Description
Giveaways: An ABC Book of Loanwords from the Americas is a colourful and informative alphabet picture book with a difference. This 74-page book offers students in grade 3 to 6 an opportunity to expand their vocabularies by introducing little-known loan words that have made their way from Indigenous languages into the English language. Educator and storyteller Linda Boyden created this unique picture book that builds on the traditional meaning of the giveaway. Indigenous peoples and those who have attended a powwow will know the meaning of the word, giveaway. A giveaway is a tradition among First Nations who often give gifts to visitors and friends during an important event. In this way the author shares the multitude of words that came into the English language from an Indigenous language from North, Central and South America. The letter A represents Abalone; B represents Barbecue, and C represents Canoe. Each of these loan words acknowledges the contribution of Indigenous peoples to the world. For example Iguana is listed as the animal acknowledged for the letter I. Each new word has a 1 to 2-page spread about the language of origin and its meaning. Along with each letter of the alphabet the author illustrates the word with collage art that appears in to be 3-D making this a truly unique visual experience. Adding to the fun facts is the equally unique bibliography. Here the author acknowledges her sources in a manner that makes reading the list of resources a cool activity for all readers. Interest Level: 3-6; Reading Level: 5.9. Highly recommended.