Book cover of The People Shall Continue

The People Shall Continue: 40th Anniversary Special Edition

ISBN

9780892391257

Publisher & Publication Year

Lee & Low, October 2017 (originally published 1977)

Publisher's Book Page

Author

Simon Ortiz (Acoma Pueblo)

Author's Website 

Illustrator

Sharol Graves (Absentee Shawnee)

Synopsis

Summary

Told in the rhythms of traditional oral narrative, this telling of the history of the Native/Indigenous peoples of North America recounts their story from Creation to the invasion and usurpation of Native lands. Originally a poem, the story covers many races, indigenous, black, Latinx, white, and inspires a sense of collective responsibility to towards each other.

Notable Achievements

CCBC Choices - Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)

Reviews

Publishers Weekly: "Derives its power from direct, forceful statements and the repetition of phrases and rhythms that assume a quiet insistence. The accompanying illustrations are similarly unembroidered yet dignified; they contain simply drawn figures and shapes, strong, vivid colors and a minimum of pattern and detail.”

Kirkus: “Ortiz describes the coming of white people and their relentless pressure to force Indians into white customs and onto reservations. An effective presentation of the dignity of Native Americans and their history, this should make all children better aware of the legitimate pride Indians take in their heritage and ideals.”

Educator Guide

An extensive Teacher’s Guide provides historical facts, vocabulary, synopsis of the book, pre-reading questions, post-reading discussion starters, activities that are curated specifically for The People Shall Continue: 40th Anniversary Special Edition.

Link to Guide

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