Elan, Son of Two Peoples
By: Heidi Smith Hyde
Illustrated by: Mikela Prevost
Publisher: Kar-Ben Publishing
Publication Date: January 2014
ISBN: 978-0761390527
Reviewed by: Deb Fowler
Review Date: March 2014
Illustrated by: Mikela Prevost
Publisher: Kar-Ben Publishing
Publication Date: January 2014
ISBN: 978-0761390527
Reviewed by: Deb Fowler
Review Date: March 2014
As a boy of two worlds, two peoples, Elan “would take part in the Pueblo ceremony of becoming a man.” Mama gave him a special package on the train as they headed south. It was a special tallit that she had woven for him, a tallit he would wear when he read the Torah atop that mesa. There were Jewish symbols, but also “colorful stripes” symbolizing “yellow for the sun, blue for the corn, white for the rocks, and red for Mother Earth.” It was a time when Elan was becoming more aware of things, becoming aware of his Acoma Pueblo heritage, becoming a man. What would happen after his ceremony in the kiva?
This is a fascinating story of Elan, a boy with a Jewish father and a Native American Mother. The tale is based on the life of the eldest son of Solomon Bibo and Juana Valle, “granddaughter of a former Acoma Pueblo chief.” The tale, set forth in picture book format, doesn’t go into depth, but does bring out the symbolism, ceremony, and rites of passage for both the Jewish and Pueblo boys. The most striking line is when Elan’s mother says, “Always remember you are the son of two proud nations whose roots are as sturdy and deep as this oak tree.” The artwork is stunningly beautiful and adds tremendously to the tale. In the back of the book is a glossary and additional historical information about the Bibo family.
Quill says: This is a tale of the merging of two cultures with the coming of age of Etan, a Jewish, Native American boy that will fascinate young readers!
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