Eskimo Boy ~ Life in an Inupiaq Eskimo Village - Hardcover

Kendall, Russ

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0590436953 ISBN 13: 9780590436953

Publisher: Scholastic, 1992

Synopsis

Profiles seven-year-old Norman Kokeok, an Inupiaq Eskimo, and discusses the world in which he lives, a world of long winters, sub-zero temperatures, and darkness, revealing the ancient customs of his people as well as the details of everyday life.

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Reviews

Grade 1-4-- In photography and prose, Kendall chronicles a year in the life of a seven-year-old Inupiaq boy and his family in Shishmaref, Alaska. His full-color photographs are stunning, with exceptional shots of the night sky. The statement that ``Eskimos had no concept of land ownership'' needs amplification as they respect the land and sea as part of the world of living things to be shared communally. In that context, all own the land. The text alludes to this, but such a comment is somewhat misleading. Other than that, this is a beautiful, accurate photodocumentary of life in the Far North as seen through a youngster's eyes. The pictures open up a vista to all who would like to understand a lifestyle different from their own. --Mollie Bynum, Chester Valley Elem . School, Anchorage, AK
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

In perceptive, skillfully composed color photos captioned with a brief text, a realistic portrait of seven-year-old Norman and his life year-round. Kendall's outstanding photos are the strength here. Norman is winsomely photogenic; portraits of older family members suggest complex characters and experience: an adult brother is alert but reserved; a sturdy grandmother has a no-nonsense face mellowed by warmly twinkling eyes. The village of Shishmaret (clearly located on a map) is observed in winter's half-light and on a bright day when snow covers the ground and dogs are tethered everywhere, with utilitarian houses clustered together (no igloos). Norman is also shown at school, fishing, and going to the nearest dentist in an airplane. The text is serviceable, though sometimes written down (why not say what Norman's mother is cutting, instead of calling it ``something''?). But a succinct afterword on ``Modern-day Eskimos'' is telling in its description of rapid changes that have left many English-speaking children unable to converse in a common language with their own grandparents. A note on the photos is welcome, especially for its explanation of a time photo of the night sky including an aurora. Less prettified than Keegan's photo essays on Native Americans (Pueblo Boy, 1991); like Aylette Jenness's book about a Yup'ik family (In Two Worlds, 1989, for older children), excellent source material. Pronouncing glossary of 21 Inupiaqu words. (Nonfiction. 5-8) -- Copyright ©1992, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Edition details

• Publisher: Scholastic
• Publication date: 1992
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0590436953
• ISBN 13: 9780590436953
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 40