Reviewed by Me for Kids @ TeensReadToo.com

For young Watl'kina, taking the fishing boat with his family to a small village nestled in an inlet starts out as an adventure. He's not sure why they're going, or what the strangely wrapped bundles contained that were hidden on board the boat during the night. When he and his siblings are put to bed while his parents meet with the Elders, Watl'kina is disappointed to not be part of the feast and festivities. He knows, though, that if an Indian Agent were to have followed their boat from home, there would be trouble.

After his younger siblings are asleep, Watl'kina is unable to resist the lure of the drums and chanting he hears outside his window. He sneaks away, only to meet masked figures who allow him entrance into the Big House. There, he's able to watch the ceremony, the dancing, and the chanting. He even sees, for the one and only time in his life, his masked father dancing.

SECRET OF THE DANCE is based on history, when the Canadian government instituted laws forbidding the Aboriginal people to hold their ritual ceremonies. Offered a choice between prison and having their ceremonial garb and regalia confiscated, many chose prison.

Although this story might be too complicated for younger children who don't understand true oppression or the Aboriginal customs, it's still an interesting look at how the world has come full circle. ( )

From Follett Titlewave:
Austin, Corrina. “Secret of the Dance (Book Review).” School Library Journal. (2007) 24 Sep. 2009
Surges, Carol S. “Secret of the Dance (Book Review).” Library Media Connection. (2007) 24 Sep. 2009
“Secret of the Dance (Book Review).” Horn Book. (2006) 24 Sep. 2009
"Secret of the Dance (Book Review)." Booklist. Vol. 103:4 (2006) 24 Sep 2009
(http://www.flr.follett.com/search?SID...) ( )