Hiawatha and the Peacemaker / [read along book on cd] /

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

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.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Publishers Weekly Review

Robertson, best known for his work with musical group The Band, collaborates with Shannon on a sadly relevant story about choosing peace over violence, recounting the story of how Mohawk warrior Hiawatha joined forces with a spiritual leader known as the Peacemaker to unite five warring tribes. It's no easy task, as Hiawatha must overcome his own anger and desire for revenge-Tadodaho, chief of the Onondaga tribe, destroyed his home and killed his family. A departure from the playfulness of books like No, David and How I Became a Pirate, Shannon's penetrating oil paintings expressively capture the initial tension and uncertainty with which these messengers of peace are met, and the tranquility that replaces it. As the unified nations finally approach the murderous Tadodaho, they find a man "Hunched over, withered, and twisted," snakes coursing through his hair-yet not beyond the healing power of forgiveness. Extensive endnotes and a CD that includes a song written and performed by Robertson underscore the author's evident emotional connection to this story and passion for passing it on. Ages 4-8. Author's agent: Ryan Harbage, Fischer-Harbage Agency. (Sept.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

School Library Journal Review

PreS-Gr 3-Hiawatha, a Mohawk warrior, grieves the loss of his family. Nonetheless, he is enlisted by the Peacemaker to unite five warring tribes. Together, the warrior and his spiritual guide confront Chief Tadodaho. When Hiawatha grows beyond his hatred and desire for revenge, the evil is destroyed and the tribes unite to form a lasting peace. Peter Marek's measured narration evokes the voice of a storyteller, especially appropriate as the story is drawn from tales passed on from the oral tradition to the author. Two tracks are included: one presents the text without interruption; the other includes a chime to denote a page turn. The power of the book comes from the combination of text and illustration, meaning the second track will be most useful. VERDICT This will be best used as a read-along as readers will not want to miss David Shannon's evocative, stunning illustrations for a fascinating glimpse of a true hero and the start of the Iroquois union. An afterword about the democratic influence of the Iroquois on the U.S. Constitution is included. ["All students should know the history of the Iroquois Confederacy, and this book provides the perfect opportunity for them to do so": SLJ 8/15 starred review of the Abrams book.]-Maria Salvadore, formerly of the Washington, DC, Public Library © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Booklist Review

*Starred Review* Though often softened in children's books, the path to peace is an arduous one, fraught with personal turmoil and external resistance. In this stunning retelling of the ancient Iroquois legend of Hiawatha and Deganawida (the Peacemaker), this concept is made very clear. Consumed by grief at the destruction of his family by evil Chief Tadodaho, Hiawatha is chosen by the Peacemaker to override his own feelings and bring an end to violence by uniting the five warring Iroquois nations. When the nations' chiefs join Hiawatha and confront Tadodaho, the Peacemaker reminds everyone that where there is darkness, we must bring light, and that it is by forgiving that we are set free. The story of Hiawatha is a timeless allegory that honors the fact that the Great Law of Peace is based on consensus and shared power among men and women. Accompanying this deep message are Caldecott Honor-winning Shannon's (No, David! 1998) vibrant oil paintings, which pay homage to traditional Native American art and are filled with light, brilliantly capturing the texture of Hiawatha's emotions. Musician turned author Robertson concludes with historical and author's notes, as well as an original song on CD. This adds a much-needed, authentic Native American voice to children's literature. The message of peace and Shannon's incredible art make for a winning combination.--Chaudhri, Amina Copyright 2015 Booklist

Horn Book Review

Music legend Robertson, of Mohawk and Cayuga heritage, retells an ancient story of the Great Peacemaker who, with the help of Hiawatha, unites five warring Iroquois nations. The story is quite dark and complex, as the chiefs struggle to overcome their anger at past violence. Shannon's dramatic paintings show the Peacemaker standing stoically, surrounded by chaos. A musical CD is included. (c) Copyright 2016. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Kirkus Book Review

Robertson, widely known for his work in the legendary group The Band, crafts a legend-based tale about the unification of warring tribes into what would become known as the Six Nations Iroquois Confederacy. As a boy, Robertson, of Mohawk and Cayuga heritage, heard an elder tell this story, which may date from the 14th century. It places Hiawatha, a Mohawk, into fresh cultural context and corrects Longfellow. After his family is killed in a raid by the dreaded Onodaga chief, Tadodaho, Hiawatha retreats in bereft solitude. A man in a glowing white stone canoe approaches. Stuttering softly, he shares his message of peace and reconciliation with Hiawatha, asking him to help carry and amplify this message during visits to warring tribes. The pair travels in succession to the Mohawk, Cayuga, Seneca, Oneida, and Onondaga tribes. With difficulty, they overcome resistance, laying groundwork for what would become, by 1722, the Six Nations Iroquois Confederacy. Hiawatha's first-person narration reveals his own transformation, from grief-stricken vengeance to self-forgiveness, from hatred to joy. Shannon adopts a palette of deep browns, red-golds, and blue-grays, with hints of green. Figures are broad-backed, solemn, and heroically posed. Tadodaho, disfigured by evil, is depicted as a scaly wretch, snakes entwined in his hair. Hiawatha prepares a curative medicine for him; Shannon portrays his recovery and eventual transmogrification as an eagle. Expressive, handsome, and well-documented. (historical note, acknowledgments, author's note) (Picture book/folk tale. 5-10) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Author notes provided by Syndetics

Robbie Robertson was born on July 5, 1943 in Toronto, Canada. He is most known for his work as lead guitarist for the music group "The Band", which began the Americana music genre. As a songwriter, Robertson wrote "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" and "Broken Arrow" among many others. His talent was recognized when he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. He also worked as a soundtrack producer and composer when he teamed up with Martin Scorsese on the fims: The Last Waltz, Raging Bull and Casino. He also became an author with his titles Testimony and Hiawatha and the Peacemaker.

(Bowker Author Biography)