Valley of the Broken Cherry TreesVictor Hugo's The Hunchback of Notre Dame: Adapted and Dramatized in 2 ActsViewpoints: Nonfiction SelectionsViewpoints: Reflections in Non-FictionThe VisitVoices of Native America: Native American Ideas, Ideals, Values, and Guides for LivingVoices of the First NationsVoices of the Plains CreeVoices Under One Sky: Contemporary Native Literature(Print-Fiction). Namioka, Lensey. Blue Heron Publishers (ORC), 1996. 160 p. ISBN 0-936085-32-0 ($9.95 pbk.).
A mystery adventure set in feudal Japan, this novel recounts the investigation of two unemployed samurai into the mutilation of cherry trees at an inn. Zenta and Matsuzo try to prevent bloodshed in the court intrigue involving Lord Kawai and his underlord's army. At the same time they try to teach the forbidding Lord Kawai to appreciate his adolescent son. This novel's strength is its depiction of medieval Japanese values and politics.
Suggested Use: The Unknown
This two-act adaptation retains the flavour of the original novel within an engaging and easily understood dramatic format. Schools may use this play for in-class study, but are advised that duplication is prohibited and written permission and payment of a royalty fee are required for performance outside the classroom. The book is centre-stapled. It includes production notes about topics such as staging, casting, and props.
Suggested Use: Equality; Plays
The 25 non-fiction articles in this American collection are very easily read selections supported by explanation of unfamiliar vocabulary, a pre-reading focus, post-reading reflection, and writing activity. The book offers a table of contents and black and white reproductions of art works. The teacher's guide contains general guidance in teaching an integrated language-based course, lesson plans, plot summaries, and additional suggestions for activity.
Suggested Use: Challenges; Short Prose
(CAN) The non-fiction selections in this collection include essays, articles, and excerpts from autobiographies. The titles represent varied levels of difficulty and a range of topics. The book contains a table of contents and black and white illustration.
Suggested Use: Canadian Frontiers and Homeland; The Unknown; Environment and Technology; Equality; Challenges; Short Prose
This CD includes singer Loreena McKennitt's haunting version of The Lady of Shalott, based on Tennyson's classicpoem.
Suggested Use: The Unknown; Poetry
(I/M) This anthology contains inspirational quotations, speeches and poetry written by First Nations peoples. The selections could be used in many ways for discussion, essay writing, research and speech writing. Caution must be used when presenting the content, as some selections contain biases regarding the history of aboriginal people. A consistent guide throughout the text gives additional information about the writers and contains advice on approaches that teachers should consider when delivering the material. Some terminology is dated, but this resource will still be valuable for students and teachers who are looking for an understanding of aboriginal culture and history.
Suggested Use: Equality
(CAN, I/M) The prose, poetry, and drama selections in this anthology of Aboriginal writing offer a wide variety of perspectives, representation, and depth of emotion. The book contains a table of contents.
Suggested Use: Canadian Frontiers and Homeland; Challenges; Multigenre
(SK, I/M) The first section of this book is a collection of stories related by Chief Thunderchild to Edward Ahenakew in the 1920s. The second section of the book contains the stories of Old Keyam, a fictional character who is the semi-autobiographical voice of Edward Ahenakew. Included are introductions from the early editions, a table of contents, explanatory notes, the text of Treaty Number Six, and a bibliography. This book is useful for discussion about the influence of Christian beliefs on Aboriginal lifestyles and perspectives.
Suggested Use: Canadian Frontiers and Homeland; Short Prose
(CAN, I/M) This collection of Aboriginal literature contains poetry, short stories, memoirs, and legends. Included are a table of contents listing each author's nation, a map of cultural and linguistic groups, brief biographies of authors, and an index of alternate themes.
Suggested Use: Canadian Frontiers and Homeland; Decisions; Environment and Technology; Equality; Challenges; Multigenre
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9