Tomorrow is the second annual Multicultural Children’s Book Day and I am a MCCBD reviewer! WOO!
#WeNeedDiverseBooks
MCCBD was created “to spread the word and raise awareness about the importance of diversity in children’s literature.” Make sure to read to the end of my review to see how you can participate!
I got to review and AMAZING book for MCCBD! I am very happy to tell you about it.
Th
e Call of Distant Drums
By William Pisani
212 pages – ages 8-12+
Published by JoNa Books Publishing Company on September 1, 2005
Synopsis- From the back of the book: “The fierce Blackfoot — Blood. Never defeated in battle by the white man. But how much longer could they continue to roam free in the ancestral lands they had long held sacred.”
What I Liked- This is not a book of action. This is a book of reflection and thoughts. Sure, there is still action, but what makes this book wonderful is that it inspires pondering within you. The main character is an elderly Native American who had become adopted into the Blackfoot tribe when his people were marched to a reservation but he had escaped. Now that his life is almost done, and because his family has passed on, he has decided to migrate back to his homelands, like the spawning salmon. The story reflects his traveling and facing spirits in his way. Along the way, the man thinks back upon his life. I found the book overall just incredible. Mr. Pisani’s writing style draws you into the mind of the main character. The story is compelling and is very believable and seems to be very well researched. Mr. Pisani captures the feel of the Native American nations and their beliefs. He shares their heart-break over the loss of their tribal lands. The story is very moving. I think that kids 8+ would like the book, but to really appreciate the story, I’d recommend it to kids 12 and older.
This is an example of a book where I wish my rating scale went higher.
Here are some ways you can help us celebrate Multicultural Children’s Book Day:
- Visit The Multicultural Children’s Book Day website and view the book lists, reading resources and other useful multicultural information.
- Visit the Multicultural Books for Kids Pinterest Board for more reading ideas.
- Have children bring in their favorite multicultural book to school on this day and share it with the class.
- Watch for the #ReadYourWorld hashtag on social media and share. They are hosting a Twitter party! Join them on Jan 27th 9:00pm EST. Use hashtag: #ReadYourWorld to win 10 book packages.
- Visit the Diversity Book Lists and Resources for Educators and Parents on their website.
- Visit MCCBD sponsors. You can find them HERE
- Connect with them on their new Facebook and Twitter pages.
MCCBD SPONSORS:
Platinum Sponsors: Wisdom Tales Press, Daybreak Press Global Bookshop
Gold Sponsors: Satya House, MulticulturalKids.com, Author Stephen Hodges and the Magic Poof
Silver Sponsors: Junior Library Guild, Capstone Publishing, Lee and Low Books, The Omnibus Publishing
Bronze Sponsors:Double Dutch Dolls, Bliss Group Books, Snuggle with Picture Books Publishing, Rainbow Books, Author FeliciaCapers, Chronicle Books, Muslim Writers Publishing, East West Discovery Press
Sounds like a very moving story. (It says a lot that you would give it a higher rating.) Will put it on my list. Great review, Erik!
Thank you Ms. Newman! That means a lot! 😀
Oh, I would love to read this story. You’re right it really sounds like a book of reflection and dealing with loss of a way of life. We both reviewed Native American stories. Excellent review.
Thank you Mrs. Tilton. This is a great book, and the one you reviewed looks like a great book too! 🙂
Looks and sounds like a very nice book, Erik. And whoo-hoo, so many links to check out. Thanks, and Happy Multicultural Children’s Book Day!
Thank you! Happy MCCBDay! 😀
Wow, sounds like a great book!
YES! It IS!!!
This is a book I need to get my hands on.
Yes it is! 😀
An excellent choice and a well written review.
Thank you Ms. Foster! It is a great book! 😀
This sounds fabulous, Erik! And you reviewed it so well.
Thank you Ms. Johnson! 🙂
I must get my paws on this one, as I am fascinated by Native American culture. Your review is just stellar!
This is a great book L.Lobo! 😀
Reblogged this on ♥Lobo's Follies♥ and commented:
Today is Multicultural Children’s Book Day! Celebrate #ReadYourWorld!
Thanks for the reblog! 🙂
Definitely going on my to read list. Thanks for sharing it on MCCBD…..
It’s a great book! 😀
I’m so excited to read this book Erik. Thanks for your very thoughtful review and for celebrating Multicultural Children’s Book Day with us!!
No problem Ms. Budayr! 😀
There were so many books submitted for Multicultural Children’s Book Day and your choice was superb. I look more reflective children’s books.
You are right. Thanks! 😀
I like the sound of drums. And I find those Native Americans pretty fascinating. I’ll have to sniff this one out! Thanks Erik!
I think you would really like this book! 😀
Wow . A very moving review of what sounds like a really thought-provoking book.
Thanks. It’s a wonderful book. 🙂
Thanks for the shout-out! 😀