Friday, February 15, 2013

Educational Resources and the American Indian Youth Literature Award


Resources:

AILA's website is home to a large variety of library-related links and information regarding American Indians. AILA's aim is to improve library and information services for American Indians.

Debbie Reese writes "American Indians in Children's Literature" which is a wonderful blog to follow for information and resources regarding this topic.

The American Indian Curriculum Services gives information about Wisconsin's Act 31 as well as lesson plans related to K-12 education. There is also a list of resources, tribal sites, intertribal sites, and museums.

Birchbark Books is a bookseller located in Minneapolis, MN. There's also a list of educator resources located HERE. They describe themselves as, "Birchbark Books is operated by a spirited collection of people who believe in the power of good writing, the beauty of handmade art, the strength of Native culture, and the importance of small and intimate bookstores. Our books are lovingly chosen. Our store is tended with care."

Award:

The American Indian Youth Literature Award honors the very best writing and illustrations by and about American Indians. This is sponsored by the American Indian Library Association (AILA) and specifics on the award can be found HERE. The 2012 winners include The Christmas Coat, Free ThrowTriple Threatand Pipestone: My Life in an Indian Boarding School.

Please comment on this post with any resources you'd like to share with the group not included in the list above :)

Our First Book is...

Our first book is Blasphemy by Sherman Alexie! We'll be discussing selections from this text including:
  • Because My Father Always Said He Was the Only Indian Who Saw Jimi Hendrix Play “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Woodstock
  • The Toughest Indian in the World 
  • Do You Know Where I Am?
  • Indian Education
  • Faith 
  • Indian Education
  • The Search Engine 
  • War Dances
  • The Approximate Size of My Favorite Tumor

Our discussion will occur on March 8th from 6-8pm at the AISCC (Located at 215 North Brooks Street). Hope to see you all there!

Also, please comment on this post with any questions you'd like raised at the book discussion or thoughts you have about Blasphemy


Blasphemy: New and Selected Stories