Rattlesnake Mesa

Stories from a Native American Childhood

By Ednah New Rider Weber, Richela Renkun

Paperback: $19.95

Format

HardcoverOut of stock
Paperback$19.95

A true account of a spirited Native American girl’s experiences growing up on a reservation and attending Phoenix Indian School in the 1920s, written in an engaging, unconventional style and accompanied by 38 dramatic photographs.

Description

After her beloved Grandmother dies, EdNah, a seven-year-old Pawnee girl, goes to live with a father she hardly knows on a Navajo reservation miles away. Heartbroken but resilient, she begins to create a new life for herself in this unfamiliar place.

Just as EdNah starts to feel at home in her new surroundings, she is sent away to a strict government-run Indian school. With her world turned upside down once again, EdNah must learn to rely on herself and her newfound community of friends.

Told in the unconventional voice of a seasoned storyteller, Rattlesnake Mesa is a true account of a girl coming-of-age during a complex time in America’s past. Both heartbreaking and humorous, you will be moved to tears and laughter as you experience EdNah’s spirited celebration of life as a healing.

About the Creators

Ednah New Rider Weber

EdNah New Rider Weber "Wolf Clan Woman," is a respected Native American elder and storyteller. She was born into the Skidi band of the Pawnee Nation and raised on the Crown Point Navajo Reservation in New Mexico. Weber has traveled all over the United States sharing stories of her childhood and life. She is also a gifted beadworker whose work has been recognized internationally and is featured in Lois Sherr Dubin's preeminent North American Indian Jewelry and Adornment. Weber lives with her family in Tucson, Arizona.

Richela Renkun

Richela Renkun is a graduate of New York University, where she majored in the performing arts. She brings her film and theater background to her photographic storytelling. Photographing Native American subjects holds a special place in Renkun's heart, and she has been honored by the Lakota with her own Indian name, "Loves Her Horses Woman." Renkun lives with her family and their horses in Vermont.

Awards

Notable Books for a Global Society
International Literacy Association (ILA)
Best Children's Books of the Year
Bank Street College of Education
CCBC Choices
Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
Southwest Books of the Year
Pima County Public Library

Reviews

"The black and white photographs are arresting images. . . readers will enjoy the intimate view of a Native American childhood of the time, and they will easily connect with Weber's universal memories, especially those of her strong friendships, and the empowering, subversive humor (including a few fart jokes) at the expense of adults."
- Booklist
"[A] captivating read-aloud."
- School Library Journal
"EdNah New Rider Weber's rich, distinctive voice infuses this 'book of memories' about growing up Indian under severe U.S government restrictions in the early 1900s. . . In spite of obvious hardships, Weber describes her school experiences with warmth and affection; her clear memory of things that amuse or frighten eight-year-olds and her love for the Southwestern landscape make this an unusually compelling memoir. Striking full-page black-and-white photographs illustrate each chapter and add to the book's appeal."
- The Horn Book

Paperback

ISBN 9781600608742

Price $19.95

Publication Date Nov 01, 2004

Trim Size 9 × 7.5 in

Weight 0.6875 lbs

Page Count 144

Word Count 23701

Hardcover

ISBN 9781584302315

Price $22.00

Publication Date Jan 01, 2100

Trim Size N/A

Weight 0.4375 lbs

Word Count 23701

Interests

Imprint Lee & Low Books

Audience Middle Grade

BISAC Category 1 JNF / People & Places / United States / Native American

BISAC Category 2 JNF / School & Education

BISAC Category 3 JNF / Biography & Autobiography / Cultural, Ethnic & Regional

Themes Biography / Memoir, Childhood Experiences and Memories, Coping with Death, Courage, Discrimination, Dreams & Aspirations, Empathy / Compassion, Environment / Nature, Families, Friendship, Grandparents, History & Civics, Home, Identity / Self Esteem / Confidence, Indigenous / First Nations / Native American, Informational / Expository Nonfiction, Middle Grade, Nonfiction, Overcoming Obstacles, Persistence / Grit, Poverty, Self Control / Self Regulation, United States History, YA interest

Reading Levels

Age Range Ages 9 - 17

Grade Range Grades 4 - 12

Guided Reading Y

DRA 60

Interest Level Grades 4 - 12

Lexile Measurement 760L

Reading Level Grades 4 - 5

Bebop Reading Fluent

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