What do you think?
Rate this book
Son Who Returns
Fifteen-year-old Mark Centeno is of Chumash, Crow, Mexican and Filipino ancestry--he calls himself "four kinds of brown." When Mark goes to live with his Chumash grandmother on the reservation in central California, he discovers a rich world of family history and culture that he knows very little about. He also finds a pathway to understanding better a part of his own identity: powwow dancing. Riveted by the traditional dancers and feeling the magnetic pull of the drums, Mark begins the training and other preparations necessary for him to compete as a dancer in one of America's largest powwows.
120 pages, Paperback
First published January 22, 2014
60 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 31, 2017
An amazing portrayal of a young man learning about his linage, and becoming involved in Powwows. The traditions followed and explained were beautiful. I felt like I got a real glimpse into a culture I knew next to nothing about previously. I want to see more diverse reads like this one !
August 31, 2018
This book gets a 1 star for plot and characters, but 4 stars for content. The plot was 100% from every Disney made for TV movie. Main character (Mark) moves to new town where he feels like an outsider until he discovers a new activity (powwow dancing) and is helped by a friendly crew along the way. His first competition he does awful and meets a nemesis (Charley) who is arrogant and belittling. In the end, main character finds the inspiration he needs (spirit of his Crow Grandfather) to give it his best, connects with the family, and wins first place at the big end competition (Albuquerque Gathering of Nations Powwow).
What the book does well is:
1) that it's 100% G rated so I can use this in my middle school book club
2) introduces readers to the Powwow and Native culture in a fairly neutral way that would appeal to native and non-native readers
3) throws in a handful of topics such as racism, identity, belonging, etc in a way that fosters discussion
4) short and fast enough paced to keep a reluctant reader's attention
I would say this book has a target audience of 3rd-6th grade which might not go over well with my 7th grade reading group. I was hoping since the protagonist is 15 years old, it would appeal to middle school but no such luck. It is really, really hard to find interesting Native American books for middle school. Most are either too simple and young or have too many adult themes and I can't use them for book club. Someone needs to fill that nitch.
What the book does well is:
1) that it's 100% G rated so I can use this in my middle school book club
2) introduces readers to the Powwow and Native culture in a fairly neutral way that would appeal to native and non-native readers
3) throws in a handful of topics such as racism, identity, belonging, etc in a way that fosters discussion
4) short and fast enough paced to keep a reluctant reader's attention
I would say this book has a target audience of 3rd-6th grade which might not go over well with my 7th grade reading group. I was hoping since the protagonist is 15 years old, it would appeal to middle school but no such luck. It is really, really hard to find interesting Native American books for middle school. Most are either too simple and young or have too many adult themes and I can't use them for book club. Someone needs to fill that nitch.
June 7, 2019
15 yo boy schemes to return to California and surfing after his family's move to Texas, by asking to spend time with his grandmother on the reservation. This works, and along the way he becomes a pow-wow dancer, which leads to a powerful reconnection with his heritage.
It's a bit didactic, a bit stilted, but on the whole the story, the details about modern Native American life and the beauty of the family connections make this an enjoyable read. The only thing I found hard to follow was Adrian's role in Mark's emergence as a pow-wow dancer -- he's a glorious mentor, who steps into the role beautifully, but it seems as though he stops dancing in order to coach Mark, which troubles me -- it 's a bit unclear if that is the case, or if he is also competing. In any case, a satisfying story.
It's a bit didactic, a bit stilted, but on the whole the story, the details about modern Native American life and the beauty of the family connections make this an enjoyable read. The only thing I found hard to follow was Adrian's role in Mark's emergence as a pow-wow dancer -- he's a glorious mentor, who steps into the role beautifully, but it seems as though he stops dancing in order to coach Mark, which troubles me -- it 's a bit unclear if that is the case, or if he is also competing. In any case, a satisfying story.
April 1, 2018
It's hard to find diverse literature that is elevating. All of the main characters in this story have different racial and cultural backgrounds and no one is struggling against poverty/violence/gang culture/etc. Those stories are important, but they can't be the only viewpoint represented in diverse children's literature.
February 4, 2016
This ends up reading like an introductory lecture on Chumash culture but no matter. Readers will be exposed to an aspect of tribal culture they are not familiar with or have stereotyped notions of. Mark's enthusiasm for powwow dancing carries readers along on his journey to discover his identity.
July 23, 2014
a good look into modern day native culture
September 5, 2014
A sensitively told story of a mixed race Native teen discovering his Chumash and Crow roots. Written for reluctant teen readers.
June 11, 2017
Well presented story of a young man discovering his roots and family native american connections.
July 19, 2020
Mark doesn't enjoy living in Texas with his Dad and new stepmother. He misses his friends and life in San Diego. He convinces his father to send him back to California to live on the Chumash reservation with his grandmother and extended family for the summer. Summer extends into fall as Mark has finally found where he wants to be.
Although Mark is 15, this book is more appropriate for grades 4-6. It is a fabulous introduction to Chumash culture and life as a Native American today. I did not realize that California Native Americans also hold Pow Wows and this is explained well in the book. It is written in a very simple and spare style, which will allow young readers to learn and grow along with Mark. This would be a great addition to 4th grade curriculums in California looking to expand on the modern experience of native Californians. Recommended for grades 3 & up.
Although Mark is 15, this book is more appropriate for grades 4-6. It is a fabulous introduction to Chumash culture and life as a Native American today. I did not realize that California Native Americans also hold Pow Wows and this is explained well in the book. It is written in a very simple and spare style, which will allow young readers to learn and grow along with Mark. This would be a great addition to 4th grade curriculums in California looking to expand on the modern experience of native Californians. Recommended for grades 3 & up.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews