Life in a Plains Camp

by Bobbie Kalman

Overview

Life in a Plains Camp looks at a nomadic community that based its livelihood on hunting buffalo. People who were constantly on the move depended on one another for happiness and support. Men, women, and children worked together to make sure the entire camp was fed and clothed. Beautiful artwork helps illustrate the daily lives and tasks of the people of the plains and portrays their rich cultural heritage. Detailed text describes:
• how buffalo meat was cured and how skins were tanned
• how a tipi was set up
• different types of plains clothing
• spiritual beliefs and family values
• the daily lives of men, women, children, and elders
• leisure activities and celebrations
Teacher’s guide available.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780778704614
Publisher:	Crabtree Classics
Publication date:	04/28/2001
Series:	Native Nations of North America Series
Edition description:	ILLUSTRATE
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 10.75(h) x 0.30(d)
Lexile:	NC990L (what's this?)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

Editorial Reviews

Gr 4-6-Accessible books about topics that are studied in most elementary schools. The information on housing, storage, village structure, and family life is straightforward, easy to read, and interesting, although life on the Plains seems less harsh than existence really was. The texts are peppered with full-color illustrations-at least one to a page-that depict Native Americans in historical times engaged in daily activities such as eating, storytelling, and building lodges. There are no source notes, and the glossary has no pronunciation guide. The illustrations are uneven. Some are reminiscent of 18th-century romantic paintings, some are contemporary, and some are just plain bad. For example, along with works by quality contemporary artists Howard Terpning and James Bama there are others where facial features are so poorly rendered that it is difficult to distinguish one person from another. The books are generally good, but the illustrations do them a great disservice. Michael Bad Hand Terry's Daily Life in a Plains Indian Village 1868 (Clarion, 2001) is a better choice because it uses real-life models to show actual clothing and articles used by Plains Indians.-Dona J. Helmer, College Gate School Library, Anchorage, AK Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

School Library Journal