Eagle Boy: A Pacific Northwest Native Tale - Softcover

Vaughan, Richard Lee

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1570615926 ISBN 13: 9781570615924

Publisher: Sasquatch Books, 2009

Synopsis

Based on a popular Northwest Coast Native tale, this book recounts the story of Eagle Boy. Born an orphan, the title character grows up to love eagles, despite the fact that the people of his tribe distrust eagles. In return he is ridiculed and made an outcast. One year, the tribe has difficulty hunting and fishing, and must depart their land. With not enough room in their boats, Eagle Boy is left behind. He is saved from starvation by the eagles he loves, and using their assistance saves his starving tribe, who have not been able to find a fertile place to live since their departure. The gorgeous illustrations and tales of adventures and bald eagles will thrill children, while also instructing them about individualism and humanity, as well as Northwest Coast Native life. This is a paperback edition of a pre-existing hardcover book originally published in 2000.

About this title

About the Author

Richard Lee Vaughan has written more than twenty books for children and is an accomplished singer/songwriter. Vaughan grew up in the South Pacific and has traveled all over the world. He lived in Australia for ten years, where he counseled children with learning difficulties. He now lives on Vashon Island, Washington, with his wife, son, and dog.

Lee Christiansen has illustrated three picture books, including Turtle, Turtle, Watch Out! by April Pulley Sayre. His art has appeared in magazines, textbooks, and on book jackets. He lives in Red Lodge, Montana, with his wife and two sons.

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-5-Although most of the people in his village do not like eagles because they steal fish, a young orphan admires these great birds and always shares his catch with them, earning him the name Eagle Boy. Winter approaches and fishing becomes more difficult. In the hope of finding more food, the chief decides to move the village. The people board their canoes and leave Eagle Boy behind, telling him that there is no room for him. He is able to survive through the help of the eagles, and he honors them. Through his feathered friends, Eagle Boy sends dried fish to the chief's youngest daughter, who had befriended him despite the cruelty of her tribe. He is able to forgive the others and eventually rescues the starving people. "From that day on, the people of the Pacific Northwest coast and the eagles lived and hunted in harmony." Lavish double-page paintings evoke a sense of place and capture the majesty of these beautiful birds. In a brief note, the author states that several Pacific Coast Native groups-the Quinault, Makah, Haida, and Tlingit-have versions of this story. Unfortunately, no specific sources are cited. That aside, Eagle Boy is a satisfying, richly illustrated tale.
Mollie Bynum, formerly at Chester Valley Elementary School, Anchorage, AK
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Sasquatch Books
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 1570615926
• ISBN 13: 9781570615924
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Christiansen Lee