The Big Push

by Betty Baker, Bonnie Johnson (Illustrator)

Describes the disruption of a Hopi tribe when the children are forced to go to school and learn the ways of the white man.

63 pages, Library Binding

First published February 1, 1972

Reviews

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking book on the removal of Hopi children to 'school' them. There is a break within the group when some want their children to learn the new ways and some want their children to learn the old ways. A literal 'line' is drawn in the sand and the people engage in a type of tug of war to see who will win. Art is beautiful. Highest recommendation.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this more, because the subject, Native American children forced to attend white schools, is of interest to me. However, this book read like a longer story that got severely edited down into an easy reader. It felt like significant, explanatory parts were left out. The narrative was choppy and disjointed. I liked the artwork, but it often didn't seem to quite match the text. Disappointing.