Reading Group Indigenous Children's Literature

We Are Still Here:
Northeastern Indigenous Peoples

University Days 2022 

Reading Group:

Exploring Native American Culture Through Children’s Literature
with Dale Borman Fink and Colleen Rossi

Wednesday, September 7

In Person, 10:00 - 11:30 am at the Gallery at Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre, Shakespeare & Company, Lenox, MA

In Person, 1:30 - 3:00 pm at the Gallery at Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre, Shakespeare & Company, Lenox, MA

Each group will have a maximum of 20 participants. 
Priority registration for OLLI members opens on August 1.
General registration opens on August 8.

How children learn about Native American history and culture is a source of controversy today.  In this book discussion, participants will explore six books written by Native American authors from the Northeast.  By focusing on books authored by Native Americans, participants will catch valuable glimpses into indigenous life, including how grandparents pass on the wisdom and traditions of their community.  Beautifully written and illustrated, the six selected books will introduce readers to books to share with children in their own circle of family and friends.  

Selected Books

1. Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message by Chief Jake Swamp, illustrated by Erwin Printup Jr.

2. How the Chipmunk Got Its Stripes by Joseph and James Bruchac, illustrated by Jose Aruego and Ariane Dewey.

3. Muskrat Will Be Swimming by Cheryl Savageau, illustrated by Robert Hynes.

4. Kunu’s Basket: A Story from Indian Island by Lee De Cora Francis, illustrated by Susan Drucker.

5. The First Blade of Sweet Grass:A Wabanaki Story by Suzanne Greenlaw and Gabriel Frey, illustrated by Nance Baker.

6. Rez Dogs by Joseph Bruchac.

The leaders for this book discussion group are Dale Borman Fink, a retired professor from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts who taught children’s literature, and Colleen Rossi, retired teacher, curriculum specialist and principal in the Pittsfield Public Schools. Rossi and Fink bring a love of children’s literature and teaching to these rich stories of Native American life and culture.

Books will be available at The Bookstore in Lenox, MA.

We may add extra in person sessions if overwhelming interest is shown. In person meetings will be at Shakespeare & Company.
  Pre-registration is required. Register safely and securely online or call 413.236.2190 (M-F 9:00 am - 4:00 pm) to register by phone.