing clothes bought at the mall. Grampa Halfmoon does have long black hair,but that is the only thing that might set him apart in his appearance from anyone else. These illustrations will dispel any ideas about American Indians being "extinct."

A few mentions of significant objects are made. A Cherokee Seven Clans quilt and a pair of moccasins add to the atmosphere of the stories. Mostly, the language and celebrations,such as weddings, family gatherings and Christmas are very familiar to the average child. Contemporary American Indians celebrate events in the same way as other Americans.

Still, Leitich Smith includes details that make the ancestry of her characters clear. Ray's last name is Half Moon. Ray's high-top sneakers are proudly displayed at the library with the label: Cherokee-Seminole Hightops. "Not Indian made,but Indian worn." Ray and Grampa have Choctaw friends and are originally from Oklahoma.


Children will enjoy reading this book,not because they are actively dispelling stereotypes, but because the episodes are funny and the boy Ray is mischievous and likable. Readers will learn that today's American Indians may have different histories, but they dress just like everyone else and thrive in the present.


D. Review Excerpts

School Library Journal: With its unadorned portrayal of urban Indian life, Shoes is a good book for any elementary-aged reluctant reader, and a necessity for indigenous children everywhere.

Hornbook:
The writing is warm and lively; the situations are sometimes humorous, sometimes poignant; and Ray and Grampa's loving relationship is depicted believably and without sentimentality.

E. Connections
Have classmates attend a local gathering such as the San Antonio Pow Wow:
http://www.unitedsanantoniopowwow.org/

It is difficult to find other books with realistic portrayals of the current lives of American Indian children that have the same light-hearted tone as this book.

Other contemporary portrayals of American Indian children include:
Smith, Cynthia Lietich. Rain is not my Indian name.ISBN: 0-688-17397-7
Bruchac,Joseph. Skeleton Man. ISBN: 9780060290757