The Good Rainbow Road = Rawa ’Kashtyaatsi Hiyaani: A Native American Tale in Keres and English, Followed by a Translation into Spanish

In this original story from Acoma Pueblo poet and scholar Simon J. Ortiz, a southwestern village called Haapaahnitse (the "Oak Place") is suffering from a terrible drought. Hungry, feeling hopeless and unhappy, the people take to blaming one another. Then an old woman steps forward to remind them that they haven't yet sought help - help from the Shiwana, the rain and snow spirits who live in the west - and suggests that two young men be sent on a quest. And so it is that two brothers, Tsaiyah-dzehshi ("First One") and Hamahshu-dzehshi ("Next One") are dispatched on the long journey to the Shiwana, crossing blistering deserts and cold mountains. When they confront the fiery chasm of a volcano, the younger brother, Hamahshu-dzehshi, is show more afraid to continue, until a blind old woman happens along to show him the way...

A trilingual picture-book - the main text, in English and Keres (the language of Ortiz's Acoma Pueblo), is accompanied by Hopi/Tewa/Apache artist Michael Lacapa's illustrations, while a Spanish translation by Mayan author Victor Montejo is included at the rear - The Good Rainbow Road is not a traditional folktale, something Ortiz makes very clear in his afterword, but an original work of fantasy that is grounded in the folk tradition. As such, I think it is what we would call a "fairy-tale," and I have shelved it as such. The story itself is engrossing - readers will be rooting for Tsaiyah-dzehshi and Hamahshu-dzehshi - and the artwork, which looks to be done in colored marker or pencil, and which incorporates many folk motif borders, is colorful and attention-grabbing. I liked the fact that, while the two main questers here are male, women play such a decisive role in moving the action forward, both in suggesting the quest, and (in the form of Spider Woman) aiding the young men. I also liked the fact that the story ends, not with the granting of the young men's request, but with their reaching of their object. It's an interesting conclusion, and will leave readers wanting more. Always a good thing, when it comes to storytelling!

All in all, a wonderful book, one I would recommend to young readers who enjoy adventure stories - although a picture-book, the text is long and extensive, and is probably best suited for upper elementary school students and above - and to anyone looking for texts (although I understand that there is some controversy connected to writing them down) in any of the Keresan languages. show less

The Good Rainbow is NOT based on a traditional tale but it is written very well in a Native American storytelling style. The artwork is stunning. What was most fascinating is the the book is presented in English with a side-by-side translation in Keres, the native Acoma Puebloan language, followed by a translation into Spanish. The story is about two boys that are sent by their people to the west to visit the Shiwana, the spirits of rain and snow, and bring back rain to relieve a drought.

My personal response to the book: The book was okay. It shares information to students about Native Americans.
Curricular connections: The curricular connections for the book is the teaching of Native Americans. An upper elementary level or early middle school librarian could use the book within a Native American unit.