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Monday, December 5, 2011

Arrow to the Sun ~ Gerald McDermott (1974, The Viking Press)


Summary: This story is about the son of the Sun Lord. The Sun Lord sent a spark to Earth and it reached a young maiden, she then had a son. The boy was teased because he did not have a father. The boy went in search of his father but no one seemed to be able to help him. The boy met the Arrow Maker. The Arrow Maker made him a special arrow and sent him to the sun. The Sun Lord said that the boy had to prove to be his son by passing four tests. Once the boy passed the forth test he was transformed and filled with power from the sun. The Sun Lord sent him back to Earth where the Pueblo people rejoiced. 


My Review: This book would be fun to read to young children. The story simple and easy to follow. The pictures are very vivid and would be easy for the reader to follow. It was another beautiful story that illustrated a small part of Pueblo culture. 


About the Author: McDermott is a well-known author, illustrator, designer and director. He has helped to create over 25 books and films. He has been an artist since he was very young. At the age of 4 he was admitted to the Detroit Institute of Arts. He was award the National Scholastic scholarship and attended New York's Pratt Institute. He left school during his junior year to become the first graphic designer of Channel 13. He has written several well known books that have won Caldecott Honors and Caldecott Medals. 


Genre: Multicultural, Folktale
Theme / Skill: Learning about other cultures through literature. 
Age Level: 5-10


Pre-reading Activity: Examine the cover and ask the students what they think the story will be about. Do a book-walk and ask the students what they think may happen during the story. 


Post-reading Activity: In a journal or on paper, have students write about their favorite picture in the book. Have students illustrate their favorite page. 

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