Brother Eagle, Sister Sky- Susan Jeffers
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Peter Pan and Wendy- J.M. Barrie
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While these two books are negative and stereotypical portrayals of Native Americans in literature, they could still be used to teach children about Native American culture. By looking at these examples, children can learn about how culturally inaccurate information can be hurtful and offensive to someone who identifies with that culture, regardless of what the culture being portrayed is. These books can teach children that for example, while the story of Brother Eagle, Sister Sky is said to be the words of Native American, Chief Seattle, the way in which the people are shown in Jeffer's illustrations show some cultural stereotyping and that there are more to Native American's than headdresses and long braids. As for addressing Peter Pan in the classroom, this book can be used as one of the best examples of what racism and negative stereotypes of Native Americans look like and it can call attention to what misconceptions and stereotypes these students see, and how they can correct those views. These books can be used to show students lenses through which Native American people are seen that are not ideal and by recognizing that, they can work towards bashing stereotypes and offensive portrayals or ideas of Native American people and culture.
A Coyote Solstice Tale- Thomas King and Gary Clement
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Between the Deep Blue Sea and Me- Lurline Wailana McGregor
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