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Hiawatha and the Peacemaker
Includes a song from Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Robbie Robertson (The Band)!
STARRED REVIEW *“A much-needed, authentic Native American voice to children’s literature.” — Booklist
STARRED REVIEW *“A beautifully retold version of this tale.” — School Library Journal
Born of Mohawk and Cayuga descent, music legend Robbie Robertson learned the story of Hiawatha and his spiritual guide, the Peacemaker, as part of the Iroquois oral tradition. Now he shares the same gift of storytelling with parents and children in a beautifully illustrated picture book retelling the story.
The five Haudenosaunee (now more commonly referred to as the Iroquois) Nations are constantly warring with one another, fueled by the evil Chief Tadodaho. The Mohawk warrior Hiawatha, too, is consumed by grief and anger, but a Peacemaker appears and enlists him to assist in joining the tribes together under the Great Law. Hiawatha was a strong and articulate warrior and so was chosen to bring this new message of unity to the warring nations during the 14th century before Europeans arrived in North America. After traveling with the Peacemaker to the different tribes hoping for peace, Hiawatha finds forgiveness within himself.
This message not only succeeded in uniting the tribes but also forever changed how the Iroquois governed themselves—a blueprint for democracy that would later inspire the authors of the US Constitution.
Caldecott Honor–winning illustrator David Shannon brings the journey of Hiawatha and the Peacemaker to life with beautiful full-color oil paintings. Together, Robertson and Shannon have crafted a new children’s classic that will both educate and inspire readers of all ages.
Includes a CD featuring an original song written and performed by Robbie Robertson.
STARRED REVIEW *“A much-needed, authentic Native American voice to children’s literature.” — Booklist
STARRED REVIEW *“A beautifully retold version of this tale.” — School Library Journal
Born of Mohawk and Cayuga descent, music legend Robbie Robertson learned the story of Hiawatha and his spiritual guide, the Peacemaker, as part of the Iroquois oral tradition. Now he shares the same gift of storytelling with parents and children in a beautifully illustrated picture book retelling the story.
The five Haudenosaunee (now more commonly referred to as the Iroquois) Nations are constantly warring with one another, fueled by the evil Chief Tadodaho. The Mohawk warrior Hiawatha, too, is consumed by grief and anger, but a Peacemaker appears and enlists him to assist in joining the tribes together under the Great Law. Hiawatha was a strong and articulate warrior and so was chosen to bring this new message of unity to the warring nations during the 14th century before Europeans arrived in North America. After traveling with the Peacemaker to the different tribes hoping for peace, Hiawatha finds forgiveness within himself.
This message not only succeeded in uniting the tribes but also forever changed how the Iroquois governed themselves—a blueprint for democracy that would later inspire the authors of the US Constitution.
Caldecott Honor–winning illustrator David Shannon brings the journey of Hiawatha and the Peacemaker to life with beautiful full-color oil paintings. Together, Robertson and Shannon have crafted a new children’s classic that will both educate and inspire readers of all ages.
Includes a CD featuring an original song written and performed by Robbie Robertson.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published September 8, 2015
25 people are currently reading
915 people want to read
About the author
Robbie Robertson
37 books91 followersRobbie Robertson was the guitarist and principal songwriter in The Band. He grew up in Toronto and on the Brantford Six Nations Reserve before heading to Arkansas to join Ronnie Hawkins and the Hawks. He has produced many movie soundtracks for Martin Scorsese, including Raging Bull, and others, and continues to record as a solo artist. His most recent record, How to Become Clairvoyant, came out in 2011. His support of NA Native Music has been galvanizing. Robertson is coauthor of the children’s book Legends, Icons & Rebels, and author of the memoir Testimony, and the children's book, Hiawatha and the Peacemaker. He lives in Los Angeles and visits Canada often.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews
March 10, 2017
This picture book is the perfect introduction to my grade nine lesson on the "Great Peace." In the 16th century, the five nations of the Iroquois( Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and the Mohawk) were at war. It caused much devastation as these nations were fighting with one another. Robbie Robertson introduces the reading audience to the oral tradition handed down to him by his elders and relates how peace was finally achieved between the Five Nations.
The illustrations are beautiful and an audio cd accompanies the book. Highly recommend!
The illustrations are beautiful and an audio cd accompanies the book. Highly recommend!
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March 4, 2016
The art is gorgeous, and as a former resident of upstate NY who grew up in the shadow of Ganondagan, I am thrilled to see the work of The Great Peacemaker & Hiwatha made more widely-known -- but this is a heavily sanitized, heavily truncated version of their story, even for a children's book. So much is left out or changed to be more appealing to 21st century Euro-American audiences. And it suffers as a result. :(
July 19, 2021
The Iroquois legend of the prophet Deganawida (the Peacemaker) and his disciple Hiawatha, who together brought unity and peace to the warring Iroquois tribes in precolonial North America, is retold for children in this beautiful picture-book from Mohawk and Cayuga-descended musician Robbie Robertson, and Caldecott Honor-winning Euro-American illustrator David Shannon. Consumed by grief and rage at the killing of his wife and children by the forces of the terrible Onondaga chief, Tadodaho, Mohawk warrior Hiawatha is set on revenge, until the arrival of the mysterious Peacemaker, a quiet man who travels in a stone canoe, and speaks of the Great Law of Peace that will unite all mankind under one tree. Won over to this new vision, Hiawatha becomes the Peacemaker's spokesman, and together they travel to the different Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) nations, convincing them one by one to join their new league. Eventually, only the Onondaga are left to convince, but first the snake-bedeviled Tadodaho must be cured and forgiven. When this is accomplished, the members of the new Iroquois Confederacy - Mohawk, Cayuga, Oneida, Seneca and Onondaga** - bury their weapons underneath a great pine tree, and usher in a new era of peace and cooperation...
Many readers might be familiar with the name Hiawatha from Longfellow's famous poem, The Song of Hiawatha , but the story told there is almost completely the poet's own, and bears little resemblance to the stories told by the Haudenosaunee themselves. I myself have never read the Longfellow, although I would like to at some point. I am familiar with this story however, having read the fuller, adult version in Paul A.W. Wallace's 1946 White Roots of Peace: The Iroquois Book of Life , which is cited by Robertson in his back matter as a source. I therefore went into Hiawatha and the Peacemaker already knowing the story, and curious to see how it would be retold for children. What I discovered was an absolutely beautiful book, one which retold the story in such a way as to make the Peacemaker's message most powerful. By focusing on Hiawatha, and his journey from grief and anger to acceptance and forgiveness, Robertson demonstrates how the Peacemaker's vision has both personal and political aspects to it. As I commented in my review of the Wallace retelling, "this is a story whose political and religious components are inseparable," and it is clear that although it is a tale about the founding of the Iroquois Confederacy - a powerful tribal alliance whose structure would provide inspiration to the founding fathers, in their creation of a new form of government in the American state - it is also a tale about the individual's struggle to find the right way through life. There are interesting elements of the story that have been left out - the fact that Deganawida is often thought to have been Huron, an outsider and potential enemy to the Iroquois peoples, for instance, or that some retelling claim he was (like Jesus) the product of a virgin birth - but that makes sense, as the narrative focus here is on the disciple, rather than the prophet. Although I would have liked to see more information in the afterword, about these matters, or about the eventual structure of the Iroquois Confederacy - the name Tadodaho, for instance, has continued to be used to this day for the traditional leader chosen to preside over the Grand Council of the Iroquois League - I also wasn't terribly exercised by their absence.
As poignant and powerful as Robertson's retelling is, the artwork here from Shannon is equally moving. Done in oil paint, the illustrations are vividly colorful and immensely expressive. I got a shiver down my spine, looking at the image of Hiawatha speaking, with Deganawida behind him, and am little appalled that this didn't receive a Caldecott nod. In any case, this was simply a wonderful book all around, with a fascinating story and beautiful artwork. It explores an aspect of American history - the founding of the Iroquois Confederacy - that many young people may be unaware of. It's fairly long and text-heavy for a picture-book, so I would recommend it to readers who are on the older end of the picture-book audience. Perhaps ages 7 and up.
** The Iroquois Confederacy is now also known as the Six Nations, as they were joined by their linguistically-related cousins, the Tuscarora, in 1722.
Many readers might be familiar with the name Hiawatha from Longfellow's famous poem, The Song of Hiawatha , but the story told there is almost completely the poet's own, and bears little resemblance to the stories told by the Haudenosaunee themselves. I myself have never read the Longfellow, although I would like to at some point. I am familiar with this story however, having read the fuller, adult version in Paul A.W. Wallace's 1946 White Roots of Peace: The Iroquois Book of Life , which is cited by Robertson in his back matter as a source. I therefore went into Hiawatha and the Peacemaker already knowing the story, and curious to see how it would be retold for children. What I discovered was an absolutely beautiful book, one which retold the story in such a way as to make the Peacemaker's message most powerful. By focusing on Hiawatha, and his journey from grief and anger to acceptance and forgiveness, Robertson demonstrates how the Peacemaker's vision has both personal and political aspects to it. As I commented in my review of the Wallace retelling, "this is a story whose political and religious components are inseparable," and it is clear that although it is a tale about the founding of the Iroquois Confederacy - a powerful tribal alliance whose structure would provide inspiration to the founding fathers, in their creation of a new form of government in the American state - it is also a tale about the individual's struggle to find the right way through life. There are interesting elements of the story that have been left out - the fact that Deganawida is often thought to have been Huron, an outsider and potential enemy to the Iroquois peoples, for instance, or that some retelling claim he was (like Jesus) the product of a virgin birth - but that makes sense, as the narrative focus here is on the disciple, rather than the prophet. Although I would have liked to see more information in the afterword, about these matters, or about the eventual structure of the Iroquois Confederacy - the name Tadodaho, for instance, has continued to be used to this day for the traditional leader chosen to preside over the Grand Council of the Iroquois League - I also wasn't terribly exercised by their absence.
As poignant and powerful as Robertson's retelling is, the artwork here from Shannon is equally moving. Done in oil paint, the illustrations are vividly colorful and immensely expressive. I got a shiver down my spine, looking at the image of Hiawatha speaking, with Deganawida behind him, and am little appalled that this didn't receive a Caldecott nod. In any case, this was simply a wonderful book all around, with a fascinating story and beautiful artwork. It explores an aspect of American history - the founding of the Iroquois Confederacy - that many young people may be unaware of. It's fairly long and text-heavy for a picture-book, so I would recommend it to readers who are on the older end of the picture-book audience. Perhaps ages 7 and up.
** The Iroquois Confederacy is now also known as the Six Nations, as they were joined by their linguistically-related cousins, the Tuscarora, in 1722.
August 19, 2015
This is an AMAZING book. It's one of the most moving non-fiction books I have read in a long time. The illustrations are gorgeous and in two different styles. The lesser used style is done in the of tribal art, colorful but simple and is at the bottom of some of the pages to show the coming together of the tribes. The other style style, which is the majority of the book is hard to describe outside of gorgeous (also because I don't have an art degree). But they are extremely detailed and colorful and truly enhance the story that is being told.
The story is based off of Native American Legend under the assumption that Hiawatha was a real person from what I can gather- but this does make it difficult to tell if this book is a biography or history book. Honestly it really doesn't matter. The story is one of Hiawatha after the leader Tadodaho destroys his village and kills his family. Hiawatha is wallowing in hatred until the Peacemaker comes along and asks for his help to stop the fighting. It's a moving story about finding forgiveness for yourself and towards your enemies and ultimately coming together as one nation.
Even though this is a story based long in the past (Hiawatha is believed to live during the 14th century) it has a message that we can apply to today's society. A truly moving and amazing story that I think everyone should read.
It does also come with a 1 Track CD with a song by Robbie Roberston that tells the same story in a different way with less words that the book. While I found the book more moving, I did enjoy the CD.
I received an advanced copy of this book for award consideration.
The story is based off of Native American Legend under the assumption that Hiawatha was a real person from what I can gather- but this does make it difficult to tell if this book is a biography or history book. Honestly it really doesn't matter. The story is one of Hiawatha after the leader Tadodaho destroys his village and kills his family. Hiawatha is wallowing in hatred until the Peacemaker comes along and asks for his help to stop the fighting. It's a moving story about finding forgiveness for yourself and towards your enemies and ultimately coming together as one nation.
Even though this is a story based long in the past (Hiawatha is believed to live during the 14th century) it has a message that we can apply to today's society. A truly moving and amazing story that I think everyone should read.
It does also come with a 1 Track CD with a song by Robbie Roberston that tells the same story in a different way with less words that the book. While I found the book more moving, I did enjoy the CD.
I received an advanced copy of this book for award consideration.
February 18, 2024
I have not read a better book about this legendary leader. An excellent online reading of this story is on youtube.
November 8, 2017
This book made me think about how someone doesn't have to do something and life may carry on for the time being, but because of a brave or kind act, things get better. That is a small and vague statement compared to what the Peacemaker and Hiawatha set out to do to bring a stop to violence amongst tribes. The Great Law is one that the Peacemaker, who struggles to speak his words, brought to Hiawatha, only weeks after losing his family. They set out to unite 5 different tribes, including Tododaho, the evil chief. It seemed like a waste of time at first, but after spreading the message far and wide, a glimmering of hope started to appear. What a message of forgiveness this is as the need for peace and love will surely triumph hate and rage. The illustrations detect the passion and heartfelt message of the characters in the story and with all of the terrible tragedies of today, the message of hope, forgiveness, and peace reigns strong for any child in Elementary School!
November 15, 2019
A book for all ages
Just because you’re an adult doesn’t mean you can’t learn anything from a Children’s book. This was so lovely and heartwarming, I’m really happy I accidentally found this book on Libby. Highly recommended no matter how old or young you are.
Just because you’re an adult doesn’t mean you can’t learn anything from a Children’s book. This was so lovely and heartwarming, I’m really happy I accidentally found this book on Libby. Highly recommended no matter how old or young you are.
September 30, 2017
What an incredible way to teach children how to come to terms with their emotions, and be productive with them too. There are many lessons to be learned from this picturebook with respect to the text (based off of an old story) and to the illustrations (artfully and emotionally articulate).
This story is intricately woven, eliciting genuine and sincere emotions as though as it were imploring you to better yourself for the sake of your mental clarity as well as for others. The emotional journeys that these characters go through are ones that the reader should truly think about embarking on themselves. This book is a masterpiece on every level.
This story is intricately woven, eliciting genuine and sincere emotions as though as it were imploring you to better yourself for the sake of your mental clarity as well as for others. The emotional journeys that these characters go through are ones that the reader should truly think about embarking on themselves. This book is a masterpiece on every level.
September 12, 2015
Musical legend, Robbie Robertson, tells the story of fourteenth century Hiawatha based on stories he heard as a child. Robertson, of Mohawk and Cayuga descent, sets the record straight and shares a critical story in the Iroquois oral tradition about the unification of the Six Nations. A powerful picture book with Shannon's stunningly beautiful illustrations that chronicles the story of the Six Nations Iroquois Confederacy and the Great Law of Peace, both important milestones in American history.
November 1, 2019
This story is so inspiring to me... And an amazing piece of American history. Truly ! Also, I really love this illustrator (the same person who did A Bad Case of Stripes and illustrated 'No, David!').
The storytelling is lovely, eerie, and powerful.
The storytelling is lovely, eerie, and powerful.
March 25, 2022
Very well illustrated history. When an evil Chief Tadadaho was mentioned on the first page, I looked in Wiki: "Tadodaho was a Native American and sachem of the Onondaga nation before the Deganawidah (Peacemaker) and Hiawatha formed the Iroquois League. According to oral tradition, he had extraordinary characteristics and was widely feared, but he was persuaded to support the confederacy of the Five Nations."
As usual, the wiki was boring. This book was SO much better at story-telling of how the Five Nations were brought together.
The book is aimed at kids, but the story has fairly big words in it, and is actually medium-long. So probable target-kids are 9+. Any child reading along will find the details in the pictures will easily hold their attention while an adult reads the story.
As usual, the wiki was boring. This book was SO much better at story-telling of how the Five Nations were brought together.
The book is aimed at kids, but the story has fairly big words in it, and is actually medium-long. So probable target-kids are 9+. Any child reading along will find the details in the pictures will easily hold their attention while an adult reads the story.
November 23, 2015
The path to peace is never easy--it's full of anger, turmoil and resistance. Hiawatha starts telling his tell by recounting how his family was killed in battle. Afterward, he could only think of taking revenge. But one morning, a man paddled across the water in a white stone canoe. The Peacemaker said to Hiawatha, in a halting voice,
Robbie Robertson, who is of Mohawk and Cayuga heritage, first heard this story as a young boy visiting his relatives at Six Nations of the Grand River in southern Ontario, Canada. In his author's note, he recounts the day they journeyed through "the bush" to a longhouse and heard a respected Elder tell the story of the Great Peacemaker and his disciple, Hiawatha. Now Robertson, with the aid of his son, comes full circle to becomes the storyteller.
Young readers, especially in 4th through 7th grades, will grasp the difficulties Hiawatha faced, first battling his own rage and anger at his enemies, and later as he brought the Peacemaker's message to warring tribes. Healing can only be achieved by forgiveness and trust. Hiawatha was passionate and convincing delivering his message to the Seneca and others:
Students will be able to see how this transformed the Iroquois nations to form the united league that eventually became the Six Nations Iroquois Confederacy. I think it would be fascinating for students to also apply these themes to conflicts we face today, whether in our local communities or in world politics.
David Shannon's illustrations are powerful, evocative and stunning. Although you may know him for his humorous No, David!, his picture book The Rough-Face Girl (with Rafe Martin) remains one of my all-time favorite folktales. In Hiawatha and the Peacemaker, he conveys both the heroic and mythological nature of the two main figures--but he also lets readers feel the anguish that results from the conflict and the power struggles. I found this interview with David Shannon at TeachingBooks very interesting.
"I-I-I know of your pain. I know of your loss. I carry a message of healing. I h-h-have come to tell you of the Great Law: Fighting among our people must stop. We must come together as one body, one mind, and one heart. Peace, power and righteousness shall be the new way."
Robbie Robertson, who is of Mohawk and Cayuga heritage, first heard this story as a young boy visiting his relatives at Six Nations of the Grand River in southern Ontario, Canada. In his author's note, he recounts the day they journeyed through "the bush" to a longhouse and heard a respected Elder tell the story of the Great Peacemaker and his disciple, Hiawatha. Now Robertson, with the aid of his son, comes full circle to becomes the storyteller.
Young readers, especially in 4th through 7th grades, will grasp the difficulties Hiawatha faced, first battling his own rage and anger at his enemies, and later as he brought the Peacemaker's message to warring tribes. Healing can only be achieved by forgiveness and trust. Hiawatha was passionate and convincing delivering his message to the Seneca and others:
"We will all perish if we continue this violence. A change must come, and the time is now. Alone, we will be broken," I said, "but together we are more powerful than the greatest warrior."
Students will be able to see how this transformed the Iroquois nations to form the united league that eventually became the Six Nations Iroquois Confederacy. I think it would be fascinating for students to also apply these themes to conflicts we face today, whether in our local communities or in world politics.
David Shannon's illustrations are powerful, evocative and stunning. Although you may know him for his humorous No, David!, his picture book The Rough-Face Girl (with Rafe Martin) remains one of my all-time favorite folktales. In Hiawatha and the Peacemaker, he conveys both the heroic and mythological nature of the two main figures--but he also lets readers feel the anguish that results from the conflict and the power struggles. I found this interview with David Shannon at TeachingBooks very interesting.
December 21, 2015
I rarely give 5 stars but for this children's book I must.
As a teacher of Indigenous students, I am always looking for books that my students can relate to. Here in this region we have Haudenosawnee (Iroquois), and Aanishnawbe (Ojibwe/Chippewa) peoples.
This is a retelling of how the five nations of Haudenosawnee people (more commonly known as Iroquois): Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca Nations, after generations of inter-tribal wars finally found peace. Robertson introduces us to the journeys undertaken by the peacemaker Daganawida(h) and his disciple Hiawatha (not Longfellow's Hiawatha who is a fictional Ojibwe character), as they delivered their message of peace through forgiveness to the Iroquois people (this is now known as the Iroquois Confederacy). This is the same story that is retold when looking at the Hiawatha Wampum belt (a tree flanked by 2 connected squares on each side).
The language is very suitable for young children and the sentence structure and cadence replicates that of the story-teller. In true story-teller fashion, it is left to the reader to reflect upon the story and draw their own conclusions. The beauty of this construct means that with each reading or re-telling deeper meanings are discovered.
The illustrations (photos of original oils) are simply stunning. The colours are vibrant and engaging, making this a perfect book for read aloud.
Now as we (in Canada) begin to implement the recommendations of the TRC, including this book in any primary and/or junior elementary classroom library is most appropriate. The lessons taught within the story are universal for conflict resolution and this story depicts Indigenous history told by the authentic Indigenous voice.
Highly recommended!
November 19, 2016
Robbie Robertson is of Mohawk and Cayuga descent. In this book, he shares a story he heard growing up. It's based on true historical figures, and it's about how the oldest known participatory democracy on Earth was formed. It's also about personal healing after tragedy and turning away from violence.
The writing works so well because Robertson focuses in on his two title characters, and most deeply on Hiawatha, a man struggling with pain and grief due to the murder of his family. He agrees to travel with the Peacemaker and help him share a vision of peace even though he doesn't believe it yet himself. His emotional journey during the book is profoundly real. It takes him over half the book to even remember the joy of his lost family, instead of being consumed by anger.
Despite these big themes, it's totally appropriate for elementary school aged children. They may not get the full depth of emotion here that adults will, but the message of peace and forgiveness will come though clearly. It's also absolutely gorgeous. David Shannon absolutely wins here. So many of the pages could be paintings hanging in an art museum.
(If you're familiar with Longfellow's poem about Hiawatha, don't get confused. Longfellow got the name of his character totally wrong, as well as many other details.)
The writing works so well because Robertson focuses in on his two title characters, and most deeply on Hiawatha, a man struggling with pain and grief due to the murder of his family. He agrees to travel with the Peacemaker and help him share a vision of peace even though he doesn't believe it yet himself. His emotional journey during the book is profoundly real. It takes him over half the book to even remember the joy of his lost family, instead of being consumed by anger.
Despite these big themes, it's totally appropriate for elementary school aged children. They may not get the full depth of emotion here that adults will, but the message of peace and forgiveness will come though clearly. It's also absolutely gorgeous. David Shannon absolutely wins here. So many of the pages could be paintings hanging in an art museum.
(If you're familiar with Longfellow's poem about Hiawatha, don't get confused. Longfellow got the name of his character totally wrong, as well as many other details.)
May 3, 2019
Set in the 14th century in which five Iroquois tribes were in constant warfare, killing and destroying each other, Hiawatha has fallen victim to the evil Chief Tadodaho as he killed his wife and three children. Shortly after the devastation, Hiawatha is approached by the Peacemaker and tasked with traveling to each warring Iroquois tribe to bring a message of peace, forgiveness, and unity. Hiawatha, through guidance and strength of the Peacemaker even heals the sick Chief Tadodaho and heals him of his vicious and evil ways, bringing peace and unity to all. An oral tradition that later became the foundation of the United States ideal of democracy tells a story of overcoming hatred, fighting, and anger and embracing unity, peace, and in harmony with each group having a place in the world.
This text, awarded by American Indians in Children's Literature (AICL) as a Best Book in 2015, would be appropriate for late elementary, early middle school students as it describes the message of hope, peace, and unity after war, as well as describing the characteristics of what would later become the United States democracy.
This text, awarded by American Indians in Children's Literature (AICL) as a Best Book in 2015, would be appropriate for late elementary, early middle school students as it describes the message of hope, peace, and unity after war, as well as describing the characteristics of what would later become the United States democracy.
September 9, 2015
After losing everything to war, Hiawatha assists the Peacemaker in delivering a message of peace and forgiveness to neighboring tribes and through his journey finds his own peace. Told from a first person perspective, Hiawatha’s tale reads aloud well and is heightened by the “together we paddled/rode/traveled” refrain in large letters, visually magnifying the progress of the story. Dark and fire-toned illustrations highlight war and anger themed passages and make way for a lighter palette when the Peacemaker is heard. Robertson’s text pairs well with Shannon’s oil paintings to deliver a complex and beautiful folk tale to a new generation. The message of peace, forgiveness, and unity applies today as much as it ever has, and is very much needed. The book includes a CD featuring an original song by Robertson, enclosed in a vinyl envelope on the rear endpaper. Perfect for classroom use, especially in the context of folk tales and Native American history or culture, Hiawatha and the Peacemaker is very highly recommended for ages six through ten. (Four and a half stars)
September 26, 2015
I love this book! Hiawatha and the Peacemaker masterfully tells the story of how forlorn Hiawatha is recruited by the Peacemaker to reunite the warring Iroquois nations. Accompanied perfectly by handsome powerful oil paintings, this folk tale tells how the wise Peacemaker convinces Hiawatha, overwrought with anger by the cruel massacre of his family, to transform his passion for revenge to forgiveness, and finally as a spokesmen for peace for all of the five Iroquois nations. This is a masterpiece and will make a fantastic read aloud. The CD by famous Mohawk and Cayuga songwriter and the author Robbie Robertson included in this book carries the message of this historic time in history so effectively as well.
November 6, 2017
Musician-turned-writer Robbie Robertson has produced a wonderful book, relevant and informative, with beautiful illustrations. The story is an indigenous tale with an edge of mysticism and a grain of history. It specifically deals with the Five Nations of the Iroquois (Mohawk, Onandoga, Cayuga, Seneca and Oneida) and their original peace treaty and democracy (so the area now known as New York State, Pennsylvania, some of NorthEast Ohio, and Southern Ontario Canada). I recommend this for teachers who want to add titles to their First Nations literature collections. I recommend this for anyone looking for a book to gift to a young reader Grade 4 and up. It's a wonderful book!
September 11, 2018
Loved this one. I kept wondering what the real story of Hiawatha was because I had grown up with the Disney version (always knowing it wasn't true). Turns out, even the poem got it all wrong. As I was reading this with my kids, I began to wonder how the author found this story. This musician is from the Iroqois Nations and this has story has been a part of his life since he was a child. It was a lovely and moving story and I hope I run across this book again. Artwork was thoughtfully done by David Shannon. CD was a disappointment to the kids (they were expecting the story to be on it), but it was a great song. :-)
November 16, 2015
A powerful story, well told and beautifully illustrated. Hiawatha survived and attack on his tribe that claimed the lives of his wife and three children. Awaking in the ruins he vows revenge until the arrival of a peace maker, who asks for Hiawatha's help on a mission to end the violence and unite five tribes in peace. Their mission is fraught with danger. An authors note, historical note and acknowledgements places the story in context, noting the Great Law of Peace is the oldest example of participatory democracy and influenced Jefferson, Franklin and Hancock.
January 24, 2019
3.5 stars
Nicely told folktale of the Mohawk people. The image of Hiawatha telling the Oneida Chief about what he lost due to the war between the tribes is extremely touching and provides great context as to why he is trying to gain peace amongst their people. The historical accuracy, based on what I could gather, was well done. However, I am unsure of the accuracy of the Peacemaker's face paint during the time period 1400-1450/15th century. The song added with the book was a nice added touch especially by an author who is a known musician.
Nicely told folktale of the Mohawk people. The image of Hiawatha telling the Oneida Chief about what he lost due to the war between the tribes is extremely touching and provides great context as to why he is trying to gain peace amongst their people. The historical accuracy, based on what I could gather, was well done. However, I am unsure of the accuracy of the Peacemaker's face paint during the time period 1400-1450/15th century. The song added with the book was a nice added touch especially by an author who is a known musician.
November 15, 2015
I took this book out of the library because it goes with the New York State module I am teaching. I wish i found it sooner. This book, like all high quality pieces of literature could replace three lessons in the module. The book is well written and stays with the traditional tale. The incredible part is that the book adds so much more to a story that is so important. The illustrations makes this book perfect.
December 1, 2018
As a family we enjoyed getting a glimpse of what was before the First Nations became First Nations, the war that took away so much but in the end unified all the tribes. In the back of the book it's mentioned that the founding Fathers used how the First Nations were organized as a blueprint for implementing the U.S's government, etc...
We will be re-reading it for sure.
We will be re-reading it for sure.
November 11, 2018
Robbie Robertson ( Mohawk/ Cayuga) and Caldecott winner David Shannon collaborate on a powerful Haudenshaunee story. Part history. Part cautionary tale. I have many friends from this community and I’m sure they are quite proud of this impressive book.
August 27, 2015
A beautifully told version of the Hiawatha legend with stunning illustrations by David Shannon.
September 23, 2015
Best of 2015. The illustrations and the text perfectly complement each other. Love the message of this story.
February 11, 2017
It referenced history and legend well with beautiful artwork!
October 14, 2018
This is the best telling of this story that is out there. Complex, emotional, gorgeously illustrated.
4th Grade and up.
4th Grade and up.
January 9, 2021
Born of Mohawk and Cayuga descent, musical icon Robbie Robertson learned the story of Hiawatha and his spiritual guide, the Peacemaker, as part of the Iroquois oral tradition. Now he shares the same gift of storytelling with a new generation.
Hiawatha was a strong and articulate Mohawk who was chosen to translate the Peacemaker’s message of unity for the five warring Iroquois nations during the 14th century. This message not only succeeded in uniting the tribes but also forever changed how the Iroquois governed themselves—a blueprint for democracy that would later inspire the authors of the U.S. Constitution.
Caldecott Honor–winning illustrator David Shannon brings the journey of Hiawatha and the Peacemaker to life with arresting oil paintings. Together, Robertson and Shannon have crafted a new children’s classic that will both educate and inspire readers of all ages.
Includes a CD featuring a new, original song written and performed by Robbie Robertson.
Hiawatha was a strong and articulate Mohawk who was chosen to translate the Peacemaker’s message of unity for the five warring Iroquois nations during the 14th century. This message not only succeeded in uniting the tribes but also forever changed how the Iroquois governed themselves—a blueprint for democracy that would later inspire the authors of the U.S. Constitution.
Caldecott Honor–winning illustrator David Shannon brings the journey of Hiawatha and the Peacemaker to life with arresting oil paintings. Together, Robertson and Shannon have crafted a new children’s classic that will both educate and inspire readers of all ages.
Includes a CD featuring a new, original song written and performed by Robbie Robertson.
October 12, 2020
This is an accessible story for kids to introduce them to the beginning of the Iroquois Confederacy, the oldest known participatory democracy on earth. The story itself refers to the death of Hiawatha’s children and also has a few really creepy illustrations of the evil chief with snakes in his hair, so it might not suit very young or sensitive children, but my 4yo and 7yo were both really into it.
I found it interesting that this is based on oral history that the author himself heard. The historical note at the end explains more about the historical events.
I found it interesting that this is based on oral history that the author himself heard. The historical note at the end explains more about the historical events.
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