The Sea-Ringed World

Starred review from December 21, 2020
“Fifteen thousand years before Europeans stepped foot in the Americas, people had already spread from tip to tip and coast to coast.” In the preface to this reverently gathered collection of sacred stories from the Americas, García Esperón (A Tortoise Named Harriet) and Bowles (The Rise of the Halfling King) convey their aim to “bring out the faint ancestral voices echoing at the heart of each” presented tale. Preceded by short poems and full of vivid language (“a land of ruddy sunset splendor and deep green night”), the stories fulfill that intention by evoking the unique cadences and traditions of the Indigenous cultures represented. Spanning “north to south, east to west, and back again,” the entries cover a range of locales as well as varied topics and themes, including cosmic tales of creation and destruction (“ ‘Spider Grandmother,’ Hopi tradition”) and the heroic trials of twin brothers visiting the underworld (“ ‘Xibalba,’ K’iche’ (Maya) tradition”). Employing a limited, resonant color palette of blue, black, and white, illustrator Mijangos alternates between decorative headings and full-page depictions to conjure up the world in which each story originates. Visually striking and accessibly written, this book provides readers with a worthy introduction to some enduring Indigenous narratives. Includes a pronunciation guide, culture guide, map, and glossary. Ages 8–up. Agent (for García Esperón and Mijangos): Paulina Delgado, Ediciones el Naranjo.

Starred review from January 15, 2021
Tales from 18 Indigenous cultures portray how the first peoples of the Americas have seen their world and their place in it, beginning thousands of years before Europeans arrived. The Indigenous cultures highlighted here range from the Arctic to the southern tip of South America. Creation stories describe the births of Sun and Moon and life-sustaining lakes and rivers. Stars fill the Hopi sky when Spider Grandmother casts her web to the heavens. Great floods cover the Earth. Some narratives suggest ancient migratory journeys. Human survival is often a struggle as people cross deserts or endure drought, heat, and ice. Cautionary tales, like the Alutiiq warning against needless hunting, offer guidance. Tales of war and conquest, famine and exile, reflect the rise of empires. In a Mopan (Maya) tradition, a prince and a god fall in love, and in an Inuit story, sea and weather goddesses are partnered. A Nahua two-spirit story unites genders in one being, manifesting completion and wholeness. These retellings, most three to four pages in length, are generous in spirit. Garc�a Esper�n, a lauded Mexican poet, evokes a harshly beautiful world, and Bowles' finely rendered translation begs to be read aloud. Mijangos' exceptional blue, black, and white digital illustrations, incorporating a variety of design elements into a unified whole, reflects and enhances themes and connections among the stories. Informative backmatter includes a pronunciation guide, cultural notes, a map, a glossary, and a bibliography. Spellbinding. (Traditional stories. 8-18)

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Starred review from January 1, 2021
Grades 4-8 *Starred Review* From the Inuit in Canada and the Hopi in the U.S. to the Maya across Central America and the Sel'nam (or Ona) at the tip of Argentina, Native peoples in the Americas have told traditional stories for thousands of years. In this Mexican import, Esper�n retells sacred stories from 18 Native cultures, making them accessible to middle-grade and adult readers alike. Complemented by stylized artwork that combines Native motifs with looser, modern lines, in black, white, and a deep ocean blue, the short stories reflect a wonder and understanding of the natural world and the human spirit. Some speak of creation, like the Niitsitapi (or Blackfoot) story in which six poor brothers go to live in the sky, becoming the constellation known today as the Pleiades. Others describe the complexities of love, such as the Guarani tale in which a girl transforms into a flower to avoid a loveless marriage, and her forbidden lover becomes a hummingbird, always flitting from bloom to bloom in search of her. Dark tales also abound, like the Maya story in which two brothers who love to play ball are invited to a game in the underworld. Copious back matter includes a pronunciation guide, a map and guide of the cultures, and a lengthy glossary. A rich anthology to understand and delight in Native traditions.

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Starred review from May 1, 2021

Gr 5 Up-This text features sacred stories that have been passed down within and by Indigenous cultures of the Americas for thousands of years. Each of these mesmerizing stories pulls readers in, leaving them wishing they could remain within these worlds much longer. Tales provide lessons humans should heed and stories about how things came to be, such as the stars, the sun, and the moon. Some stories, such as "Hummingbird" from the Guarani tradition, tell of tragedies and love; others, such as "Kukulkan" from the Yucatec and K'iche' tradition and "Land of Fire" from the Selk'nam tradition tell of how some things came to be and about the gods' interactions with one another. Stories pass on messages of hope and resilience, but also provide events filled with sadness and tragedy. The vibrant blue, black, and white palette used in the illustrations brings events from the stories beautifully to life. A pronunciation guide, "Quick Guide to Cultures" featured in the text, map, and glossary add to the richness of this title. VERDICT Highly recommended for readers young and old, this work is breathtaking and simply beautiful.-Selenia Paz, Harris County P.L., Houston

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