Description
Chumash is a juvenile literature title in the Native Americans series published by ABDO Publishing. The series author is Barbara Gray-Kanatiiosh, an Akwesasne Mohawk writer. The series is designed to appeal to students in grades 3 to 5, and each title covers the culture and history of the particular Nation. In this title, the author describes the traditional homeland of the Chumash as southern California and the Channel Islands. The Chumash spoke eight languages from the Hokan language family. A map helps students locate the homeland and present day locations of the Chumash people. Simple two-page chapters cover society (government), homes, food, clothing, crafts, family life, children, myths, war, contact with Europeans, and the Chumash today. This book also introduces students to two important Chumash leaders, Chief Pedro Yanonali from the past, and present-day spiritual leader, Mati Waiya. Throughout the text there are numerous full-colour and archival photos as well as detailed illustrations by David Kanietakeron Fadden, a Mohawk artist from Akwesasne. The book also includes a glossary of terms, which appear in the text in boldface, and an index. This book is carefully written for young readers who want to find out how the Chumash people once lived and how they continue to maintain their cultural heritage. It is accurate and bias-free. This series is recommended for all school and public libraries. Guided Reading Level: P