Synopsis
Summary
This book, written by Hopi woodcarver Mavasta Honyouti, tells the story of his grandfather’s experience at a residential boarding school and how he returned home to pass their woodcarving traditions down to future generations.
Notable Achievements
Reviews
Publishers Weekly: “In this intergenerational telling, Hopi woodcarver Honyouti relays some of his grandfather’s childhood experiences at a residential boarding school... Acrylic-painted relief carvings portray stylized landscapes and rooms alongside decorative elements, a fitting medium for this reflective narrative about community-taught knowledge and care.”
Kirkus: “Honyouti’s rich wood carvings, painted with acrylics, beautifully illuminate this account of ancestral pride, Indigenous power, and intergenerational memory... This powerful tale is a much-needed reminder that the stories of Indigenous peoples, despite being threaded with trauma, are marked by defiance and pride. A stirring tribute to Hopi culture, language, and resistance.”
Booklist: “Through evocative storytelling, the narrator reveals a painful chapter of his grandfather’s childhood—being taken away to a state residential school, a place designed to erase his cultural identity. The book powerfully portrays the emotional and cultural toll of such experiences while also celebrating the strength and perseverance of the Hopi people... Coming Home is an invaluable resource for classrooms, particularly those looking to include stories of resilience and remembrance.”
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Educator Guide
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