OUT OF PRINT The Wampanoag by Raymond Bial is part of the Lifeways series published by Benchmark Books. This title discusses the culture and history of the Wampanoag Nation. Original homelands along the Atlantic coast in what is now Rhode Island and Massachusetts provided rich natural resources for this Algonquian-speaking people. The books in this series are designed to cover traditional cultural beliefs including creation or origin stories, geographic location, lifestyle, spiritual traditions and ceremonies, roles of men and women, government, houses and village life, kinship and families, and traditional economy. The book then moves into the historical period covering the first encounter between the Wampanoag and European settlers. The author covers the so-called first American thanksgiving and dispels this popular myth. The coming of the Pilgrims and other colonists and their role in changing the Wampanoag way of life is discussed. Traditional Wampanoag leaders such as Metacom (King Philip), Massasoit, Squanto, and others receive brief biographical sketches about their contributions to Wampanoag history. The final chapter discusses how the Wampanoag communities have worked to keep their culture and land base. Some groups have failed to convince the United States government that they should be recognized as American Indians. Today communities such as Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) and Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Council continue to work to maintain their economy and cultural traditions. Despite years of cultural contact with Europeans, the modern day Wampanoag are also working to maintain their language. The author has included a list of Wampanoag words and their meanings. Important cultural celebrations of thanksgiving are described through the text and colour photographs. The book includes a recipe for cranberry crisp ideal for the modern kitchen. Historical photographs, illustrations, timeline, and maps provide additional information. The book is designed for students in grade 6 to high school and contains an index, bibliography, and glossary. This book is an excellent resource for students writing reports about the Wampanoag People.