SkySisters

When Alex sets out late one night with her Nimise - her older sister Allie - to see the SkySpirits, the young Ojibway girl finds it difficult at first to keep the silence that her Nokomis (grandmother) says will bring wisdom. But as she and Allie make their way across the snowy landscape to Coyote Hill, taking in the beauty of the wintry world around them, from the glistening icicles to the fleet-footed deer, she begins to understand her grandmother's words. It is the SkySpirits however, those dancing celestial lights that Allie dubs "SkySisters," who truly bring home to this Nishiime (little sister), the wonder of the night...

Chosen as a First Nation Communities Read selection in 2005, this lovely picture-book presents a gentle tale of show more two young girls discovering and reveling in the beauty of the Aurora Borealis. The gorgeous oil illustrations by Brian Deines have a luminous, impressionistic feel to them, accentuating the mystery of the nighttime world. I enjoyed both the story and illustrations here, and would recommend SkySisters to all young sky-watchers. show less

Two sisters traveled up Coyote Hill on a snowy night to see the SkySpirits (aka the Northern Lights).

While this book is a little slow-paced and takes a while to build up to its climactic scene, it was an overall enjoyable read. The two sisters have a nice relationship, in that they clearly care about each other but it doesn't stop the older one from occasionally wielding her age over her younger sister who wishes she could be the one in charge sometimes. (So clearly a recognizable relationship for many children who have siblings at home!)

Another thing I really liked about this book is that it features a Native American family without it being a book about race. Some hints of Native culture are mentioned, but it is not overwhelmingly a show more book about cultural traditions. While those books are important as well, it's a nice change of pace to find a title with Native American protagonists just doing ordinary things, the same way so many books show Caucasian families in their everyday life.

The illustrations are not really to my taste, as they are pretty staid and muted. However, the exceptions to these are the beautiful paintings of the Northern Lights, which are truly gorgeous.

Because the text is lengthy and the book takes a while to gain some 'oomph,' I would recommend it for older elementary school-age children. show less

SkySisters centers around a young girl named Alex and her sister Allie. At the beginning of the story, they are getting ready to watch the Sky Spirits, which are actually the northern lights. While their mother is getting them ready to watch the Sky Spirits, she tells Alex to remember their grandmothers saying, “Wisdom comes on silent wings.” The book goes on to describe their walk to the top of Coyote Hill, the place where they go to watch the Sky Spirits. Once they reach the top, they lay on “Mother Earth’s winter quilt” which means they are laying on the snow covered ground to watch. The illustrations in this book are beautifully done. The illustrator really captures the essence of winter and how beautiful it can be. This show more book would be perfect for the classroom in winter. I imagine my students sitting on the floor with hot chocolate, gathered around me while I read the book to them. Afterwards, I could have them do two things: either have them paint the northern lights, or draw a picture of a time when they did something with their siblings or cousins. I know that when I become a teacher someday, I will definitely do this. show less

Two young Ojibway sisters trek through the snow in the night to seek out the SkySpirits (the Northern Lights). Lovely, with gorgeous illustrations.

Two Ojibway sisters set off across the frozen north country to see the SkySpirits' midnight dance. It isn't easy for the younger sister to be silent, but gradually she begins to treasure the stillness and the wonderful experiences it brings. After an exhilarating walk and patient waiting, the girls are rewarded by the arrival of the SkySpirits --- the northern lights --- dancing and shimmering in the night sky. This powerful story, with its stunning illustrations, captures the chill of a northern night, the warmth of the family circle and the radiance of a child's wonder.

On a wintry night, 2 Ojibway sisters set off across the frozen countryside in search of the SkySpirits. It isn't easy for the younger sister to be silent, but gradually she begins to treasure the stillness and the wonderful experiences it brings.

Beautiful and spiritual reading for young people, and a resource young women and any young people interested in native american culture or simply the bond of sisterhood can enjoy.

More effective when read on ones own or in small groups than in a large group, lessons on the subjects of Ojibway culture or Aurora Borealis can use this resource.