Ortiz, Simon J. People Shall Continue, The: 40th Anniversary Special Edition. Sharol Graves, Illus. Non-fiction. Children’s Bk. Pr./Lee & Low, 10/2017. [32]pp. PB $9.95. 978-0-89239-125-7. OUTSTANDING. GRADES PRE-ADULT.
Ortiz, Simon J. Pueblo Seguira’: Edicion Especial 40 Aniversario, El. Sharol Graves, Illus. Non-fiction. Translated from the Spanish by Victor Montejo. Children’s Bk. Pr./Lee & Low, 10/2017. [32]pp. PB $9.95. 978-0-89239-424-1. OUTSTANDING. GRADES PRE-ADULT.
Originally published 40 years ago as a free verse poem by Simon J. Ortiz (Acoma Pueblo), this special anniversary edition has new artwork on the cover and a new author’s note at the back, but the main text is the same as the original 1977 picture book edition. The text uses an oral narrative style, describing the history of Native People in what is now the United States, from prehistoric time to the present. Even though it is brief and understandable for elementary age readers, it doesn’t shy away from the tragedies and injustices experienced by Native People. The updated pencil-and-ink multimedia illustrations are colorful and respectful of the people depicted, rendered by Mills College alum Sharol Graves (Absentee Shawnee). A must-have for all public and school libraries, this has a unique “all ages” appeal due to the subject matter and the authentic depictions. Also available in Spanish.
Penny Peck, San Jose State University, iSchool