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The Star People: A Lakota Story
A grandmother's love is forever
In this mystical story of remembrance and tradition, Sister Girl and her brother, Young Wolf, wander far from their village and face great danger, including stampeding animals and a wall of fire. The children barely save themselves, and as night approaches, they find themselves alone in the barren and unforgiving wilderness. How will they find home? As the stars shine brightly, the spirit of their grandmother, Elk Tooth Woman, appears to guide them: "The Star People are always with you. Look up, and you will see me among the stars."
S. D. Nelson's compelling illustrations, inspired by the ledger-book style of the Plains Indians, capture the beauty of humans and nature existing as one.
34 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2003
6 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
April 3, 2021
Two siblings spend a day out on the prairie in this work of picture-book historical fiction from Lakota author/illustrator S.D. Nelson. Sister Girl and Young Wolf enjoy identifying different shapes in the clouds above them, until the sky darkens and animals begin to rush past. Fleeing from a prairie fire, the brother and sister take refuge in a stream, emerging afterward to find the world a blackened wasteland. Not sure of how to find their way home, when all landmarks have been destroyed, the pair encounter the spirit of their grandmother, Elk Tooth Woman, who helps to show them the way...
Although The Star People: A Lakota Story is not a traditional folktale, it does incorporate some interesting folk beliefs, regarding the Cloud People and the Star People, whose significance is mentioned in Nelson's afterword. I would imagine that the idea of the stars being the spirits of our ancestors - something that reminded me of the similar Inuit belief about the Northern Lights - must have been a comforting one, to people looking up into the dark nighttime sky. The narrative here is engaging, and is paired with artwork that is simply beautiful. Done in acrylic paint on watercolor paper, the illustrations are lovely, with a gorgeous color palette, and stylized figures that were inspired by the Ledger Book Art of the 19th century. I don't know that this is destined to become one of my favorites, of S.D. Nelson's books - so far, I have preferred his picture-book biographies - but it is quite appealing. Recommended to picture-book readers looking for historical stories with a Lakota/Native American cultural backdrop.
Although The Star People: A Lakota Story is not a traditional folktale, it does incorporate some interesting folk beliefs, regarding the Cloud People and the Star People, whose significance is mentioned in Nelson's afterword. I would imagine that the idea of the stars being the spirits of our ancestors - something that reminded me of the similar Inuit belief about the Northern Lights - must have been a comforting one, to people looking up into the dark nighttime sky. The narrative here is engaging, and is paired with artwork that is simply beautiful. Done in acrylic paint on watercolor paper, the illustrations are lovely, with a gorgeous color palette, and stylized figures that were inspired by the Ledger Book Art of the 19th century. I don't know that this is destined to become one of my favorites, of S.D. Nelson's books - so far, I have preferred his picture-book biographies - but it is quite appealing. Recommended to picture-book readers looking for historical stories with a Lakota/Native American cultural backdrop.
November 11, 2021
One that we keep in our homes library. Absolutely gorgeous artwork in the profile style… explained in the back if the book in more detail. A story of suspense, brother and sister family bond, ancestors, a subtle lesson to not straying too far from home and the spirits of those past watching over us from the stars. 5/5!
July 26, 2017
I can't overstate how gorgeous the art in this picture book is. The text is a great introduction to some Lakota beliefs and traditions, and the afterword contains even more clarity and information. It is definitely worth reading and exploring, particularly with older kids.
Want to Read
October 13, 2015Title: italicize The Star People
Author: S.D Nelson
Illustrator:
Genre: Myth
Theme(s): family, protection, learning
Opening line/sentence: Young Wolf and I wandered far across the prairie.
Brief Book Summary: Sister Girl and Young Wolf wander off from there village to gaze at the clouds. They see an image of their recently deceased grandmother and then get caught in a horrific prairie fire. After surviving the fire they find themselves far away and lost from their village however they receive guidance from their grandmother who is one of the star people. They are then reminded that the star people are always there to protect and be with them
Professional Recommendation/Review #1: Children's Literature
Sister Girl tells how she takes her younger brother Young Wolf out to see the wonders of the world. As they watch the shapes in the clouds, a thunderstorm erupts, and lightning starts a prairie fire while they are far from home. They run in fear, finding safety in a stream as the fire passes. But then they are lost in the dark. Magically the stars form the shapes of the Old Ones, including their beloved grandmother who has recently died. She guides them safely home, and promises to be with them always, watching over them with the other Star People. Nelson fills the double pages with paintings which interpret the children in a stylized fashion but render the animals and landscape more naturalistically. The skies, of course, dominate most scenes with luminous night-time sky colors with the stars as both stars and also symbols of animals and people. There is a mystical quality to the imagined story line that goes beyond the text to appeal directly to our emotions. The author fills in background material on the story, and on the illustration style as well. 2003, Harry N. Abrams, Ages 4 to 8.
— Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz
Professional Recommendation/Review #2: Kirkus Reviews
Set in the 1800s, this traditional story retold by a member of the Standing Rock Lakota Sioux Tribe, tells of Sister Girl and her younger brother, who are caught in the middle of a raging prairie fire. The two follow the lead of the animals and are saved by falling into a shallow stream. After the fire subsides, the two children realize that they're lost. Guided by their grandmother, who resides in the heavens with the Star People, the two return safely home. Once they came to a hilltop and see that their village is below, the two children's grandmother returns to her home. Although the figures in Nelson's illustrations are not as flat as those in the traditional Lakota ledger book art, the colored pencils, pens, and crayon drawings do emulate the style with earth tones, character profiles, and images of clouds, stars, and animals. An exemplary offering. (author's note)
Response to Two Professional Reviews: The sky illustrations dominate most of the scenes and are beautifully portrayed with vibrant colors. The illustrations also emulate the earth tones, character profiles, and imagines of clouds, animals and stars. The children are portrayed in a stylized fashion but the animals and landscapes are shown more naturalistically. A mystical quality of the story made the text appeal to humans emotions.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: The Star People’s illustrations bring the story alive. The two page illustration always the reader to feel apart of the journey of Young Wolf and Sister Girl. The brighter colors are used to show emphasis of the dramatic and intense parts in the story. Also the intense scenes show larger images of the animals and people cause them to pop out in a 3-D manner.
Consideration of Instructional Application: Students can talk about a time that they had been lost or afraid and write about what they have done to get out of the situation. They also could write about the person that they look up to the most and someone who protect them. They then could bring in an art aspect and draw a picture of who they look up to or draw a visual of the story of a time that they were lost. Discussing stars and galaxies and what is actually up in the sky can also bring science into this. Also, students could be asked for homework to go cloud watching and draw and write down the different shapes and animals that they saw in the clouds.
Author: S.D Nelson
Illustrator:
Genre: Myth
Theme(s): family, protection, learning
Opening line/sentence: Young Wolf and I wandered far across the prairie.
Brief Book Summary: Sister Girl and Young Wolf wander off from there village to gaze at the clouds. They see an image of their recently deceased grandmother and then get caught in a horrific prairie fire. After surviving the fire they find themselves far away and lost from their village however they receive guidance from their grandmother who is one of the star people. They are then reminded that the star people are always there to protect and be with them
Professional Recommendation/Review #1: Children's Literature
Sister Girl tells how she takes her younger brother Young Wolf out to see the wonders of the world. As they watch the shapes in the clouds, a thunderstorm erupts, and lightning starts a prairie fire while they are far from home. They run in fear, finding safety in a stream as the fire passes. But then they are lost in the dark. Magically the stars form the shapes of the Old Ones, including their beloved grandmother who has recently died. She guides them safely home, and promises to be with them always, watching over them with the other Star People. Nelson fills the double pages with paintings which interpret the children in a stylized fashion but render the animals and landscape more naturalistically. The skies, of course, dominate most scenes with luminous night-time sky colors with the stars as both stars and also symbols of animals and people. There is a mystical quality to the imagined story line that goes beyond the text to appeal directly to our emotions. The author fills in background material on the story, and on the illustration style as well. 2003, Harry N. Abrams, Ages 4 to 8.
— Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz
Professional Recommendation/Review #2: Kirkus Reviews
Set in the 1800s, this traditional story retold by a member of the Standing Rock Lakota Sioux Tribe, tells of Sister Girl and her younger brother, who are caught in the middle of a raging prairie fire. The two follow the lead of the animals and are saved by falling into a shallow stream. After the fire subsides, the two children realize that they're lost. Guided by their grandmother, who resides in the heavens with the Star People, the two return safely home. Once they came to a hilltop and see that their village is below, the two children's grandmother returns to her home. Although the figures in Nelson's illustrations are not as flat as those in the traditional Lakota ledger book art, the colored pencils, pens, and crayon drawings do emulate the style with earth tones, character profiles, and images of clouds, stars, and animals. An exemplary offering. (author's note)
Response to Two Professional Reviews: The sky illustrations dominate most of the scenes and are beautifully portrayed with vibrant colors. The illustrations also emulate the earth tones, character profiles, and imagines of clouds, animals and stars. The children are portrayed in a stylized fashion but the animals and landscapes are shown more naturalistically. A mystical quality of the story made the text appeal to humans emotions.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: The Star People’s illustrations bring the story alive. The two page illustration always the reader to feel apart of the journey of Young Wolf and Sister Girl. The brighter colors are used to show emphasis of the dramatic and intense parts in the story. Also the intense scenes show larger images of the animals and people cause them to pop out in a 3-D manner.
Consideration of Instructional Application: Students can talk about a time that they had been lost or afraid and write about what they have done to get out of the situation. They also could write about the person that they look up to the most and someone who protect them. They then could bring in an art aspect and draw a picture of who they look up to or draw a visual of the story of a time that they were lost. Discussing stars and galaxies and what is actually up in the sky can also bring science into this. Also, students could be asked for homework to go cloud watching and draw and write down the different shapes and animals that they saw in the clouds.
November 23, 2018
Wow. I bought this for my nephew for Christmas and will have to order another for myself. The story is really beautiful and spiritual - a young boy and his older sister are caught up in a prairie fire and guided home by the stars and the spirit of their dead grandmother- the illustrations are spectacular - stunning. Bravo S. D. Nelson.
February 9, 2009
S.D. Nelson drew upon the stories told to him by his mother, Elk Tooth Woman, who was raised on the Dakota prairies. As with Dancing with Teepees, the words flow off the pages and slip eloquently off the tongue. The colorful and soft illustrations, based upon traditional Lakota art, help bring this story to life.
The Star People: A Lakota Story, a culturally specific text, can promote an appreciation for diversity as well as to illuminate the human experience. Readers can relate to the young characters connection to a deceased love one while learning about Cloud People and Star People, traditional figures in Lakota beliefs.
The Star People: A Lakota Story, a culturally specific text, can promote an appreciation for diversity as well as to illuminate the human experience. Readers can relate to the young characters connection to a deceased love one while learning about Cloud People and Star People, traditional figures in Lakota beliefs.
January 30, 2021
A wonderful story about a Lakota brother and sister who get lost on the Great Plains and they are guided by to their village by the spirit of their grandmother. I love that there is a Native American children's books about grandparents and love and family. I love that it's also about a specific tribe and there is information/history behind the story told in the back of the book as well. Definitely something that needs to be read more in libraries.
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November 6, 2016Title: The Star People: A Lakota Story
Author: S.D. Nelson
Illustrator (if separate from author): S.D. Nelson
Genre: Legend
Theme(s): Family, Spirits, Death, Love, Adventure, Destruction, Trust, Home, Standing Rock Sioux tribe
Opening line/sentence: Young Wolf and I had wandered far across the prairie.
Brief Book Summary: Two sisters and a brother who are Plain Indians are looking at the land when they escape a fire, and get lost in the dark. The Star People including their Grandmother help them and get them home safe.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1: Gillian Engberg (Booklist, Nov. 15, 2003 (Vol. 100, No. 6))
While exploring the land around their village, two young Plains Indians--Sister Girl and her little brother, Young Wolf--stray too far. After narrowly escaping a roaring prairie fire, the siblings find themselves lost and frightened in the dark, open land until the StarPeople, "the spirits of the Old Ones who once walked on the earth," offer comfort and guidance home. In clear, captivating language, Nelson, the creator of Gift Horse (2000) and a member of theStanding Rock Sioux tribe, tells a stirring, original story based on Lakota legend. An extensive author's note introduces Ledger Book Art, the nineteenth-century Plains Indian style of art that influenced Nelson's acrylic paintings. The graphic, stylized scenes tend to blur individual faces, but the swirling images of the celestial dance beautifully reflect the story's celebration and awe of the natural world. A fine choice for story hours, this will also find wide curricular use. Category: Books for the Young--Fiction. 2003, Abrams, $14.95. PreS-Gr. 2.
(PUBLISHER: Harry N. Abrams (New York ;) ([London]:), PUBLISHED: 2003.)
Professional Recommendation/Review #2: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature)
Sister Girl tells how she takes her younger brother Young Wolf out to see the wonders of the world. As they watch the shapes in the clouds, a thunderstorm erupts, and lightning starts a prairie fire while they are far from home. They run in fear, finding safety in a stream as thefire passes. But then they are lost in the dark. Magically the stars form the shapes of the Old Ones, including their beloved grandmother who has recently died. She guides them safely home, and promises to be with them always, watching over them with the other Star People. Nelson fills the double pages with paintings which interpret thechildren in a stylized fashion but render the animals and landscape more naturalistically. The skies, of course, dominate most scenes with luminous night-time sky colors with the stars as both stars and also symbols of animals and people. There is a mystical quality to theimagined story line that goes beyond the text to appeal directly to our emotions. The author fills in background material on the story, and on the illustration style as well. 2003, Harry N. Abrams, $14.95. Ages 4 to 8.
(PUBLISHER: Harry N. Abrams (New York ;) ([London]:), PUBLISHED: 2003.)
Response to Two Professional Reviews:
Both reviews discuss the images in the text; one review discusses the acrylic paintings in the text while the other states how the animals and landscape is more naturalistic. A review discusses how this text is a great choice for “story hour”, which is great to have in a classroom. It seems that both reviews were pleasantly pleased with both the art and storyline of the text. I agree with both reviews, although I do wish they discussed the plot and setting of the novel more because I found the book takes place in a culturally diverse setting and provides a new race and story for young readers to experience.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: The illustrations of the text are powerful and simply beautiful to look at, making the story even that much more enchanting. The setting of the story is also important because it does a good job of identifying the culture presented and does it justice. Overall I found the plot interesting to read about, it was interesting hearing a story with magical spirits.
Consideration of Instructional Application: This book would be fantastic for preschool to second grade classrooms. For this application I would have my students create their own star people. If they wanted to they could even create a story of how their star person helped them in a situation. Students could use chalk and black construction paper as a possible material for this activity.
Author: S.D. Nelson
Illustrator (if separate from author): S.D. Nelson
Genre: Legend
Theme(s): Family, Spirits, Death, Love, Adventure, Destruction, Trust, Home, Standing Rock Sioux tribe
Opening line/sentence: Young Wolf and I had wandered far across the prairie.
Brief Book Summary: Two sisters and a brother who are Plain Indians are looking at the land when they escape a fire, and get lost in the dark. The Star People including their Grandmother help them and get them home safe.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1: Gillian Engberg (Booklist, Nov. 15, 2003 (Vol. 100, No. 6))
While exploring the land around their village, two young Plains Indians--Sister Girl and her little brother, Young Wolf--stray too far. After narrowly escaping a roaring prairie fire, the siblings find themselves lost and frightened in the dark, open land until the StarPeople, "the spirits of the Old Ones who once walked on the earth," offer comfort and guidance home. In clear, captivating language, Nelson, the creator of Gift Horse (2000) and a member of theStanding Rock Sioux tribe, tells a stirring, original story based on Lakota legend. An extensive author's note introduces Ledger Book Art, the nineteenth-century Plains Indian style of art that influenced Nelson's acrylic paintings. The graphic, stylized scenes tend to blur individual faces, but the swirling images of the celestial dance beautifully reflect the story's celebration and awe of the natural world. A fine choice for story hours, this will also find wide curricular use. Category: Books for the Young--Fiction. 2003, Abrams, $14.95. PreS-Gr. 2.
(PUBLISHER: Harry N. Abrams (New York ;) ([London]:), PUBLISHED: 2003.)
Professional Recommendation/Review #2: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature)
Sister Girl tells how she takes her younger brother Young Wolf out to see the wonders of the world. As they watch the shapes in the clouds, a thunderstorm erupts, and lightning starts a prairie fire while they are far from home. They run in fear, finding safety in a stream as thefire passes. But then they are lost in the dark. Magically the stars form the shapes of the Old Ones, including their beloved grandmother who has recently died. She guides them safely home, and promises to be with them always, watching over them with the other Star People. Nelson fills the double pages with paintings which interpret thechildren in a stylized fashion but render the animals and landscape more naturalistically. The skies, of course, dominate most scenes with luminous night-time sky colors with the stars as both stars and also symbols of animals and people. There is a mystical quality to theimagined story line that goes beyond the text to appeal directly to our emotions. The author fills in background material on the story, and on the illustration style as well. 2003, Harry N. Abrams, $14.95. Ages 4 to 8.
(PUBLISHER: Harry N. Abrams (New York ;) ([London]:), PUBLISHED: 2003.)
Response to Two Professional Reviews:
Both reviews discuss the images in the text; one review discusses the acrylic paintings in the text while the other states how the animals and landscape is more naturalistic. A review discusses how this text is a great choice for “story hour”, which is great to have in a classroom. It seems that both reviews were pleasantly pleased with both the art and storyline of the text. I agree with both reviews, although I do wish they discussed the plot and setting of the novel more because I found the book takes place in a culturally diverse setting and provides a new race and story for young readers to experience.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: The illustrations of the text are powerful and simply beautiful to look at, making the story even that much more enchanting. The setting of the story is also important because it does a good job of identifying the culture presented and does it justice. Overall I found the plot interesting to read about, it was interesting hearing a story with magical spirits.
Consideration of Instructional Application: This book would be fantastic for preschool to second grade classrooms. For this application I would have my students create their own star people. If they wanted to they could even create a story of how their star person helped them in a situation. Students could use chalk and black construction paper as a possible material for this activity.
November 15, 2017
Title: The Star People: A Lakota Story
Author/illustrator: S. D Nelson
Genre: Myth
Theme(s): Stars, star people myth,
Opening line/sentence: “Young wolf and I had wandered far across the prairie.”
Brief book summary: Sister Girl and Young Wolf, her little brother get caught in a prairie fire on their way home. They survive by jumping in a lake, and with the help of their grandmother, who resides with the star people in heaven. She guides them back to their village the next day. They know the star people will always be with them.
Professional Recommendation/review #1:
Horn Book Review
Abrams
(http://www.hornbookguide.com/cgi-bin/...)
Simply but fluently, Sister Girl tells how she and her brother Young Wolf wander so far that they lose their way home after a prairie fire. That night, from the "Star People" comes the spirit of their grandmother, who comforts them and leads them home the next morning. Full-page impressionistic art advances the narrative and tone of the text.
Professional Recommendation/review #2:
Kirkus Reviews
(https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-re...
Set in the 1800s, this traditional story retold by a member of the Standing Rock Lakota Sioux Tribe, tells of Sister Girl and her younger brother, who are caught in the middle of a raging prairie fire. The two follow the lead of the animals and are saved by falling into a shallow stream. After the fire subsides, the two children realize that they’re lost. Guided by their grandmother, who resides in the heavens with the Star People, the two return safely home. Once they came to a hilltop and see that their village is below, the two children’s grandmother returns to her home. Although the figures in Nelson’s illustrations are not as flat as those in the traditional Lakota ledger book art, the colored pencils, pens, and crayon drawings do emulate the style with earth tones, character profiles, and images of clouds, stars, and animals. An exemplary offering.
Response to two professional reviews: The first review makes note that there is full-page impressionistic art. The second review makes note of the time period and traditional Sioux Tribe, the Standing Rock Lakota, which was helpful. It also talks about the use of earth tones, character profiles, and images of clouds, stars, and animals, which was interesting. That was what made up the illustrations.
Evaluation of literary elements: The illustrations gave this book a mythical vibe with the brilliant, bright colors, character profiles, and clouds/stars. The illustrations allow the narrative tone of the book to come to light. The story is told with simple vocabulary, which is good for elementary readers.
Consideration of instructional application: I could use this in a reading/writing lesson and have the children create their own star people and constellations and describe them. Adjectives could be another potential topic for a mini lesson. We could discuss the elements of a mythical story. We could also discuss Molly Bangs’s principles about the illustrations in the story (with the older grades). I could also come up with a fun craft that we could create in the classroom maker space with recycled materials.
Author/illustrator: S. D Nelson
Genre: Myth
Theme(s): Stars, star people myth,
Opening line/sentence: “Young wolf and I had wandered far across the prairie.”
Brief book summary: Sister Girl and Young Wolf, her little brother get caught in a prairie fire on their way home. They survive by jumping in a lake, and with the help of their grandmother, who resides with the star people in heaven. She guides them back to their village the next day. They know the star people will always be with them.
Professional Recommendation/review #1:
Horn Book Review
Abrams
(http://www.hornbookguide.com/cgi-bin/...)
Simply but fluently, Sister Girl tells how she and her brother Young Wolf wander so far that they lose their way home after a prairie fire. That night, from the "Star People" comes the spirit of their grandmother, who comforts them and leads them home the next morning. Full-page impressionistic art advances the narrative and tone of the text.
Professional Recommendation/review #2:
Kirkus Reviews
(https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-re...
Set in the 1800s, this traditional story retold by a member of the Standing Rock Lakota Sioux Tribe, tells of Sister Girl and her younger brother, who are caught in the middle of a raging prairie fire. The two follow the lead of the animals and are saved by falling into a shallow stream. After the fire subsides, the two children realize that they’re lost. Guided by their grandmother, who resides in the heavens with the Star People, the two return safely home. Once they came to a hilltop and see that their village is below, the two children’s grandmother returns to her home. Although the figures in Nelson’s illustrations are not as flat as those in the traditional Lakota ledger book art, the colored pencils, pens, and crayon drawings do emulate the style with earth tones, character profiles, and images of clouds, stars, and animals. An exemplary offering.
Response to two professional reviews: The first review makes note that there is full-page impressionistic art. The second review makes note of the time period and traditional Sioux Tribe, the Standing Rock Lakota, which was helpful. It also talks about the use of earth tones, character profiles, and images of clouds, stars, and animals, which was interesting. That was what made up the illustrations.
Evaluation of literary elements: The illustrations gave this book a mythical vibe with the brilliant, bright colors, character profiles, and clouds/stars. The illustrations allow the narrative tone of the book to come to light. The story is told with simple vocabulary, which is good for elementary readers.
Consideration of instructional application: I could use this in a reading/writing lesson and have the children create their own star people and constellations and describe them. Adjectives could be another potential topic for a mini lesson. We could discuss the elements of a mythical story. We could also discuss Molly Bangs’s principles about the illustrations in the story (with the older grades). I could also come up with a fun craft that we could create in the classroom maker space with recycled materials.
October 19, 2016
The Star People by S.D Nelson.
Award: Spur Award for Best Storyteller (2004)
Main Characters: Sister Girl and Young Wolf
Genre: Myth, Realistic Fiction
Themes: Family, Protection, Learning, Respect, Nature, and Spirits.
Recommended Minimum Grade Level: 1st Grade
Synopsis:
This book tells of a young Lokota Indian girl who narrates the story of how she and her little brother, Young Wolf wander far from their village and face obstacles to get back home including animals and fires. However the two young children don’t face the journey alone as the spirit of their grandmother guides them in this beautiful illustration picture book which not only captivates the reader but captures the beauty of spirits and nature.
Teaching Connection:
Students can talk about a time when they have felt lost or afraid and/or write or talk about what they did to get out of it. They can also write about who guides them in life whether it's their parents or grandparents. This book also shows the different cultures and an interest for those who are Native American descent. This book inspires love, protection, beautiful scenes and messages that speak to the heart of the reader as they follow along the journey of these young siblings.
Why I think this book is a WOW book:
Two Words: the illustrations! As soon as I opened up the book, the pictures and the drawings immediately brought me in. This book is a beautiful that not only is it about a brother and a sister but Native American siblings. It is important to teach Native American legends and learn the cultures around us and I think this book definitely does it justice.
Award: Spur Award for Best Storyteller (2004)
Main Characters: Sister Girl and Young Wolf
Genre: Myth, Realistic Fiction
Themes: Family, Protection, Learning, Respect, Nature, and Spirits.
Recommended Minimum Grade Level: 1st Grade
Synopsis:
This book tells of a young Lokota Indian girl who narrates the story of how she and her little brother, Young Wolf wander far from their village and face obstacles to get back home including animals and fires. However the two young children don’t face the journey alone as the spirit of their grandmother guides them in this beautiful illustration picture book which not only captivates the reader but captures the beauty of spirits and nature.
Teaching Connection:
Students can talk about a time when they have felt lost or afraid and/or write or talk about what they did to get out of it. They can also write about who guides them in life whether it's their parents or grandparents. This book also shows the different cultures and an interest for those who are Native American descent. This book inspires love, protection, beautiful scenes and messages that speak to the heart of the reader as they follow along the journey of these young siblings.
Why I think this book is a WOW book:
Two Words: the illustrations! As soon as I opened up the book, the pictures and the drawings immediately brought me in. This book is a beautiful that not only is it about a brother and a sister but Native American siblings. It is important to teach Native American legends and learn the cultures around us and I think this book definitely does it justice.
October 17, 2012
This book is about Native American siblings, Sister Girl and Young Wolf who wander away from their village and get caught in a prairie fire. They find a body of water and hide out until the fire has died, but when it is finally safe to leave, it is dark and black from the fire and they cannot find their way home. In their desperation, the look up to the starts and the Star People (spirits of the people who once walked the earth) encircle them. Their grandmother is among the Star People and she comes down to comfort them and lead them back home. The grandmother cannot go with them so she departs saying “The Star People are always with you. Look up, and you will see me among the stars.” Ever since then, when Sister Girl and Young Wolf walk beneath the stars, they feel comforted for they know the Star People are watching over them. The illustrations are beautiful and vibrant, consuming the entire page, and portraying nature, spirits and stars, and the village where Sister Girl and Young Wolf reside.I would accompany a lesson on Native American tribes and their beliefs and traditions with this story.
August 29, 2012
Diversity Theme American Indian PB 7: I thought this book did an excellent job of integrating culture with universal themes that children of any heritage can relate to. I appreciated that the author included details about the Lakota tribe such as the unique names of tribe members, the teepees used as housing, and the singing of songs to give thanks. I think that children can relate this to their own traditions and lifestyles that may differ, but still possess similar qualities. The most powerful transaction that I had with the text was when the children spoke of the stars in the night representing spirits of their loved ones who have passed away. I think this is a uplifting idea for children to have that their loved ones are watching over you and never have to leave you in memory. Death is a hard subject for children to understand and I feel this book does a great job of portraying both cultural ideas and coping with losing a loved one. Thus, I would definitely recommend this book.
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December 7, 2017Awards: Spur Award for Best Storyteller
Grade Level: Kindergarten through Second Grade
Original Summary: After leaving home on their own, a brother and sister end up lost in the wilderness. As they desperately search for the way home, it becomes dark outside. Their family had taught them that in the past they used the stars to get home, so the sister and brother used the stars to find their way back home.
Original Review: I liked that this book had a lot to say about the culture of these people and their families. The traditions that are told in this book can educate students about those different cultures, and how these families beliefs are different than ones we may hold now.
2-3 In Class Uses: 1) The whole class can have a discussion about what it means to have a tradition. 2) The students can write a few sentences about traditions their families may have. 3) The students can talk with their neighbor about a time that they may have looked at the stars.
Grade Level: Kindergarten through Second Grade
Original Summary: After leaving home on their own, a brother and sister end up lost in the wilderness. As they desperately search for the way home, it becomes dark outside. Their family had taught them that in the past they used the stars to get home, so the sister and brother used the stars to find their way back home.
Original Review: I liked that this book had a lot to say about the culture of these people and their families. The traditions that are told in this book can educate students about those different cultures, and how these families beliefs are different than ones we may hold now.
2-3 In Class Uses: 1) The whole class can have a discussion about what it means to have a tradition. 2) The students can write a few sentences about traditions their families may have. 3) The students can talk with their neighbor about a time that they may have looked at the stars.
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March 17, 2010A brother and sister can’t get home because of a fire, but they have the Star People there to keep them safe and show them the way.
When traditional literature, I think there is a huge importance in teaching Native American legends. It’s significant for children to learn about the cultures of other, especially those around us. I don’t think children know enough about the Native American culture, but with the use of legends, they can gain so much more knowledge. This book alone can teach children about the culture through their clothing, colors and their ideas of stars and constellations, and I think that is why this book would be such a great tool to use in a classroom. This book can help teach the idea of traditional literature as well teach about a culture that is so important to America’s history and is still important today.
When traditional literature, I think there is a huge importance in teaching Native American legends. It’s significant for children to learn about the cultures of other, especially those around us. I don’t think children know enough about the Native American culture, but with the use of legends, they can gain so much more knowledge. This book alone can teach children about the culture through their clothing, colors and their ideas of stars and constellations, and I think that is why this book would be such a great tool to use in a classroom. This book can help teach the idea of traditional literature as well teach about a culture that is so important to America’s history and is still important today.
June 24, 2015
This is a beautiful Native American tale of what happens to us after we die and the loving spirits who watch over us. Sister Girl and her brother Young Wolf walk away from their village, they lie down in the grass and watch the clouds passing above forming different creatures, an eagle, and horses. Suddenly, animals begin to run past the children on the ground - followed by a wall of fire! The two kids, Sister Girl and Young Wolf save themselves by falling into a shallow stream. The children realize that they are totally lost. They were wondering how they will get home to their parents? And why are the stars dancing so? 4 - 8 years
October 11, 2017
The book is about a brother and sister who wonder away from their village to look at the clouds in the sky. When it starts to get dark and the sky turns gray, the two start to head home. However, there is a prairie fire in their way and they end up hiding under water to stay safe from the fire. When the fire dies down, they can't find their way home. They are lying underneath the stars when their grandmothers comes to them. Their grandmother passed away and now lives with the star people. In the morning, they end up getting back to their village and being with their parents. I enjoyed the story and how comforting it was when their grandmother appeared.
October 16, 2018
I thought this was an ok story. I liked the connection with Sister Girl and Young Wolf's grandmother. I felt that the story shared the beliefs and traditions of the family culture. The illustrations were my favorite part of the story. I liked how they talked about the spirits of their old ones were the stars and how the children would look into the sky and they saw how the stars began to make shapes such as coyote. I appreciated the magic of the spirits and the culture that was shared in the story. I thought the story offered conflict, hope, and array of emotions from fear, sadness and happiness.
March 29, 2018
Sister girl and young wolf are brother and sister and they face some difficulties but their grandmother appears to them and helps them. I enjoyed this book because it felt very relaxing to read. I like these types of stories because it connects humans to nature and it makes them one and i always appreciate a relaxing, spiritual story like this because it is something to reflect and meditate to. I definitely recommend to any teacher who wants to change up their story times and create writing or thinking prompts.
March 30, 2018
What caught my attention about this book was the cover with the blue sky and the swirls. I found this book to be very special because it mentions angels and their grandma that passed away was able to help and keep them safe. My grandma passed away this semester so I know my grandma is watching over me like in this book. This book can teach my students not to run away because you could get lost and get yourself in danger. I don't know if I would have this in my classroom because it talks about angels which is religious so a parent might get mad about it.
November 13, 2018
First of all, the illustrations in this book are incredible. The blue and stars are in the skies in this book are wonderful. The book has a beautiful story along with the illustrations. The story follows a Lakota family and their journey. Great read for elementary readers to learn about the Lakota people!
December 29, 2010
My mom bought this book for her god-daughter and I gave it a quick read before it was gifted. The art alone makes this book worth a read. Based on a Lakota legend, a brother and sister find themselves caught in a wild prarie fire and look to the stars and the spirit of their grandmother for guidance back to their parents.
December 24, 2011
This Native American folktale is beautifully told. I would have loved this book even without the text, but with it this was really something special. I didn't know who S.D. Nelson was until recently, but now that I do, I am going to make a special effort to get to know all of his work. It's so nicely done.
July 22, 2016
A beautiful story about a girl and her brother who lose their family and village during a prairie fire. They are led back to their community by a spirit in the night sky -- their deceased grandmother, Elk Tooth Woman. S.D. Nelson's acrylic illustrations, inspired by traditional Lakota art, are just right.
April 4, 2018
I chose this book because I would be given a new perspective on the Native American culture. I really liked this book because I thought it was very interesting. I also chose this book because it reminds me of my older sister who is Native American. I think that this book brings the traditional culture to life with out being stereotypical.
April 18, 2009
A wonderful children's picture book that will engage your children from the opening illustration. The story was written and illustrated by S.D. Nelson a wonderful artist. The story is heartwarming as it deals with the passing of loved ones and how they are always still present in our lives.
July 31, 2009
*Picture Book* I think this is a very good story about family ties and love. The little boy and girl get to see their grandmother again, and I learned some Lakota legends along the way. It has very pretty and appropriate pictures that fit in with the story.
May 5, 2012
Another American Indian tale written & illustrated by S. D. Nelson, a member of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe in the Dakotas, with amazing artwork of the night skies & star people. I find his art to be very appealing & visually satisfying, with his bright & saturated colors & stylized figures!
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August 13, 2012The main attraction for the 5-8 year old crowd were the craft activities. But every craft day offers an opportunity to share a story or two or three. The text here is moderately lengthy, so I briefly narrated the story as I thumbed through the illustrations.
February 22, 2015
This story is so unique! This story gives insight to Native American culture. The illustrations are very detailed and I think this book would be great to use to teach children about Native American culture.
April 30, 2015
the illustrations in this book were GORGEOUS, and I liked the idea of the story... but it was kind of poorly executed. but this is a picture book for kids, so I gave it a rating based mostly on the illustrations.
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