Nickommoh!: A Thanksgiving Celebration - Hardcover

Koller, Jackie French

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0689810946 ISBN 13: 9780689810947

Publisher: Atheneum, 1999

Synopsis

Describes a typical Narragansett Nickommoh, or harvest celebration, as it has been performed by Native Americans since before the arrival of the first Pilgrims in New England.

About this title

Review

Long before the days of microwavable turkey, cranberry sauce from a can, and digestion in front of TV football, the Pilgrims celebrated their first Thanksgiving at Plymouth. And long before this, the Native Americans of the area celebrated the harvest during a feast called Nickommoh, which means "give away" or "exchange." This handsome book depicts the Nickommoh festivities of the Narragansett people of what is now Rhode Island. Every autumn they would have a giveaway dance during which the sachem (leader) distributed gifts such as donated food, clothing, and furs among widows, orphans, or anyone in need. But this was only one part of the festival. People feasted, played games, danced, prayed, sang, sweated in sweat lodges, and generally had a grand old time.

Jackie French Koller's solemn, rhythmic, almost chant-like writing is accompanied by the earthy browns, reds, and yellows of Marcia Sewall's striking illustrations to create a mood that feels just right for the subject. Koller first explored early New England history in The Primrose Way, and is well established as author of over two dozen books for children and young adults, including the delightful One Monkey Too Many. A glossary of the Narragansett words used in the book is included. (Ages 5 to 9) --Emilie Coulter

About the Author

Jackie French Koller is the author of over two dozen books for children and young adults, including A Place to Call Home (Atheneum, 1995) and The Falcon (Atheneum, 1998). She grew up in New England with a deep love of nature and spent much of her time roaming the woods around her various homes. This love of the land led to a sense of kinship with, and a natural curiosity about, New England's earliest inhabitants. Ms. Koller first explored her interest in early New England history through her critically acclaimed novel, The Primrose Way. Now, with the help of the Narragansetts, she has produced Nickommoh! -- a tribute to and celebration of the indomitable spirit of New England's indigenous people. Ms. Koller is currently working on a third book on yet another aspect of our Native American cultural heritage and hopes to do many more.

About this edition

• Publisher: Atheneum
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0689810946
• ISBN 13: 9780689810947
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Sewall Marcia