Mark Turcotte

This unique book of song-poems begins with a poem introduction about honoring "those who came before us" with songs that shaped their destiny. This anthology contains poems written in modern day language to honor and exemplify individual Native Americans of notariety as well as plights of different tribes. Poems include those about the Iroquois Confederacy, Code Talkers of World War II, Wounded Knee, The Trail of Tears, Geronimo, Will Rogers, and others. The book includes a glossary of words show more that may be difficult for younger readers. Most of the poems are written in simple couplet form, rhyming every other line. Some selections are written in a serious tone, such as The Trail of Tears; whereas Will Rogers is written in a less formal manner. This is a good resource when teaching American history, specifically units about Native Americans or historic events involving specific tribes. This is also a good source for highlighting Native American individuals and their accomplishments. Beautiful illustrations are done for each poem which compliment the theme. The poems are not "deep", but effectively portray feelings of cultural pride. show less

Songs of our Ancestors by Mark Turcotte is a collection of Native Amerian poem songs; which is a fun way for them to pass down stories of their ancestors. Some of the poem are sand and other happy. Some of the poes describe the hardship the Native Americans went throught; when they were fighting for their land and freedom.

This book of poems would be very educational for kids to read. Also, the poems are easy to read.

A fun activity to do with this book will be for children to write about show more their ancestors. Also, If you have Native American in your class this would be a good book to read aloud. show less