Book cover of Rattlesnake Mesa

Rattlesnake Mesa: Stories from a Native American Childhood

ISBN

9781600608742

Publisher & Publication Year

Lee.& Low, November 2004

Publisher's Book Page

Author

Ednah New Rider Weber (Skidi band of the Pawnee Nation)

Author's Website 

Illustrator

Richela Renkun

Synopsis

Summary

After her beloved Grandmother dies, EdNah, a seven-year-old Pawnee girl, goes to live with a father she hardly knows on a Navajo reservation miles away. Just as EdNah starts to feel at home in her new surroundings, she is sent away to a strict government-run Indian school. With her world turned upside down once again, EdNah must learn to rely on herself and her newfound community of friends.

Notable Achievements

Notable Books for a Global Society - International Literacy Association (ILA); Best Children's Books of the Year - Bank Street College of Education; CCBC Choices - Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC); Southwest Books of the Year - Pima County Public Library

Reviews

Booklist: “The black and white photographs are arresting images. . . readers will enjoy the intimate view of a Native American childhood of the time, and they will easily connect with Weber's universal memories, especially those of her strong friendships, and the empowering, subversive humor […] at the expense of adults.”

The Horn Book: “In spite of obvious hardships, Weber describes her school experiences with warmth and affection; her clear memory of things that amuse or frighten eight-year-olds and her love for the Southwestern landscape make this an unusually compelling memoir. Striking full page black-and-white photographs illustrate each chapter and add to the book's appeal.”

Educator Guide

Link to Guide

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